Empire Rising: Spain

Of course, the Madrid Royal Palace in Spain is also not inferior at all. But after all, the Madrid Royal Palace has been inhabited for several years. Compared to the Schönbrunn Palace, which he doesn’t visit often, Carlo is already familiar with the Madrid Royal Palace.

In fact, Carlo is contemplating building other palaces in the suburbs of Madrid. Although the Madrid Royal Palace is one of Europe’s three major palaces, due to its location in the city center, it does pose some inconvenience in terms of travel.

Building a new palace in the suburbs of Madrid could be gifted to his children in the future. A king would never complain about having too many palaces, as the number of palaces, castles, and estates is also a testament to one’s heritage and family assets among European nobility.

The dukes and grand dukes of Spain have countless castles and estates. Even an average duke can possess several or even more than a dozen castles and estates, most of which are ancient castles with a rich historical background.

Carlo currently only has one legitimate palace, which is the Madrid Royal Palace.

As for castles and estates, there are a few, but most were reclaimed from rebellious nobles, and few are of a large scale.

A grand welcoming ceremony was already prepared for Carlo by Franz Joseph I on the square of Schönbrunn Palace. Accustomed to grand occasions, Carlo remained composed, with a smile, and participated in the entire welcoming ceremony.

Afterwards, the accompanying officials were received by the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s officials, while Carlo directly crossed the Schönbrunn Palace square to pay respects to Franz Joseph I in his office.

Meeting Franz Joseph I again, he still bore the same kind-hearted smile. Franz Joseph I, now only 48 years old, from a politician’s perspective, is still at the prime of his political career.

Indeed, that is the case. Too young politicians are always considered inexperienced; youth also signifies impulsiveness and recklessness.

As it’s often said, without facial hair, there’s no reliability in action. Politicians serving as prime ministers across European countries are mostly aged between 40 and 50, with some older ones reaching 60 to 70 years.

"Carlo, it’s been a long time." Franz Joseph I exchanged pleasantries with Carlo before quickly changing the subject, asking about his granddaughter whom he had yet to meet: "Why didn’t you bring Sofia?"

"This trip was too rushed, and coupled with Sofia being too young, I left her to stay with the two little ones in Madrid," Carlo explained.

Carlo understood Franz Joseph I’s desire to meet his grandson and granddaughter, but the trip was too hurried, and he needed to visit various European countries, so he did not bring them along.

Besides, Franz Joseph I was indeed still young, and there would be plenty of opportunities for the three generations to meet later on.

Upon hearing Carlo’s explanation, Franz Joseph I nodded in disappointment but said nothing further.

Both of his daughters, Sophie and Gisela, were already married, and his only son, Rudolf, remained unmarried, leaving the Imperial Palace sparse in population.

Fortunately, Franz Joseph I himself wasn’t too old, or else his main daily activity might have turned into urging Crown Prince Rudolf to marry.

"It’s truly unfortunate about King Vittorio Emanuele. God will lead him to heaven.

Carlo, don’t be overly sad; matters in Spain still require your attention. It’s inevitable for humans to be born, grow old, and die. We can only wish them a swift journey to heaven and cherish the relatives we can still meet," Franz Joseph I consoled Carlo.

Carlo nodded. The passing of his father, Vittorio Emanuele II, did make him somewhat sad, but excessive grief was simply impossible.

However, it’s hard for Carlo to object to such matters; he couldn’t exactly say he wasn’t very sad.

"Since you’re here in Vienna, it’s just in time to discuss our plans on the Balkan Peninsula," Franz Joseph I said with a smile. "Although the Russians were victorious in the war, they also prompted the British to take a firm stance, deciding to go to war if necessary to prevent Russian expansion in the Balkans.

This actually works in our favor; it might be possible to curtail Russian over-expansion in the Balkans through diplomatic means, and the British are just ahead of us."

With the support of the British and Spanish, the Austro-Hungarian Empire could at least ensure its annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which brought a smile to Franz Joseph I.

As long as Bosnia and Herzegovina were secured, Austria-Hungary would be invincible. Ensuring that Russia gained little from the war would be a double triumph.

Hearing Franz Joseph I’s words, Carlo nodded and smiled in agreement.

The situation on the Balkan Peninsula has little to do with Spain; even if a fight were to happen, it would be the United Kingdom and Austria-Hungary joining forces against Russia.

Carlo would actually prefer the Balkans to fall into chaos. If the three major powers were to engage in a grand conflict there, imagine how many arms trade orders Spain could secure?

The contests among the great powers are not like the weaker firepower of the Russian-Turkish War but rather massive battles involving millions of soldiers and thousands of cannons.

Even if Spain had to choose to cooperate with either Austria-Hungary or Russia, the profits from arms trade would far surpass what was earned during the Russian-Turkish War.

If a major power-level war truly broke out in the Balkans, it could also capture the attention of the British, benefiting Spain’s expansion in its African Colony, at least ensuring that the British wouldn’t interfere arbitrarily.

The meddlesome nature of the British is what aggravates Carlo. Should the British truly eye Spain, even countries like Portugal could become pawns, constantly hindering Spain’s progress.

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