For now, the grand objective has been set.
First, Karl intended to exert every effort for the survival of the Empire.
He knew it would be difficult, but he could not give up.
This Empire was more massive than France or Germany, with a territory second only to the Russian Empire;
Its population size was also second only to Russia and Germany.
It possessed an army of millions, immense national strength, and the industrial technology to build top-tier battleships on its own—it was a true behemoth.
It could be said that even if the crown of the “Imperial Emperor” was nearly impossible to obtain, countless people would still risk their lives just to reach for it.
In reality, as long as Karl did nothing, this Empire would eventually fall into his lap anyway.
But even if gold is right before one’s eyes, there are thorns on the path ahead; one cannot simply slack off because of it.
Moreover, with the knowledge and ambition Karl possessed, it was fundamentally impossible for him to live as an ordinary person of this era.
Harboring such lofty ambitions and such a nearly impossible goal, he could afford even less to live in a daze.
However, for the moment, Karl could not immediately accomplish anything great.
He was simply too young right now.
The only thing he could do at this moment was, at most, wave his short arms and legs, rush into the Schönbrunn Palace where the Old Emperor lived, and shout: “Your Empire is finished!
From now on, I shall rule this place!”
Then, the Emperor would likely burst into laughter at his grand-nephew’s antics, while his mother would scold him, saying, “You’re a troublemaker just like your father,” while stinging his buttocks and thighs with a cane.
With a child’s body but a mind that had long since matured, if Karl truly ended up in such a state, he probably wouldn’t be able to hold his head up for days.
Therefore, the current Karl needed to organize his plans first, setting achievable small goals toward the grand objective of “Imperial Survival.”
The first thing he had to possess, naturally, was the influence to intervene in Imperial politics.
If he could prevent the World War, that would be for the best; if not, he at least needed the political power to change the situation and secure even a slight advantage for the Empire.
Secondly, he needed an army that could firmly support him from behind.
If the World War could be prevented or delayed through political means, that was naturally the best course; however, some said that a Great War was ultimately inevitable.
In that case, to survive the Great War, was there any other way besides winning or ending the war quickly?
A powerful military was something he absolutely could not give up on.
The army of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, in particular, had performed less than satisfactorily during World War I.
This Empire, centered around the Emperor and maintaining an army of millions, was impressive enough to be looked up to in times of peace.
But a World War was a massive vortex of chaos that even the average Great Power was powerless to control.
To be honest, one sometimes had to wonder if Austria-Hungary was truly a Great Power.
After all, even when fighting the Russian Empire alone, it was usually Austria-Hungary that took the beating.
And in such situations, when it helplessly cried for “help,” the one responding to the Empire’s call was its closest ally, the German Empire.
The German Empire generously handed over the so-called “blank check.”
Then, while Germany claimed to be “avoiding the brunt of Russia,” they shouted something about “We’re going to France!” and initiated the Schlieffen Plan, attempting a quick resolution through the Western Front.
Thus, while Germany launched a fierce assault on France, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was forced to hold the line alone against the Russian Empire on the Eastern Front.
Many often looked down on the Russian Empire of that time due to its defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, but in reality, the Russian Empire possessed a vast territory that was among the largest in human history and the world’s most massive standing army.
Bordering such a country would make any nation feel a chill, which was exactly why Bismarck had repeatedly warned Germany during his lifetime to avoid friction and conflict with Russia.
Ultimately, the Russian Empire was a “harmful and profitless” opponent.
Fighting them offered no spoils of war, a complete victory was difficult to achieve, and conquering them was impossible.
This point had long since been proven by the personal experiences of France’s short-statured Emperor (Napoleon) and Germany’s Fuhrer with the peculiar mustache.
It was precisely while confronting such a country and being forced to split its forces across other lines that the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell into the predicament of being surrounded by enemies on all sides.
However, though it couldn’t be said they fought beautifully, the Empire did serve as a solid “meat shield” on multiple fronts, including the Italian Front, the Balkans Front, and the Eastern Front.
Of course, Austria-Hungary ultimately had to rely on the support of the German Empire due to its lack of strength, but this inevitably left a question in one’s mind:
If they had fought just a little better back then, would there have been a different outcome?
The German Empire was already famous for its martial prowess; if the Austro-Hungarian Empire could have steadily held the rear and exerted strength commensurate with its own size, perhaps there truly might have been a turning point.
After all, the performances of Germany, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire had indeed exceeded many people’s expectations.
Furthermore, Karl held the knowledge of the future.
That Russian Empire, no matter how stubborn and unconquerable, would eventually collapse on its own if they just held out.
The Revolution of 1917.
If the Austro-Hungarian Empire could withstand the pressure while Germany gave its all on the Western Front to crush France, then the justification for opening negotiations would naturally arise.
If everything could function so smoothly, the Empire might truly have a slim chance of survival.
And the key to helping Karl achieve these “small” goals was money.
In this era, money was not everything, as it was still an age of sprawling empires.
But what if Karl’s status was added to the mix?
Then there would be almost no limits.
As long as there was money, there was much more that could be accomplished.
The status of royalty, from birth, placed one at a height looking down upon everyone else.
It was precisely because of this that figures who acted recklessly, relying on their class and birth, would emerge.
So, where would the money come from?
Even if Karl knew the future, he couldn’t just pull all new technologies out of thin air.
Even if he did have those technologies, funds were still required.
Recruiting talent, conducting research—the starting point for everything was money.
However, truly putting plans into action would have to be pushed back a little bit.
“Karl, it’s time for your studies, isn’t it?”
The voice of his mother, Maria Josepha, came from outside the door.
At this very moment, Karl still had to be a good child who listened to his parents.
At least on the surface.
…
“Karl, I have specifically invited a renowned scholar this time; you must listen carefully.
It will be of great use in the future.”
A few days later in the morning, his mother reminded him once again while straightening his collar.
Karl, however, put on a bored expression.
Karl’s mother was extremely dedicated to his education.
All parents were like that, but her enthusiasm was noticeably excessive.
“Karl, a person must live with dignity; observe more, learn more.”
Does that mean Father doesn’t live with dignity?
“Also, whatever you do, do not learn from your father.
Absolutely not.”
As expected.
“It would be better if you just forgot about your father.”
Well…
actually, ever since that “falling from the horse incident,” his mother had tried her best to prevent Karl from meeting that father of his.
Archduke Otto also seemed happy to have the leisure, rarely returning to this family castle on the shores of Lake Wörthersee.
Karl could understand.
After all, when the man who was a husband and father would go running around as a naked knight whenever he got drunk, it would be strange not to be sensitive about it.
Mother Maria Josepha was originally a princess of the Kingdom of Saxony, of noble birth, yet her only husband had turned out like this; how could she not harbor resentment in her heart?
Perhaps she wished she could bury his father somewhere where no one could find him, but in reality, she couldn’t, so she poured all her focus into her child instead.
Karl’s father also seemed to have completely lost heart regarding his mother’s ways and hardly ever came home.
He was likely off somewhere else, drinking and making merry with a mistress.
He truly lived out a life of debauchery for all to see; it was both ridiculous and a little bit enviable.
After all, isn’t the reason people want power so they can live such a self-indulgent life?
In any case, in this era, the duty of a young royal was only one thing—studying.
Just as in modern times, even if life was tight, parents would never be stingy about investing in their children’s education; how could this era be any different?
His mother had assembled a team of private tutors for Karl, all of whom were illustrious scholars and nobles.
Truly worthy of royalty.
The ones teaching a child who hadn’t even been to school were not just any college students found on the street, but figures of this caliber.
For the education of a young child, it seemed somewhat overly grand, but in this era, the status of royalty was extraordinary.
Rather than saying it was excessive, it was more that everyone wanted to squeeze in, competing to teach the royalty; after all, this was a credential that could be written into one’s resume and bring glory to one’s family in the future.
Of course, Karl, the one who actually had to receive this education from the tutors, could only sigh in his heart.
History, literature, science, mathematics, and languages—all were present; he also had to take additional courses in theology and philosophy.
As he grew older, even more difficult courses and military-related content would follow in quick succession.
Yet Karl accepted it.
Since he had set the goal of ensuring the survival of this dying empire, how could he be crushed by this small amount of studying?
In fact, the education Karl was currently receiving was insignificant compared to what Crown Prince Rudolf Franz Karl Joseph, who committed suicide in the historical Mayerling incident, had endured.
According to historical records, from the age of seven, he woke up to the sound of gunfire and was trained under strict military discipline akin to a barracks, with a suffocating number of subjects.
Even by the standards of the late 19th century, such an education could be called cruel or even barbaric.
By comparison, Karl’s mother seemed like a perfectly ordinary parent.
Karl had no complaints.
Learning is a lifelong endeavor anyway, so how difficult could it really be?
The number of subjects was dizzying, but they were ultimately at a level appropriate for a child.
For Karl, who had experienced the trials of the Gaokao in his previous life and fought through a sea of practice problems, this was not enough to crush him.
Moreover, he had ample motivation: to achieve his goals, he had to study.
After all, as a member of the imperial family, he didn’t need to start from scratch or charge ahead recklessly.
Wouldn’t it be wiser to study hard, earn his mother’s trust and praise, and then get more pocket money and secure more resources?
Just look at this Wörthersee Castle where their family lived; it wasn’t just grand, it was magnificent.
By studying diligently, he could not only solidify his status as a royal and win his parents’ trust but even gain access to the family’s connections and influence earlier.
Given that, how could he not study?
He might as well show some filial piety early on and, while he was at it, “live off” the family’s legacy to accumulate his first pot of gold and his first network of connections for his grand future plans.
…
The tutor of a young royal.
It was an honorable position to teach the imperial family, but that didn’t mean they were without worries.
Imparting one’s knowledge to others is one thing, but if the student is a child, it is several times more difficult than teaching an ordinary student.
Little children, especially those not yet of primary school age, could be described as nothing less than natural disasters.
Children of this age are cunning enough to give adults headaches; they can distinguish who is superior and who is inferior just by the atmosphere.
To put it bluntly, what if the young royal ran crying to the Archduke or Archduchess, pointed at the tutor, and said they didn’t like them?
Of course, adults would mostly think it was just a child’s tantrum and the matter wouldn’t escalate.
But for the tutor witnessing this, their heart would likely sink halfway, and their reputation in these circles would suffer.
This was an empire with an Emperor, and Karl was royalty.
However, Karl completely shattered the anxieties of the tutors who came to teach him.
The first to arrive was a historian named Ludwig von Bergmann, in his fifties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and sporting a meticulously trimmed gray beard.
“I never expected such a warm reception…”
When Karl and his mother personally went to the castle foyer to greet him, Professor von Bergmann looked deeply moved, took off his hat, and bowed his head in respect.
Karl was royalty.
As long as he was neither humble nor arrogant, treated others with courtesy, and showed respect, it was impossible for the other person not to feel well-disposed toward him.
Based on the first impression alone, Karl had already gained the upper hand.
“Hehe, this child said he wanted to come out and greet you personally,”
His mother, Maria Josepha, said with a smile, appearing happy that Karl was so sensible.
Even for royalty, one should maintain etiquette when facing subordinates.
Isn’t the foundation of royalty character and an elegant, proper demeanor?
“I am truly overwhelmed by Your Highness’s hospitality.”
Even though Karl was just a child, since he was royalty and his mother, the Archduchess, had personally appeared, it would be strange if the professor wasn’t moved.
Like this time, Professor Bergmann initially didn’t seem accustomed to teaching royalty; his face was full of tension and his tone was somewhat stiff when he began the first lesson.
But Karl just sat quietly, looking at him with focused eyes and nodding occasionally.
The professor soon discovered that this child was not only not noisy, but also seemed to be truly listening.
He gradually relaxed, and his explanations became smooth and vivid.
But was he satisfied so soon?
A certain someone wasn’t going to stop there.
When the professor spoke of Maximilian I’s marriage policy and the famous quote, “Let others wage war; you, happy Austria, marry!” (Tu felix Austria nube!), he casually mentioned a few related place names and years.
“So, Your Highness, through marriage alliances, we acquired the Burgundian inheritance, including the wealthy Netherlands…”
“Teacher,” Karl suddenly spoke, his voice still carrying the clear ring of a child,
“You just said that Maximilian I married Mary of Burgundy in 1477.
So, their suppression of the Ghent rebellion and the establishment of control over the Netherlands was in the early 1480s, right?
Also, the marriage of their son, Philip ‘the Handsome,’ to Joanna of Castile was in 1496, correct?”
Professor von Bergmann was stunned.
“How…
how is this possible!
You have already understood?
And you remembered these years?”
Although the current content wasn’t profound, it was at a level that an ordinary adult would only remember with some knowledge of history.
A child this small, after hearing it only once…?
Karl laughed in his heart.
No matter how difficult the content, it was only at a level an ordinary adult could understand.
He had been a highly educated modern person in his previous life, and after transmigrating, he felt even smarter, possessing an adult’s comprehension.
It was impossible for him not to understand.
As soon as it was explained, Karl memorized it all on the spot and understood it rapidly.
Not throwing tantrums, being able to focus for long periods, and then absorbing quickly.
This much performance was enough.
Looking at Karl’s performance, an expression of disbelief gradually appeared on the tutor’s face, followed by a look of enraptured delight.
“Your Highness is truly exceptionally brilliant.”
“It is all because you teach so well, teacher.”
“Hehehe.”
Game over.
Respect from royalty, genius-level learning ability, plus a bit of well-timed flattery—what tutor wouldn’t love such a student?
In the following days, mathematics, basic science, languages…
every new teacher experienced a similar shock.
“Your Highness is undoubtedly a genius…”
“Ah?”
After the lesson ended, Professor von Bergmann caught Karl’s mother in the study and spoke with great solemnity.
“Your Highness is indeed a genius!”
The sudden assertion left his mother a bit dazed, while the tutor spoke volubly, gushing about exactly how much of a genius Karl was.
“I say it again, Madam, His Highness is undoubtedly a genius.
From the beginning, I felt he was extraordinary, and only after truly entering the classroom did I personally experience that, unlike ordinary children, he even surpasses adult men…”
In the late 19th century, Karl’s tutor was personally demonstrating what it meant to do an impromptu rap.
Most scholars of that era had received training in classical rhetoric and oratory; these seamless long sentences were like an exaggerated variation of an academic lecture.
The tutor’s erudition certainly lived up to its reputation; his praise for Karl even far exceeded Karl’s own expectations.
It’s no wonder; people are always willing to believe what learned men say.
And isn’t this the fun of “offspring gacha”?
People only enjoy themselves when they see a return on their investment.
Although the teacher spoke so fast that the content was almost unintelligible, Karl’s mother, Maria Josepha, had already gotten the gist.
This Archduchess had suffered many setbacks in her marriage and had now poured all her hope and effort into her son.
Hearing such an evaluation, the joy in her heart was naturally beyond words.
In the way she looked at Karl, it was as if she could already see the day he would “become a dragon.”