Why did Klemens von Metternich promise the South German states that they could keep their positions after leaving Napoleon’s alliance?

Klemens von Metternich promised the South German states of the Confederation of the Rhine that they would retain their positions if they defected from Napoleon’s alliance for two primary reasons.1

First, he sought to secure these states as allies to counter the expansionist designs of Prussia and Russia. By guaranteeing their status, he aimed to prevent those powers from gaining too much influence in the region. Second, this policy reflected his broader commitment to the balance of power in Europe; he intended to reach a political solution that was compatible with the interests of all parties involved rather than pursuing the total annihilation of existing state structures.1