Empire Rising: Spain

If conflict breaks out between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Russia’s troops are very likely to attack Hungary from Galicia and Romania.

Austria is even further west, and the Russian troops would have to occupy the entire Hungary before having a chance to attack Austrian territory.

This is extremely unfavorable for the Hungarians; if a conflict does break out between Austria-Hungary and Russia, Hungary would become the front line.

The Hungarians are not so foolish. While they are happy that the empire occupies Bosnia, if it causes a crisis to Hungary itself, they are utterly unwilling.

"Hmph! Is Russia the only one capable of mobilizing millions of troops?" Current Austrian Prime Minister Adolf von Orsperger sneered, directly rebuking Hungarian Prime Minister Tisza Kálmán’s view:

We can also mobilize millions of troops, not to mention we have the support of the British. The British Royal Fleet can enter the Black Sea at any time and threaten the port cities of Russia.

If Russia does not want to repeat the failure of the last Crimean War, they will inevitably compromise with us.

Of course, we are not afraid of a war with Russia. If we can completely defeat the Russian attack, the Balkan Peninsula will fall under our control.

By then, we will obtain not only Bosnia and Herzegovina but perhaps Serbia will also be in our hands.

After acquiring these lands, the empire’s strength will significantly increase, allowing us to once again be a superpower that can compete against the UK, France, and Germany."

The differing views of the Austrian and Hungarian Prime Ministers actually represent the current dire situation of Austria-Hungary. Although Austria-Hungary is composed of the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Hungary, this does not mean the governments of the two countries will achieve unified opinions.

Because of this, Austria-Hungary faces many restrictions when issuing decrees. Empire decrees can only affect regions like Bohemia, Austria, Croatia, and Dalmatia, while the Kingdom of Hungary chooses to execute selectively.

Nonetheless, Austria-Hungary is powerless about this; the Kingdom of Hungary is an important grain-producing area for Austria-Hungary, and the Hungarian farmers and nobles hold considerable influence.

Upon hearing Austrian Prime Minister Adolf von Orsperger’s unceremonious rebuttal, Hungarian Prime Minister Tisza Kálmán’s face turned red, ultimately coldly snorting and remaining silent.

"Alright, since you both have your arguments, let us come to a resolution by voting," Franz Joseph I broke the awkward atmosphere in the conference room and spoke up.

As the founder of Austria-Hungary, Franz Joseph I holds immense prestige in both Austria and Hungary.

Frankly, Franz Joseph I’s importance to Austria-Hungary is irreplaceable. A significant reason for the tight cohesion of Austria-Hungary is the enormous prestige of Franz Joseph I that gained trust.

Since Franz Joseph I has decided that the ministers will vote to determine, the remaining members naturally will not oppose.

Ultimately, the people agreeing to interfere with Russia’s attack still constituted the majority, leading Austria-Hungary to decide to intervene in Russia’s aggression.

However, before intervening in Russia, some diplomatic preparations are indeed necessary.

"Let’s mobilize our army first," Franz Joseph I issued his order after obtaining the voting results. "We must again contact the British to ensure they truly will deploy the navy.

Additionally, if we can diplomatically compel the Russians to cease their offensive, that would be a better outcome. If we can avoid war with the Russians, we will avoid suffering greater casualties."

Franz Joseph I slowly issued his commands, and ministers in the conference room seriously and quietly listened.

"Oh, and let’s not forget our ally Spain," Franz Joseph I seemed to recall something, smilingly saying, "With an additional ally’s support on the diplomatic front, we have an increased chance.

The Foreign Ministry should contact Spain. If Spain stands with us, the combined diplomatic pressure from us, Spain, and the British will surely make an impression on the Russians.

Even if Spain does not wish to join the war, their diplomatic stance is crucial to us. Furthermore, Spain’s military industry is developing quite well, and many of our military experts are reluctant to return.

If the war does break out, Spain might become our main source for purchasing weapons."

Before being excluded from the German Region, Austria-Hungary had many allies, mostly Southern German states.

After the establishment of the German Empire, Austria-Hungary currently has only three allies left: Germany and Russia from the Triple Alliance, and Spain.

Russia is the main competitor in the Balkans and still a target for Austria-Hungary, so not much needs to be said. Germany maintains neutrality in the Austria-Russia conflict and, in this war, leans towards Russia, clearly unreliable.

Only the weakest Spain currently seems dependable, although Spain is unlikely to join this war.

Upon hearing Emperor Franz Joseph I’s instructions, Foreign Secretary Julo Andrássy nodded respectfully, indicating he understood.

"Moreover, if Russia’s attack proves unstoppable, our troops will directly enter Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupying the entire region before the Russian troops arrive.

After all, the Russians previously promised us the occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As long as we achieve this practical fact, they have no grounds to refute.

In any case, no matter what choice is made, we must become one of the beneficiaries of this war. Do you all understand?" Franz Joseph I smiled, continuing his arrangements.

For the shrewd Franz Joseph I, he actually anticipated the Russians would renege on their word even before the cooperation with Russia.

No matter; Austria-Hungary will forcibly achieve the previously agreed outcome with Russia. Anyway, Russia and the Ottoman Empire’s main forces are currently in Bulgaria, leaving Russia preoccupied and unable to attend to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No matter if Austria-Hungary and the UK can halt Russia’s advance, as long as Austria-Hungary occupies Bosnia and Herzegovina, Franz Joseph I’s goal is accomplished.

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