To Shape Europe: An Austrian Crisis 2: The Emperor
"Jullian, must you be so close?" You asked.
"Yes. If there is a shot, they must hit me." He replied.
"You are being a bit overdramatic." You stated concern on your face.
"Oh come now Empress, do not act like Marshal Baguette," he complained. "I know what I am doing."
"And what would that be, besides making yourself look like a fool?" You replied.
"Protecting you." He replied. "
Everything felt strange as you waited outside the office of the great Emperor of Austria. It was a place that was high in the Palace, overlooking the Ancient city of Vienna, its subjects, and the valley of the Danube river, but not too much. If you did not know better, you could say that he could see everything, yet you knew it was a lie. There was no way one man could see everything in his city. Control it, even when he had eyes on it. It was like having the power of God but not having His power to stop what is to come.
It was like all great monarchs shared a common problem, a problem that stemmed from them being mortal. They in theory had the power to do whatever they wanted, without any repercussions. To rule as God did in his kingdom. But they were mear mortals that were bound to this earthly realm.
And unlike even Napoleon, who had chosen to stifle and surrender many of the powers he could have been absolutely powerful, these men had no luxury.
"Enter." A voice, in French, stated, as the door opened to the office of the Emperor.
As you entered, you saw only a single servant with the Emperor, who was merely helping him with a few notes, as if he was a stenographer.
The Servant was young, perhaps even your age if you had to guess, but clean-shaven and with wavy blond hair that was cropped short. His clothes were that of a soldier, and even with the youth, he had a fire that reminded you of Severin.
An unyielding force.
You entered with as much grace as you could, first mustering a soft bow of your head, and then a curtsy. "Emperor."
The Emperor did not share the same glance of decorum. He saw how uncomfortable you were trying to act like someone you were not. "Leave us, we will discuss the defense later."
There were more words spoken, but your limited German was not enough for you to truly understand it. The servant gave a bow before he brushed aside you. His eyes were filled with a hatred that was burning for you, but he wisely did not say anything to you. You ignored him, but you felt uncomfortable. You had seen him in eyes of many nobles, and a few soldiers. But never with such intensity. Most hated your brother and your Husband. Not you.
Jullian for his part, remained by your side. "Are you going to be alright?"
"Yes. Just remain quiet." You answered. "Please."
The door creaked shut, before locking behind you, the Emperor sitting back, relaxing in his chair as he turned around to look out a window. "Do you speak German?" He asked.
You took a moment to realize that the question was more for him than you. "My German is not good enough for lengthy conversations, though I can read it quite well."
"The Boy?" He asked again.
"Jullian cannot read, or speak German, only Italian, and French, unfortunately."
"A Poor choice for a translator." Francis then turned his chair before sitting up. "You can sit if you like." He offered to a chair that was beside the desk. "And for your sake, I will speak in French."
You would have taken the bait, feeling insulted once upon a time, but you instead took a seat. "Thank you, Emperor."
You turned to Jullian. "Go outside."
"But-" He protested.
"Please." You replied, looking deep into his eyes. He then obeyed your order without question.
"You command not only the love of your men but their fear as well." The emperor approved. "Please Thérèse." He paused as he took a deep breath. "May I call you that?"
"Only those who know me well can call me that." You replied. "And with no disrespect Emperor. I do not know you that well to feel comfortable being spoken with such causality."
Emperor Francis chuckled, seeming to take great pleasure in making you defensive. "Would you prefer Generele? Or Marshal?" He asked. "I have heard many tales of you taking great pride in your military achievements. Even the ones that seem impossible, like when your army stormed Palermo in a storm."
"Marshal would be well." You replied.
"Not Empress than, as you are the consort of the So-Called Emperor Napoleon." You knew he was trying to get a rise out of you, but not in a way to make a mesure or to insult you. He wanted to see how you react.
"My husband's title, like my own, is not one we were ordained by God to have, as it was, you as well." You redirected, placing the ball into Francis' court. "A title is merely an empty vessel that person inhabits. Actions grant it power. Just as my actions have granted me a title by Merit, just as your birth granted you your title."
He was impressed. In fact, now he seemed to begin to take this seriously. "Do you know why I have asked you here?"
You paused. "As much as I believe you have something great and profound to say, I will answer with honesty. I do not know."
Francis seemed to chew on whatever answer he wished to have said, now lost. "I see." He stood up, allowing himself to stand in the sunlight that streamed into his office. The light made his pale face seem warmer, and more dignified instead of a shadow in the shade. "There are some in my court that wish nothing more than to thank you for the protection of my kin, and the True King of France, Louis, and his sister."
You wanted to interrupt, as you did not wish to be reminded of Louis's disdain and distancing to the crown, and the pain that came with it. He was much happier as a simple rifleman, much to your continued horror. Even as he grew older, and you accepted his role.
"There are others who wish nothing more than to scorn you, for being nothing more than the wife of a monster, and a giantess who is only good at war." He stated. Your eyes narrowed. "As you can tell, I am in the camp where the rational lie."
"The one that should hate?" You asked.
Francis chuckled. "No. Merely that angering France is not a subject that will inspire continued survival, both in my empires and in my people." The Emperor pointed to a map on his table, and you recognized it, at least in some way. It was old, months old, but it was the troop movements of the Corps. Your corps in particular was taken in a noted interest on the map. "France has proven to be the most powerful military force in this modern world. It matters not how many alliances it may take to destroy it, my nation will be in ruin." He stopped before taking a breath. "As it is now."
A great pause occurred as if he wanted to wait for you to speak. But you said nothing. "This revolution that is sweeping Europe. It may promise liberty. But all I see is bloodshed. Chaos. Death. That is what revolution brings. That is what its great spokesmen Robespierre preached, if only in his actions, rather than his speeches."
You found yourself standing. "Do you truly believe that it is only a radical you believe in? Or are you forgetting all the others?" You asked.
"The Radicals are the only ones who ever succeed," Francis replied. "I have yet to see a moderate revolution in our history."
"And that of the United States?" You questioned.
Francis, for a moment, raised an eyebrow, before shaking his head. "I do not consider a revolt started by tax evaders, that turned into a secession movement a true revolution. One that required a great power such as France for it to win."
You took a deep breath. "Yet you cannot deny the Republic it spawned. That now survives, even when Great Britain wishes to destroy it?"
Francis frowned. "I admire the strength of the character of General Washington, who died to see it survive. It remains to be seen whether it survives him."
You smiled. "I for one, have a strange and strong belief that, despite their challenges, and their struggles, they will become greater than all the old world."
A moment passed before you asked. "Why did you truly ask to see me, Emperor. You most certainly do not wish about what qualifies a revolution? Are you afraid that it may lead to your head being removed?"
"No." He was blunt in his answer. "I fear that the so-called genie is let out of the bottle. There will always be revolutionaries and revolutions. The only thing I fear is that it will only lead to the death of nations."
The Emperor took another breath to steady himself. "You may say a lot about myself, or my court or my ministers. But never ever doubt my duty to my people, who are slaughtering each other right now. There is a great tragedy in this revolution they had and showed how barbaric they are." Another moment, another pause. "There is one thing I will ask from your nation, that will be of great importance."
"And what would that be? I seem to remember the anger that my nation faces in the face of your own. Your people despise me."
"Yes. But I do not care about you, I care for my people. What I ask of you is help." He stated.
"And what would that help entail?" You asked.
"To stop this damn foolish thing in the Balkans… from destroying all of Europe with its flames," Francis replied. "That is all the Balkans are. A powder keg that is just waiting to be lit. And any man in Europe is the Match that could set it off."
"What it sounds like is you asking to dampen the powderkeg with blood." You stated.
Francis said nothing. He didn't need to say anything.
Before he finally spoke. "Blood is the only way this powder can be dampened. And if they have shown my people anything… there will need to be much blood spilled for it to finally stop.
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The Austrian Diplomatic Stance:
(-) 60 DC
The Austrian Government is willing to make significant concessions.
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A Note about Negotiations with Minster Talleyrand:
You will have considerable sway and bargaining power within these negotiations, but make no mistake, Talleyrand will do what he considers his best.
If you go above (+) 35 in the Negotiations on the DC, there will be a roll by Talley, and depending on how high that roll is, one, two, or three items will not be accepted by Talley and his crew, seeing that you are asking for more than France Desires, or will upset the Austrians.
So keep that in mind.
You are not the head honcho here. Talley is. And he is not giving you much leeway here.
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Concessions: What do you ask of them:
[]The Alliance of Empires: France and Austria used to be one of the great partnerships of the Great Game of European Power. Perhaps once again, they can be… again? (Adds +60. Will cause a great deal of shakeup in the Entire Continent, as this clause will be for active participation in Austria's Part. Will also send alarm bells to Prussia, Russia, and Britain… )
[]Accept Napoleon as Emperor: There will be no question on who leads France. His name is Napoleon, and he is the Emperor of the French. (Adds +20. This will ruffle some feathers around Austria, as Louis is still alive, and even with past treaties nulling their royal titles, He is still the Rightful ruler of France.)
[]The Austrian Netherlands Change Hands: Though informal, due to the War, the Austrian Netherlands have not officially left Austrian control, despite their defeats and withdrawal. It is time to make it official, with no hard feelings. (Adds 5. Will Clean up the Boarders in Europe. Austria has all but given up trying to hold onto it thanks to Napoleon. Cause a great deal of disruption within Northwestern Europe. Britain will become Scared)
[]Accept French Dominion over the Italian Penninsula: The Austrians will no longer hold dominion over Italy, and none of their traditional holdings and claims will be recognized. (+30 The Many hardliners within THe Austrian Court will see this as an affront to their honor.)
[]The Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire: The Holy Roman Empire, an institution that has lasted since Charles the Great, will come to an end. May something better come to it's place. (+45. This will create a great deal of Chaos in Germany and Central Europe, but also an opportunity to nation-build, and to create new organizations that are stronger than the old Reich. Watch out for Prussia, however, as this may be the exact opportunity for the Unifiers in the Prussian Court to unleash their plans.
[]Navel Building, and Other Empire Building Projects: Austrian shipbuilding capabilities are not near the greatness of the British Isles, but they have a great deal of lumber and shipbuilders. French Ships are needed. And they can offer. (+35. The French Navy will see a SIGNIFICANT INCREASE in the coming years. Britain may attack your colonies in the New World as revenge if this action is taken.)
[]Disarming a Nation: Austria, after its civil war, will never be a threat ever again. (+75 You are asking a lot from a nation that is on fire to disarm and stick to only an army of 50,000 men)
[]Release A Republic: Due to the Nature of the revolts, this will not be accepted. (Do not attempt to do this, or you will be booted from negotiations.)
[]Write in: (Subject to QM Approval)
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Grants: What do you Give them?:
[]The Army of the East: The Austrians are wishing for help in their dealing with the Revolt. You will send 3 Corps to the Balkans and they will restore order. (-20. The Army of the East is formed, and 3 random corps are sent to the East to help the Austrian Army)
[]The Renegotiation of the Treaties?: Austria will renegotiate the Treaty, and will pay a significant sum of money less to France. Austria will also get their eagles back. (-10 Austria will not be humiliated anymore)
[]Returning Territory (Italy): You will return territory to the Austrians, a deal of it in Northern Italy. (-15. There is a great deal of territorial change in Italy, pissing off the Italian allies you have, along with placating all of the more radical nobles.)
[]Retunring Territory (Austrian Netherlands): Control of the Netherlands is not entirely lost, but on paper, they still maintain control, despite the nominal occupation by the Kingdom of Holland. (-10 The Austrians are plicated and will look at you more favorably, but the Former Batavian Republic and now the Kingdom of Holland is angered.)
[]Stregnthinig the Empire: The Emperor needs military force to pass a few centralizing reforms into the HRE. The French Army can do just that. Backing his words and proposals with the most powerful army on the Planet (-30 You help the HRE become a far more centralized state. Dear God, what the hell are you doing?)
[]Write in: (Subject to QM Approval)
AN: Enjoy and vote in plan format.
THere is a moratorium for 12 hours.
You may note that some of the explanations are vague. That is intentional.