Facing Prince Metternich’s skepticism, Von Bismarck maintained a confident demeanor in responding to Metternich’s questioning.

"Your Highness, your skepticism does indeed hold some truth!

Once the flames of nationalism ignited by war are kindled, they are indeed difficult to control!

But I am confident that I can steer this flame in the right direction, so it won’t become a blaze that burns Germany!"

Seeing the seemingly confident Von Bismarck before him, Prince Metternich couldn’t help but feel a tinge of irritation in his heart.

Having experienced the era of the Great Revolution, he clearly understood that the power combined with nationalism and national strength could unleash a force far beyond mere nationalism.

However, the destruction it brings also far exceeds all previous dynastic wars.

With the blessing of nationalism, all Germans will rally under the Kingdom of Prussia’s call to join the cause of German revival, with millions of soldiers emerging from Prussia’s barracks.

Prussia, already a state with a strong military, will become an even larger war machine, one that will heed no monarch’s command, dragging all Germans toward the abyss.

Now, Von Bismarck, who has not personally experienced the era of the Great Revolution, claims he can control this force to achieve the revival of the German nation, which is nothing short of a fantasy.

"Mr. Bismarck!" Prince Metternich’s voice revealed a hint of irritation as he sternly said to Bismarck, "I admit you do have diplomatic skills and talent. In you, I even see the shadow of my old friend Talleyrand!

But at times, you overestimate your abilities, believing you can control everything!

Yet, in this world, there are some forces we cannot control!

I am also a German, and I too agree with German nationalism revival!

But I am also an Austrian, and I must consider the survival of the Empire to which I am loyal!

Mr. Bismarck, the reason you intend to revive Germany is also to achieve for the Kingdom of Prussia the rights enjoyed by the Austrian Empire in the German Region!"

Von Bismarck wanted to say something but was roughly interrupted by Prince Metternich, "Mr. Bismarck, please be quiet and listen to me speak first!

I know you also want to talk about the revival of Germany... damn it, don’t repeat such clichés!

Are you trying to fool Valerovsky and me as if we’re idiots!

Wait, where was I?"

"Mr. Bismarck, do not try to fool Valerovsky and me as if we’re idiots!" Valerovsky suddenly said to Prince Metternich.

"Pfft, hahaha!" Valerovsky’s unexpected statement made Prince Metternich burst out laughing, and he replied earnestly, "Mr. Valerovsky, well said! Don’t say it again next time!"

Prince Metternich’s earnest tease successfully made both Von Bismarck and Valerovsky burst into laughter.

After a burst of laughter, Prince Metternich sternly addressed Von Bismarck again, "I am very clear that the reason you are willing to promote the revival of Germany is simply to make the Kingdom of Prussia equal to the Austrian Empire!

But have you ever considered that once you ignite the German tide, the Kingdom of Prussia you are loyal to might also be swallowed by this tide!

Just like France once annexed those lord territories entrenched in the German Region, the Kingdom of Prussia could also be annexed by Germany, becoming a part of it!"

If Jerome Bonaparte were also here, he would surely marvel at Prince Metternich’s farsightedness.

Prince Metternich did not know that six years after his death, the Kingdom of Prussia would go through three dynastic wars and then establish the German Empire.

And after a long period of more than half a century, the Kingdom of Prussia gradually dissolved into the German Empire, becoming part of it.

The Greater Prussia—German dual system painstakingly built by Bismarck was completely declared collapsed.

After World War I, the Kingdom of Prussia completely became a state under the Weimar Republic, with less power than a state in the United States of America.

Currently, Von Bismarck also does not know the future development of the Kingdom of Prussia, and after hearing Metternich’s prophecy, he also felt somewhat uneasy.

If the crown of the Kingdom of Prussia ends up as Prince Metternich said, then Von Bismarck would die a thousand deaths and still be unable to atone for his sins.

However, Von Bismarck is, after all, a politician who will be remembered in history.

Even if Prince Metternich’s prediction does hold some truth, Von Bismarck is determined to follow his will. He has enough confidence to prevent such a situation from occurring for the Kingdom of Prussia.

"Your Excellency Metternich, I admit that what you said does have a certain possibility!" Von Bismarck cautiously told Prince Metternich, "But that is only a possibility!

If we choose to ignore the revival of the German nation because we fear the extinction of our country, then we shouldn’t think about doing anything else, or even need the country to continue to exist!

After all, any action comes with certain risks!"

"Mr. Bismarck, that’s not quite right!" Prince Metternich immediately rebutted, "The state itself is created by God, not by the subjects who live on this land!

God grants the crown, symbolizing the state, to the monarch, and only then can the monarch rule the vast land!"

"Mr. Metternich, the crown of France is given to His Majesty Jerome Bonaparte by the French, not by God!" Valerovsky corrected Prince Metternich’s mistake.

"Mr. Valerovsky, I was just referring to the two countries, Prussia and Austria, without mentioning the French Empire!

Your French Empire has its own national circumstances!" Prince Metternich replied to Valerovsky with a smile.

"Ahem... Ahem, it seems that our conversation has deviated!" Von Bismarck spoke again to Prince Metternich and Valerovsky, "Mr. Metternich, I still hold the original view, that your claim of the Kingdom of Prussia perishing into Germany is merely your speculation!

I do not agree with your viewpoint!

I believe that the revival of the German nation is closely tied to the fate of both Prussia and Austria, and our two countries should join hands to rescue Schleswig and Holstein from the Kingdom of Denmark, and make them independent nations!

Then, the German Confederation can personally choose a suitable monarch to rule them, ensuring the revival of the German nation without causing large-scale disorder in the European order!

Mr. Valerovsky, I think the French Empire will also choose to support us in this issue, right?"

Von Bismarck turned the topic to Valerovsky, and after hesitating for a moment, Valerovsky shrugged and responded to Von Bismarck, "Mr. Bismarck, I apologize for being unable to give you a definitive answer on this issue!

Because I am neither His Majesty the Emperor nor Minister Luis.

Moreover, for such major diplomatic decisions, not even His Majesty the Emperor can arbitrarily decide on his own; he needs to discuss with Minister Luis and make a decision after carefully considering it."

A trace of gloom flashed in Von Bismarck’s eyes. Although Valerovsky could not represent the final decision of the French Empire, he still had a certain authority.

Prince Metternich, upon hearing Valerovsky’s remarks, slightly raised the corners of his mouth.

However, Prince Metternich rejoiced too soon.

Valerovsky’s next words shifted the smile from Prince Metternich’s face to Von Bismarck’s face.

"But, personally speaking! I have a certain level of support for Mr. Von Bismarck’s desire to revive Germany!

Germany and France have always been two nations with a good relationship (Holy Roman Empire: ????), and naturally, France is also willing to support the Kingdom of Prussia in doing what it can for the revival of the German nation!

Of course, all of this is predicated on the Kingdom of Prussia not waging war at the expense of damaging the current order!!"

"Rest assured! The revival of the German nation is inherently for the sake of peace! We will definitely not damage the existing European order!" Von Bismarck was overjoyed, and he hurriedly assured Valerovsky.

Although Von has not yet become the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, he had already put himself in the position of Prime Minister.

Prince Metternich, sitting by, also said nothing more. He understood that saying more would be to no avail, as France and Prussia had already reached a preliminary agreement on this issue.

After this topic concluded, Valerovsky, Von Bismarck, and Prince Metternich spontaneously discussed other issues.

Prince Metternich casually asked Valerovsky, "Mr. Valerovsky, I remember you previously served as the French ambassador to Constantinople (actually Jerusalem, but Jerusalem does not have an embassy)?

"That’s right!" Valerovsky nodded in response to Prince Metternich.

"Will you continue to return to Constantinople as ambassador after the funeral, or is there another arrangement?" Prince Metternich continued to inquire, then added, "I’m just asking casually.

If it’s inconvenient, then please don’t say anything!"

Von Bismarck, sitting next to Prince Metternich, also showed a curious expression. He was eager to know whether Valerovsky’s position had changed.

"This is not such a confidential matter! It won’t be long before you find out! It doesn’t matter if I tell you now!" Valerovsky replied calmly, "I have been appointed by His Majesty the Emperor as the French Ambassador to Berlin!

After the funeral, I will travel to Berlin with Prince Monfort by train to assume the post!"