War Palace and Knee Pillow, Austria’s Destiny

Russia, St. Petersburg.

Nicholas I looked at the news from Europe and felt that he was reading fake intelligence.

Why did the Austrian Empire suddenly declare war on Spain? Not long ago, didn't the Austrian royal family just get engaged to the Spanish royal family?

Why did they suddenly go to war?

Liberate Spain?

Nicholas I didn't believe it at all. After all, the Spanish Civil War had been going on for many years. Why didn't they save it earlier?

The Austrian Empire dared to snatch people under the noses of the British. How could it be possible that there was no action before?

The reason why Nicholas I had so many questions was mainly because the Russian intelligence department had a worse ability to collect information outside of Russia.

It was not until a week later that Nicholas I received an official notice from the Austrian Empire that he understood the whole story.

Although the whole incident was still very unreasonable, the Tsar felt that he had understood Franz's approach.

After all, he was a man. How could he tolerate being humiliated by a woman, twice!

If it were him, it would not be considered revenge if he didn't skin and bone those two lowly bitches in Spain.

Unfortunately, Russia could not participate in this war of revenge due to the domestic situation.

Russian officials were very glad. After all, the Austrians would not take the opportunity to develop towards the Balkans. Even if Russia could solve its internal problems first, it could still march towards the Balkans.

However, more people were puzzled. The war between Austria and Spain seemed too abrupt. The relationship between the two sides was not at all to the point where it had to be resolved by war.

In the eyes of Russian officials, the behavior of the Austrian Empire could only be interpreted as wanting to restore the former territory of the Habsburg dynasty.

This made Russian officials panic. Nicholas I could understand this approach. After all, he was also working hard to restore Constantinople.

However, Nicholas I still wanted to hear different opinions, so he decided to summon Duke Uvarov.

Duke Uvarov did have different opinions.

"Your Majesty, Austria has signed an armistice agreement with Britain and France at this time. It is not impossible for the Austrians to take this opportunity to regain Spain.

But I don't think the Austrian emperor would do this."

Nicholas I nodded.

"Tell me your reasons."

"Because Britain and France are not trustworthy. The Austrian emperor also knows this. Based on past experience, he is a very cautious emperor.

Although he occasionally goes to the front line, he only appears when he is sure of victory.

This time, the Austrians are unlikely to bet on the character of the British and French."

Nicholas I nodded. The French and the Napoleon family are indeed not trustworthy.

"What is the purpose of the Austrian Empire? The cost of this war is not small."

"It is not clear yet."

Duke Uvarov was also helpless because he could not figure out why the Austrian Empire launched this costly war.

With the existing intelligence in Russia, it is impossible to know the transaction between the Carlos faction and the Austrian Empire, but they know that the Austrian Empire has always maintained a considerable regular army.

The Austrian Empire claimed that these troops were used to eliminate bandits in the Transylvanian region, but no one would believe this statement.

Because banditry exists in all countries and has a long history. I don’t know how many sages and heroes have made bold statements, but banditry has always existed.

In fact, it is not surprising that people at that time were pessimistic. After all, the bandit problem in Eastern Europe was not solved until the 21st century.

Duke Uvarov could only assume that Franz had planned it long ago, but he did not know what he was planning.

After hearing Duke Uvarov's answer, the Tsar was inevitably disappointed. Without knowing the purpose of the Austrian Empire, there was no way to infer Franz's next move.

However, as far as Nicholas I was concerned, he liked this kind of challenge to the unknown, especially when this unknown came from allies rather than enemies.

"Duke Uvarov, you did a good job. In the case of insufficient intelligence, you can analyze that the Austrian Empire may have an ulterior conspiracy. This is better than most people."

Nicholas I turned his head and looked at Duke Liubai.

"The work of the Special Third Section has been erroneous many times. I hope this is the last time."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Duke Liubai knew that it was useless to say more, but he was also very bitter. It is a long way from the inland of Europe to St. Petersburg. It is not so easy to transmit intelligence in time.

The so-called intelligence war is about money and economy. Throughout history, intelligence warfare has always been paved with money. After all, money can move people's hearts, and gold and silver are hard currencies everywhere.

But the problem is that Russia's Special Section 3 has no money. The funds allocated by the Tsar are not enough for Duke Liubai to spend himself, let alone train spies and bribe informants.

Duke Liubai has indeed made a lot of money over the years by using his power, but it is barely enough to maintain a spy network in major cities in the country.

In recent years, internal contradictions in Russia have continued to intensify, and more and more areas and people need to be monitored. In addition, the Tsar also asked the Special Section 3 to cooperate with the army's operations and infiltrate the borders and war zones.

The result is that the cost of the Special Section 3's operations is getting higher and higher, and the number of casualties is increasing.

However, Nicholas I is still not satisfied. He also wants the Special Section 3 to extend its tentacles to Europe. Such a huge intelligence network has exceeded the limit that the Special Section 3 can bear.

But Duke Liubai couldn't tell the Tsar that he couldn't do it. If he did, he would be abandoned by Nicholas I immediately.

As a spy chief, Duke Liubai certainly knew the consequences of being abandoned.

So even if there was no possibility, he had to stick to it.

Fortunately, Nicholas I also realized the problem.

"The goal is the whole of Europe, and the cost will inevitably increase. I decided to add another 3 million rubles to the budget of the Special Third Department every year."

To be honest, 3 million rubles is not a small amount, but it is a drop in the bucket for the huge Russia.

Duke Liubai had no choice but to accept it with gratitude.

On the other hand, Duke Uvarov was still very depressed because he could not figure out the intention of the Austrian Empire to take the initiative to attack Spain.

Spain is a famous quagmire. If the Austrian Empire really fell into the quagmire, then the British would undoubtedly benefit.

Not only did it lose a competitor in the Mediterranean, but it also weakened the Holy Alliance.

The biggest loss was undoubtedly the Austrian Empire itself. The war would cause a large number of deaths and economic stagnation.

If the Austrian Empire declines, should Russia make overtures to Prussia? After all, Russia lacks sufficient naval power, and can only rely on the Holy Alliance to consolidate its hegemony in the Near East.

"Damn it! Why are there so many rebellions at this time!"