"Why don't you eat it?" Talia asked curiously.

In fact, Franz was too young to eat much at all. And the woman in front of her is obviously a nobleman, so she doesn't have any food at all.

It's not so much unladylike as it's embarrassing.

Franz was a little curious about Talia's true identity, but he didn't think it would be against him, after all, Madame Sophie must have investigated, so he replied casually.

"Fatten up and eat again."

....

Emotionally, Franz II was an "Italian".

He was born in Florence, Grand Duchy of Tuscany, where he spent his childhood and youth.

His father was an extremely enlightened and benevolent monarch who won the hearts of the Tuscan people by abolishing all forms of torture and the death penalty at the outset, introducing substitute service, lowering taxes, and encouraging industry and commerce.

And that was probably the most beloved time of Franz II's life, and as the future heir of the Grand Duchy, he could feel the enthusiasm of the people wherever he went.

Later, his uncle, Joseph II, was fiercely opposed by the aristocracy for his radical reforms, and finally died of depression.

Franz II's father was forced to accept the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, and when he arrived in Vienna, the family faced a treacherous political situation, in which anyone could be an enemy and no one could be fully trusted.

Two years after his father ascended the throne, Franz II died suddenly, and Franz II had to ascend the throne as emperor, after which he met Napoleon, who was destined for the evil star.

Bad news, one after another, Franz II had to dissolve the Holy Roman Empire, but he was never crowned emperor of the Austrian Empire during his lifetime.

Perhaps, only Italy, only Tuscany, was a pure land in the heart of Franz II.

And the daughter of Franz II was the duchess of the Duchy of Parma, whom he married to Marie Louise of Napoleon.

Franz II always felt that he owed his daughter and ignored Marie Louise's chaotic private life.

This time Marie Louise sent someone to ask Austria to build a railway to Parma, which was certainly not her idea.

Maybe it's some of Marie Louise's lovers, or maybe it's the taxes of the Duchy of Parma that can't sustain Marie Louise's expenses.

As for the masters of the other states of Central Italy, they were also related to Franz II himself, and it was really difficult to refuse.

In terms of family interests, Austria has been operating in Italy for hundreds of years, and has been fighting with France for a hundred years, sacrificing countless soldiers and spending countless amounts of money.

Ignoring the pleas of the Central Italian states would most likely lead them to the Bourbons of France, Sardinia, and even the Two Sicilies.

This was unacceptable to Franz II in any case, but at this time, Central Italy, except for gangsters and homeless, had nothing but gangsters and homeless, industry and commerce were backward, agriculture could not be self-sufficient, and it was a completely rotten land.

The mountainous regions of Central Italy were both an obstacle to the construction of railways and a quagmire of domination.

As long as the opponents and the rebel army ran into the mountains, even if they sent 100,000 troops to encircle and suppress them, they could only return in vain.

Although at the Congress of Vienna, Central Italy was recognized as the sphere of influence of the Austrian Empire.

But as long as the Austrian Empire had any idea of annexing the region, Britain, France, Russia, and Prussia would not sit idly by.

If it had been Franz II in the past, he would have chosen to ignore the request of the Central Italian state and lie down.

It's just that after the Austrian Empire joined the German Customs Union, the whole country was in a state of prosperity, which also gave Franz II a little more confidence.

So he decided to build only a railway to Parma, and that other states could not build a railway directly to Austria, but could go to Austria through Parma.

At the same time, three ports were opened, allowing free trade between the Central and Italian states to Austria with only a nominal tariff.

This would not give Britain and France an excuse for intervening, nor would it plunge Austria into a quagmire.

....

Metternich and Count Korolav were stunned when they saw the Emperor's edict, and they were afraid that the Emperor would push the whole country to the brink of war in a momentary manner.

I was afraid that the emperor would make an old mistake, so I ignored it and lost the opportunity to gain the Central Italian region.

"Your Majesty is wise." Metternich preemptively said.

"Very perfect plan." Count Korolav followed.

Franz II was also very satisfied with his plan and nodded repeatedly.

That's when Friedrich Liszt said.

"Your Majesty, there is no need for Austria to use its own money."

"What do you mean?" Metternich asked rhetorically, he felt that this ruined house in Württemberg was becoming more and more presumptuous, and he had been at odds with himself lately.

Friedrich Liszt explained to Franz II.

"I mean, we can lend money to the Central and Italian countries and let them use customs duties and some of their powers as collateral. As far as I know, the rulers of the Italian states, like you, lack the art and ability to rule. We can take this .."

Korolav immediately understood the point.

"You mean to send us men to take over the power of the Central Italian states?"

"We're just exercising power on their behalf and we're giving it back to them when they've paid off their debts. It would be more efficient for us to rule directly in the Austrian Empire. ”

Friedrich Liszt really only thought about it from the point of view of economic interests, but to the ears of the Count of Korolav and Metternich, this was undoubtedly a huge conspiracy.

In Europe, it was not uncommon for merchants to demand that the princes and nobles pledge their customs duties or tax collection privileges.

"It's a good idea, we can also send military advisers and train the army, so we don't have to send troops into Central Italy to suppress the rebellion." The Count of Latour further said.

After all, no matter how strong the Austrian army was, it was always fighting away from home in Central Italy, and the suppression of bandits was by no means a one-time affair, but required to maintain a stable order for a long time.

Training the natives into the army would avoid this problem, and at the same time take control of the armies of the states and thus effectively rule Central Italy.

"Is there a better suggestion?" Franz II asked.

"Nope." Friedrich Liszt's opinion was the most beneficial course of action for the Austrian Empire at this time.

"Well, good. Metternich, you and Mr. Liszt, as representatives of our country, go and consult with the ambassadors of the Chinese and Italian countries. It is important to get this done, because it concerns the future well-being of millions of people in Central Italy. ”

"I, Metternich, will live up to my mission." Metternich saluted, with great grace.

After the Imperial Council, Franz II touched the head of his grandson, who was eavesdropping behind him, and said, "My Italy is back." ”