He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 287

(287) Now, Let’s Go to Paris

The grand negotiation was finally settled.

“This is much harder than a peace treaty, young General Bonaparte,” General Caulaincourt said with a smile at the new French embassy in the center of Saint Petersburg.

The building used by the ambassadors during the old royal family era had long been destroyed.

So, they were using the newly bestowed mansion from the Tsar.

It was the Zubov mansion, formerly given to Catherine the Great’s lover [Grigory Potemkin, a Russian statesman].

Looking around at the very ornate Rococo-style decorations, Eugene shrugged.

“Isn’t the main point simple? It’s been decided to cooperate on economic advancement into India.”

“Isn’t that just a play on words? What we actually received wasn’t advancement into India.”

“Shh, there are many British ears in this city.”

Eugene suddenly checked the surrounding servants and lowered his voice. “The important thing is that we haven’t formally broken the Treaty of Amiens.”

Currently, France’s top priority diplomatic treaty is, of course, the Treaty of Amiens [a temporary peace agreement between France and Great Britain signed in 1802].

This treaty doesn’t just stipulate peace between France and Britain.

It’s an agreement that primarily defined the structure of the European world, including the armistice in Ceylon and the Caribbean Sea.

However, if France and Russia jointly undertake military action in India, this treaty will be shaken.

Of course, attacking British Canada would immediately break it.

So, Eugene and Pavel engaged in a kind of deception.

France had already conquered Egypt, securing a certain portion of the land route to India.

So, they made an agreement that Russia and France would jointly open a trade route to India.

If it’s just trade, it’s difficult for Britain to impose sanctions yet.

After all, not all of India has become a British colony.

Looking through the agreement and trade data, Caulaincourt nodded.

“Then trade between France and Russia will resume for now. The merchants will breathe a sigh of relief.”

“We’ve also decided not to impose British embargoes. Russia still makes money with Britain, which is good for them, and we also benefit from resuming trade with Russia.”

“Realistically, it’s difficult to catch up with the scale of British trade. Britain sends ships to the New World, India, and Asia, and Russian raw materials are needed to build those ships.”

This economic logic is the fundamental reason why the Continental System [Napoleon’s attempt to blockade Britain economically] of the original history failed.

If France could have replaced Britain’s trade volume, Russia would have had no reason to violate the Continental System.

However, Britain supplied Russia with various primary raw materials, from food to ship supplies and manufactured goods.

On the other hand, France doesn’t have as many colonies as Britain, but it’s a large country capable of self-sufficiency.

Therefore, Russia still can’t abandon Britain.

“It doesn’t matter. Russian trade isn’t France’s lifeline. It’s enough that the possibility of military threat is greatly reduced.”

The moment Eugene said with a grin, the official responsible for the agreement opened his mouth.

“Hey, Freischütz. I just have to sign, right?”

“That’s right. After that, you just do what you always do well: socialize with people, have fun, and seize opportunities when you see them.”

“Hmph, don’t talk like I’m unemployed. I am, strictly speaking, the French ambassador to Russia.” Russian Ambassador Danton chuckled and then suddenly became serious. “But, when will the promise with the Tsar be kept?”

It was a veiled reference, in case anyone was listening.

It was the same thing Caulaincourt was about to talk about.

It was about the conquest of the New World via the Alaska route.

Eugene paused for a moment, choosing his words, and then smiled. “First, let’s see if the Tsar can make it through this year.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not something the ambassador has to do, but it’s something you’ll encounter. This is an issue that Consul Caulaincourt must also address.”

Suddenly, a terrifying word flowed from Eugene’s mouth: “Coup d’état [a sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government].”

In the original history, Pavel was overthrown in March 1801.

There are several reasons.

Reducing the obligatory labor provision days for serfs from 4 to 3 days a week, forcing court nobles to wear Prussian-style clothing, and enforcing chivalrous etiquette.

However, like all the policies Pavel implemented, these impositions were not strictly enforced.

However, only one thing was seriously pursued: the invasion of India, anti-British policies, and severance of trade with Britain.

However, this situation brought enormous losses not only to British merchants but also to Russian nobles.

In the end, the most likely theory is that a coup d’état orchestrated by the British ambassador occurred, and Pavel died.

Of course, the war with France ended early now, and Russia is relatively stable.

Also, trade severance did not occur.

Nevertheless, Danton hurriedly asked Eugene, who believed there would be political unrest. “Are you sure? Who is it? Someone among the great nobles? The Tsar’s son, Crown Prince Alexander? Or someone in the military?”

“It could be all of them. But unless Britain is moving behind the scenes, it won’t come to fruition.”

“Are you talking about Spencer Smith?”

Eugene shrugged lightly. “Originally, it was something the former British ambassador would have done, but it has become the responsibility of the new ambassador because we only just arrived in Saint Petersburg.”

The man who originally planned the coup in Russia was Charles Whitworth, a nobleman who would be appointed as the new French ambassador.

However, as the Treaty of Amiens was concluded quickly, Whitworth went to Paris first.

That’s why Spencer Smith came to Saint Petersburg.

He’s not the kind of person who’s suited for a coup, but you never know what might happen depending on the situation.

Caulaincourt lowered his voice with a bewildered expression. “Young General Bonaparte, if that’s really the case, it’s a big problem.”

“You can imply that we know. Then, they won’t be able to move recklessly.”

“It’s also a problem if the Tsar finds out. There could be a bloodbath. In that Peterhof Palace.”

Eugene still smiled leisurely. “If that happens, Russia will be even more unable to move, Consul Caulaincourt.”

Danton and Caulaincourt held their breath.

Because it meant that it didn’t matter even if Pavel died.

But Eugene isn’t just an unfeeling person.

“Anyway, if the Tsar doesn’t die, I intend to keep my promise.”

“Around when?”

“Well, we need time to prepare on our end, so about two years?”

Danton clasped his hands together and chuckled, feeling like a great adventure was waiting.

“Then, let’s get through this year’s crisis first.”

It seems he’s about to get involved in the Russian imperial family’s coup plot.

***

Fortunately, the adversary Danton will face is a much gentler brother than in the original history.

“Looks like he’s leaving before we even get to compete. Tsk.” Sydney clicked his tongue, drinking tea alone in a cafe where everyone else was drinking coffee.

Of course, there are many British merchants in Saint Petersburg.

So, cafes also sell tea.

But still, more of the upper class drink coffee in the French style, so Sydney was the only one drinking tea.

Eugene took a sip of coffee in a French manner and replied. “Sydney Smith, I don’t think you’re suited for conspiracies.”

“Huh? Isn’t that obvious? I’m a man who’s suited for fair duels. How about we have a match?”

“Have you forgotten my nickname? You’ll lose if we duel.”

Then Sydney laughed out loud, feigning anger. “Haha! I should learn how to use a saber. If I don’t want to get hit by Matan [a Filipino martial art involving bladed weapons].”

It would be difficult for such a person to become a military attaché stationed at an embassy overseeing a coup.

Originally, Sydney also worked as a diplomat like his brother in the original history.

However, he mainly goes on missions to establish diplomatic relations, so he’s not the type to plot conspiracies like Whitworth.

Then, as Eugene put down his coffee cup, Sydney suddenly asked. “You’re not going to India, are you?”

Eugene, who almost dropped his coffee cup, tried to answer nonchalantly. “I wonder? That’s up to His Majesty the Tsar, isn’t it?”

“I saw the agreement. It said you agreed to cooperate in securing trade routes to India. But there wasn’t anything about military action, was there?”

“Have you heard of a secret agreement?”

Sydney scoffed at Eugene, who was deliberately threatening him. “Don’t lie. To successfully carry out an Indian expedition, the Consul or you would have to put in all your effort. It’s not something you can just negotiate and leave.”

The Indian expedition is unrealistic and difficult.

If you really want to attack militarily, you need the best troops and a great general.

In fact, Pavel, who is more of an eccentric than a madman, would just give orders and leave it to his subordinates, but Napoleon is different.

He will make thorough plans to ensure success from start to finish.

Among them, there will definitely be Napoleon’s best card, Eugene, the conqueror of Egypt.

Naval Admiral Sydney doesn’t know anything about land battles, but he judged it with his military insight.

Eugene felt a cold sweat running down his back and forced a smile. “You overestimate me.”

“What are you really after, Freischütz?”

“I have no reason to tell you that, Mr. Smith.”

Then Sydney took a sip of tea and smiled. “Call me Sydney. Then, we’ll see each other again in the Caribbean.”

This time, Eugene couldn’t hide his surprise, and Sydney raised his eyebrows instead. “What are you so surprised about? You’re not going to cross the Dover, are you?”

“Well, Sydney, France and Britain have now signed a peace treaty.”

“Pfft! Peace? It’ll be when one side raises both hands, right?”

Sydney waved his hand lightly and recited his strategic insight. “I don’t know if you’ll use Russia directly or just prevent them from interfering. But I know that you and I will eventually fight in the New World because France has nowhere else to expand except there.”

Originally, in the original history, the European continent becomes the battlefield.

Moreover, the Rhine, Austria, and Poland become battlefields where they fight the same adversaries every time.

This is because Napoleon failed to completely destroy the enemy, but it is also because he failed in his New World policy.

If he had succeeded in Nouvelle-France [French colonies in North America], the New World would have become the battlefield.

But now, France has succeeded in acquiring Florida.

Britain will not just stand by and watch this situation.

Even America, which was originally founded by the British.

Eugene narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly. “I hope for peace, but if we happen to meet again, I have no intention of being lenient.”

On the other hand, Sydney laughed cheerfully, patted Eugene on the shoulder, and got up. “Puhaha! You cocky young admiral. See you next time!”

Although they would be enemies on the battlefield, the pleasant man, Sydney, also said goodbye for a while.

***

After countless banquets, negotiations, and meetings, the Eugene delegation finished preparing to depart.

“Whew, are we finally leaving?” Maree, who had packed her luggage faster than anyone else, asked.

Eugene tilted his head, stopping from inspecting the carriage.

Wouldn’t this place, where aristocratic society remains, be a comfortable place for Maree?

“Why? Saint Petersburg will hold more parties. You can stay if you want to stay a little longer.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. It’s too cold. Besides, it’s uncomfortable here.”

“Why?”

Then Maree was about to open her mouth but frowned slightly.

Eugene turned his gaze and widened his eyes because a magnificent golden carriage was stopping in front of the embassy.

A young man in uniform got out of the carriage and smiled. “Ah, Freischütz, was it? Nice to meet you.”

He had already seen him next to the Tsar in the Peterhof Palace.

The Tsar’s successor and the monarch who eventually sank Napoleon in the original history: Alexander.

But now, he’s just a young royal who admires France.

Eugene hurriedly paid his respects. “Your Highness the Crown Prince, it is an honor to meet you like this. But what brings you here?”

“I had a lot to say when I saw you. First of all, I wanted to talk about various topics, from the Ottoman issue to the Enlightenment and Parliament. But since you’re leaving in such a hurry, I won’t hold you back.”

“It seems you’ve already held me back. Would you like to talk more if you wish?”

Alexander smiled brightly and shook his head. “Haven’t you heard of my reputation? Once I grab someone, I have to talk for three days and nights to be satisfied. The reason I came today is because of my sister.”

At that moment, two more people got out of the carriage.

A man and a woman wearing hats, but they were wearing them so deeply that they couldn’t be seen well.

Suddenly, the woman lifted her hat. “It’s because of me. The Consul’s son.”

Alexandra, the Crown Prince’s sister and the Tsar’s third child.

Also, the person with whom marriage to Eugene was discussed.

At that moment, Maree blocked Eugene like lightning. “Princess, why did you come? The marriage proposal should already be over, right?”

“Pfft, are you that insecure? Princess?”

“I’m not a princess. I’m just a Mademoiselle [an unmarried French woman]. But I have no intention of having my lover taken away by the empire’s princess.”

Looking at Maree, who was sparking with fire, Alexandra smiled awkwardly. “There’s nothing to worry about. I came to say thank you.”

This time, it was Eugene’s turn to ask in confusion. “What do you mean by that?”

“I didn’t want to marry you either because I have someone else.”

“Does the princess have another lover besides the arranged marriage partner?”

At that moment, the young man behind the princess lifted his hat. “It’s me, Baron Eugene de Beauharnais.”

Indeed, he had seen him before.

A man who Eugene encountered as a boy when he frequented the Palais Royal of Orléans [a palace in Paris] when he was very young.

The now exiled Duke of Chartres, Louis-Philippe, was smiling there.

“I thought you had abandoned your title, Duke of Chartres.”

“Then, treat me as a revolutionary army general. General Bonaparte. I, too, was a soldier who fought for the revolution until then, although I fled because of Dumouriez [a French general who defected to the Austrians].”

“I think that’s a position that has already been deprived. Anyway, good, General Bourbon. I already knew you weren’t an ordinary person.”

Eugene’s gaze turned alternately to Princess Alexandra and Louis-Philippe.

“I didn’t expect you to seduce the princess of the Russian Empire here.”

Before he knew it, Princess Alexandra’s face was blushing.

On the other hand, Crown Prince Alexander was smiling with a very interesting expression.

It seems he’s enjoying his sister’s romance, but it’s a very troublesome problem if he actually becomes the Tsar.

A marriage between an exiled royal family with no real power and a princess is a big deal, isn’t it?

Then Louis-Philippe stared at Eugene and said, “I’m rooting for you.”

“Yes?”

“If you succeed, it will be easier for me to succeed.”

This time, Louis-Philippe smiled strangely and looked at Maree and Eugene.

“Succeed, and let’s meet in the New World. I will be the commander of the Eastern Expeditionary Force.”