The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1976 Climbing High
Franz was not a fan of spectacle, but he did build some, including the twelve-story Union Power Department Store in Vienna.

To be honest, this skyscraper completely exceeded the imagination of Europeans at that time; they had never imagined that buildings could be so tall.

Europe does have tall buildings, but whether those, mostly church spires, can be considered modern architecture is debatable.

Not to mention that its scale is completely incomparable to the wonders created by Franz.

Due to the Industrial Revolution, human confidence is expanding like never before, and countries have tried building high-rise buildings, but the tallest buildings in Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire still do not exceed eight stories.

It was the Americans who built the first skyscraper in Philadelphia, the ten-story Jain Building.

But that was almost the limit of architecture at the time, and many people believed that only the legendary Tower of Babel could break through ten stories.

However, the Austrians quickly built their Tower of Babel. In fact, if Franz hadn't stopped them, the engineers of the Austrian Empire would have built it even higher.

At that time, the structures were still mainly made of brick, stone and cast iron, but the Austrian Empire had already entered the era of reinforced concrete.

Extensive practice has proven that this structure is stable and reliable, and over the years, engineers in the Austrian Empire have accumulated considerable experience.

So everything happened naturally, and even the ordinary people of Austria didn't find it strange, since in their minds buildings seemed to be getting taller and taller.

However, tourists from other countries don't have this kind of transition in mind, and they might be a little surprised to suddenly see such a tall building.

Furthermore, the auction on the eleventh floor made it even more famous, so someone had a brilliant idea: to go to the twelfth floor and experience the feeling of being on top of the world.

This idea received a response from royal families around the world; in fact, these people had had this idea for a long time.

However, at this time, the twelfth floor was the royal territory of the Austrian Empire, and only a small number of high-ranking officials of the Austrian Empire and people with meritorious service could ascend to this Viennese, or possibly the highest point of man-made buildings in Europe.

In fact, the desire for height is ingrained in people's bones. When the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, artists and intellectuals throughout Paris and even throughout Europe scoffed at it.

From the very beginning of the Eiffel Tower's construction, Maupassant, along with Alexandre Dumas père, Alexandre Dumas fils, and dozens of other Parisian celebrities and academic elites, opposed its construction.

By 1889, when the Eiffel Tower was completed, this number had risen to 380. This does not include foreigners who opposed the Eiffel Tower.

These European celebrities all felt that the Eiffel Tower was an industrial nightmare, the most vicious dagger stuck in the soil of Paris.
However, in its first year of operation, the Eiffel Tower attracted more than two million visitors, including the Prince of Wales (later King of Great Britain), Alexander III (later Tsar of Russia), and other nobles, politicians, artists, and scholars.
It has been proven that humanity's desire to look down upon the world is real, intense, and universal, regardless of whether one is an ordinary citizen or an elite.

The kings are in a similar situation right now; they are eager to see for themselves.

But they don't usually have the opportunity, after all, they also have to save face, they can't just come all the way to Vienna just to go shopping in department stores.

Now that we've all gathered together, it's not so embarrassing anymore.

It's also a topic of conversation for royalty and the upper class, since they've gone to places others can't.

There's also the possibility of seeing someone there, or hearing some news.

This kind of gossip may seem boring, but it is actually a kind of intangible capital.

Moreover, there is an unwritten rule in traditional European diplomacy that refusing an invitation is tantamount to dissatisfaction and unwillingness to cooperate.

In such situations, even the smallest action can be amplified into a strong political signal and trigger a serious diplomatic crisis.

None of the guests, not even Prince Albert and Tsar Nicholas I, dared to refuse. Only Maximilian refused, and his reason was simple: he had been there before and didn't think it was anything special.

Actually, some people went there specifically to ride the elevator, since there aren't many elevators in the world right now, and even if there were, they wouldn't be this high.

Modern people may not find riding an elevator anything new, but at this time it is definitely a very novel experience, and for many people it is no different from magic.

Historically, many early buildings with elevators witnessed the spectacle of long queues for tickets, with some even offering VIP services, much like modern-day Disneyland.

Originally, according to the calculations of the engineers in the Austrian Empire, a set of steel cables should last for one or two years, but in reality, the steel cables of the elevators at the Union Power Department Store were forced to be scrapped after only two months.

(Modern elevator cables can typically last for more than ten years, or even several decades.)
Not only steel cables, but also two sets of traction machines were prepared.

It's not just ordinary people; many European celebrities also make a special trip to Vienna to ride this super-long elevator.

It's not that other countries don't have elevators, but the feeling of being on the fifth floor and the eleventh floor is different.

Many important figures make experiencing the elevator the first thing they do when they arrive in Vienna, and then go to the tenth floor for a meal and to enjoy the view.

If I had some more money, I might go to the auction on the eleventh floor to broaden my horizons.
However, these most powerful people in Europe want to climb even higher, so Franz had no choice but to close the United Forces department store to cater specifically to them.

In fact, there were even more outrageous ideas within the Austrian Empire. Some people thought that the banquet should be moved to the Royal Opera House to show the grandeur of the empire.

Franz had absolutely no interest in this; the cost of the modifications alone was enough to deter most people. And the most important issue wasn't the expense, but rather the safety.

Too many people have been to the Royal Opera House, and Franz still hoped to receive these troublesome guests in a place he was familiar with.

The next day, early in the morning.

Soldiers formed human walls on both sides of the street, while outside these walls stood crowds of people who had come to watch the spectacle. After all, it was rare to see so many members of the royal family gathered together, let alone the important figures who had come after hearing the news.

However, it was the advent of railways and telegraphs that made it possible to travel across borders to learn about these things. Without railways, they would not have been able to get there at all, and without telegraphs, they would have had no way of knowing these news.

The scene was truly awe-inspiring; the sight of royal guards from various countries carrying their colorful flags was enough to make it unforgettable.

The carefully selected honor guards from various countries are sure to impress. Vienna, the art capital, is no exception, with its talented planners creating motorcades that resemble military parades.

Flags fluttered in the wind. Black eagles, white eagles, double-headed eagles, lilies, crosses, lions, crowns, shields, and ribbons swept past one by one.

The different colors, styles, and even appearances of the military uniforms are dazzling, especially the medals and gold and silver ornaments that shimmer in the sunlight, making it hard to tell whether it is the light of wealth or the light of the sun.

Although the road was dangerous, the caravan moved very slowly. Royal caravans were not allowed to travel at high speeds, as this would appear unsettling and damage their dignity.

Even if there is an explosion ahead, or even if someone is lying in ambush, we should walk instead of drive.

Franz, of course, wouldn't let things get out of control, so anyone suspected was apprehended and questioned. The bustling scene on the streets was the result of the hard work of hundreds of thousands of security personnel and the sacrifices of countless undercover agents.

The arrangement of royal carriages is actually a science, and there are many ways to do it. However, Franz chose the most basic method: sorting by title rank.

The first order of natural emperors, namely Franz and Nicholas I, followed by kings, grand dukes, princes, dukes, crown princes, princes, prime ministers, and foreign ministers.
At this time, Victoria had not yet obtained the title of Queen of India, so even if she were to arrive in person, she would only be ranked second.

But here comes the most troublesome question: who comes first in the list, the Holy Roman Emperor or the Tsar of Russia? Does coming first mean that the latter has a higher status?

Fortunately, Franz had made preparations long ago, and the streets of the Austrian Empire were wide enough to accommodate two caravans traveling side by side.

However, Nicholas I went even further. Since his carriage wasn't grand enough, he decided to hitch a ride with Franz.
This undoubtedly provides Europe with a great deal of talking point right now. Journalists are thrilled, feeling that their money's worth, but politicians and their staff are having a real headache because of it.

No one knows what will happen in this world afterward, nor does anyone know what the two sides are plotting.

In reality, Nicholas I didn't bring his own carriage; he felt that using Alexander's carriage would be even more embarrassing, so he chose to do so.

In fact, not only outsiders, but even Franz felt that Nicholas I had something very important to discuss.

However, Nicholas I reiterated his previous stance, still seeking a breakthrough on land. Franz also understood Nicholas I's meaning; the latter seemed to be using this method to escape his ministers and political struggles.

There was no doubt that there were great divisions within Russia. Nicholas I felt that moving the capital was inevitable, but the vested interest groups in Russia did not want to do so, and they rejected any possibility of a reshuffling.

Franz repeated what he had said before, but he also revealed to Nicholas I that Prince Albert had sought loans for the British government.

As for why Prince Albert wasn't allowed to go to Nicholas I himself, that involves the issue of a chain of suspicion.

If Franz were to reveal Nicholas I's information to Britain, it would likely be seen as a betrayal, not only failing to facilitate the deal but also greatly increasing the likelihood of incurring resentment.

However, revealing the British government's difficulties to the Tsar is not enough; in fact, if he can facilitate a deal, Prince Albert will thank him.

Then came the elevator ride. The reason for taking the elevator was that the destination was on the twelfth floor. If these powerful and wealthy people were to walk, they would probably be sweating profusely and their legs would be weak. Moreover, many people came specifically to take the elevator.

In fact, these elevators have been modified overnight. All parts have been replaced and multiple safety locks have been installed. In addition, a backup animal power system has been temporarily installed to prevent the possibility of both systems malfunctioning at the same time.

Indeed, the most stable and reliable energy source in this era remains animal power.
"Is this birdcage what they call an elevator? Can't we just take the birdcage apart and let the air in?"

Nicholas I spoke with a strong voice.

Franz shook his head, but pointed to another elevator with a glass shell.

"If you want to enjoy the scenery along the way, you can take that one, but I don't recommend it for people who are riding an elevator for the first time."

Nicholas I glanced at it and gave the following assessment.

"It's just a glass jar. I don't think it needs any outer shell at all."

With the roar of the steam engine, the carriage was slowly lifted, and Nicholas I immediately gripped the handrail tightly, sweat pouring down his forehead.

His feet unconsciously wanted to press closer to the ground, and he reclined ramrod straight back in his chair. Fortunately, he was surrounded by close confidants from both sides, and no one recorded the Tsar's disgraceful behavior.

Even as the elevator doors reopened, Nicholas I remained clenched in his teeth, refusing to let go. However, he refrained from shouting, thus preserving some dignity.

After a long while, he finally uttered a few words.

"Can I ride it again?"

Franz said with a hint of helplessness.

“Father-in-law, we are here to attend a banquet. Once things are settled here, I can have an elevator installed for you in the palace in Constantinople.”

Nicholas I was momentarily embarrassed, so he resorted to laughing out loud to try and cover up his embarrassment.

"You keep your word?"

Nicholas I believed that elevators must be a core technology of the Austrian Empire, so he found it hard to believe at first.

"Keep your word."

Elevators are indeed a new technology, but there is absolutely no need to keep it a secret. In fact, businessmen have already publicly demonstrated this technology, and there are even dedicated elevator companies.

However, at that time, most companies' elevators were still very primitive and were often referred to as "expensive toys" rather than means of transportation.

Austrian Empire had relatively mature elevator technology, but regardless of its maturity, it was virtually impossible to gain access to the Russian market.

The chances of the Russians making money by replicating elevator technology are almost zero, so Franz doesn't mind sharing it.

Of course, a backdoor was also left open: if Russia were to open its market one day, Austrian elevators would inevitably sell like hotcakes because of the Tsar's influence.

Afterwards, royalty and high-ranking officials from other countries also entered the elevator one by one. Apart from a few people who had experience riding elevators, the others were somewhat out of sorts.

"Oh my God! This is absolutely outrageous! I feel like my insides are going to fall out!"

"My hemorrhoids."

However, most people have a relatively positive opinion of it.

"It's a novel feeling. To be honest, William I quite likes this feeling of weightlessness. It's more interesting than boating or riding a horse."

Will this thing change the world?

Bismarck, on the other hand, remained calm.

No.

After all, he had visited Vienna many times before.

Of course, some people scoff at this.

"This is practically a moving coffin! The Austrians are insulting us, treating us like miners."

Viscount Stratford was unusually angry, because he had indeed seen something similar: a hanging basket in a mine.

However, Prince Albert quickly stopped his complaints.

"Your Excellency, please watch your words. It's understandable that you're excited to ride an elevator for the first time, but please don't say things that are detrimental to peace."