December 1725.
A chill settled over the Hofburg Palace as the year drew to a close.
The wind carried the sound of bells, laced with both regret and anticipation, brushing past the ancient walls.
Emperor Charles VI, just as he had the previous year, was reviewing letters from electors across the realm and considering gifts to bestow upon them.
With the Christmas Mass soon to be held and preparations underway for the grand New Year's reception next year, even twenty-four hours in a day felt insufficient.
Thus, unless one wielded considerable influence, it was rare for the emperor to reply to letters personally.
Tending to truly important figures already consumed a substantial amount of time.
"A year-end banquet? From Eugene?"
Every time a letter like this arrived, he had no choice but to set aside his work and summon the chamberlain. Time slipped away relentlessly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I recall a report on it being submitted once before."
"Ah... right. So it was. I believe I told him to go ahead as he pleased, since it wouldn't overlap with the New Year's event I host."
"It seems he's expanded the scale even further because of that."
Even Charles VI, whose authority had been elevated by recent victories and territorial gains, faced practical limits to the power of Holy Roman Emperor.
It was different from neighboring France.
Even if they couldn't rival the emperor, powerful nobles ruled their domains like kings—much like the electors.
Moreover, among those residing in Vienna, like the author of this letter, Prince Eugene, there were figures demanding the emperor's special attention.
"Hmm... it seems our field marshal is plotting something amusing once again."
Prince Eugene, known abroad as Eugène de Savoie, the Holy Roman Empire's greatest general.
Born to the prominent Savoy family of France and Italy, he had brought immeasurable benefits to the Habsburgs since enlisting in the Holy Roman army.
He led the Habsburgs to victory against the Ottomans, securing the entire Kingdom of Hungary, and during the War of the Spanish Succession, his exploits demonstrated to all Europe that the Holy Roman Empire was far from dead.
In truth, Charles VI's current strong imperial authority stemmed from Eugene turning every war against foreign powers into victories.
Thus, Charles treated Eugene—who was twenty years his senior—with utmost respect, both publicly and privately.
Though he had stepped back from the front lines past sixty, he still served as supreme commander of the Holy Roman army and chairman of the palace war council.
Unlike other electors, he resided in his Viennese court, fostering frequent interactions with the imperial family and wielding strong influence over Vienna as a whole.
It wasn't unusual for such a titan to host his own year-end banquet.
However, this time his enthusiasm seemed exceptional, prompting a direct request for imperial cooperation.
The opening was the usual formal pleasantries, with the key points midway through.
[...Thus, I humbly request that, as we welcome the new year, Your Majesty grace my modest banquet and ball at my palace with your radiant presence, illuminating the occasion. This event will embody wishes for peace and prosperity in the coming year, inviting high officials and diplomatic envoys from within and beyond the empire. Should Archduchess Maria Theresa also attend, it would be an unparalleled honor. As a cherished member of the imperial family attending an external event, I await Your Majesty's permission and shall prepare accordingly. For Her Highness's safety and comfort, I will meticulously arrange protocol and guards, and courteously welcome her attendants. I earnestly hope Your Majesty will graciously grant this humble plea...]
Inviting ambassadors and royalty from various nations suggested a grand, splendid affair.
"From the letter, it seems the banquet will be at Eugene's summer palace. Won't it be too cold there at this time?"
"That's why he's summoning people en masse and deploying portable heaters in force. Even after stepping down as Governor of the Netherlands, he likely wishes to demonstrate his enduring vitality to the world."
"Naturally. Otherwise, there'd be no need for such extravagance."
To Charles VI, Eugene was more than a mere powerhouse—he was nearly a mentor. There was no reason to deny such a request.
However, he wasn't yet certain if young Maria Theresa could conduct herself properly there.
She had appeared at banquets alongside the emperor before, but only to show her face, never taking a leading role.
"Your Majesty, Prince Eugene merely hopes she graces the event with her presence; he won't expect her to do anything specific."
"I know. The ride to Eugene's palace is under thirty minutes by carriage from here, so it's feasible for Maria Theresa. With so many political heavyweights attending, a solo appearance could leave a fine impression."
"Indeed. Even a brief greeting would earn her praise as a true member of the imperial family."
Maria Theresa would turn nine next year by Western reckoning.
Still very much a child, yet at an age where she was expected to embody the dignity and grace befitting an imperial member.
Eugene had likely invited her with all that in mind.
They'd handle the embellishments themselves if she simply showed up.
"Still, sending her alone worries me a bit... That child is so moody."
"We'll need an escort. Fortunately, there's just the right person. Her Highness will undoubtedly comport herself impeccably with him along."
"Good thinking. Eugene wanted to see the boy anyway."
The emperor chuckled, recalling the face of the young man Maria Theresa begged to tutor her daily.
A frail boy plagued by nightmares from failing to adjust to Vienna, yet so reliably steadfast whenever Maria Theresa was involved.
"The betrothal isn't official yet, so we must avoid making it seem a done deal. Handle the nuances discreetly."
"Leave it to me."
Charles VI turned from the bowing chamberlain back to the towering stack of documents.
He wondered what impression Franz would make on Europe's premier general.
More than his daughter's evaluation, this piqued his curiosity.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I learned two days before the banquet that I would attend as Maria Theresa's companion and protector.
I racked my brain for similar past occasions, but nothing specific came to mind from so long ago.
Still, forging ties with Vienna's second-most renowned figure after the emperor was no small opportunity, so I gladly accepted.
Maria Theresa was so excited she waited in the garden thirty minutes before departure.
"Franz-nim~! Over here!"
"It's cold. Wait inside the carriage. What if you catch a chill?"
"I'm dressed warmly, so it's fine. Come on, you first. Guests board before hosts, right?"
She stepped aside with a proud shrug, and a footman opened the carriage door.
I climbed in first and extended a hand to help her up easily.
She grabbed it as if waiting and hopped up with a bright smile.
"Alright~! Let's go!"
"Yes, Your Highness. Please sit; standing could be dangerous."
The grand carriage, draped in lavish velvet curtains, glided forward smoothly.
Prince Eugene's summer residence, Belvedere Palace, lay about 2.5 kilometers from our Hofburg Palace.
A forty-minute walk, so even leisurely by carriage, it'd take just twenty.
She fidgeted her legs, lamenting the short distance.
"It's been ages since we went out, but it's too close. A two-hour trek would have been ideal."
"If it were that far, His Majesty wouldn't have let you go alone."
"...Oh? Is that so? Then it's good it's nearby! Hehe."
True to form, she swiftly shifted to cheerful chatter.
The topic, predictably: our host, Prince Eugène de Savoie.
"By the way, have you met Prince Eugene before, Franz-nim?"
"Well... probably not for any deep conversations."
This wasn't evasion; try as I might, no clear memory surfaced, so caution was key.
Greeting him casually as if we were old acquaintances would be a grave faux pas if we'd met upon my arrival in Vienna.
I vaguely recalled seeing him sometime, but pinpointing when eluded me.
Until last year, he'd been Governor of the Netherlands, so any encounter was likely just a passing nod.
Thus, positioning this as our first substantial interaction was safest.
"Then you don't know much about him. I'll tell you. He's the empire's finest general."
"Ah, I see."
I hadn't said I lacked knowledge, just that we hadn't spoken.
Still, her view of him intrigued me, so I played along.
"I researched this diligently. Prince Eugene's actually French-born. He tried joining the French army, but their king refused, so he came to us."
"Impressive intel, Your Highness."
"Hehe, right? So he'll surely like you too, Franz-nim. You're French-born as well. Birds of a feather flock together—he'll take your side."
Indeed, crabs favor crabs, arms bend inward—but would it apply here?
Shared French origins could build rapport, yet Eugene had risen to the pinnacle by overcoming that very trait in the Holy Roman Empire.
Embracing a similar path might please him; overemphasizing it could backfire.
Still, narrowing the gap with the empire's top general meant invaluable mentorship opportunities.
Unlike my strengths in politics and commerce, military affairs weren't my forte—Eugene could be a steadfast ally.
"I'm touched you've researched this for me, Your Highness. It'll help immensely."
"I'll sing your praises to him too. He dotes on me like a granddaughter."
"Haha, but don't focus solely on him. Ambassadors from various nations will attend alongside nobles."
"Oh, right! Father warned me not to show any lapse. But don't worry. I'll apply what you've taught me and prove how mature and clever I am."
Maria Theresa reciting my lessons convincingly could spark talk of a Habsburg prodigy.
But that spelled trouble.
The emperor might assume it fine, unaware of specifics—but I knew better.
"Your Highness, avoid frivolity, of course. But don't shine too brilliantly either. Understood?"
"...Huh? Why?"
Her pout confirmed she itched to show off.
"This is crucial—listen closely."
I lowered my voice so the coachman couldn't hear. Sensing secrets, she scooted close, eyes sparkling.
"Abroad, they assume if His Majesty sires no son, you'll be heir. They'll probe your talents relentlessly."
Children past adolescence might conceal emotions, but young ones couldn't.
Future giants showed promise early.
Holy Roman envoys would gauge a nine-year-old's potential effortlessly.
Not precise valuations, but distinguishing duds from gems? Even I could.
"...Then why send me, Father?"
"Because His Majesty doesn't grasp your full brilliance yet."
"Mm... Got it. So just polite greetings?"
"That's fallback. Optimal: flaunt freely to your allies—like Prince Eugene. He'd rejoice at your cleverness."
Unlike other electors, Eugene was a pure Habsburg loyalist, thrilled by her growth as his own.
Naturally, my positive influence on her would elevate my standing.
Expecting such nuance from a child was unrealistic, though.
So I boiled it down to two points.
"First: share nothing I taught you publicly, except alone with Prince Eugene. Second: indulge in sweets freely. Limits off for today."
Most realms, including the Holy Roman Empire, strictly managed young royals' diets for self-control.
Maria Theresa sneaked chocolates and pastries, often rebuked by maids.
She restrained before me to seem mature, but today, she needed to act her age.
The chance for unlimited sugar she'd craved forever.
Her eyes flashed, but she averted them, voice quivering.
"W-well, you know I have... mature tastes..."
"My apologies—I misspoke. You're not childish, but seeming so will reassure foreign envoys. Just act indulging in sweets today. Tough, but you can do it, right?"
A true challenge, yet one only you can conquer.
Delighted by the faith, she puffed her chest.
"Of course. Leave it to me."
With endearing, reliable resolve—as if resigned to the task.
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