Italy's Gates Slowly Open

As though he had guessed what that official had said to Bayei, Earl of Rhinefels immediately lifted his chin with considerable pride.

"I believe the Italian states will certainly support our proposal."

Thus, the first round of talks ended amid an atmosphere of drawn swords and taut bows. Other than throwing each other dirty looks, neither side achieved anything.

Of course, negotiations of such importance could not be settled in one stroke. Sometimes, haggling for a month or two was perfectly normal.

Upon leaving the Hall of Peace, Bayei did not even attend the ball held for the Austrian diplomats. He immediately hurried off to report the situation to the Crown Prince.

Second floor of the Tuileries Palace.

After hearing Bayei describe the Austrians' demands, Joseph could not help but furrow his brow.

Franz II truly deserved to be the remarkable man who had personally buried the Holy Roman Empire in history. Before his coronation ceremony had even concluded, he was already stirring up this sort of nonsense.

That was an international treaty signed less than two years ago! Previously, Leopold II had only dared to "save the nation by taking a roundabout route" through bringing in the United Kingdom. But this man had come directly to demand a renegotiation.

How could he have the nerve?

If this had been during Louis XIV's reign, they would probably have declared war over it outright.

Bayei continued, "Your Highness, the Austrians have also stated that if we do not accept their terms, they will join with the Italian states to impose punitive tariffs on us. Moreover, I have just received word that an Austrian Army force of thirty thousand has arrived in Tuscany and is preparing to conduct military exercises."

Joseph almost wanted to laugh. The Austrians were rather quick learners—his side