Chapter 360： The defeat of Austria-Hungary (Part 1)

What made Carl overwhelmed was that the situation in Austria had also deteriorated. The Austrian political party, led by the leader of the Social Democratic Party, Karl Seitz, announced to the people that it would change the Austrian political system.

According to him, that is the Austrian people have the right to choose the political structure they want. The Austrian party’s decision made Karl panicked. Because with the current attitude of the people towards the empire, Austria is very likely to become a republic. Once Austria becomes a republic, the disintegration of the empire will become inevitable.

For this reason, after discussing with the important cabinet ministers, Karl I decided to announce the acceptance of the 14 peace treaties of US President Wilson. In order to show the importance and respect of the empire to the voice of the people, Karl decided to announce this decision in the imperial parliament building.

So under the protection of soldiers, Karl I was on his way to the parliament building.

"I don't know if this can restore the last dignity of the Habsburg family."

Carl I was lost in thought when he watched the protesters blocked by soldiers outside the car. These same people were still cheering for their ascendance to the throne two years ago. After the assassination of their uncle, Grand Duke Ferdinand, they also condemned Serbia and cheered for the empire to join the war after the outbreak of the war. Now they are opponents of the empire. This is the people of the empire. They can cheer for your victory and curse for your failure. I don't know if they can save the destiny of the Habsburg family by doing so.

"Your Majesty, we are here"

When Karl I was worried about the Habsburgs, the guard's words interrupted this state.

After returning to his mind, Karl I said when he saw the convoy parked under the parliament building. "Let's go down."

The crowd protesting in the square of the building saw Karl's figure, and their heads, which had been groggy in the sun, immediately recovered.

"We want bread, not war."

"We want peace."

"Let the empire go to hell."

Heart-piercing protests surged towards Karl who walked out of the car door, making him almost unsteady.

"Your Majesty, be careful."

The bright-eyed guards beside him immediately held on to Karl and prompted in a low voice.

Carl, who was held by the guard, turned his head and said. "Thank you."

When the crowd in the square saw the situation, the voice of the demonstration resounded across the sky, as if they were planning to shock the emperor to death with their voices.

This makes Carl's face a little unnatural.

"Your Majesty, don't worry about these deceived subjects, we have more important things to do at present."

Seeing that his monarch's complexion was abnormal, the court administrator Earl Lawrence who came along with him comforted him in a low voice.

To Earl Lawrence, who watched him grow up, Carl slowly recovered. He glanced at the crowd demonstrating in front of the parliament building, and replied: "I'm fine, let's go in."

After entering the parliament building, Carl, led by the head of parliament, Belik, came to the podium, where he will announce that the Austro-Hungarian government accepts President Wilson's terms.

Carl is no stranger to the parliament building, it was here that he became the emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But unlike before, he became an unwelcome person this time. Look at the deputies in front of you, he knows many of these people. In the past, these people vie for allegiance to him, but now these people have a face that is not familiar with him. There are even members of Congress who are talking unscrupulously with others, completely disregarding him. And these people all acted to make the parliament hall become noisy, just like in a vegetable market, rather than the sacred parliament hall.

The Speaker of Parliament, Berlik, saw this situation, and felt a little rude. So he took the hammer and knocked on the table top. The crisp knocking sound made the scene a little better. At least those who were unscrupulous and converged with others, their voices became much quieter. The head of Parliament of Berlik saw this, and his embarrassment became more serious. But he can only do this, so I talked about it to Carl back.

"Your Majesty is sorry."

For the old parliament president’s apology, Carl glanced at these congressmen who completely ignored him before repliing: "It doesn’t matter to you, the parliament president. They are venting their dissatisfaction with me."

After sending the President of Parliament down, Karl stood alone in front of the podium. The attitude of these parliamentarians made him very disappointed, but the current situation has reached a critical moment for Austria-Hungary. Whether this time can keep the status of the Empire and the Habsburgs depends on this decision.

Regarding the results, what Carl saw on the street and parliament made him feel pessimistic. But for saving the Habsburg family, he will not give up until the last moment, because he has no way back.

After sorting out his thoughts, Carl ignored the dissatisfied parliamentarians and said in a sincere tone: "Dear parliamentarians, this war that has spread to all of Europe because of our dispute with Serbia has already made everyone feel. To grief. Some people have lost their sons, some have lost their husbands, and some have lost their fathers. These people are all sacrifices for the empire.

Here I need to say sorry to the soldiers and people who died in the fight for the country. The Empire is sorry for your unselfishly dedicated lives, because this war has left many people in the country suffering from hunger, cold, heat, and illness, all of which are the consequences of this war. The current people's desire for peace makes the empire feel that this war is worthless, and it is not worth our sacrifices.

There are no less people who hold the same compassion. Many people in our country have called for letting go of their obsessions Let us embrace peace, and now the empire feels the voice of these people. The same is true on the side of the Allies, many people are calling for peace. For example, President Johnson of the United States is one of them, and he has set 14 peace proposals for us. After careful consideration, the empire has decided to accept President Wilson's suggestion. Let us let go of our obsessions and embrace a peaceful world together. "

Carl's emotional words gradually calmed down the interior of the council. Everyone listened to Karl expressing the expectations of the people, when he said that he accepted Wilson's 14 suggestions. Applause gradually sounded from the parliament, and after the news spread outside, the demonstrators in the square became less impetuous. All this made Carl who left felt that the situation might be improving.

When the news reached Prime Minister Heinlein, who was staying at home and did not follow the emperor to the parliament, the old politically proficient guy had a different view: "This is the people's desire for peace, but It’s not against the empire. Then they estimate that they will deprive the Habsburgs of their rights, because no one can appease them now. Only by pulling down the royal family can they calm their anger.

After hearing his father's prediction of the situation, the son next to him asked, "Father, will it really develop like this?"

"You'll know after reading it."