"It's too much of a deception! The Germans are really deceiving people too much. They actually forcibly demanded that the Reich retract the decision, which was completely disregarding the face of Austria-Hungary! Moreover, Austria-Hungary was never a protectorate of the German Empire, nor was it a subordinate of them. They don't have the power to dictate what we do! "Karl I was furious.

When Baron Belhidold's telegram was sent back to Vienna, it immediately caused an uproar among the Austro-Hungarian monarchs.

Although, having decided to withdraw from the League, they expected that the German Empire would be very dissatisfied. But now they realized that they had underestimated the discontent of the German Empire. Now the German emperor personally gave a warning to Austria-Hungary, which can even be considered an ultimatum. This undoubtedly meant that if Austria-Hungary could not meet Germany's demands, then relations between the two countries would be completely broken. And the consequences of this are most likely wars.

Baron Belchdot also sent his speculation back to Vienna, although some ministers thought it was too appalling. However, there are still many ministers who believe that this is not an exaggeration. With Germany's present strength, there was nothing they could do if they were to wage war against Austria-Hungary. In particular, the important ministers of the military felt that the situation was not quite right.

"Your Majesty, Baron Belchdald is right, I am afraid that the Germans did it on purpose. They are looking for an excuse to go to war against us. Before, we were allies with them, and they had no excuse to go to war against us. In that case, they will lose their morality. But now, having withdrawn from the Allies, they immediately put a traitor on our heads. If the Germans had waged war against us on this charge, at least, the German population would not have objected. In this way, the Germans could attack with impunity. "Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister Mario? Webb looked worried.

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid we'll have to make a choice. The Germans, having already given us an ultimatum. If we don't agree, they'll go to war. Said the Austro-Hungarian Chancellor of Finance, Duke Andras.

Many of the important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire had a sad face. It was clear that they were not willing to go to war with Germany. Because they did not think that Austria-Hungary would have a chance of victory in the event of a war. After all, Austria-Hungary was like a weakened giant. Germany, on the other hand, is in its prime. The Germans, armed to the teeth, could easily defeat the Austro-Hungarian army.

"Go to war, go to war! Austria-Hungary would never have yielded to the Germans. Karl I said through gritted teeth. He had just become emperor, and Germany persecuted him like this, which was a complete slap in the face! If he had agreed to Germany's demands and reversed his decision. Then, he will definitely become the laughing stock of the whole world. The incompetent and cowardly emperor will be his name. Karl I would rather die than fall into such a situation.

"Your Majesty, once a war starts, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to have a chance of winning." Archduke Friedrich reminded.

"No, even if there is a war, we will be able to withstand the German attack. We have an army and navy second only to the Germans in the world. Even if you can't beat the Germans, you will still have no problem resisting the Germans' attack. I believe that as long as we hold on, the United States and other countries will take this opportunity to go to war against Germany. Germany is strong, but if other powers join forces to attack, Germany will definitely lose! Karl I insisted.

Even at this point, Karl I had not given up hope. The support of the United States has become his confidence. In addition, the strength of Austria-Hungary itself was not weak, so he thought that they were completely able to compete with Germany.

"Your Excellency Chief of Staff, how long will our army be able to hold out if there is a war?" Karl I looked at the Chief of the General Staff of the Austrian Army, Marshal Baron Hezendorf.

"Your Majesty, if the Germans do invade Austria-Hungary, we will persist in resisting. However, we can't be sure how much time it will be able to hold on. Marshal Baron Hezendorf replied.

Karl I couldn't help frowning, he was obviously not satisfied with this answer.

"Admiral Anton House, what about the Navy?" Karl I asked. The navy was his key building force, and it was with his strong support that the strength of the Austro-Hungarian navy was second only to that of the German navy. This, of course, refers primarily to the number of capital ships.

"Your Majesty, if we go to war with Germany, the Imperial Navy will ensure the safety of the Reich's coast!" Admiral Anton House replied.

Although, the Mediterranean Fleet of the German Navy consisted of only seven capital ships. But Admiral Anton House did not think that they would be able to take advantage of the Mediterranean Fleet of the German Navy. What's more, the German Navy could mobilize other fleets to reinforce the Mediterranean at any time. Therefore, if the German Navy was to deal with the Austro-Hungarian Navy with all its might, Admiral Anton House had no chance of winning at all.

Fortunately, the Adriatic Sea is relatively small and can be blocked with mines. If the main force of the Austro-Hungarian navy were to be assembled in the bay, it would not necessarily lack the strength to confront the German navy.

Karl I nodded in satisfaction.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Germans have given us an ultimatum, which can even be understood as a threat of war. If we compromise with the Germans, give in to them. Then Austria-Hungary will become the laughing stock of the whole world. We will never be able to lift our heads. This time, in the face of the German threat, we must not back down, we cannot compromise, we must not give in to the Germans. We want to show the whole world that Austria-Hungary is a great country and will never be afraid of other enemies. Even the world's number one power can't make us bow our heads. I believe that the future victory will definitely belong to Austria-Hungary! Karl I looked confident.

However, it was difficult for the Austro-Hungarian ministers to have the same fighting spirit as their emperor. It really seemed to them that the Germans were too strong. Although Austria-Hungary was not weak, if it confronted Germany, it would probably be defeated and won.

"Ladies and gentlemen, don't worry too much. Perhaps, this is nothing more than a blackmail by the Germans against us. Only if we don't give in, they can't do anything about us! Karl I said with a smile.

Although he was very unhappy with the performance of these ministers, he knew that they had to be given confidence. Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable.