Joseph looked at the Austrian envoy and continued:
"You mean those Liberals?
"Hmm, if I remembered correctly, they seemed to have caused an uproar in France a few years ago.
"But where are they now?
"In my Cabinet, in the Tax Bureau, in the Police Department—Liberals held posts everywhere. They served me and this country with utmost diligence.
"You could ask them whether they wanted to devour me.
"I would wager that if Austria's Liberals truly came to France, all they would think was, 'Wow, it would be wonderful to buy a house here.'"
Count Moses fell silent.
He realized that things really might develop exactly as the Crown Prince of France had said.
The Liberals would destroy Austria, destroy Prussia, destroy Saxony...
Yet they truly could not possibly destroy France.
In fact, if the Liberals tied down the empire's military strength, it would be an extremely favorable situation for France.
At this thought, his pupils abruptly contracted.
So the trump card he had prepared was actually a noose around the empire's neck.
He had to reach a Ceasefire Agreement with the French as quickly as possible, before they noticed this.
He swiftly gathered the two Pamphlets from the table and stuffed them into his pocket, then bowed slightly to Joseph.
"Your Highness, I will immediately take your demands back to Vienna.
"Um, Count Kaunitz also suggested that, in order to reduce the damage this war has caused our two countries, it would be best to hold ceasefire negotiations within half a month."
Mm, it would take him about a week to return to Vienna—if he traveled day and night. The negotiating representatives would have to set out immediately in relay.
Joseph smiled. "I greatly admire Count Kaunitz's attitude in pursuing peace.
"Then let it be half a month from