Chapter 15
Chapter 15
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 015
Chapter Title: Franz and the Emperor's Metal (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hofburg Palace, the Emperor's office.
I was finally having coffee and a chat with Charles VI after a long while.
I'd boasted confidently about giving Maria Theresa a birthday gift, but without the Emperor's permission, it was impossible.
No matter how close we were, a mere outsider like me formally presenting a gift to her in front of all the nobles and foreign envoys wasn't a small matter.
Anyone who saw it would think we were practically engaged.
But the moment the Emperor laid eyes on the prototype I'd shown him, he gave his immediate approval.
And of course, he flashed the most satisfied smile when I promised to gift him some jewelry in a similar design.
"Still, Franz. I grasp the broad strokes of your plan, but to truly shock everyone, don't you think it needs some fitting theatrics? Up close, anyone can tell what it is, but from afar, plenty of people will mistake it for silver."
"You're absolutely right. That's why, after presenting the gift to Lady Maria Theresa, I plan to set up a stage where everyone can instantly see it's nothing like silver. If Your Majesty grants permission, I'll take full responsibility for making it happen."
"That would put my mind at ease. But... honestly, I had no idea you possessed such profound knowledge in this field. I heard Lorraine has mineral deposits, but I don't recall them being gold or silver."
"I only learned of the method purely by chance. Skilled artisans then brought it to life."
Charles VI narrowed his eyes slightly as he asked,
"Make sure those artisans are under such tight watch they can't flee anywhere. And spare no expense in treating them well."
"Yes. I made both points crystal clear before signing the contracts."
"Good work. That technique's value holds only as long as you alone know it."
"Understood. As much as it pains me to say it, even I can't share it with Your Majesty."
"Hahaha! Exactly right. A noble must never carelessly yield what he holds in his grasp—not even to an emperor."
He laughed with utter satisfaction before sliding a document across the table toward me.
"Here's the list of key figures confirmed to attend. Give it a quick scan and tell me how much stock you can prepare."
"Should I prioritize sales based on the order of Pragmatic Sanction approvals?"
"Precisely. It's in such short supply that assigning higher slots will be the greatest courtesy we can show them."
At present, the nations approving the Pragmatic Sanction were Spain, Russia, and Bavaria's Electorate, which had just signaled their intent this year.
All were on the guest list, so preparing enough for them in advance should be fine.
"And the French ambassador... and Brandenburg Electorate's proxy... the heir, Friedrich?"
"Yes. Brandenburg's Elector wrapped him up tight as a drum before, but now he's letting the boy stretch his wings. Wonders never cease."
"Friedrich... you mean that..."
"Indeed, the next Elector of Brandenburg. He's around your and Maria Theresa's age, so getting acquainted now wouldn't hurt. Rumor has it he's gentle and introverted, unlike his father—lend him a hand."
Gentle? Introverted?
The potato fiend who'd withstood a triple alliance from France, Austria, and Russia... gentle?
It was the kind of statement that could induce cognitive dissonance, but Friedrich was four years younger than me, so he was still just a boy.
Come to think of it, even that monster must have been a normal human once as a child, so it wasn't entirely wrong.
I stared at the name for a good while, unable to look away, until Charles VI chuckled lightly and patted my shoulder.
"I'm not asking you to play diplomat—just relax. You're both still kids, after all. There are bonds you can only forge in childhood, so simply chat and enjoy the banquet."
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind. May I take this list?"
"Of course. It's just a copy anyway."
In my past life, we'd clashed endlessly, but we'd never actually met face-to-face.
Diplomatic accords were always handled by envoys acting on the kings' behalf.
I'd wanted so badly to crush him, but Maria Theresa and I lacked the military genius to do it.
We'd dragged France and Russia into the fray to barely gain the upper hand, only for Russia's baffling armistice to ruin it all. In the end, we'd never truly avenged ourselves.
Calling it the worst grudge wouldn't be an exaggeration, yet here I was, on the verge of seeing the face of the man I'd never once encountered.
No particular emotions surged, but I felt a faint tension grip my hand.
So... you're coming too, huh.
On the way out after bowing to Charles VI,
the guest list in my hand was ever so slightly crumpled.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ The cold winter had passed, and Vienna's mornings now welcomed the warm spring breeze.
The gardens of Hofburg Palace brimmed with the full bloom of spring.
The sunlight, sharper now, caressed the flower petals tenderly,
> while dew on every branch sparkled like jewels, awakening the morning air.
His heart raced.
That was Friedrich's impression upon first setting foot in Vienna.
Or perhaps everything seemed beautiful simply because he'd escaped Berlin.
Even viewed objectively, though, the palace banquet hall was splendor incarnate.
Hundreds of candles bursting from chandeliers on walls and ceilings embroidered with dense gold leaf blazed in harmony.
> Velvet-draped tables groaned under an endless array of lavish dishes.
In Prussia, such extravagance was decadence, a vice.
His father would have rattled off how skipping just one such event could fund more standing troops.
He forced his gaze from the tantalizing treats that caught his eye.
> If word reached his father, Friedrich Wilhelm I, that he'd enjoyed the banquet, a scolding—and a slap—might greet him upon return.
Yet he couldn't help the pull of his gaze or the thrill pounding in his chest.
"So this is Austria... the Habsburg atmosphere?"
Everyone mingled freely, smiling. No father here to beat him, no stifling emphasis on austerity.
Afraid his heart might sweep him away the moment he relaxed, Friedrich steeled himself inwardly.
"He believes His Majesty's educational policies are correct."
That excuse his sister had hastily fed him was, of course, a lie—but he wanted to spare her trouble later.
Then, someone approached and addressed him cautiously.
"Your Highness Friedrich of the Electorate of Brandenburg? A pleasure to meet you."
Turning, he saw a man in red attire bowing gracefully.
"I am Thomas Robinson, ambassador of Great Britain. I arrived in Vienna just last year."
Friedrich offered a clumsy courtesy in return.
"Friedrich here. I represent the Electorate of Brandenburg. My condolences for your long journey from England."
A touch softer than usual—something that might have earned his father's lash—but instead of rebuke, the man smiled brightly.
Soon after, Friedrich shook hands with Karl Albrecht, the Elector of Bavaria, newly appointed this year. Karl Albrecht wore a diplomatic smile, showering him with kind words.
Then the French ambassador, Count Polignac; the Spanish envoy; and countless princes of the Holy Roman Empire.
A dizzying assembly of luminaries, all openly interested in Friedrich.
Even so, he had no intention of trusting strangers.
It's all diplomatic rhetoric. International diplomacy is a jungle where any weakness gets devoured.
His father's near-brainwashing words from childhood were etched deep in the young crown prince's mind.
Trust no one. Show no vulnerability.
Like a hedgehog bristling with spines, he strained to catch every conversation around him.
"...My lord Count, about that cochineal price crash..."
"Ah, that. Should've smuggled and dumped it then—watched the chance slip while waiting for the perfect moment."
"Tell me about it! Still better than those who sold early thinking it'd drop more. Word is..."
It was then.
"Your Highness, look there. The star of the evening has arrived."
At his attendant's words, Friedrich's eyes shifted as he scanned the hall.
Not just his—all eyes in the banquet hall turned that way.
"...Oh."
Still young, yet she stood out more than anyone.
One could only imagine the beauty she'd grow into.
Maria Theresa, Archduchess and one of the banquet's protagonists.
The eye of the storm who might pioneer female succession in Habsburg history if the Emperor sired no sons—she spotted Friedrich and approached.
"You're Friedrich of Brandenburg, right? I'm delighted to meet you."
"The honor is mine, Your Highness Archduchess Maria Theresa."
Maria Theresa greeted him with a gentle smile.
Even in Prussia, tales of Archduchess Maria Theresa circulated. His father sneered at a woman as heir, but meeting her in person, Friedrich found her far more mature than her years.
"How do you find Vienna? To your liking?"
"Far more splendid and beautiful than I imagined. It's... quite novel to me."
At the layered reply, Maria Theresa let out a soft laugh.
"You've only just arrived, so I hope you enjoy your stay fully. Truth be told, I've never been to Berlin myself... I'd love to visit someday if the chance arises."
"Of course. You would be welcome anytime, Your Highness."
After chatting with much older diplomats, conversing with a peer eased the tension somehow.
Like finally shrugging off the weight perpetually on his shoulders.
Planning to kill time with Maria Theresa until the main event, he slyly grabbed a drink from nearby.
Fortune smiled—a young man, slightly older but of similar age, approached their group.
"Here! Over here!"
Maria Theresa spotted him and waved happily, her face lighting up instantly.
Her previously poised expression melted into a beaming grin—quite striking.
"Lady Maria Theresa, there you are. The presentation is about to begin."
"Oh, already?"
Come to think of it, he'd heard on the way here.
A grand birthday gift awaited Archduchess Maria Theresa.
Whatever it was, bold enough to flaunt before every foreign dignitary—it must be something extraordinary.
Curiocity surging, Friedrich stared openly at Maria Theresa and the man.
Sensing the gaze, the man turned, their eyes locking.
"Lady Maria Theresa, this must be..."
"Oh, right—I haven't introduced you. Franz, this is His Highness Friedrich of Brandenburg."
"A pleasure. I am Friedrich of the House of Hohenzollern, representing the Electorate of Brandenburg."
Prussia might call itself a kingdom abroad, but within the Holy Roman Empire, it clung to the Electorate of Brandenburg title.
Friedrich felt the man regard him with an odd glint.
Had he botched the introduction?
But no—the man smiled with utmost warmth and courtesy.
"Delighted to meet you. I am Franz Stefan von Lothringen. I've long wished to meet you, Your Highness, and now my wish is granted."
"Ah, so you are Franz. I've heard much about you—I suspected as much. A pleasure to meet you."
Friedrich and Franz.
Their first encounter—an unforgettable meeting etched for life.