In the Emperor of Holy Rome's palace, a group of Austrian ministers all bowed their heads in silence.
Everyone knew the situation was lost, but no one wanted to be the first to mention "surrender."
The young man behind Kobutsel suddenly leaned forward and asked, "Your Highness, how many troops do we have left?"
Archduke Karl glared fiercely at Metternich and said coldly, "The troops withdrawn from Vienna, combined with the soldiers continuously gathering at the front lines, we can muster at least 50,000 before the French Army arrives."
Indeed, when Franz received his warning half a month ago, he didn't even consider strengthening Vienna's defenses but decided to flee the capital immediately.
Lauel, under his orders, led the Vienna garrison in a diversionary attack against Gerard's contingent, surrounding Vienna.
