Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 416 The King's Visit
"Unfortunately, aside from providing military funding, I don't seem to be able to offer Austria any other assistance," Naserdin said.

Maximilian almost believed it, if he hadn't noticed the upturn of Naserdin's lips.

"I've heard that your country has a mercenary corps. I wonder how much they cost?"

At this time, various countries had their own foreign mercenaries, such as the French Foreign Legion, which consisted of foreign volunteers and participated in wars such as the conquest of Algeria.

Iran, on the other hand, formed a mercenary group composed of retired Iranian soldiers and Arabs from the desert. They occasionally took on side jobs, but their main role was to act as the Shah's black gloves.

"That depends on what you need."

Maximilian immediately said, "My brother has already said that the Venice region is unstable recently and some people are needed to go there to stabilize the situation."

Nasserdin nodded. Iran has significant investments in Venice, as do neighboring Croatia and Vienna, and the Italian unrest has jeopardized those investments. It makes sense to have a private protection force to safeguard these investments, doesn't it?
“如果贵国愿意派遣军团，奥地利会为每人提供250克朗的年薪。要是受伤会有600克朗，要是牺牲的话他的家庭可以获得2050克朗的慰问金。”（1里亚尔=1.5克朗）

This amounted to far more money than the amount spent on soldiers in Austria itself; Franz had truly spared no expense. Naserdin's eyes flickered.

"So many, it seems the relationship between Austria and Prussia is quite tense." Naserdin pondered for a moment. "You know, those Italians seem even more agitated than the French. If they continue to cause trouble in the Apennines, I'm afraid there will never be peace here."

Maximilian knew that Nasserdin had agreed. Sometimes you don't need to say it explicitly; just hinting at it is enough.

"Oh, by the way, how about you try taking it a step further?"

Maximilian was baffled by these words. What did he mean by "going a step further" and "being crowned emperor"?

Following Nasserdin's gaze, Maximilian looked at Spain on the map. He stared at Nasserdin incredulously, "Is this really going to work?"

"Uncertain, but there's a chance."

Spain has been in decline since the beginning of the 19th century, its former glory long gone. Spanish kings have become increasingly incompetent, with the current Queen Isabella II being a particularly disruptive force. The Carthaginian Wars, a struggle for the throne, erupted during her childhood. After she assumed personal rule, the liberal opposition in Spain grew stronger, and this period was characterized by frequent court intrigues and coups, forcing her to rely on frequent changes of government to manage the situation.

From 1834 to the present, Spain has had 34 different governments, promulgated 7 constitutions, and launched 15 uprisings, with various corrupt cliques rising to power. Isabella II herself led a dissolute and decadent life, sometimes interfering in domestic politics in capricious and irrational ways. The Queen seemed to have a particular fondness for reactionary elements in the military and church, which made her even more detestable in the eyes of the Spanish people.

"No, there's no chance. France won't agree."

Maximilian was well aware that Napoleon III's France would not agree to this. Historically, France had been repeatedly attacked from both sides by the Habsburgs, so they would certainly oppose it immediately.

“How will you know if you don’t try? Of course, not now, but we can start by getting moving.” Maximilian unconsciously stroked the rim of his wine glass, the shimmering light reflecting off the crystal casting shifting shadows on his face. The Spanish crown—the thought slithered into his mind like a venomous snake. He recalled the rumors he’d heard in Madrid last year: Isabella II’s reign was crumbling, and even the palace guards were privately complaining about the Queen’s debauchery.

"Do you know how many troops the French have deployed in the Pyrenees?" he asked in a low voice.

Naserdin chuckled. "As far as I know, France hasn't finished cleaning up the mess in the Americas and Algeria. Besides, they have a special affection for Spain."

Napoleon III's uncle had even more to say on this matter, often saying, "Why is it always so bad in Spain?" The Spanish festering wound ultimately contributed to the downfall of his empire.

Maximilian suddenly realized the danger of the conversation. The monarch before him, with his Persian turban, was wielding power across the European continent. But what alarmed him even more was his own racing heart—the blood of the Habsburg family was boiling in his veins.

“Suppose,” he carefully chose his words, “I mean suppose there’s an opportunity, what substantial support could Iran offer?”

“An emergency loan of 4 million rials, 20,000 rifles, and 150 artillery pieces,” Nasserdin said. “If successful, further aid will be provided, provided that Iran invests in Spanish industries.”

Ah, so all this talk was just to wait here. Iran is desperate to make money from Europe. Its investments in Austria and Sicily bring in over ten million rials annually, and now it's eyeing Spain.

“I need to think about this matter. As you know, succession to the European throne is not an easy thing.”

"I understand, please get some rest."

That night, Maximilian tossed and turned in his bedchamber, unable to sleep. Moonlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting the Habsburg double-headed eagle emblem a strange purple hue. He rose to write a secret letter, but hesitated as he sealed it with wax—the wax seal hung suspended in mid-air, eventually settling outside the letterbox addressed to Vienna.

Spain—this country was constantly on his mind. He thought of his ancestor, Maximilian I, the Holy Roman Emperor who shared his name, who used marriage alliances and an iron fist to link the Habsburgs with Spain. By the time of Charles V, the Habsburgs were the most powerful family in the world, and no country could defeat them.

Later, the Spanish Habsburgs died out. They fought a war with France for over a decade over the Spanish Succession, which ultimately resulted in the Bourbon ruling the throne. This continues to this day.

He didn't know if Spain still welcomed the Habsburgs; perhaps they would be driven out, or perhaps they would become the new kings. But what about France? No, no, perhaps...

With that thought in mind, he made his final decision.

Three days later, at the farewell ceremony, the military band played "God Save the King." As Maximilian embraced the Shah in front of the special train, he felt something slip into his sleeve. Only after the train left Tehran did he check in his compartment; it was a note that read: Chairman of the Barcelona branch of the Golden Lion Company.

(End of this chapter)