The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1292 Withdrawal
Puertoliano, a small town in the Austrian-occupied zone.

The Austrian Empire continued to transform the city, but it just hired more workers. By this time, almost no local gentry had any problems with the Austrian Empire.

After all, the Austrian Empire had a lot of official orders, so they would not lose money after offsetting the two. And those poor people would eventually spend the money after receiving it.

The refugees in the city found jobs, and the city's order improved. Repairing roads and cities further promoted the economic recovery.

Although life is still a bit hard, the city's vitality has returned.

At noon, the church bells rang, and the citizens lined up to receive the meals distributed by the priests as usual. The food seemed to be richer than usual, and the citizens were in a better mood.

The devout believers were praising God, and those who worshipped the empire were praising the emperor, but there was no hatred between the two sides.

Most people are just enjoying the food.
It was no longer surprising for people to see local bishops appearing together with officials from the Austrian Empire.

"Citizens of Puertoliano, peace has come. The terrible Queen Isabel II has been overthrown, and you will be protected by King Carlos VI.

The Austrian army will keep its promise and gradually withdraw from the Real Province from today. I hope you can continue to maintain your faith and abide by the law. I wish you happiness and good health.

Austrian officials returned the keys of the city gates and warehouses to Puertoliano, left some supplies, and then withdrew from the Province of Real as planned.

The sudden withdrawal of the Austrian Empire left many Spaniards confused. To be honest, they really thought that Austria was coming to occupy Spain, but they didn't object.

The withdrawal of the Austrian Empire at this time made them feel strange, but most people could accept it. In fact, as long as there was no war, it would be a good life for civilians.

Many people have begun to study how to curry favor with the new emperor and new officials. Only a very small number of diehard Austrian Empire members or those who have invested heavily in the Austrians will really consider following the Austrian Empire.

Years of war resulted in a large number of orphans and widows on Spanish soil. Most of the soldiers of the Austrian Empire were young men full of vigor and vitality, and it was inevitable that something would happen when they were far away from their homeland.

The military discipline of the Austrian Empire is very strict, but if the woman is willing to accept monetary compensation or is willing to get married under mediation, it will not be considered a violation of military regulations.

Therefore, the military priests of the Austrian Empire were extremely tired. Not only did they have to be witnesses to death sentences, they also had to be mediators and even witnesses at weddings.

However, within the Austrian Empire or the German Confederation, soldiers were usually required to retire forcibly and then receive a resettlement fee to settle locally.

But in Spain, they can only ask their spouses to accompany the army, and there are strict regulations for military dependents accompanying them. After all, military discipline is too important.

Of course, there is also a group of vagrants who joined the Austrian Imperial Army. These people have no feelings for their homeland, and they don’t care whether they are Spanish or Austrians.

For them, leaving their hometown is not a burden at all.
The Austrian soldiers still felt it was a bit of a pity. Although they didn't quite understand it, they always felt they were at a disadvantage.

Senior officials and generals were even more unhappy.

"We're just going to retreat like this? Why do I feel like I've been cuckolded?"

An officer said angrily in the carriage.

"Your analogy is a little inappropriate. We are the outsiders. Her husband is back. Aren't we going to run away and get beaten now?"

A civil servant looked at the roof of the carriage shed with some disappointment.

"It's not like we can't defeat the Carlos faction!"

The officer said indignantly.

"The empire always has to maintain its reputation."

"So all our efforts for so long have been in vain?"

"It's hard to say. His Majesty only told us to retreat to the second line, but he didn't say to withdraw from Spain."

"So there is still hope?" The officer was a little excited.

"I never said that, and His Majesty has not made any clear order. It is not realistic for us to withdraw from Spain all at once, and the Spanish have not yet paid their wages.

If we leave now, do you think the Spanish government can deliver on its promises?"

"I hope they don't keep their promise, so we can drive the Bourbons out of Spain in a fair and square way."

"It's not that easy! The Arabs spent hundreds of years trying to conquer this land, and Napoleon sacrificed his entire empire to conquer this land.

We, the Austrian Empire, cannot follow in their footsteps."

In Puertoliano, with the departure of the Austrian imperial army and government, the city fell into chaos again.

After all, Carlos VI's men were unable to fill the vacancy immediately, and during this vacuum period the most evil desires in many people's hearts were aroused.

But there were also people who resisted the temptation of desire and prevented the city's order from returning to chaos, but turmoil was inevitable.

The situation in specific regions mainly depends on the character and pattern of the local gentry and nobles. However, most gentry are studying how to sever ties with the original Spanish government and the Austrians. After all, the rulers have changed again, and their thinking must also change accordingly.

Finally, on the third day after the Austrian army left, Charles VI's army arrived. Organized by local gentry and nobles, the citizens took to the streets to welcome the royal army.

The citizens welcomed Carlos VI's army with great enthusiasm, but the general riding on his tall horse didn't care at all, and the soldiers even showed greedy eyes.

"Marshal Cabrera, welcome to the city. We have prepared a welcoming ceremony of the highest standard for you, please accept it."

The slightly plump president of the Chamber of Commerce and the mayor of Puertoliano both had humble and flattering smiles on their faces.

Local celebrities on both sides of the road were looking forward to it.

Cabrera just waved.

"no!"

This made a number of officials and celebrities feel embarrassed.

"Your Excellency Marshal, thank you for your presence! We have all been looking forward to your coming for a long time."

The mayor of Puertoliano came over and tried to please him again, but Cabrera obviously didn't want to give him that face.

"Can't you hear me? I heard that you all swore allegiance to Isabel II?"

"Look at what you said. Weren't we also forced to do so? We..."

Before the mayor of Puertoliano could finish, Cabrera spoke again.

"Did you do the same thing when the Austrians came?"

This time, the smile on the mayor of Puertoliano's face froze. He didn't expect the other party to be so disrespectful and embarrassing.

You have to know that his family has been in charge of this city for hundreds of years, and even when the Austrians came, they did not disrespect him like this.

"Am I right, Mr. Mayor?"

Cabrera asked, smiling.

"Your Excellency Marshal, we are also forced to do this."

Although he was very angry, the mayor could only greet it with a smile. After all, the situation was stronger than the person.
"Mr. Mayor, the kingdom doesn't have enough military funds right now, you see."