Vienna, capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Schönbrunn Palace. Emperor Franz Joseph I, lying in bed, listened to the ministers report on state affairs.

The current Franz Joseph I is 85 years old, undoubtedly the longest-lived monarch of all European countries. Of course, because he is too old and not in good health, he has no energy to deal with state affairs now. The vast majority of state affairs are entrusted to Crown Prince Karl. It was also a workout for Crown Prince Karl. so that he can better inherit the throne after a hundred years.

Crown Prince Karl is also very young, only 28 years old. It is undoubtedly somewhat difficult to master such a large country as Austria-Hungary at such an age. Of course, Kaiser Wilhelm III is only 27 years old. This is even more incomparable.

However, compared to William III, although everyone is the same age. But Crown Prince Karl is much worse in terms of personal ability. At the same time, Crown Prince Karl was conceited and hostile to Wilhelm III and the German Empire, which was also a source of concern for Franz Joseph I. If he had been a few years younger, he might have re-chosen a more suitable crown prince. It's just that he doesn't have that much time now, and he can only hope that God can bless Austria-Hungary.

"Your Majesty, the German Navy has once again won a decisive battle. The combined fleet of Great Britain, France and Italy was defeated by the German Navy at a small cost. The German Navy had already consolidated its position as the supremacy of the seas. Other countries, even combined, were not as strong as the German Navy. The world's oceans will soon be under German domination. "said the commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, Admiral Anton House.

"Send a telegram to His Majesty Wilhelm III congratulating the German Navy on the victory in the naval battle! I know that the Austro-Hungarian Navy will probably not be able to confront the German Navy in any case. Franz Joseph I sighed.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Compared to the German Navy, we are really much worse. Admiral Anton House said.

Although, the Austro-Hungarian Navy was also developing. However, in the whole world, it is not in the front. Not to mention that it is already compared with the German Navy, which is the first in the world. The German Navy would easily crush the Austro-Hungarian Navy if it sent a detachment of its fleet.

"Your Majesty, I think the German navy is too strong, and this is not good news for Austria-Hungary. I'm sure that the ambitions of the Germans, who are inflated, will also be inflated. The German Navy will definitely send a fleet to the Mediterranean. This would pose a serious threat to Austria-Hungary and at the same time change the power structure of the Mediterranean. From now on, Austria-Hungary also needs to vigorously develop its navy. Otherwise, our interests will be seriously harmed. Crown Prince Karl said.

He was very jealous of the German Navy's successive victories in decisive battles and trampling the British Royal Navy, which was once the world's first, into the ground. How he hoped that one day the Austro-Hungarian navy would become stronger! In this case, Austria-Hungary would have the capital to confront Germany.

Franz Joseph I was silent for a long time, and after a while he said: "The navy is indeed very important, and this is also the shortcoming of Austria-Hungary. We are indeed the British who have tilted their resources towards the navy. ”

"Your Majesty is wise." Crown Prince Karl and Admiral Anton House said immediately.

"Your Majesty, after the victory of the German Navy in this naval battle, it is foreseeable that the French and Italians will not be able to hold out. They are expected to surrender soon. The interests of the Empire in this war need to be secured. Austro-Hungarian Prime Minister Mario Weber said.

All the high-ranking officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire gathered here were a little excited. The war is coming to an end, and it seems that the time has come to distribute the spoils. Austria-Hungary, as a member of the Central Powers, was also the victor in the war. So, how much should they gain from this feast? The more the merrier! It's already going crazy for the ministers.

"My concern now is whether the Germans will deliberately target the Reich and take for themselves the interests that originally belonged to Austria-Hungary. Just like they did in Russia. Crown Prince Karl said suddenly.

Suddenly, the ministers were stunned. Germany almost monopolized the interests of Russia, and only took a little soup and water to Austria-Hungary. Although, for this reason, Germany expressed its support for the expansion of Austria-Hungary in the Balkans. However, there is still something unpleasant in their hearts.

"Either way, the Empire is also the victor in this war. And the Germans were also allies. They shouldn't go too far. Franz Joseph I said.

"In negotiations with France, we can do our best to fight for interests. If the Germans prevented, then give up. Anyway, we did not participate in the war against France. However, the negotiations with Italy were directly related to the vital interests of the empire. Therefore, in the negotiations with Italy, the interests of Austria-Hungary must be safeguarded. Mario Webb said.

"Although we did not send troops to attack France, it was precisely because of our attack on Italy that we were able to contain a large number of French troops, and it is reasonable that the Germans could not covet the interests that belonged to us." Crown Prince Karl said with some anger.

The richness of France, Crown Prince Karl knew. He was sure that the Germans would blackmail the French. The thought that the Germans could extort large sums of wealth from France made him feel very uncomfortable. The flame of jealousy was about to ignite his whole being.

"We can't offend Germany yet. So, it's best not to hold grudges with them. Proper concessions are helpful for the Empire. Franz Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Although a little unwilling, Crown Prince Karl still nodded. It's just that it's hard to say what he will think in his heart.

"Your Majesty, I have just been informed by Germany that the Italians have formally submitted a request for peace talks to Germany. The Government of Germany asked us to send a delegation to participate. The Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister, Baron Léopold von Berschdot, declared.

"Where is the place of negotiation?" Crown Prince Karl asked.

"In Berlin!" Baron Belhidald replied.

"Damn! The Germans just don't take us seriously. They didn't even consult with us, and they just decided on the location of the negotiations. Crown Prince Karl said angrily.