Holy Roman Empire

Berne, affected by the tension in the European situation, Switzerland, a neutral country, also had its difficulties.

Contrary to what later generations of keyboard warriors might think, Switzerland, the "Roof of Europe," indeed had a significant strategic location.

On the contrary, Switzerland, which lies at the heart of Western Europe, next to Austria in the east, neighboring Italy in the south, bordering France in the west, and connected to Baden and Württemberg in the north, has always been an important European thoroughfare with vital strategic importance.

Due to its mountainous terrain, Switzerland has many strategic points, for example, St. Gotthard and St. Bernard, which have always been hotly contested by military strategists.

As the European war drew near, Switzerland, as a neutral country, became the center of the storm, and deciding which side to take became a difficult problem.

Bernhard Heimer, who was the presiding chairman, had unfortunately encountered this situation. The only comfort he had was that, for now, the countries were mainly using incentives, and had not forcefully coerced them into taking sides.

This was an inevitable result, as Switzerland was easy to defend but hard to attack, and it had the famous Swiss mercenaries. Anyone with clear sight could tell it was a tough bone to chew.

Under the militia system, Switzerland could potentially field an army of three to five hundred thousand. Although the Swiss were still poor and couldn't fully equip such a large force.

But once they took sides, these would no longer be issues, as neither France nor Austria would complain about having too many soldiers on their side.

Bernhard Heimer explained, "Your Excellency Envoy, Switzerland is a neutral country, and we will not get involved in the conflicts of Europe."

He had said similar things countless times before, but visitors kept coming incessantly.

To most people, it seemed like he was holding out for a better offer, but Bernhard Heimer himself knew he truly did not want Switzerland to get involved in the European conflicts.

There was no way around it, Switzerland's national resources were too scant. Defending the homeland could still leverage geographical advantages, but attacking in a war would just mean brute force.

For a small country like Switzerland, getting involved in the Franco-Austrian conflict meant limited gains if they won, but if they lost, they'd lose everything, a definite loss-making proposition.

The Austrian diplomat Eli Decas shook his head, "Your Excellency, do not speak so definitively. In this world, many things are done out of necessity.

If possible, we would not wish to engage in this war either, but the French will not agree.

You must be aware of the extent of French ambition. If we do not stand up to prevent them from expanding into Central Europe now, we will eventually suffer greatly."

Bernhard Heimer remained silent, having internally criticized the situation numerous times. Essentially, the French ambition was something that Austria had indulged.

If Austria had not allowed the French to swallow Italy in the south, there would not be a powerful French Empire today, and there would be no present bother.

Wishes aside, it was utterly impossible to voice such opinions. Switzerland also needed Austria to step forward at this point because if the French annexed Belgium and the Rhineland region, Switzerland would really be in danger.

"Your Excellency Envoy, it is indeed crucial to contain French expansion, but our capabilities are limited, and we really do not have the capacity to mix into this war."

Joining the war was out of the question, impossible in this lifetime. As for actions to contain the French, we'll just have to support them in spirit.

Eli Decas wasn't at all surprised by Bernhard Heimer's refusal. Without tangible benefits, just the containment of French expansion wasn't enough to make the Swiss risk their lives.

"Very well, if your country is unwilling to enter the war, you may remain neutral for the time being.

Just allow our troops to pass through your checkpoints at the crucial moment and catch the French by surprise. That will suffice.

In return, after the war, your country can acquire the Comte region. If your country is willing to send troops, you may also receive the Savoie region."

It must be acknowledged, Austria was very generous in distributing benefits. Even Bernhard Heimer, who was determined to stay neutral, felt somewhat tempted.

The Comte region, including Doubs, Jura, Haute-Saone, and the Belfort area, spans over 16,202 square kilometers, equivalent to two-fifths of Switzerland.

If the Savoie region were also included, that would amount to more than half of Switzerland's territory. That was the limit; any more would be too much for Switzerland to digest.

After hesitating for a moment, Bernhard Heimer still resisted the temptation. No matter how great the benefit, it would only materialize after defeating the French—if they lost in battle, they would have nothing.

On paper, Austria's side seemed to have a clear advantage, but the renown of the French Army was far-reaching.

Napoleon had also defeated the Anti-French Alliance under the disadvantage, and no one knew whether the French would replicate the miracle of their ancestors, so Bernhard Heimer dared not take the risk with them.

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Envoy. We have no territorial ambitions over France; Switzerland is a small country and has never thought of expansion," he said.

He had to refuse. If he showed indecision at this time and word got out that Switzerland was eyeing French territory, the Swiss Government would not be able to cover it up if the French found out.

Eli Decas smiled and said, "No need to worry, Excellency. After the war, the French will be too busy to ask for these lands from your country.

You must know, a large part of French territory was taken by force, and it will definitely be returned to its original owners after the war."

For example, the sub-states in the Italian Area will regain their independence, they have to return Upper Pyrenees they took from Spain, and they need to give back Lorraine and Alsace they occupied in the Germany Region, as well as the north...

"If your country is concerned about security issues, Austria can offer you protection, and after the war, we will also sign a treaty to jointly contain France," Eli offered.

After hearing Eli Decas's explanation, Bernhard Heimer's heart was disturbed. If Austria's plan succeeded, the Greater French Empire would shrink by at least half.

As long as the nations kept their promises, France would lose the possibility of rising again. Even if Napoleon were resurrected, the neighbors would not give him the chance to grow strong again.

If that was all, Switzerland would also be one of the beneficiaries, and Bernhard Heimer had absolutely no reason to object.

However, with the division of spoils, Austria's dominance in Europe would be established, which was not what Bernhard Heimer wanted to see.

Austria might seem harmless now and seldom caused trouble on the European Continent, but nobody knew whether a future Austria as the European hegemon would remain submissive.

If the situation changed and Austria set its sights on Switzerland, they would be in danger.

It wasn't impossible—this was the ancestral land of the Habsburg dynasty, and nearly every Habsburg Monarch had designs on this area.

After calming down, Bernhard Heimer flatly refused, "Your Excellency Envoy, Switzerland is a neutral country, and this was established during the Vienna conference period.

This is our fundamental national policy and will not change due to external changes. So although your proposal is tempting, we can only regretfully decline.

However, rest assured that when it comes to containing France, we still stand with your country, and today's conversation will absolutely not be known by a third party."

While he declined, Bernhard Heimer did not want to offend Austria. Deep down, he felt that Austria would probably win.

There were no other reasons, just based on that plan alone, Austria held the advantage.

France might be powerful, but not when facing numerous enemies! Once a European continental war broke out, France would face internal and external troubles.

Seeing that persuasion was futile, Eli Decas did not insist any further and waved off, "Well then, if your country doesn't wish to participate in the war or lend its paths, we will not force it.

However, for the sake of defeating France, I hope that once the war breaks out, your country can set up trade barriers against the French."

Not reaching an agreement now does not mean it won't be possible in the future. Once the Anti-French Alliance gains an advantage on the battlefield, inviting Switzerland to join will be much easier.

If that fails, they can always resort to threats and bribes. Small countries are swayed easily, and so-called principles are worthless in the face of survival.

After hesitating for a moment, Bernhard Heimer replied, "Setting up trade barriers, that's not a problem.

France is not a member of the free trade system and does not abide by the principles of free trade. After the war breaks out, we can prohibit the inflow of strategic materials into France."

With just a verbal commitment, Bernhard Heimer felt no pressure. An embargo on strategic materials would also depend on actual circumstances.

If the Anti-French Alliance clearly had the advantage, then they would indeed enforce an embargo on France. Standing with the victors is the survival instinct of small countries and requires no further consideration.

If the situation results in a stalemate, then they would nominally prohibit it while secretly smuggle goods, which would be enough to satisfy both sides.

Otherwise...