Chapter 951: The Abandoned Son (Asking for a Monthly Pass)
Karl I had now understood that he had lost a lot. The German offensive had only just begun, but the seemingly huge Austro-Hungarian Empire was already falling apart. One by one, the states carried him behind the back of the emperor, made secret agreements with the Germans, and betrayed him and the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even, now even the Austrian army retreated without a fight. In such a situation, what else could they use to resist the German invasion?
Karl I found himself like a clown, and when the news got the word, he would surely be ridiculed by the whole world.
"It turns out that all my efforts, all my persistence, all my ambitions, are just a joke!" Karl I muttered. He then stood up and left the war room.
The military ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire watched Karl I leave, but no one stopped him.
Although, Karl I was now emperor. However, after such a major mistake this time, it was almost impossible for Karl I to continue to be emperor. Even if the German Empire had spared Austria-Hungary this time, Karl I would have stepped down. The Germans would never allow a man hostile to Germany to be emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, or rather of the Austrian Empire.
These military ministers had already guessed the outcome, and the best outcome would undoubtedly be the disintegration of Austria-Hungary and the return of everything to before the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Of course, if the German Empire was determined to destroy them completely, even the Austrian Empire would not allow it to continue to exist. Then, there is no way to do it. The millennia of Habsburg rule will come to an end.
"Your Excellency, you shall at once set out for Berlin to ask for His Majesty the Kaiser. In any case, to get Germany to abandon the attack on us. "Mario? Chancellor Weber said.
"Yes, Your Excellency, Prime Minister. However, the conditions of the Germans will probably be very harsh! Baron Belchdald reminded.
Mario? Chancellor Weber smiled wryly and said: "Of course, the conditions of the Germans will be very harsh, there is no doubt about it. However, we no longer have the capital to resist. As long as the Austrian Empire can continue, we can accept it. ”
Baron Belhidald nodded, he hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "What if, the Germans, ask His Majesty Karl I to abdicate?" Do we accept that? ”
The faces of the military and political ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire present suddenly turned ugly. If the Germans really demanded the abdication of Karl I, it would undoubtedly be another slap in the face to Austria-Hungary. Even threw the entire face of Austria-Hungary to the ground and stomped on it a few times. However, they had to admit that the Germans were quite likely to put forward such conditions.
"What do you think, Your Excellency?" Mario? Chancellor Webb asked. On this issue, it is not enough for the government to reach a consensus, and it must have the full support of the military.
Archduke Friedrich sighed, and then said: "Your Majesty Karl I, it is indeed unfit to be an emperor!" ”
This sentence made the other ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire nod their heads again and again. Karl I became the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire for only half a month, but he caused such a big thing and directly made the huge Austro-Hungarian Empire become like this. If everyone had known that there would be such consequences, even if they tried to rebel, they would not have allowed Karl I to inherit the throne.
However, it is too late to say anything.
"His Majesty Karl I has caused such a big mess, and it is indeed unfit to be the emperor of Austria-Hungary. If only the Austrian Empire can be preserved after this time, it is better to choose a new emperor from among the children of the Habsburgs! Said the Minister of War, Duke Casbah.
Marshal Baron Herzendorf also nodded, agreeing with this point of view.
Archduke Friedrich, Duke of Casbah and Marshal Baron Herzendorf successively expressed their positions, which undoubtedly represented the attitude of the entire Austrian Army. There may be others who take the opposite view, but it doesn't matter anymore.
"That being the case, if the Germans insist on the abdication of His Majesty Karl I. Then, it is also possible to agree to their conditions. "Mario? Webb said.
Obviously, this time Austria-Hungary did not care about face at all. As long as they can preserve their country to the greatest extent, they prefer to give up everything that is external.
But, unfortunately, even so, their goals may be difficult to achieve.
"Your Excellency, set off at once, time is precious to us now!" Mario? Chancellor Weber said.
Baron Belhidald nodded.
"Your Excellency, since time is of the essence, let Your Excellency the Baron fly to Berlin! In this case, it will be possible to arrive in a few hours. If you're taking the train, I'm afraid you'll only be able to get there tomorrow. War Secretary Duke Casbah suggested.
Baron Belchdold couldn't help glaring at Duke Casbah viciously. After all, the planes of this era are undoubtedly very dangerous. If you don't pay attention to it, you will end up with a plane crash and death. Baron Belchdot didn't want to die so unknowingly.
Mario? Prime Minister Weber's eyes lit up, and the other ministers also thought it was a good idea.
For Austria-Hungary, the most important thing now is to get the understanding of the Germans, otherwise, once the German army continues to advance, it will not be a good thing for Austria-Hungary. It would have been best if we had been able to get to Berlin in the shortest possible time and negotiate with the Germans.
Although, there is some adventure in flying. However, this was undoubtedly worth it for Austria-Hungary.
"Your Excellency, time is pressing, so please take a risk this time! I believe that God will bless you. "Mario? Chancellor Weber said.
The other ministers also looked at Baron Belchedrald, which caused him great pressure.
In such a situation, Baron Belchedard's refusal is simply unspeakable. If he dares to refuse, it will definitely make the other ministers very dissatisfied. After this time, he may even have to lose his post as foreign secretary. So, Baron Belchedold had no choice but to accept his fate.
"Alright, guys, I'll go. If I make it to Berlin alive, I will definitely try my best to get the best conditions. But if Kaiser Wilhelm III was determined to destroy Austria-Hungary, then I had no choice. Baron Belchdord's words revealed a hint of tragedy.