While you ponder the Prussian response, Franz Stefan, because he's nice like that, thinks someone should at least hint to Joseph this could be in the offering. To, you know, prepare him, not least because who knows he he'll react if this is sprung on him unprepared in public in case Fritz doesn't say no.

F: So...you're really impressed by the King of Prussia, aren't you, son?

J: Well, yeah. No offense to you and Mom, Dad, but to me he's the coolest most effective monarch of Europe, and I just think I can learn a lot from him. Except for his thing about German. That's just weird. Also, Gluck rocks!

F: There isn't any special someone in your life right now, is there?

J: With Mom supervising me like a hawk? I leave that kind of thing to Poldl. Younger siblings always have it easier. Another thing I agree with the King on.

F: Speaking as a former younger brother whose older brother died: that's an illusion. But never mind. How do you feel about the ancient Greeks?

J: Look, Dad, it's enough that Mom sits in during my lessons and examinations every second month. You're the fun parent! Or you used to be. I can read bloody Homer in the original, okay?

F *under his breath*: How I produced a son simultanously so clueless and smart, I don't know.