"Hot air balloon?" Arnock exclaimed in surprise, "That thing used for high-altitude performances?"
"Yes." Ramsdorf nodded. "It can monitor enemy troop movements from the sky, far more efficient than hussars.
This time, we have the same weapon as the French, and far more troops than they do—if we count the British, more than twice as many as the French Army—plus ample war funds. We are bound to wash away the shame of three years ago!"
At that moment, the speaker also shouted loudly: "The goddess of victory will forever favor us! Long live a united Germany!"
Immediately, an excited cheer erupted in the hall.
...
Vienna.
In front of the main gate of Schonbrunn Palace, the Austrian Foreign Minister Ludwig von Kobitzel frowned at the empty square, muttering to himself: "The British are late. We must do everything we can to prevent him from meeting His Majesty the Emperor."
