The Austro-Hungarian Navy is one of the top navies in the world. In terms of the number of capital ships, it is second only to Germany. Of course, if we talk about combat power, I am afraid that it will be ranked behind Germany and the United States. Although the number of capital ships of the US Navy is less than that of Austria-Hungary, the battleships of the US Navy are all capital ships with strong combat power.

The U.S. Navy's Pennsylvania-class battleships were armed with 12 356-mm guns of 45 times the calibre, the New Mexico-class battleships and the Tennessee-class battleships were armed with 12 356-mm guns of 50 times the caliber, and the Colorado-class battleships were armed with eight 406-mm guns of 45 times the calibre.

The battleships of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, the largest caliber main gun is only the 45 times the caliber of the 'Austro-Hungarian class' battleship's 350 mm main gun, of course, if you talk about performance, it is even inferior to the 50 times the caliber of the 343 mm gun of the capital ship purchased from Germany. This makes the real combat effectiveness of the Austro-Hungarian Navy naturally far from being comparable to that of the American Navy. The only one that can overwhelm the US Navy is undoubtedly the German Navy.

However, this did not prevent the Austro-Hungarian Navy from being able to dominate the small pond of the Mediterranean. Both the Mediterranean Fleet of the German Navy and the Turkish Navy were far inferior to the Austro-Hungarian Navy in terms of the number of capital ships. Even though each capital ship of the German Navy's Mediterranean Fleet was stronger than that of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, the Austro-Hungarian Navy, both in terms of capital ships and other small and medium-sized warships, was more than twice as large as the German Navy's Mediterranean Fleet. Therefore, if there is a real fight, the Mediterranean Fleet of the German Navy will not take advantage of anything, and will even pay a large loss.

As a result, the German Navy's Mediterranean Fleet had previously exercised restraint and had not clashed with the increasingly powerful Austro-Hungarian Navy. And this also fueled the arrogance of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

"Your Majesty, it's windy on deck, so you'd better go back to the cabin. At this rate, we will be able to sail out of the Adriatic Sea and into the Mediterranean Sea tomorrow night! "Anton? Admiral House said.

Karl I shook his head: "My body has not yet reached the point where it is so weak and unable to resist the wind. The strength of the Imperial Navy is already much stronger. However, the gap between us and the German Navy has not narrowed. Now that the Germans have destroyed Austria-Hungary this time, they will not let go of our navy. Will we be able to break out of the Mediterranean when the time comes? ”

Karl I was more worried about this, although the Austro-Hungarian navy was inferior to the German navy. However, if the Austro-Hungarian navy was allowed to escape, it would inevitably become a serious problem. In particular, if the Austro-Hungarian Navy were to join forces with the U.S. Navy, it would pose a serious challenge to the German Navy. If Karl I had been in the position of the Germans, he would have destroyed the Austro-Hungarian navy at all costs. This made Karl I very worried about whether they would be able to break out of the Mediterranean.

Anton? The expression on Admiral House's face also became solemn.

"Your Majesty, we have indeed received information that the Germans are gathering naval strength towards the Mediterranean. Although the strength of the Imperial Navy is much stronger than before, it is still far from enough to confront the German Navy. However, rest assured, Your Majesty, even if the Germans do come to intercept us, I promise that Your Majesty will be able to send Your Majesty safely to the United States. "Anton? Admiral House's face was resolute.

He knew that the German navy would inevitably intercept them. At that time, it is almost impossible to break through the blockade of the German Navy, enter the Atlantic, and then reach the United States. The Austro-Hungarian Navy was bound to suffer heavy losses in this battle. Thinking that the navy, which had finally become stronger, would suffer heavy losses, Anton? Admiral House's heart was also very uncomfortable. However, now their most important task is to send His Majesty Karl I to the United States, even if the navy is completely lost for this, as long as Karl I can reach the United States safely, it will be worth it. Anton? Admiral House had already planned it. Once the war with the German Navy began, Karl I was sent to a light cruiser or destroyer, and the light cruiser or destroyer was sent out of the war zone at high speed. Although such a plan is a bit risky, it is undoubtedly the only way for them.

Karl I shook his head: "If the Navy is gone and I go to the United States alone, then what's the use?" ”

"Your Majesty, there is still hope for the Navy to break out of the Mediterranean. As long as we get out of the Mediterranean, we are safe. The main forces of the US Navy are already on their way to the waters of the eastern Atlantic. Perhaps as soon as we break out of the Mediterranean, we will be able to get their answer. "Anton? Admiral House explained. He knew that the strength of the Austro-Hungarian navy alone would not be able to survive this crisis. But with the help of the U.S. Navy, it may be a different story.

Karl I was still not very satisfied with this.

Following the voyage of the Austro-Hungarian Navy, it started from the base in Trieste, exited the Adriatic Sea into the Mediterranean, and then headed westward through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic. It then went all the way west to join up with the U.S. Navy and head for the United States.

However, in Karl I's opinion, the danger of this journey is too great. The main danger was the blockade of the Germans. In the western Mediterranean, Germany must have amassed a strong naval force and was ready to intercept them. In addition, the Germans also deployed powerful fortress guns in the fortress of Gibraltar. By that time, the entire fortress was under the blow of the German shore fire. In this case, to forcibly break through the Strait of Gibraltar, it would be necessary not only to break through the interception of the German Navy, but also to pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, which was blocked by German fire. It's all too dangerous.

Karl I hoped that there would be a safer and more secure approach. In this way, he will be able to arrive in the United States safely. At the same time, it was possible to keep the main forces of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. Only in this way, even if he goes to the United States, he will be valued by the Americans, and he will not become a down-and-out monarch of the country. That kind of life is obviously not what he wants.

"Let's change the route! After leaving the Adriatic, turn not west, but east. Pass through the Suez Canal and enter the Indian Ocean. Then head south, around the Cape of Good Hope into the Atlantic, and then head to the United States! Karl I said.