He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 383

(383) The Mazar King Dreams of a Comeback

The king, who once threatened Napoleon, is still observing the cannon demonstration today.

– Cheee, Bang!

The cannonballs fired from 10 cannons slammed into the target area.

It is an era where artillery has become a dominant force in warfare.

In particular, the firepower-focused warfare pioneered by France during the [Revolutionary Wars] at the end of the last century significantly accelerated this trend.

Of course, Napoleon and Eugene’s mobile flanking tactics were crucial to their victories, but it was artillery that defended the French army against the rest of Europe until then.

That is why Karl von Habsburg, now the king of a small Eastern European country, is still inspecting new cannons today.

“Is that the new cannon developed in England?”

His Chief of Staff, Weyeroder, bowed his head and replied.

“To be exact, it’s a cannon developed in the French New World that England imitated.”

“The home country hasn’t adopted it yet?”

“I heard it was demonstrated once in Boulogne, but since then, when the Emperor reorganized the French Imperial Army, it seems it hasn’t been newly introduced.”

Weyeroder suddenly shrugged as he looked around the battlefield filled with gunpowder smoke.

“However, rumors are widespread that [breech-loading] cannons can be prepared at any time at the ‘Pauli’ armory.”

Pauli, or the Polli armory in French, is the arms factory of the Beauharnais cartel [a powerful business syndicate].

This place is in the suburbs of Budapest, the capital of the country called Mazar, or Hungary in English.

For three years after becoming king, Karl has been encouraging military training, conscription, and the introduction of new weapons here.

The old power structures and systems of the dissolved Holy Roman Empire have been rebuilt around Mazar.

Furthermore, he paid close attention to the new weapons that Eugene introduced during the Second Anti-Revolutionary War.

It was a natural reaction, since he had suffered their effects directly.

Karl tilted his head as he watched the cannonballs being loaded into the back of the cannon.

“What’s the reason Bonaparte, or Napoleon, didn’t introduce that cannon? At first glance, it seems the loading speed would be much faster.”

“There’s a critical flaw. So, England is also distributing it to the navy on a trial basis in the New World battlefield, where the war is in full swing.”

“A flaw? What is it, Weyeroder?”

At that moment, a violent explosion occurred.

– Bang!

It wasn’t caused by firing a cannon, but the cannon itself exploded.

“It’s a disaster! Transport the injured!”

“A, a dud exploded!”

“Oh my god. Military doctor! Where’s the doctor!”

As he watched the artillery generals and commanders rushing around, Weyeroder licked his lips.

“As you can see, there is such a problem.”

“Oh dear! Be sure to compensate the injured soldiers today, and heal the survivors well. By the way, isn’t it common for cannons to explode if you don’t clean up the gunpowder residue properly?”

“That’s not the case. Most of the cannons deployed in the front lines have a proven safety record. On the other hand, this new [Wellesley style] cannon explodes frequently.”

Karl isn’t a cruel person, but he is a soldier from the imperial family who has only ever served as the supreme commander.

Naturally, he was used to seeing cannons explode in accidents, and he wasn’t very surprised.

Karl nodded quietly, then suddenly tilted his head.

“I see. But what is that Wellesley? Is it the name of the developer?”

Weyeroder rummaged through the report at the king’s sudden question and replied.

“Ah, that’s probably the family name of the British officer who insisted on introducing that cannon. The name is, Arthur Wellesley? He’s said to be a rising general who defeated the Hindu Rajas in the Indian battlefield.”

“Oh, I’ve heard of him. He defeated the famous Tipu Sultan, who opposed England, right? Originally, Napoleon or Eugene were trying to approach that Sultan, I think.”

“Well, I don’t think they really intended to go all the way to India. Looking at the fact that they retreated to Turkey in the middle…”

In fact, the original historical goal of Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition was an alliance with Tipu Sultan of India.

Of course, Eugene didn’t intend to go all the way to India, but the publicly stated goal was the same.

However, the target of the alliance had already been killed by the British army when the Egyptian expedition took place.

By a young general named Arthur Wellesley, who would later receive the title of Duke of Wellington.

However, Karl’s current interest isn’t Wellesley.

“You said Eugene is back?”

“Yes.”

“Then, we don’t have a chance to conquer Turkey?”

Weyeroder adjusted his monocle and smiled.

“On the contrary, wouldn’t you be given a chance to tie the Habsburg family together again?”

Originally, the target of the army that Karl had prepared for three years was the Ottoman Turkish Empire.

It’s the weakest among the so-called great powers, and it’s a virtual enemy bordering Mazar’s location.

Although it’s a French alliance, Napoleon’s interest has long since shifted to the Atlantic Ocean, spanning the New World, Spain, and England.

So, if he launches a surprise war, Karl will have enough opportunities.

But if Eugene comes back, things will be different.

Karl fears three people in France.

Napoleon, who defeated him, Moreau, who was his rival, and Eugene.

He thought that now was the opportunity because Napoleon, who became emperor, couldn’t move easily, and Moreau was being kept in check.

But with his father, Eugene, returning, an obstacle has arisen.

Weyeroder, who is comforting the king, wipes his glasses slightly, as if Eugene himself is bothering him.

At that time, a middle-aged general riding a horse quickly from the city was seen.

“Your Majesty! You were here. The ‘Prime Minister’ is looking for you in the palace!”

“What’s going on, General Radetzky? I told you in advance that I didn’t want to be disturbed today, as it is the day to test the results of the military system reform?”

“A messenger has arrived, Your Majesty!”

General Radetzky, now forty years old, reported urgently.

“Also, from England.”

Karl widened his eyes and had an intrigued expression.

“It seems that the time has come.”

There can only be one reason why England would come to this landlocked country in Eastern Europe.

***

Since the 17th century, England has always prioritized its allies when fighting on the European battlefield.

“Nice to meet you. ‘Hungarian’ King. My name is Castlereagh.”

Baron Castlereagh, whose real name is Robert Stewart, is a diplomat who later created the Vienna system [the post-Napoleonic balance of power in Europe] in original history.

Currently, he is only 37 years old and has just been selected by Pitt [William Pitt the Younger, British Prime Minister] to join the cabinet.

Karl looked at Castlereagh and sought an explanation from Metternich, who was seated next to him.

Then, Metternich stepped forward.

He was the [Prime Minister].

“He is the Secretary of War of England, Your Majesty.”

“Huh? Did England even have an army? I thought they were all in India.”

“Most of what the Secretary of War does is manage the army in India.”

Castlereagh smiled and explained in a gentle manner.

“Times have changed, glorious Karl. Now is the time for England to operate an army again on the European continent. Especially to regain Hanover.”

This era is usually divided into the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of the Army, and the Ministry of the Navy.

In the case of Europe, bureaucracy was underdeveloped, and on the contrary, the bureaucratic system grew exponentially due to war.

England also has the characteristic of being a naval power, so the main job of the Ministry of the Army is to organize and dispatch expeditionary forces to India.

That too in the form of mercenaries of the East India Company.

As a continental army general, Karl could only scoff at the position.

However, he is interested in the idea of regaining Hanover.

Karl stroked his square chin.

“Hmm, ‘Hanover’ is currently illegally occupied by Prussia.”

“So George III, the rightful sovereign, must take it back.”

“Are you planning to wage war with Prussia? England?”

Castlereagh shook his head.

“Unfortunately, our England is already fighting with America. Besides, the bear in the east has even declared war.”

The bear in the east, that is, Russia.

This time, Karl was also surprised.

Did Russia declare war on England?

“Tsar Pavel declared war on England?”

“The news is slow. Haven’t you received it yet?”

“I didn’t need to until now. Unlike the late Empress Catherine, Emperor Pavel was not a belligerent person. By chance, there was a dispute with England in the New World, but he would not have wanted to expand the war.”

Karl explained, as if excusing his lack of information, and frowned.

“Did England plot something in Russia?”

In fact, since the old Holy Roman Empire, the Austrian imperial family has been weak in information warfare.

However, it is also true that Russia has become passive in foreign expeditions since Pavel took power.

Rather, during the reign of Empress Catherine, foreign expeditions were carried out to Turkey, Poland, Sweden, and even Persia.

In the end, it was Catherine who started the war with France, and Pavel was closer to being caught up in the aftermath.

At that time, Metternich opened his mouth.

“According to information received from Warsaw yesterday, England is involved in the attempted assassination of Tsar Pavel.”

This time, Karl frowned instead of being surprised.

“Why are you reporting that now, Prime Minister Metternich?”

“Because Your Majesty was busy.”

“That’s ridiculous. I hope my judgment in recruiting you wasn’t wrong.”

At that time, Castlereagh glanced at him and stepped forward.

“That’s not important, Your Majesty.”

“Why is it trivial? If England really committed the murder of a foreign monarch, I will not forgive it either. But if it’s just a misunderstanding or an attempt, it would be a priority to pay damages and negotiate peace. Didn’t you come to me to negotiate with Russia?”

“It is true that I came to check on Russia. But the picture our England is drawing is even bigger.”

Castlereagh glossed over the explanation about the assassination attempt and threw out a huge proposal.

“We want to form the Third Anti-French Alliance, Your Majesty.”

This time, Karl’s expression changed strangely.

From the moment the British envoy arrived, he had predicted this proposal to some extent.

In the past, during the reign of Louis XIV, England also took the strategy of attacking France by making all of Europe an alliance.

The same was true during the Revolutionary War, so it is easy to guess that they will come forward this time as well.

The problem is that Russia is missing from the alliance.

“This is a masterpiece. Metternich, what do you think?”

“War broke out between England and Russia, and the land to be regained is occupied by Prussia, but the enemy is France, Your Majesty.”

“I’ll give the guest who came from afar a room for this absurd negotiation. It seems that he is too tired from coming such a long way and is not in his right mind.”

Then, Castlereagh looked at Karl anxiously and asked.

“Your Majesty, don’t you want to send Napoleon back to his hometown, Corsica?”

When Karl, who was about to get up from his seat, stopped, Castlereagh quickly added.

“I know what you have done in this Budapest.”

“What do you mean? I am just occupying some of the land inherited from my ancestors and am satisfied with spending the rest of my life.”

“You forcibly gathered old imperial soldiers through conscription, introduced the French military system, and further strengthened the staff to improve operational capabilities. Of course, there is an excuse: Turkey.”

Castlereagh looked back at Karl and said.

“But, is that all?”

Karl stared at Castlereagh and asked.

“If I join the alliance, what can England give me?”

It would be too unsophisticated to talk about exposing this fact to France here.

***

From the window of Buda Palace, the royal palace of Budapest, Karl looks at the Danube River.

“Your Majesty, are you thinking of participating in the war?”

Karl turned his head at the voice suddenly heard from behind.

He is still 33 years old, and in Austria, a seniority-based aristocratic society, he is still a long way from becoming a minister.

But Karl was convinced that this man had outstanding capabilities.

Therefore, when he was appointed as the King of Hungary, he specially selected and brought him.

Karl pondered whether bringing Castlereagh was also part of his plan, and replied.

“Metternich, how do you think the world is changing?”

“It is a period of upheaval. A mere commoner becomes an emperor, the king’s head is cut off, and in the New World, those who were colonies build a large country.”

“In this situation, our [Empire] had to be completely dismantled and forcibly scattered. It’s all because of France.”

This is why Karl values Metternich, even though he knows he is a schemer.

“We must unify the old [German] lands. Only then can the people in this land become citizens, and furthermore, our family can regain the throne. That is the only way to become a powerful country that confronts France, England, and Russia. To do that…”

France, the enemy that brought down the empire.

Napoleon, the leader of the group, is truly an excellent tactician, and his adopted son Eugene is also dangerous.

Military power is essential to defeat a formidable enemy, but that is not enough.

The scheming of the schemer Metternich is needed.

Karl looked closely at Metternich and said.

“France, or Napoleon, must be defeated. Or, accept Napoleon’s rule.”

Metternich smiled and replied.

“We have no choice but to fight. We cannot be ruled by commoners, can we?”

“How about it? Can we block Russia and drag Prussia into the war?”

“Huhu, this should be the job of that friend called Baron Castlereagh.”

Metternich rolled his eyes for a moment and bowed his head.

“I will produce results within a month, Your Majesty.”