It was the middle of fall & the ending point of the existance of Krakow. The Fall of Krakow as a state.
As armies desperately tried to hold the russians from overunning the German mainland, there were those armies in Romania that were not forgoten. Franz and the last remainings of the guard fought against time, and against an army many many times its size. He had pushed for an offensive that did not materialized in the end.
He knew the end had arrived, but he knew that by at least holding the russians, and the threat of French intervention that a peace would be struck. And finally, there would be no Krakowian state, but a true German nation. Franz was an ardent nationalist and was content that he didnt just surrendered, but he had fought to the end of things.
He called the white flag to be raised, and months of campaigning were over.
The russians took him prisoner, but during the accords of peace, he was sent back to Germany as prisoners were exchanged and sent home.
Upon his arrival there were old soldiers and veterans waiting for him. There were old men, and young girls holding small flags. There were children wearing old helmets. And there was a Grand Chancellor.
In the end Franz was promoted from Marshall of the Guard, to Grand Marshall of all German forces. This title was unique and never bestowed to anyone in the old Krakowian state.
Franz was also decorated with a very rare medal, the Order of the Black Eagle.
Ofcourse the war was over, and Germany a neutral state. Franz's new rank would not see much action, but would ensure a high level defense force to protect its own borders.