The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven
Chapter 1288 "Gentleman's Agreement"
Chapter 1288 "Gentleman's Agreement"
Vienna, Hofburg Palace.
Leonto came to this magnificent palace again, and this time he was more confident than last time. After all, Carlos VI was hiding in the mountains in northern Spain at that time, but now he has come to Madrid.
“Your Majesty, the great King Carlos VI of Spain expresses his highest respect to you and hopes that Spain and Austria can have a lasting friendship in the future.
We once again hope that you will fulfill your promise to withdraw the Austrian troops from Spain and return the Spanish territories to us."
Franz looked at the complacent guy in front of him and felt that his decision was not wrong.
"Transactions should be mutual. When will you fulfill your agreement?"
Franz asked back coldly.
Leonto was suddenly speechless. The order he received was to reclaim his homeland. As for when the colony would be handed over, he publicly declared that he knew nothing about it.
But Leonto hesitated for less than a second and then said with a smile.
"Your Majesty, those colonies are already under your rule. What are you afraid of?"
Franz was also prepared.
"No, at present we in the Austrian Empire have only the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla."
Leonto looked as if he had suddenly realized something.
"With your country's naval power, are you afraid that you won't be able to take over the remaining tiny territories?"
Franz was a little angry.
"Mr. Leonto, please put away your little tricks. Otherwise, I will let you know what fear is.
Our country has not yet taken over the lands beyond our borders. I prefer peaceful means and do not want to cause unnecessary killings."
Leonto was a little angry. He didn't expect Franz to dare to threaten the ambassador.
"What a barbaric country!"
Leonto complained in his heart, but appeared not to care.
"Of course, we are willing to take a peaceful approach. However, we cannot afford to take it lightly when your army is approaching us. Please show your sincerity."
"Does that mean Carlos doesn't trust me?"
"No, absolutely not."
Leonto hurriedly denied it. He didn't have the courage to really anger Franz.
"Our country's greatest sincerity is not pursuing victory, so what about your sincerity?"
Franz deliberately raised his tone a few degrees, and Leonto also felt tremendous pressure. If things were not handled well, then this business deal would most likely turn into inviting a wolf into the house.
If we really turn the Austrian Empire into an enemy, we would end up losing more than we gain.
Although Leonto vaguely knew what Carlos VI was thinking, it was not worth it to sacrifice the entire country just to avoid paying part of the compensation.
The most important thing is that Leonto does not want to die in a foreign land. He does not think that the so-called mission is more important than his own life.
And even if he did not die in a foreign land or fail to accomplish his tasks, Carlos VI would not let him go.
After realizing this, Leonto immediately changed his words.
"We can sign a secret agreement first, but your country will need to give up some cities."
Prince Schwarzenberg on the side finally couldn't help it. In his eyes, Leonto was just a clown, and even Carlos VI was just a lucky guy.
"Don't push your luck. With Spain's reputation, do you still want to get something for nothing?" Franz did not stop him. Naturally, this was what he wanted to say.
"Your Excellency, you can't say that. Our reputation has always been very good."
The two sides argued for a long time. Although Leonto was always at a disadvantage, he refused to give in.
It is basically certain that this is Spain's bottom line, but Franz doesn't care. After all, he has planned to do this for a long time.
"Okay, we can gradually withdraw from Spain, and I hope you can keep your promise."
After hearing what Franz said, Leonto finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Anyway, he can finally go back and report.
London, England.
The situation in Spain changed so quickly that the war was over before the British government could react.
It took the Carlists less than half a month from the time they launched their rebellion to the time they conquered Madrid. Madrid fell, Isabella II disappeared, and the first heir to the throne, Luisa Fernanda, was captured. Everything seemed to be settled.
Now even if the British want to find an excuse, they have no reason to use
"How can this be?"
Earl Derby had an expression of disbelief. The French had not even passed the war resolution, but the war in Spain had already ended.
"No! It's not over yet!"
Seeing a room full of cabinet members who looked like they had lost their parents, Viscount Stratford stood up.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Isabella II is missing and even her heir has been arrested! We can't support the former regent Queen Christina, can we?"
"Why not?"
Viscount Stratford asked rhetorically.
"Crazy! You are really crazy! Who is the Regent Queen Christina? Why should we support that crazy woman!"
Although Foreign Secretary Lord Malmesbury shouted this, he actually had some agreement with this crazy plan in his heart. After all, all the British needed was a reason.
"But even if we want to support them, it's too late. Queen Regent Christina is far away in Cuba, and the remnants of the Spanish government are sandwiched between Austria and the Carlos faction. Even if we want to support them, it is not allowed under the current circumstances."
The Duke of Northumberland, the Secretary of the Navy, raised a very realistic question, which poured cold water on the British cabinet which had just ignited the fire of hope.
"Did the Austrians plan this long ago?"
It is hard to say that this situation was not designed by someone, but it is not very reasonable. After all, everything happened too quickly and no one could predict the outcome at this time.
"Perhaps we can land directly in the ports of northern Spain like the Austrians did. After all, the Spanish navy is only in name."
The Duke of Northumberland, the Secretary of State for the Admiralty, suggested that he had also been following the war in Spain and was well aware of every move of the Austrian Empire.
The most important thing is that in the Duke of Northumberland's mind, the British Navy is far stronger than the Austrian Navy. There is no reason why the former cannot do what the latter can do.
"Aren't we going to use the French? And now we have an armistice agreement with Austria. Going to war directly will not be good for us."
Foreign Secretary Lord Malmesbury was still obsessed with his previous plan.
"We landed in northern Spain and attacked the Carlists. Wouldn't that avoid the armistice agreement with Austria?"
The Duke of Northumberland still insisted on his plan.
Faced with the dispute between the two cabinet members, Earl Derby found it difficult to make a decision. A direct landing operation would be costly and laborious, and relying on the French would be too inefficient. In addition, the situation was urgent, and it would be difficult for Carlos to gain a foothold.
"Haha, you guys are so funny. If the circus invites you, it will definitely make a lot of money."
Palmerston sneered.
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