Holy Roman Empire

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Tokyo, upon receiving news that Austria had intervened in the affairs of the Philippines, Emperor Meiji convened an emergency imperial conference at night.

It couldn't be helped; this was the deterrent power of a top-tier power. Like most ordinary people of the era, Emperor Meiji also suffered from a fear of the "foreign."

Challenging Spain alone had made Emperor Meiji extremely anxious; the addition of Austria meant days truly hard to endure.

Despite the smooth progress of the southern strategy, with the Spaniards proving even more incompetent than expected, and the Japanese Army occupying almost half of the Philippines within a little over a month, the achievements were remarkable.
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However, this was only superficial; the swift advance of the Japanese Army had simply caught Spain off guard. In essence, Spain's overall strength still exceeded Japan's.

No matter how impressive the Meiji Restoration was, it had only been developing for over twenty years, and couldn't compare to the century-long accumulation of an established empire.

Of course, as the challengers, the Japanese Government did have its advantages, such as being closer to home, a stronger and more spirited military force.

Military advantages don't guarantee smooth sailing. As the first entity to challenge a white nation, Japan was completely at a disadvantage in politics and diplomacy.

To fight alone was one thing; the key issue was the lack of any form of support, which meant Japan was more isolated than France. On the other hand, Spain at least garnered sympathy from the European world.

Intervention by the powers had become the biggest risk in the southern expansion. Noticing any sort of Austrian activity, even if it were a trifle, Emperor Meiji dared not take lightly.

Ito Hirobumi analyzed, "Your Majesty, there's no need to worry. Austria is preoccupied with the war in Europe and probably doesn't truly intend to meddle with affairs in the Philippines.

Our southern expansion was carried out under the banner of being invited by England and France; it's normal for Austrians to be vigilant.

It just so happens that the Chinese from Southeast Asia approached them, giving them an opportunity to probe and assess whether we have any intentions to continue moving southward.

General Yamagata Aritomo did quite well by decisively choosing to yield, avoiding conflict. Now the Austrians should be reassured."

Consideration can't be avoided; the Japanese military entered Southeast Asia under the guise of fulfilling an invitation by England and France, clearly targeting Austrian Nanyang. Although the Japanese Government explained afterward, it could still cause discontent with Austria.

Powers are known to be temperamental. It's quite normal for them to create minor obstacles, a little retaliation as such.

Ozan questioned, "Ito-kun, this is a disgrace to the Empire of Japan, how can this be considered a good outcome?

If Austria comes today and we yield; if England and France come tomorrow, are we to yield again?

To retreat once is to retreat at every step. The ambitions of the powers are fostered just so; if we don't learn to say 'no' to the powers, the Empire of Japan will never truly stand tall!

Forget about probing or not probing; Austria has never regarded us highly; the Vienna Government wouldn't bother with this ordeal.

I suspect it's mostly an individual action of a diplomat, whether the Austrian Government is even aware of it is uncertain.

Austria is not yet the hegemon of Europe; their domineering attitude without winning the war yet—if they were to win, would they demand we exit the Philippines?

I suggest we disregard the unreasonable demands of the Austrians and deal with this incident sternly, signaling our firm stance in foreign affairs to the outside world.

Considering the severity of the war in Europe, Austria certainly doesn't have the capacity to worry about Southeast Asia. Even if we were to act excessively, they could not immediately come to settle scores.

As for settling accounts later, can't we cozy up to someone powerful? The Royal Navy is at its zenith; as long as the British don't agree, it would be difficult for Austria to act on their desire for retribution, even if they wanted to settle accounts after autumn."

Having missed out on the position of the commander and being forced to stay at headquarters to plan, Ozan couldn't do much but endure; nevertheless, he had suppressed a bellyful of fire.

Now that this incident had arisen, naturally, he couldn't contain his outburst. Moreover, his identity demanded he take a tough stance externally; otherwise, how could he command respect within the military?

Furthermore, his analysis wasn't flawed; Austria indeed didn't have the luxury to concern themselves with the Southeast Asia region in the short term. Even if we were to act outrageously, they couldn't come for retribution right away.

And about settling scores after autumn, isn't it possible to seek the support of powerful allies? The Royal Navy is at the height of its power; unless the British concur, Austria, desiring to settle after autumn, would struggle to make significant moves.

Ito Hirobumi massaged his forehead; such logical rebuttals were the most troublesome, and he had no wish to offend Austria.

The Japanese Army had adopted French methods, and, due to a certain infatuation with France, held unreasonable confidence. But Ito Hirobumi, the politician, didn't see it the same way.

The war in Europe was vast; military capability was undoubtedly important, but overall national strength was even more critical.

Many politicians believed that France had been doomed from the moment the war became intense. While Ito Hirobumi was troubled, shocking news arrived.

"Your Majesty, we've just received a telegram; the Russians have declared war on France!"

Emperor Meiji couldn't even maintain his composure, snatching the telegram from the attendant's hand and scanning it quickly.

Although they didn't know what had happened, everyone understood there was no point in continuing the disputed matter. From the moment the Russians entered the war, France was beyond help.

Potential victory and assured victory are two different concepts. While the outcome of Austria's victory remained uncertain, some were willing to take a gamble; now that the situation was settled, everyone had to consider the attitude of the future hegemon of Europe.

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London, George, having returned without accomplishment, received this dire news as soon as he disembarked. Without time to rest, he rushed to the Palace for an imperial conference.

The issue was so significant that Queen Victoria, who seldom intervened in politics, could no longer stay seated.

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At this moment, Queen Victoria, advanced in years, asked with a trembling voice, "According to your views, monarchs should not interfere with politics. In recent years, I have rarely meddled in political affairs.

All the great and small matters of the Empire have been entrusted to you to handle. But who can tell me, why has the international situation developed to this current state?"

Struggles for power between the sovereign and the prime minister have been commonplace throughout history. The world only knows that Queen Victoria rarely meddles in politics, not realizing that this is also the result of power struggles.

Since the passing of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria lost her strong political support and gradually became powerless in these struggles.

However, Queen Victoria was no ordinary person. Seeing she could not suppress the Cabinet, she decisively chose to retreat as an advance.

On one hand, she reduced her involvement in politics, and on the other, she kept a firm grip on power. In short, I can delegate power to you, but I also reserve the right to take it back.

This is also why Edward VII would be able to reshape the sovereign's power. After all, power has always been in the hands of the royal family; it's just not usually put to use.

By comparison, later British monarchs couldn't do it. Starting from George V, who gave up powers, they could never be retrieved again.

Faced with the Queen's interrogation, everyone bowed their heads. Everyone knew that a crisis had arrived, not just for Britain but also for themselves. If they did not handle this properly, their political careers would be doomed.

As the person directly responsible, Foreign Minister George braced himself and stepped forward to explain, "Your Majesty, the Russians declared war on France so suddenly, it completely defies logic.

In recent years, Austria has developed too quickly, so that we haven't had time to suppress it before it has become a colossal entity.

One of the main reasons for this mistake is a flawed consensus within successive governments—that Austria was not a concern.

Geographically speaking, Austria is situated between France and Russia, blocking both the French advance to the east and the Russian advance to the west.

The seeds of this crisis were sown from the start; theoretically, the stronger Austria gets, the more it invites hostility from France and Russia. All we needed to do was give a push from behind, and both France and Russia would join hands against Austria.

Based on this assessment, we have always focused our attention on France and Russia. As you know, both France and Russia are restless; the French are always jumping around, and the Russians have even invaded Afghanistan..."

Before George could finish, Queen Victoria forcefully interrupted him, "I don't care whether it fits your logic or not; what matters is that the Russians have now declared war on France.

Your so-called plan to balance Austria with French-Russian cooperation is utter rubbish, not even worth that of dog faeces.

More ludicrous is that this continental war was promoted by you all. I still remember how you assured us with solemn pledges, promising to use this war to cause mutual destruction between France and Austria while striking at both enemies.

Now you see the result. The mission is half complete, and you have successfully weakened the French. If all goes well, France will no longer pose a threat to us after the war.

Doesn't it sound great? Britain's age-old enemy being taken down, and you are all heroes of Britain.

But is this what we need? Without the French, who will balance Austria for us? Are we to rely on the Russians?

Are you certain they will push westward to compete with Austria for dominance over Europe and not head south to contest India with us?"

Whether it's the break of European balance with Austria emerging as a new authority or the Russians invading India, both scenarios are Britain's utmost threat.

Any clear-sighted person knows that if Russia declares war on France at this moment, it must have reached an agreement with Austria.

There can only be one ruler of Europe. Now that Austria has gained the upper hand, the Vienna Government is definitely not going to backtrack, which means the Russians must have shifted their strategic direction.

With the vast icy expanses of Siberia, even if the Russians wanted to expand eastward, they could not cross over. At least not before railways could support their ambitions.

To the north, there's even less to say—the Nordic Federation is like a porcupine, a spiny one with little to offer. Clearly not something the Russians would prefer.

Looking around, other than pushing westward to compete with Austria for European hegemony, only the southward conquest of India remains.

An irate Queen, unstoppable by anyone, was not someone to be approached lightly at this moment.

An explanation is but a disguise. What has happened has happened, regardless of whether it's logical or not—that is a fact. To think otherwise would mean insufficient reasoning.

Perhaps having vented enough anger or simply due to aging weariness, Queen Victoria softened her tone and asked, "Prime Minister, what are your plans for responding next?"

It was impossible for her to personally take charge of this mess, always on the verge of explosion. The responsibility had to be borne by the current government, and that's why the Gladstone Cabinet had not yet been ousted.

"Your Majesty, the Russians joining the war was such a sudden event; we are completely in the dark about what happened in between. The immediate priority is to clarify the reasons behind it and then devise measures to preserve France.

The government has already taken action and has convinced over a dozen neutral countries to mediate this war with us," the Prime Minister replied.

It's true that over a dozen neutral countries had been rallied, but that came with conditions. The London Government promised that Britain and Russia would lead an Intervention Alliance. The other countries agreed to join in only as secondary participants, simply to make up the numbers.

At this point, even if the countries continue to fulfill their promises, it won't be of much use. Nowadays, it's not the number of countries that gives influence, but the strength they hold.

Letting small countries mediate this conflict might result in them getting cold feet at the negotiating table. When the major powers resort to thuggery, not everyone dares to respond.

Let alone far-off places, certainly, the European nations can't be counted on. As long as the Anti-French Alliance issues a bit of a warning, everyone will naturally comply.

This unreliable plan was of course not going to satisfy the Queen, who said coldly, "Is that so? Then may God bless Britain. Let's hope the French can hold out long enough for you to take action."

An unreliable plan is better than none. Without a better alternative, they had to make do with what they had.