In the British embassy in Russia, British Foreign Minister Lord Hawkesburg stared grimly out the window: "These Persians are all useless. The Empire gave them so much aid, yet they couldn't even hold out for two months!"
Beside him, British Ambassador to Russia Charles Whitworth poured him a glass of wine: "Apparently, Mirza still thought he was up against someone like Zubov.
"I've also heard that Elkher II is on his last legs and may be planning to incorporate Georgia into Russia."
Lord Hawkesburg tipped the wine into his mouth with frustration: "This has completely disrupted my plans. I'll have to prepare more bargaining chips to satisfy the greedy Russians."
He originally intended to exchange Persia's interests for Russian participation in European affairs after Russia's campaign in Transcaucasia reached a stalemate, but didn't expect Gudovich to be so successful.
Whitworth took the empty glass and asked, "So, Poland or the Balkans? Hmm, it should be Poland."
