Bavaria.
Munich Palace.
At the front of the spacious, elegantly decorated hall, Baron Tugut, State Minister of Austria, raised both arms and proclaimed passionately:
"This is a war that will decide the future of the great Holy Roman Empire. We can accept only one outcome: the utter defeat of the barbaric French.
"Before long, the Empire will encircle Paris, and at Versailles Palace, we shall accept the French King's surrender!
"The Empire's hundred-thousand-strong army is advancing smoothly through Luxembourg..."
Prince Heinrich of Prussia, seated in the front row, immediately nodded in agreement. "Duke of Brunswick will capture Luxembourg City within a week."
He seemed to be supporting Tugut, but in truth, he was emphasizing: The main force fighting in Luxembourg is us Prussians, not your so-called 'Imperial Army.'
"Duke of Brunswick is indeed one of Europe's finest commanders." Tugut had no choice but to praise him in turn. Then he pointed southward. "At Freiburg, Count Latour's corps has also completed its assembly and will soon launch an attack on Alsace.
"Victory shall surely belong to the Holy Roman Empire!"
The representatives of the various states in the hall gave a listless cheer. Lord Grenville, the British representative, was instead the loudest of them all.
Seeing that the atmosphere was about right, Baron Tugut swiftly got to the point:
"At this most critical juncture of the war, every German State has a duty to contribute its share to the Empire!"
He gestured toward the western side of the hall and bowed slightly. "The seven thousand troops dispatched by Count August arrived in Geldern last week. Please allow me to convey His Majesty the Emperor's sincere gratitude."
Count August was the King of Thuringia and had always given the Holy Roman Emperor his full military support.
"Hanover and Mainz will also send