The Russian Empire was a vast country and the largest in the world.

In particular, the entire Eastern European plain was under the rule of the Russian Empire.

This also made many European powers, even their eyes red with envy. If they had the opportunity, of course, they would have wanted to seize the territory of the Russian Empire.

However, the Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I was not so optimistic.

The current Austro-Hungarian Empire, although also one of the world powers. Whether it is industry or military, it can be sent in the world.

However, there were many contradictions within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The most serious problem was that the states that made up the Austro-Hungarian Empire tended to secede.

Emperor Franz Joseph I, relying on his high prestige, was able to suppress various states. However, he is now in his sixties. If he dies, will his heir still have such prestige?

Of course, Franz Joseph I himself did not know that he still had a long lifespan, almost twenty more years.

This has made him work very hard to cultivate heirs.

"If we want to start a big war with the Russian Empire, then we must carry out full mobilization. We need to mobilize a large number of troops in order to be able to defeat the Russian Empire. The Chief of the General Staff, Baron Herzendov, reminded.

"What about the Germans? What kind of attitude are they? We are their allies, are they willing to take our side and take action against the Russian Empire? Franz Joseph I asked.

Everyone's eyes fell on the Foreign Secretary Baron Belcidolde.

The strength of the Germanic Empire was much stronger than that of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. If the Germanic Empire was willing to join forces with them, then there would be absolutely no problem in defeating the Russian Empire.

"Your Majesty, the Germans do not want to get involved in this war. They are accumulating national strength and are seizing time to develop industry and the military. At the same time, the Germans feared that if they were also involved in the war, the Gallic state would also participate in the war. Therefore, they said that they would strictly abide by neutrality. However, they can provide us with some support in terms of weapons and equipment. Baron Belchdolde replied.

Franz Joseph I's brows suddenly furrowed tightly.

Crown Prince Ferdinand was even more livid.

"Are the Germans trying to renege on our covenant?"

"No, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The Germans claimed that if we were attacked by the Russian Empire, they would abide by the covenant and fight alongside us. But if we take the initiative to provoke a war. Well, they will remain neutral. Baron Belchdolde said.

"Hmph! This is clearly prevarication and perfunctory. Archduke Ferdinand was obviously very dissatisfied with this answer.

"All right, gentlemen. The Germans have already shown their attitude. So, what do we do next? Do we still want to go to war with the Russian Empire? Franz Joseph I asked.

"Your Majesty, we must not back down this time. Otherwise, this will further exacerbate domestic contradictions. If we compromise, we back down. Then those countries composed of Slavs in the empire will inevitably move closer to the Russian Empire. At that time, the empire will fall apart. Archduke Ferdinand reminded.

The expression of Franz Joseph I suddenly became serious.

Among the constituent states of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Bohemia also belonged to the Slavs, but the West Slavs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, are Yugoslavs.

Once these states broke away from Austria-Hungary and fell to the Russian Empire. Then Austria-Hungary would be hit hard. Moreover, it will be surrounded by the Russian Empire.

The external environment of Austria-Hungary will be even more dangerous.

At that time, let alone expand outward. God bless to be able to keep your own interests.

However, Franz Joseph I was also hesitant to really go to war with the Russian Empire. He feared that Austria-Hungary would lose the war. In that case, Austria-Hungary would have suffered even harder and would have paid a greater price.

"Your Majesty, we can immediately mobilize for war and be ready. At the same time, a war warning was issued to the Russian Empire, asking them to evacuate the Bulgarian kingdom. And, compensate the Kingdom of Bulgaria for its losses. If the Russian Empire retreated, it would be a joy for all. If the Russian Empire refuses, then we have no other choice! Prime Minister Mario Webb advised.

Franz Joseph I nodded repeatedly: "This is a solution." Immediately mobilize to increase the total strength of the Imperial Army to 1.2 million. In addition, the ambassador of the empire to the Russian Empire urgently met with the high-level of the Tsarist Empire to express to them the attitude of the empire. "

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The Chief of the General Staff, Baron Herzendorf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baron Belchdold, both answered one after another.

Immediately, the Austro-Hungarian Army began to mobilize.

Their total strength will be increased from 600,000 to 1.2 million to prepare for war.

At the same time, the ambassador of Austria-Hungary to the Russian Empire also urgently met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire Izvolsky for the first time.

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