August 28, 1798.
The small town of Vipava on the southwestern border of Austria.
Under a lush lime tree, a small wooden table was set up. Archduke Karl, adorned with three medals, sat upright next to it. With a quill in hand, he wrote in the war journal: Continue pre-war preparations. The French people also have no training or movements. A mundane and dull day…
As he finished the last word, he suddenly heard the rapid sound of hoofbeats from the east, and a faint smile appeared on his solemn face.
A major officer arrived.
He saluted Archduke Karl with a hat and then handed over a document. Just as he was about to speak, the latter interjected: "Formal declaration of war?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The major stood at attention, "At nine o'clock this morning, His Majesty the Emperor signed the declaration of war."
"Call me Commander. Where are the logistics supplies I requested?"
"They have all been delivered to the Klagenfurt Fortress, Sir Commander."
