Chapter 13 Not Drunk

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After the death of Franz II, Metternich sought support by closely aligning his interests with those of the Rothschild family. This led to a reversal of their statuses; now Metternich had to rely on the power of the Rothschilds. Count Coroloff, aiming to oust Prince Metternich from the core of Austrian power and influence in Italy, forged extensive collaborations with regional forces. Although the state's fiscal revenue had increased, it was insufficient to counter the combined attacks from France, Prussia, and Hungary. Ambitious businessmen from a few years prior were now contemplating how to offload their operating rights. Contrary to the booming railway construction in other countries, Austria’s railways had fallen into a deep winter; half of the projects were halted, and without fresh capital, the remainder would soon cease as well.

Ferdinand I’s chief advisor was overwhelmed. When Baron Bruck took power into his hands, he realized it was akin to holding a hot potato. Karl von Strutt had no ability to secure further loans for the Austrian Empire, a key reason behind the fiscal collapse. Meanwhile, Baron Bruck was engaged in an exciting venture across the ocean. In the first half of 1836, he had successfully cashed out six million dollars’ worth of precious metals from America, and at the London Stock Exchange, he liquidated banknotes and metals worth two million pounds sterling for ten million dollars. Bruck had sold 45% of his land, netting a tenfold profit. If he could sell the remaining land and convert it into silver and gold, the total revenue for Archduke Franz Karl would reach thirty-five and a half million dollars.

If Archduke Franz Karl deposited this sum into the bank, many of Austria’s problems could be resolved. The railway construction freeze was entirely man-made. While Austrian rail construction stalled, Saxony had proposed purchasing Austrian railway segments but was refused. Not only Saxony, even the famously poor Bavaria made acquisition offers. According to the two nations’ proposals, simply selling the railways leading to their countries would solve Austria’s current difficulties. Yet this was unacceptable. To hand the railways over to foreign powers was unthinkable—not only would merchants refuse to serve the Austrian army, but the military itself could not accept it. If foreign powers controlled their railways, it would be tantamount to transporting enemy troops straight to Vienna and shouting “The enemy is at Honnoji!”

Baron Bruck estimated that once Austria survived this crisis, confidence in the railways would be restored. As for Karl von Strutt, Bruck dismissed him as a mere buffoon. At this moment, Baron Bruck admired Archduke Franz Karl profoundly, believing him neither foolish nor silent but rather a taciturn economist. Truly, geniuses are often difficult to understand...

At that moment, in Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, Archduke Franz Karl was feeding fish by the fountain while drinking. Seeing the fish floating to the surface, he scooped up a handful.

“This tastes bland; your tolerance is too weak.”

When Franz Karl saw his son approaching, he quickly invited Franz Joseph to sit beside him.

“Son, have a taste.”

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Franz Joseph glanced at the “water” in his father’s hand and, without much thought, licked his tongue, finding it slightly sweet and a bit spicy.

“Father, what is this? A specialty of Schönbrunn Palace?”

“No, it’s wine.”

“Wine? How could there be wine here?”

“I poured it myself!”

At that moment, a dead fish fell from above. Following its trajectory, Franz Joseph saw that the fountain was full of dead fish.

“...”

Franz Joseph looked again at the dead fish in the fountain.

“What’s going on with these fish?”

“Your mother said she wanted to keep some fish, so I bought a few. When I got back, I found no place to keep them, so this large pool seemed perfect. I worried they might not adjust well to their new home, so I came to drink with them. Who knew their drinking tolerance was so poor—they all got drunk...”

Franz Karl recounted his proud tale vividly, while Franz Joseph sighed.

“Does mother know?”

“Not yet.”

“I’ll have someone clean this up. Don’t tell her. Next time you buy fish, bring a fish tank, okay?”

“All right!”

Franz Karl gave Talia a look, and she hurriedly summoned palace servants to help scoop out the fish. Before Franz Joseph could speak, Franz Karl continued.

“Son, what brings you here?”

Franz Joseph was curious how his father always seemed to answer before he spoke.

“How did you know I had something to discuss?”

“You brought wine, and you usually oppose my drinking.”

“Alright, father, here’s an application. You need to get Uncle the Emperor’s approval, then have the Regency Council stamp it, and bring it back to me.”

“Then you must have a big drink with me.”

“I only drink juice.”

“Fine!”

At dusk, Karl von Strutt felt deeply frustrated. Despite being the chief royal advisor, he was now being overshadowed by some insignificant Regency Council. All his years of work seemed wasted, and he still had to pay tribute to that woman at night—just thinking about it pained him. He glanced at the sleeping Emperor, hoping he could control the Regency Council was a pipe dream. He, Karl von Strutt, was supposed to be second to none—a Caesar among men.

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Yes, indeed, I, Karl von Strutt, should be a Caesar, or at least a Wallenstein. How did it come to this...?

At that moment, the sound of footsteps interrupted his thoughts.

“Damn it, this drunken fool—what is he doing here?” Karl muttered inwardly.

Then he figured he might as well use this fool to amuse himself and soothe his wounded pride.

“Stop! His Majesty the Emperor has not summoned Your Grace...”

Franz Karl ignored Karl von Strutt. Annoyed, Strutt approached him again.

“His Majesty is resting; no one is to disturb him.”

“I have no desire to talk to you,” replied Archduke Franz Karl, turning to walk on.

Karl von Strutt blocked him once more, and their scuffle awoke Ferdinand I.

“I am sorry. I informed Archduke Franz Karl that you were resting, but he insisted on seeing Your Majesty. I could not stop him, thus disturbing you...”

Ferdinand I paid no heed to Strutt’s apology and spoke directly.

“My foolish brother, what is it that you need?”

“My poor brother, may I punch him?”

“As you wish.”

Archduke Franz Karl had three hobbies: smoking, drinking, and curling his hair... No, rather, drinking, horseback riding, and hunting. His physical strength was tremendous, so beating a mere civil servant was far too easy.

Karl von Strutt’s screams echoed through the Mirror Hall, while the royal guards nearby ignored him or even stifled laughter.

Franz Karl casually wiped his clothes, then pulled out a document.

“Franz plans to establish a school and requires your special approval.”

“Very well.”

Ferdinand I made a sweeping signature and resumed his prior posture.

“My foolish brother, I am tired. Do not disturb my rest.”

“Have a drink before sleeping—it helps you rest well.”

Archduke Franz Karl took a military flask from his shirt pocket, placed it before the throne, and then turned to leave.