Hetalia- World War 1 Origins

A Bohemian Visit

     The Day is June 12, 1914, and the mood is tense in the Bohemian country estate of the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The building is completely empty in every room except for the Military Operations room where four figures reside. The people in the area are the Emperor of Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II, the next in line for the Austro-Hungarian throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Ludwig Beilschmidt, and Roderich Edelstein. A large map is spread across the table in the center of the room, and this map displays all of Europe. 

     "We have gathered here today to discuss a matter of grand urgency, we are currently in a struggle with France, England, and Russia over the division of power in Europe." Ludwig pauses for a moment and continues. "Those three powers, the Triple Entente, fear our sudden and dramatic rise to power. Specifically, England fears that I will have a better economy and industry than him and my Navy may soon match up to his own armadas, the pride and joy of his military. France fears we may conquer some of his territories and he wants all of our power and industry. Russia is currently trying to expand his vast empire into the Balkans and has been supporting rebellious acts in Austro-Hungarian territories such as Bosnia." Ludwig glares around at everyone in the room and faces Roderich. "We currently have an alliance system to protect ourselves in case the Triple Entente declares war on us. The Central Powers consist of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire, the Italian Empire, and I. We can keep balance with the other powers through this system, but we have a wildcard."

     Roderich stands up straight and continues Ludwig's briefing. "The Balkans have been in two recent wars and the territories there are in constant flux and disarray. The Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and I are seeking control and annexation of different Balkan countries. There have been large protests here in the Balkans over Austro-Hungarian rule, and it is originating from terrorist organizations and radicals from Serbia." Roderich points directly at Serbia on the map and elaborates on the predicaments there. "Serbia has been rallying Bosnians to rebel against our rule because Serbia believes we illegally annexed Bosnia, but it has been official since 1908. I believe that Serbia is a major threat to the alliance system, and I may need to take care of him and his radical ideas once and for all."

     Franz Ferdinand interrupts Roderich. "Herr Edelstein, if we attack Serbia then we know that Russia will attack us and bring a war across all of Europe. This will ruin all of our countries and bring us into a long and difficult war, thousands of lives will be lost."

     Ludwig joins in on the conversation. "I agree with Ferdinand that we should not attack Serbia right now. I understand that Serbia is disturbing your territories but you could possibly end the radicals through negotiation or find a way to keep Russia out of it. We must remember that we did not meet here to create a war, we are specifically here to discuss who we should align ourselves to in the Balkans to keep balance and order in the power systems."

     Roderich Edelstein sighs and then begins suggesting potential allies. "I think that our greatest bet for an ally in the Balkans is Bulgaria. He fought in both of the Balkan Wars and opposed Serbia in the second one, so he shares a hatred for the Serbs. What do you all think?"

     Kaiser Wilhelm II intervenes, "I respectively disagree Herr Edelstein, I do not believe that Bulgaria should be our main Balkan ally. They are weak from the Second Balkan War, and Romania would make a greater and stronger ally."

     Ludwig nods to Wilhelm. "I fully support your choice and reasoning. While Bulgaria may be more inclined to fight Serbia, we are not connected to Bulgaria, and Romania borders Austria-Hungary."

     Roderich's face is blistering red and he is extremely agitated. "Are you seriously suggesting we align ourselves with Romania, Hungary's largest rival! They are constantly disputing over Transylvania and Elizabeta despises everything about Romania! How are you expecting to achieve Hungarian support?"

     Wilhelm II retaliates to Roderich's yelling in a calm manner. "I have good connections to the Hungarian Prime Minister Istvan Tisza. I can discuss the Romanian partnership with you and after that Ferdinand, Tisza, and I can persuade Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I to make an alliance with Romania." Roderich has an ill reaction to this and walks out of the room to find a musical instrument to release his anger through. He wonders what he is suppose to tell Ellizabeta about this controversial alliance.

     Franz Ferdinand begins to walk out of the room to locate Roderich when Ferdinand remembers something and stops a few feet from the door. "I just remembered that I needed to ask you two something. Emperor Franz Josef I wants to know if Austria-Hungary has your support on however the Empire reacts and deals with Serbia."

     Wilhelm replies reluctantly, "I can't make that promise to you. Austria seems to want a war to end Serbia and I am not willing to create a war until I understand what will come from it."

     "I understand, thank you for coming to this meeting and feel free to stay until tomorrow. I will now search for Herr Edelstein, and afterwards I will plan our next hunting trip. Goodbye Herr Beilschmidt and Kaiser Wilhelm II." Franz Ferdinand walks out of the room to find Roderich. Ferdinand knows it will be an easy task because he can trace Roderich to wherever he hears Chopin originating from.