"The German Empire has indeed betrayed the Empire this time. Not only did they sign a peace treaty with France behind the back of the Empire, completely excluding the Empire. This time, he secretly signed a peace treaty with Italy, and at the same time helped the Italians to suppress the empire. This is indeed a great blow to the Empire! "Imperial Prime Minister Mario? Webb's face was solemn.

"How could the Germans do that? We are their allies! When the Italians betrayed the Covenant, we were the only ones who stood by the Covenant and fought alongside them. Now, they are doing this to us, it is simply ungrateful! The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Duke Andras, was also furious. The Empire's finances were now in a terrible situation, and if a large war reparations could be extorted from the Italians, it would greatly improve the poor finances of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

"Your Majesty, we can't just compromise like that. Otherwise, the Germans would have gained an inch! The Minister of War, Duke Casbah, also said.

It is clear that almost all the important ministers of the Reich were very dissatisfied with the actions of the German Empire. The German Empire's approach was beyond their imagination, and it also made them feel that the relationship between the two countries was changing. The original alliance is gradually disappearing, and it is replaced by an adversary, even an enemy.

Franz? Joseph I looked at the crowd and said, "If we continue to attack the Kingdom of Italy, will we be able to destroy them?" ”

"Your Majesty, with the strength of the Italians, they are no match for the Empire at all. The Austro-Hungarian army will definitely be able to defeat the Italians. However, this war, I am afraid, will continue for a while. If the Germans had secretly supported the Italians, we would have to pay a greater price in the war. Duke Kasbah said.

"Your Excellency, Chief of Staff, what do you think?" Franz? Joseph I asked.

"Your Majesty, if I could, I would like to be able to avoid the outbreak of war as much as possible. The Italians had nothing to fear, and with the strength of the empire, it was not impossible to defeat them. Even if the price is greater, we will win. However, the Germans had made it clear that they did not want the war to continue. They had already signed a peace treaty with the Italians. If we destroy Italy, the war reparations that Italy gave to France will not be paid. Therefore, the Germans would never want to see us destroy the Kingdom of Italy. I even fear that they will intervene if necessary. That would be a disaster for us. Our army, in any case, will not be an opponent of the Germans. Marshal Baron Herzendorf said.

The important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, after listening to Herzendorf's words, fell silent one by one. The expressions on their faces became a little unnatural. There are even some people who have a trace of fear in their eyes.

The strength of the army of the German Empire, they certainly knew it. If they were to be enemies of the German Empire, they would not have had the guts. Therefore, almost everyone knows that it is no longer realistic to want to use force against the Kingdom of Italy.

"It seems that we will not be able to gain much benefit in the Kingdom of Italy this time." Franz? Joseph I sighed. In fact, he also hoped that they would be able to plunder more profits in the Kingdom of Italy. In that case, Austria-Hungary would be able to use the benefits of plundering to solve its domestic problems and restore its national strength.

"Your Majesty, do we have to compromise in the face of German persecution? This is really unwilling! Duke Andras said.

"I don't want to compromise either. However, the Germans are pressing forward step by step, and we have no choice. Who made the military strength of the Reich much weaker than that of the Germans? If we go to war with the Germans, we have no chance of winning. So, for the time being, there is no way to compromise with the Germans! "Franz? Joseph I said.

As an emperor, it is undoubtedly very aggrieved that the empire has to compromise when facing the threat and persecution of the enemy. But, Franz? Joseph I couldn't help it! If he had been twenty years younger, he might have had enough energy to deal with the problems at home, to carry out reforms slowly, and even to confront Germany. But not now, his body doesn't last much longer. And his heir is too incompetent. Franz? Joseph I did not know how long the empire would last after his death. Under such circumstances, he did not want to be an enemy of Germany. In that case, the situation of Austria-Hungary would be even more difficult.

"Your Majesty, there is no way to compromise with the Germans for the time being. Fortunately, the war reparations given by the Italians, as well as five billion marks, is actually a lot of money. If you don't compare it with the war reparations that Germany received, this war reparations are not bad. "Mario? Webb said.

In the absence of a choice, you may only be able to comfort yourself in this way. In this case, maybe it will make their hearts feel better.

Indeed, the war reparations of five billion marks are indeed not a small amount. However, compared with the war reparations received by Germany in this war, it seems to be much less. It is precisely because of this contrast that the important ministers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire are a little unbalanced. But if we don't look at how much war reparations Germany has received, the war reparations of 5 billion marks can indeed satisfy them.

"Send a telegram to the crown prince and ask them to accept the mediation of the Germans and sign a peace treaty with the Italians!" Franz? Joseph I said.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Imperial Prime Minister Mario? Webb nodded.

"Your Majesty, now that the war is not over, the Germans can't wait to suppress us. It seems that our honeymoon period with Germany is over. For the rest of the day, we had to focus on the Germans. Duke Casbah reminded.

Franz? Joseph I nodded solemnly.

Germany's military power is too strong. Judging by their performance in this war, they undoubtedly far surpassed Austria-Hungary. In particular, the two countries are still bordering. This made the situation of Austria-Hungary even more precarious. There is no doubt that if Germany launched an attack on Austria-Hungary, Austria-Hungary would probably not be able to resist the German attack at all.