For centuries, the people of Tuscany had firmly believed that as long as a nation was sufficiently economically and culturally advanced, it could earn the respect—even worship—of other nations without needing an army.
Based on this belief, Tuscany had previously entrusted all its national defense to the Austrian garrison.
When Napoleon marched on Mantua, however, Argentau had taken all the Austrian troops within Tuscany away with him.
Now, Tuscany's entire military numbered fewer than a thousand men, and these soldiers were normally responsible for maintaining urban order. Their ability to fight in the field was practically nonexistent.
Cleric Bena repeated what he had just said several times, then turned and left.
From beginning to end, no one dared step forward to stop him.
Two days later.
Florence, Pitti Palace.
Duke of Florence Adrien sat up from the soft velvet bed and looked around in confusion before realizing that this was the royal palace.
Yes, after cleric Bena's speech that day, more than half of Tuscany's soldiers had fled that very night.
Not many officers had run away, though—most had simply sworn allegiance to the Duke of Florence across from them.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand III, the former Grand Duke of Tuscany and younger brother of the Holy Roman Emperor, was seized by the city's officers and handed over to the Medici Family.
However, following the Crown Prince's prior instructions, cleric Bena sent Ferdinand III back to Austria.
Joseph knew there was little use in keeping Ferdinand III prisoner. He might as well let him plague Franz II instead—Ferdinand was a Grand Duke and an imperial relative, so his annual pension alone had to be at least seven or eight hundred thousand Florins. From now on, His Majesty the Emperor would have to pay that money.
The Duke of Florence turned his head