Holy Roman Empire - Chapter 59

Chapter 59: Chapter 59, Conditions

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio | Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Rebellion is no child’s play, nor is revolution akin to hosting a dinner party, for it’s easy to board a ship but hard to disembark. Even though he knew he had been duped, Rehn now had no choice but to follow the path to darkness.

They had no choice, but it did not mean others were without options; the well-informed nobility were already aware of the danger.

Undoubtedly, it was a chess game targeted at them, and unfortunately, they had jumped right into it. The rebel army was lacking in weapons and ammunition and had not won the support of the masses, making success seem hopeless.

They lacked even the strength to negotiate with the Vienna Government with the power they held.

The nobility from the Czech region mostly hailed from the Germany Region and had intricate ties with the Vienna nobility. However, these connections were not enough to keep them safe during the rebellion.

Within a luxurious residence in Prague’s noble district, seven elegantly dressed men had gathered. Should anyone recognize them, they would immediately realize that each was a major figure from the Czech region.

Yet now, these influential men were all in a state of panic, devoid of their usual elegance, a fact that, if leaked, would shock the entirety of Prague. What could possibly cause so many prominent figures to tremble with fear?

“Count Kallochi, what should we do now? There must be a traitor among us; everything we’ve done has been exposed to the Vienna Government!”

“Count Scott need not worry. We did not personally join the rebellion, and at most, only some collateral members of our families were involved, giving us room to maneuver.

Now, as long as we help Prince Windischgrätz suppress the uprising, we will be able to clear our names from suspicion in this rebellion. The Vienna Government won’t kill us for this!” Count Kallochi said in an attempt to stay calm.

They felt no pressure in betraying their own, as it was merely a matter of sacrificing a few collateral relatives. The problem was the potential settling of accounts by the Vienna Government in the aftermath.

Normally, in Europe, nobles are not put to death, but if an accident happened on the battlefield, no one would be able to say otherwise.

Now, perhaps only God knew what Prince Windischgrätz planned. Casting such a large net, he must intend to catch some big fish, right?

Count Kallochi’s words evidently failed to put everyone at ease. Any other accusation might be dismissed, as they all had connections and people to speak on their behalf.

But this time was different. Although they had no real intention to declare independence, merely using the opportunity to seek greater power, this was seen as rebellion in the eyes of the Vienna Government.

Throughout history, rebellion was the most abhorred act by those in power,

and even if they did not pursue accountability immediately, there would inevitably be a reckoning come fall.

“Count Kallochi, I’m not worried about personal safety. As long as we did not directly rebel, the Vienna Government won’t take our heads, but at what price? In this room, we all have extensive families and businesses. Many industries in the Region of Prague may seem to belong to capitalists on the surface, but in truth, they cannot do without our shares.

These matters are not meant for public scrutiny. If the Vienna Government simply confiscates them, we cannot raise objections. And it’s not out of the question that they might trace the connections, implicating us in the rebellion.

Don’t tell me that having no contact with the rebel army would matter; even the cleanest ties are useless now.

If Prince Windischgrätz believes we participated in the rebellion, then none of us can expect to live peacefully afterwards. We all know the fate of nobility implicated in the Vienna uprising.

Within that, many families, because of the involvement of nephews, grandsons, or retainers in the rebellion, ended up dragged into it, ultimately being stripped of their titles and property!”

When he spoke, Count Scott’s voice still had a tremor, clearly fearing the events in Vienna would repeat themselves upon him.

The European nobility are one family, but their interests are not aligned; they wish for the Czech region to gain greater autonomy, facilitating their own benefits.

Yet, the Austrian nobility hope for centralization, allowing them to extend their influence nationwide through the Central Government, and the interests of both sides have already clashed.

This was precisely what Count Scott feared the most, would the Austrian nobility, who dominate the Vienna Government, easily pass up the chance to suppress them?

It was at this time that the housekeeper’s voice rang out, “Count Caschi, there is someone outside who claims to be an envoy of Prince Windischgrätz asking for an audience!”

Everyone’s faces changed drastically, and then came to their senses. Since they were already exposed, it wasn’t strange for someone from Prince Windischgrätz’s entourage to find them.

“Let him in. Linda, take everyone to the next room to rest for a moment!” Count Caschi thought for a moment before speaking.

There was no dissent, and the maid directly led everyone to the room adjacent to the parlor, which happened to be a place from which they could overhear the conversation; they also wanted to understand the purpose of Prince Windischgrätz’s visit.

Upon seeing the visitor, Count Caschi asked in surprise, “Kondlai, how is it you?”

“Why can’t it be me? My dear brother, don’t forget, I have always been serving in the Austrian army. This time, I was transferred to Prince Windischgrätz’s forces and took the initiative to take on this task!” Kondlai said with a smile.

The relationships among European nobility are so tangled, probably no one could figure them out. Kondlai and Count Caschi were cousins; however, Caschi’s branch inherited the family’s title, and Kondlai, as a member of a junior branch, had to strive for himself.

If he is family, then the matter should be easier to discuss. Count Caschi had already sensed the goodwill released by Prince Windischgrätz.

“Kondlai, seeing you at this time puts me at ease!” said Count Caschi, his voice relaxing.

“No, my brother, you are at ease too soon. I bring with me the terms of Prince Windischgrätz, or rather, the Vienna Government.

If you agree to them, then this incident will be as if it never happened; otherwise, I don’t need to tell you what will happen.

If you don’t want to see our family fall from grace, you’d better consider carefully!” said Kondlai seriously.

Count Caschi smiled faintly, knowing that there is always a price to pay for wrongdoing, and if the Vienna Government hadn’t set terms, he’d be more worried.

“Tell me, as long as it can preserve the family, I can accept any conditions!”

Kondlai glanced at the traces left on the floor and said, “Since everyone is here, let’s have them over too. After all, you can hide from the first of the month but not the fifteenth.

These issues are something everyone will eventually face. The terms I bring are decided by the cabinet, and there is no room for negotiation—accept or reject!”

Count Caschi’s expression turned slightly awkward, but he quickly recovered and said calmly, “Alright, you got me. Everyone, come on out!”

Watching everyone come out, as they were all acquaintances, they greeted each other, and Kondlai said, “The terms of the Vienna Government are…