Chapter 45: Kicking Someone When They're Down

Vienna Palace

Franz, looking at the telegram from Napoleon III, said with a chuckle, "The French want to make a move on the Kingdom of Sardinia. Now they want us to fulfill our promise. What do you think we should do?"

Minister of Internal Affairs Archduke Louis proposed, "Your Majesty, the French are ambitious towards the Italian area. I fear that the Kingdom of Sardinia won't be enough to satisfy their appetite.

Once the French influence penetrates deeper into the Italian area, our national defense pressure will increase. For the security of the Lombardy region, we should stop this kind of behavior."

Metternich disagreed, "It's not that serious. The Vienna System has just been established, and the French will not violate the treaty at this time. At most they might take some advantage, but they can't swallow the Kingdom of Sardinia in one bite.