Franz was even busier in the spotlight, exhausted by the constant socializing. There is no way, this is the aristocratic life of Vienna.

His younger brother Massimiliano, who also went to these occasions, seemed to be at ease, and not only did not feel tired, but enjoyed it, much to Franz's envy.

Communication had never been Franz's forte, especially in the face of a group of courteous aristocrats, which forced him to be vigilant at all times.

"Grand Duke, you still have to attend Grand Duke Louis's banquet tonight, now you can go!" The maid Jenny reminded

"Got it, call Massimiliano and we'll go together!" Franz commanded

"Yes, Grand Duke!" Jenny replied

If it weren't for his mother's strong intervention, Franz wouldn't have minded taking his other two younger brothers with him. When dealing with aristocratic girls, at least most of the firepower can be shared.

Unfortunately, the other two younger brothers were too young for Mrs. Sophie to let them attend such an occasion, and Franz did not want to lower the age line of the banquet.

You must know that they are much more attractive to the noble ladies than Franz. The status of crown prince gave Franz a higher status, and it also destined his marriage to be a political marriage.

In contrast, his younger brothers are much freer in marriage, and there is no problem in marrying these big nobles in the country.

……

Looking at Massimiliano, who was having a good conversation with a group of aristocratic girls, Franz pulled him out and joked: "How is it, has my brother met the other half of his heart?" ”

Massimiliano didn't mind and shot back: "Dear brother, if I say yes, guess if you go back to Madame Sophie......"

Franz laughed: "Really? My dear brother, for your lifelong happiness, I don't mind being scolded, but can you withstand the pressure?

Today, the aristocratic ladies here are much older than you, do you have a mother-lover complex?

Oh my God, Massimiliano, you're so surprised that you ......."

"Stop, my dear brother, if you continue to say more, my reputation will be ruined!" Massimiliano hurriedly stopped

It's not the first time that the two have made such a little joke.

"Hold off a bunch of flies for me later, I'm going to talk to Grand Duke Louis!" Franz said solemnly

"Well, I know it's not good for you to look for me!"

Massimiliano made a look of lovelessness, and Franz rolled his eyes in disdain.

How could the aristocratic banquet that Franz attended be a simple banquet? If it weren't for the fact that he was hiding from others, he wouldn't have bothered to come out to socialize!

……

"Honorable Grand Duke Louis, I want you to support me in controlling the palace guard!" Franz got straight to the point

"God! My little Franz, how can you have such thoughts? You know you're only 16 years old, not even 17 years old! Archduke Louis said in surprise

As the crown prince, it is not difficult to make a living in the army, but it is not so easy to really take charge of an army, especially since Franz is not yet 17 years old.

Therefore, he could only retreat and take command of the palace guards. Although the number of this force is not large, and the combat effectiveness is also a question mark, this is the only thing that Franz can get his hands on.

"Uncle Louis, you know that I have loved the military since I was a child, and my dream is to become a real general!

But my identity can't be developed in the army for a long time, and now I can only enjoy the palace guards. Franz explained

Grand Duke Louis shook his head and said: "This is impossible, you must know that the palace guards are very important, you have not yet proven your ability, if you really want to be a general, you can enter the city defense army!" ”

What kind of goods are the Austrian city guards, is it not clear to Franz? Known as a concentration camp for generals, it is said to be the only Austrian unit with more officers than soldiers.

According to German tradition, nobles had to serve in the army when they reached adulthood, otherwise they would be condemned by public opinion.

The aristocracy of the Austrian Empire was also born in Germany, and this tradition was preserved. But after all, the Austrian Empire has decayed, and everyone has to turn a blind eye to these noble lords.

Except for those who are really interested in developing in the army, most of them enter the army for gilding, and Archduke Louis has absolutely uneasy intentions to let Franz take charge of this army.

Franz frowned and said, "Uncle Louis, are you sure you're not cheating me?" Don't you know what the city defense army is? Even if Grand Duke Karl personally goes into battle, there is no way to take them, do you think I can do it? ”

The window paper was pierced, and the face of the treacherous and cunning Grand Duke Louis did not change in the slightest.

"Don't be angry, Franz, isn't this a test for you young people? If you can even handle the city defense army, then what else can't you do? ”

It may be useful to fool the second boy, but unfortunately Franz is no longer there, and he won't know that the sky is high and thick because of a few words of praise.

"Uncle Louis, it's not impossible, as long as you order all the gilded nobles inside to retire, I'll go to the city defense army!" Franz pretended to be angry

"Franz, this is impossible, even His Majesty the Emperor, there is no way to let them get out!" Archduke Louis said helplessly

"So, I can't go to the city guards, or the palace guards are suitable for me, Uncle Louis, you won't be reluctant!" Franz pretended to be angry

"How is that possible!"

"Well, Franz you can enter the palace guard, but the position of manager cannot be given to you. You're too young now, and you still have a few years to go! Archduke Louis retreated

"This damn age! Well, then I'll wait a few more years! Franz pretended to be helpless

His purpose has been achieved, the palace guard, or the Praetorian Guard, this force is different from other armies, they are only loyal to the royal family.

For Franz, it was not necessary to be the commander of the army in order to master the army, which was normally the commander of the army himself by the emperor himself or by appointing a member of the royal family.

Now that this force is in the hands of the Regency Council, with the Grand Duke Louis as the commander, and Franz entering it as the crown prince, it is natural that someone will take the initiative to defect.

He had already made his attitude clear, and he was determined to enter the palace guard, and even if the Grand Duke Louis was dissatisfied, it was impossible to really prevent Franz from entering.