Chapter 1269: Germany, A Plate of Loose Sand
The monarchs present immediately looked at the Grand Dukes of Baden and Bavaria with a mix of envy and surprise.
Their envy stemmed from the fact that being elevated to a kingdom was more than just a prestigious title; it meant a massive boost in international standing and national prestige. It also uplifted national morale and could even attract more capital, fostering economic prosperity.
However, becoming a kingdom was no simple feat. While the Holy See outwardly served as the confirmer of state elevation, the true power of decision lay with the great European powers. Only with the endorsement of enough powerful nations would the Holy See dare to approve a nation's application for elevation.
Naturally, for the newly crowned monarch himself, this was undoubtedly a monumental honor and achievement worthy of being etched into history.
Back then, Brandenburg had provided decisive military support to the Holy Roman Emperor during a war and was consequently elevated to the Kingdom of Prussia. After that, Prussia's development entered the fast lane, surpassing all other states of the Holy Roman Empire at once and becoming a singular, unmatched power.
Who wouldn't want to become a mighty nation like Prussia?
Joseph raised both his arms at the opportune moment and proclaimed loudly, "Congratulations, Your Majesties Friedrich and Theodor! May God forever bless you!"
Most of the monarchs immediately put on radiant smiles and offered their congratulations with standard court etiquette.
A moment later, once the hall gradually quieted down, Joseph continued, "In truth, many other states have long been suppressed by Vienna, yet their strength is sufficient to become kingdoms."
They were the Count of Hesse-Darmstadt and the Count of Württemberg.
Upon hearing this, both men immediately tensed up.
Being a king wasn't as simple as it sounded.
Because within the Holy Roman Empire, no other kings were ever permitted.
In fact, many didn't know that the Kingdom of Prussia was not entirely within the Holy Roman Empire; it comprised two parts: the Electorate of Brandenburg and Royal Prussia.
The former was a state within the Holy Roman Empire. The latter, legally, had separated from the Kingdom of Poland and was not within the Holy Roman Empire's jurisdiction.
Back then, Friedrich I was crowned king in Königsberg, East Prussia. His official title was actually "King in Prussia".
Baden and Bavaria had already declared war on Austria, so they had nothing to fear. However, Hesse-Darmstadt and Württemberg were far more hesitant...
Joseph saw the two men lowering their heads, unwilling to respond, but he didn't seem too bothered. Instead, he politely invited Archbishop Muzzarelli to sit beside him—
He had originally intended for Pius VI to come to Stuttgart for this occasion, but the latter was unwilling to offend Austria and found all sorts of excuses to decline. He even refused to sign the elevation decrees for Baden and Bavaria.
In the end, it was Muzzarelli, the second-in-command of the Holy See, who voluntarily 'represented' the Pope. Joseph naturally affirmed his actions.
Joseph then gestured to Count Foch, who stood nearby: "Next, we will vote on the 'Unclaimed Land Division Proposal' that has already been submitted. If two-thirds or more of all participating nations agree, then this proposal will be implemented."
The monarchs present all showed expressions of surprise. They had originally assumed that the allocation of these lands would be entirely decided by the French. They hadn't expected it to be an open vote.
Indeed, this was also Joseph's Open Scheme.
The Holy Roman Emperor's direct territories were to be divided by a vote among all the North German states. After this, no one would think of returning to Austria's fold.
Just then, William IX, Count of Hesse-Kassel, suddenly stood up and said in a sarcastic tone, "Your Highness, I believe such matters can simply be decided by you. After all, for these territories to be successfully transferred, they will still require the 'protection' of the French army."
He knew it would be difficult to stop the current situation, but he still wanted to incite discontent among the North German states towards France. At present, French occupation forces were scattered throughout North Germany, and it was impossible for the various states not to harbor resentment about this.
His aim was to remind the monarchs not to be fooled by the French's petty favors. As long as the French army remained here, even if these lands were given to them now, they could be taken back at any time.
The Archbishop of Cologne and the Duke of Thuringia, among others, immediately chimed in with loud agreement.
Joseph sneered inwardly, 'How could I fall into the same trap Napoleon stumbled into years ago?'
He immediately put on a surprised expression and looked at William IX. "Have you not received the news from your own country?"
The latter was startled. "What news?"
Joseph smiled faintly. "Our army initially crossed the Rhine River out of necessity to pursue the invading Coalition Forces. Now that the fighting here has concluded, our troops began withdrawing to the west bank of the Rhine two days ago, in batches."
William IX and Archbishop Franz exchanged glances, both utterly bewildered.
"The French army withdrew?"
"Leaving vast territories in North Germany, just like that!"
The hall door was pushed open a crack, and a diplomat tiptoed to the side of Count Franz Ludwig of Würzburg, whispering a few words.
The latter immediately stood up and stated, "Indeed, as Your Highness said, by noon the day before yesterday, all the occupying... *cough*, all French troops had already left Würzburg."
The gaze of the assembled monarchs instantly grew fervent.
The French actually had no intention of replacing Austria's control over North Germany.
If that were the case, as long as they eliminated Austria's influence, they could become completely independent nations!
Then they absolutely had to claim as much territory for themselves as possible.
Of course, many also considered a deeper implication—after breaking free from the Holy Roman Empire's control, these smaller states would also lose Austria's protection. 'How would they ensure their own security?'
As Count Foch presented the first proposal, everyone's attention quickly focused on the vote for territory distribution.
"Proposal content: Mainz to take over the entirety of Rothenburg... Please begin voting."
As Count Foch read out the proposal, only two people raised their hands in agreement, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
A Württemberg official nearby meticulously announced the votes aloud: "Two votes in favor. Not exceeding two-thirds. Proposal invalid."
Count Foch then picked up the second proposal: "Würzburg to acquire the entirety of Bamberg... Please begin voting."
This time, there were more votes in favor—five. But it was still far from two-thirds.
In a complex negotiation over such significant interests, it was impossible to form a consensus without months of covert dealings.
The voting continued into the afternoon, but no proposal ever passed. Joseph announced that voting would resume tomorrow.
Everyone present realized that they had to start engaging in diplomacy.
As night fell, an unexpected visitor arrived in the Count of Hesse-Darmstadt's room—Viscount Flavien, attendant to the French Crown Prince.
The latter had Louis X dismiss all his servants. He bowed respectfully to the Count, then stated directly, "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sent me to ask you, whether you wish to restore the glory of His Majesty Philip I?"
Philip I was the last Count of Hesse from the era of a unified Hesse.
After his death, Hesse fragmented into four parts.
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