To Karl's own distraction, the situation in Austria also deteriorated. Austrian political parties, led by the leader of the Social Democratic Party, Karl Seitz, announced to the population that they would change the Austrian political system.

According to him, the people of Austria have the right to choose the political structure they want. And this decision of the Austrian party made Karl panic. Because with the current attitude of the population towards the Empire, it is quite possible that Austria will become a republic. Once Austria became a republic, the dissolution of the empire would become inevitable.

For this reason, Karl I, after consulting with the important ministers of the cabinet, decided to declare his acceptance of the fourteen articles of peace treaty of US President Wilson. In order to show the importance and respect of the Empire for the voice of the people, Karl decided to announce this decision at the Imperial Diet building.

So under the protection of the soldiers, Karl I was on his way to the parliament building.

"I don't know if this will restore the last dignity of the Habsburgs."

Karl I looked at the people outside the car who were being blocked by soldiers and fell into deep thought. These are the same people who were cheering for their ascension to the throne two years ago. After the assassination of their uncle, Archduke Ferdinand, they also denounced Serbia, and after the outbreak of the war, they also cheered for the Empire's entry into the war, and now they are opponents of the Empire. These are the people of the Empire, who can rejoice in your victory, curse and curse at your defeat, wondering if they will save the Habsburgs.

"Your Majesty, here we are"

At a time when Karl I was worried about the Habsburgs, the words of the guards interrupted this state of affairs.

Karl I, who had come back to his senses, said when he saw that the convoy had stopped under the parliament building. "Let's go down."

When the protesting crowd in the plaza of the building saw Karl's figure, his head, which had been somewhat drowsy from the sun, immediately recovered.

"We want bread, not war."

"We want peace."

"Let the empire go to hell."

A heart-rending wave of protests poured towards Carl as he stepped out of the car door, making him almost lose his footing.

"Your Majesty, be careful."

The quick-eyed guard beside him immediately supported Carl and whispered.

Carl, who was held by the guards, turned his head and said. "Thank you."

When the crowd in the square saw this, the sound of the demonstration resounded in the sky, as if they were planning to use their voices to shock the emperor to death.

This made Carl's face a little unnatural.

"Your Majesty, don't worry about these deceived subjects, we have more important things to do at the moment."

Seeing that his monarch's face was abnormal, Earl Lawrence, who followed the court governor who came with him, whispered comfort.

To Earl Lawrence, who watched him grow up, Carl slowly recovered. He glanced at the crowd of demonstrators in front of the parliament building and replied, "I'm fine, let's go inside." ”

Upon entering the parliament building, Karl was led by the speaker of the parliament, Berlick, to the podium, where he would announce the acceptance of President Wilson by the Austro-Hungarian government.

Karl was no stranger to the parliament building, where he became Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. But unlike before, this time he became persona non grata. Look at these parliamentarians in front of him, many of them he knows. In the past, these people vied for allegiance to him, but now these people all wore faces that were not familiar with him. There are even parliamentarians who are talking unscrupulously with others, completely ignoring him. And these people have all behaved in the hall of the council into a tumultuous place, as if it were a vegetable market rather than a sacred council hall.

And the Speaker of the Parliament, Berlick, also felt a little rude when he saw this. So he picked up the hammer and struck the table. A crisp tapping sound sounded, making the scene slightly better. At least those who are unscrupulous and high-minded with others are a little more restrained, and their voices have become much quieter. Seeing this, the embarrassed look of the President of the Council of Perric became even heavier. But that's all he could do, so he turned back to Carl.

"Your Majesty is sorry."

In response to the old Speaker's apology, Karl glanced at the councillors who had no regard for him before replying, "It's none of your business, Chief. They were venting their frustration with me. ”

After sending the Speaker down, Karl stood alone in front of the podium. He was very disappointed by the attitude of these parliamentarians, but the current situation had reached a critical moment for Austria-Hungary. Whether or not the empire and the Habsburgs can be retained this time depends on this decision.

What Karl saw on the street and in parliament made him pessimistic about the results. However, he will not give up until the last minute to save the Habsburgs, because he has no way back.

After gathering his thoughts, Karl ignored the disgruntled parliamentarians and said in a sincere tone: "Honorable parliamentarians, this war that has spread throughout Europe because of our dispute with Serbia has made everyone feel grief. Some have lost their sons, some have lost their husbands, and some have lost their fathers, all of whom have sacrificed for the sake of the empire.

Here I need to say sorry to these soldiers and civilians who died fighting for their country. The Empire is sorry for your selfless dedication, for this war has left many people in the country to endure hunger, cold, heat, and sickness, all of which are the consequences of this war. The current desire for peace has made the Empire feel that this war is not worth it, that it is not worth the sacrifices.

There are not a few people who have the same compassion. There are many people in our country who have called for letting go of their obsessions and embracing peace, and now the Empire has felt the cry of these people. On the side of the Entente, too, many people called for peace. President Johnson of the United States, for example, is one of them, and he has set us 14 peace proposals. Now that the Empire has decided to accept President Wilson's suggestion after careful consideration, let us let go of our obsessions and embrace a peaceful world together. ”

Karl's emotional words gradually quieted down the council. Everyone listened to Karl speak out what the people wanted, and when he said that he accepted Wilson's fourteen recommendations. Gradually, there was applause in the council, and when the news reached outside, the crowd of demonstrators in the square became less impetuous. All this made Carl, who had left, feel that the situation might be improving.

When the news reached Chancellor Heinlein, who was staying at home and did not go with the emperor to parliament, the old man who was good at politics had a different opinion: "This is the people's desire for peace, not the Empire." Then they will probably deprive the Habsburgs of their rights, because no one can appease them now. Only by removing the royal family from power can their anger be appeased. ”

The son beside him, hearing his father's prediction of the situation, asked, "Father, is this really going to happen?" ”

"You'll find out when you look at it."