The world turned its attention to the attempted assassination of the Austro-Hungarian heir. After all, Austria was not a weak country, but a great power capable of shaking the European order.
Sparks flying from the great powers could ignite the entire world at any moment. Tension was, naturally, the expected reaction.
However, to the surprise of many, Austria's ultimatum to Serbia was milder than expected.
The terms of the ultimatum indeed contained content that touched upon Serbian sovereignty, but in the eyes of the European intelligentsia at the time, Austria was already being quite restrained.
It was an era where colonial empires flourished, and it was not uncommon for strong nations to annex weaker ones for profit. Now, the Austro-Hungarian heir had nearly been assassinated, with two lives almost lost, yet Austria was still willing to resolve the issue through diplomatic means, which itself implied they were suppressing their anger.
Had it been another great power, marching troops directly into the country at this point would not have been surprising at all.
However—
Austria-Hungary's ultimatum was rejected by Serbia.
The entire European public sphere was shaken.
Many European intellectuals, who prided themselves on being rational and civilized, were almost dumbfounded, feeling that this country had truly gone mad.
The international diplomatic situation suddenly accelerated, and the first to become restless was Britain.
In later generations, people often attributed more than half of the world's troubles to this empire, calling it a troublemaker, but at least when it came to maintaining peace on the European continent, Britain had always been serious.
The British Empire needed to exploit its colonies across the globe to maintain its blood circulation; it could not tolerate a major war breaking out in Europe that would tear itself apart.
Europe was never a place where one could easily act; once war began, it wouldn't be a few fingers that were severed, but the entire arm.
So, Britain volunteered to play the role of mediator, calling out loudly.
Why don't we all sit down and discuss this issue properly?
Facing Britain's proposal, the German Empire's response was as cold as a drawn sword.
This is a matter between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, and other great powers must not interfere.
A familiar taste.
The German Empire had always been like this, charging recklessly and without restraint. France, meanwhile, remained silent, patiently observing what the Russian Empire would do next.
As for the Russian Empire—
"Are we still going to endure this?"
"Exactly! Since when did we need to act according to Europe's whims?!"
"Europe's recent attitude is extremely displeasing. It should be them who are wary of the Russian Empire!"
"We must make all of Europe experience fear, let them know who truly cannot be ignored!"
The military's resentment almost burst through the roof. But it wasn't just the military that was angry. When had the Russian Empire ever gotten used to being treated as a fool to be used at will?
This series of recent humiliations was all thanks to those damned Germanic countries.
In the Bosnian Crisis, Austria-Hungary stabbed Russia in the back, causing the Tsarist government to lose face on the international stage; and the German Empire stood with Austria, taking the opportunity to continuously extract concessions from Russia, treating it as a disposable pawn.
Even the most obtuse person, when repeatedly used, should notice. How could the Russian Empire not understand?
They had gained nothing, and those damned Germans had already proven themselves completely untrustworthy.
"Now they even want us to abandon Serbia? Absolutely impossible!"
Initially, the Russian Empire was not unable to understand Austria-Hungary's anger. For a monarchical state, an attempted assassination of its heir made any strong reaction seem reasonable.
But when the problem came down to practical terms, it was an entirely different matter.
"If that ultimatum is accepted, Serbia will sooner or later become a vassal of Austria. By then, the Balkans will be finished! Are we just going to hand over the entire Balkan Peninsula to Austria?!"
"But if we intervene, the German Empire will likely support Austria-Hungary."
"That's precisely why we cannot retreat! Look at the German Empire; they always push forward forcefully with their brute courage, and what's the result? They gain advantages time and again! The Russian Empire should also learn this attitude!"
"That's right! When have we ever feared war? Now is the time to teach Austria a lesson!"
The Russian Empire had reached its limit of patience. Especially Austria-Hungary, this neighbor was truly a thorn in their side.
Back when the Imperial Guard was first established in the Galicia region, many scoffed that it was merely a young royal's army game. But now, the Imperial Guard's scale had continuously expanded, and even the Russian military had to take this threat seriously.
Moreover, after Polish nationalists committed terrorist attacks and assassinations in Russian Poland, they often fled to Galicia for refuge. That land had long become a hotbed of instability.
The military finally burst into the Tsar's presence.
"Your Majesty, we absolutely cannot abandon Serbia! It is a country of our kin; how can we easily give it up?!"
"But Austria does indeed have a legitimate reason."
"Your Majesty, if we stand by, Serbia will sooner or later fall completely under Austrian influence, and eventually turn against us!"
"Hmm... Is that so?"
"In Austria's eyes, Serbia has always been a thorn in their throat. This time, they will surely seize the opportunity to completely draw Serbia into the pro-Austrian camp and turn it hostile towards the Russian Empire! Wasn't the stab in Bosnia delivered by Austria?"
"…"
Tsar Nicholas II began to waver.
In fact, Serbia was almost Russia's only reliable foothold in the Balkan Peninsula. It could both expand influence and contain Austria from both the north and south. Giving it up like this would be too great a pity.
"But I heard that our war preparations are not fully adequate..."
"It's certainly not perfect. But since the defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the military has made tremendous efforts to reorganize! Moreover, looking at the great powers, which army would lose to Austria? Besides, the Austrian military's operational plans have long been thoroughly understood by intelligence agencies!"
"But what about the German Empire?"
"And France! Our ally France will tie down the German Empire; as long as Germany cannot go all out, we can concentrate our forces to defeat Austria!"
"...Good. Go tell Serbia that the Russian Empire will protect you."
Tsar Nicholas II made his decision.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs then sent a strong message to Britain, which had proposed mediation, with barely concealed meaning: Weren't you on our side? Why are you still pretending to be neutral? Don't be annoying, pick a side.
Meanwhile, the telegram sent to Serbia was even shorter.
We support you.
Naturally, this decision sparked fierce opposition domestically. Even though it concerned Serbia, directly moving towards war was seen by many as an overly reckless choice.
Even Rasputin, known as the Empire's Shadow, uncharacteristically stepped forward to dissuade him.
"Your Majesty, war is absolutely not an option."
But this time, the Tsar did not back down.