Chapter 0844: The Crown Prince’s Request

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, you must be well aware that the relationship between the United States and Germany is exceedingly tense. It would not be an exaggeration to say that war is but a single step away. Therefore, I believe there is room for collaboration between the United States and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. After all, we share a common enemy," Bryan remarked. 

Crown Prince Karl nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Mr. Secretary. Germany is our mutual adversary. As long as Germany persists, and worse, continues to grow stronger, it serves neither of us any benefit." 

The American initiative to cooperate with the Austro-Hungarian Empire was a proposition Karl embraced wholeheartedly. At the same time, he pondered what conditions he could propose to ensure this alliance with the Americans would be most advantageous. After all, Americans were renowned for their wealth and resources. 

"Your Highness, should the Austro-Hungarian Empire be willing, we could form an alliance with other nations similarly opposed to Germany, establishing an anti-German coalition. Such a union would allow us to pool our strength and confront Germany together. United, the likelihood of defeating Germany would be significantly enhanced," Bryan proposed. 

"An anti-German coalition? Much like the anti-French coalition of a century ago? That is indeed a clever idea. Which nations would be willing to participate?" Karl inquired. 

Karl also understood that countering Germany was not a task any single nation could undertake. A united front was imperative for success. 

"Your Highness, the nations currently committed to joining this coalition include the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. Should the Austro-Hungarian Empire join, our collective strength would be substantially bolstered, further improving our chances against Germany," Bryan elaborated, clearly eager for Austria-Hungary to join. 

"The United States is second only to Germany in global power. While Great Britain has lost its homeland and is on the verge of losing most of its colonies, it still retains significant influence. Japan, though recently defeated by Germany, remains a formidable force. Together, these powers are more than capable of countering Germany. Austria-Hungary is willing to join as well. However, Mr. Secretary, you must understand that while I am the Crown Prince, such a monumental decision is beyond my sole authority. I can almost guarantee that the Empire's senior officials will vehemently oppose this idea," Karl admitted reluctantly. 

Bryan nodded empathetically. "I understand, Your Highness. After all, Emperor Franz Joseph still reigns, and it is his word that governs the Austro-Hungarian Empire. However, I trust it will not be long before Your Highness ascends to the throne." 

Karl remained silent. While he longed for the day he could ascend as emperor, the prerequisite was the passing of Emperor Franz Joseph. To openly anticipate such an event felt improper. 

"Your Highness, once you ascend to the throne, would the Austro-Hungarian Empire be willing to join the anti-German coalition?" Bryan pressed. 

A trace of hesitation appeared on Karl's face. "Austria-Hungary borders Germany. Joining the anti-German coalition would undoubtedly provoke a fierce retaliation, potentially triggering outright war. Such a scenario would place us in a highly disadvantageous position." 

Karl, in truth, lacked the courage to openly confront Germany. He was well aware of Germany's formidable military strength, and Austria-Hungary was in no position to withstand a direct assault. To declare hostility outright would be tantamount to courting disaster. 

"Your Highness, should Germany dare to attack Austria-Hungary, the other nations of the coalition will undoubtedly come to your aid. Not only would we strike Germany in other theaters, but we would also send reinforcements to Austria-Hungary. While Austria-Hungary's strength may not match Germany's, holding out for a period should not pose insurmountable challenges. By then, our reinforcements will have arrived. United under the coalition, defeating Germany would be entirely achievable," Bryan assured. 

Karl was no fool. He understood that if war broke out, these nations might indeed declare war on Germany, but their primary targets would likely be Germany's colonies, not its homeland. Coveting those territories, they would leave Austria-Hungary to bear the brunt of Germany's forces. Austria-Hungary would thus be reduced to a pawn, bearing the cost of war while others reaped the rewards—a prospect Karl found utterly unacceptable. 

Furthermore, if conflict engulfed Austria-Hungarian soil, the devastation would be catastrophic. Karl had no intention of watching his nation turned into a wasteland. 

"Mr. Secretary, Austria-Hungary's strength pales in comparison to Germany's. If we could further enhance our military capabilities, we might then have the capacity to confront Germany," Karl stated. 

Bryan, far from naive, recognized this as Karl's way of broaching terms. It was precisely what he had anticipated. If Karl had made no demands, Bryan would have found it suspicious, as it would have defied reason. 

"Your Highness, whatever assistance the United States can provide, you need only ask. We have always gone to great lengths to support our allies," Bryan replied earnestly. 

"Mr. Secretary, I will be direct. Given Germany's overwhelming military strength, we require a loan to bolster our military capabilities," Karl declared. 

Bryan exhaled in relief. That Karl requested a loan came as no surprise to him. 

Although Austria-Hungary had reaped some benefits from the war, including war reparations from Italy, those funds barely covered the losses incurred. Developing its military strength with such limited resources was out of the question. On top of that, Austria-Hungary's newly acquired territories in the Balkans and Italian colonies in East Africa were rife with resistance, draining the empire's resources. Domestically, tensions were escalating, further straining the empire's finances. Without external support, Austria-Hungary's military would only continue to weaken.