He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 390

(390) Commander-in-Chief Napoleon Embarks on a Personal Campaign

However, declarations alone do not move armies.

“The Emperor is the pinnacle of the Empire, and his constitutional position is that of ruler and commander-in-chief. However, that is merely a title.”

Talleyrand stated before the Emperor, who was scribbling military orders in his office at the Tuileries Palace.

“Therefore, you *can* exercise command, but it is best to leave the actual direction to the marshals.”

“Then, wouldn’t it be better to entrust it to my stepfather [Eugène de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s stepson]?”

“What if he turns the army around and marches on Paris later?”

Napoleon, who was personally reviewing supply documents in his office, frowned.

“Talleyrand, Eugène is not that kind of person. However, the truth is that his abilities as commander-in-chief are still lacking. He is also not old enough to handle the marshals.”

Commander-in-chief, a position derived from the Roman Empire’s *Imperator* [originally a military title, later associated with emperors].

Currently, there is no commander-in-chief in France in practice.

Emperor Napoleon *is* the commander-in-chief, the supreme commander.

In fact, it was similar during the old dynasty, when the French monarch, as the ruler, exercised supreme command and appointed practical commanders-in-chief for each front.

But when you think about it, Napoleon has never actually overseen a war in its entirety.

Originally, he would have experienced this during the Consulate [French government from 1799 to 1804].

However, the Consulate period was relatively short, and the wars that took place during that time were handled by Eugène, Moreau, and Hoche.

So, this War of the Third Coalition [a European conflict from 1803-1806] is Napoleon’s first experience as supreme commander.

Talleyrand is arguing that entrusting the 2nd Corps, the detached force, to Eugène is dangerous.

He is also demanding that the Emperor remain in Paris.

Napoleon drummed his fingers on the expensive table recently brought from Milan, revealing his teeth.

“In short, you are demanding that I *not* go to war, Talleyrand.”

“How could I demand anything of Your Majesty? I am merely pointing out that it is dangerous for the monarch to leave the capital. Who knows when or *who* will betray us, or what enemy might invade?”

“Then I will have to show you where the true power of the Empire lies, Talleyrand.”

At that moment, Napoleon’s eyes flashed.

“Where I am with my Guard, *that* is France!”

Talleyrand, on the other hand, wore a wry smile.

The French Empire claims to be the successor to the Great Revolution [French Revolution, 1789-1799].

But in reality, the French Empire, called the Napoleonic Empire in foreign countries, is closer to a country created by the revolutionary army than by revolutionaries.

Therefore, the source of power comes from the military, not from politicians, capitalists, or citizens.

That is why Napoleon is declaring that he will lead the army himself.

It is an unwelcome truth from the perspective of a civilian diplomat like Talleyrand.

However, Napoleon does not ignore Talleyrand, and speaks to him gently in a conciliatory tone.

“However, seeing our faithful Foreign Minister discussing the possibility of a surprise attack on the capital, do you have some intelligence?”

“If it’s intelligence, shouldn’t you ask Rochejaquelein of the Surété [French security organization] or Police Minister Fouché? However, the British are skilled in surprise attacks and terror, and they have the power to invade the ‘Low Countries’ [region encompassing Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg] at any time.”

“They don’t have enough troops to break through to Paris. Do they?”

It sounds like they are discussing a reckless operation.

The Low Countries are the former Netherlands, now the Batavian Republic [a French client state from 1795-1806].

Since it is a satellite republic of the French Empire, wouldn’t it resist a British invasion?

Unfortunately, because it is a satellite republic, its defense motivation and military autonomy are even lower.

So, Napoleon believes that a landing operation in the Low Countries is possible.

But as in the original history, Britain is a country where land invasions are more difficult than landing in the Low Countries.

However, Talleyrand delved into another aspect.

“I am not an expert in military matters. Your Majesty’s words are correct. However, do not forget that the danger will increase as the days pass after you leave on the expedition. A self-proclaimed Louis XVII [claimant to the French throne] is in Spain to the south.”

Louis XVII, that is, the Count of Provence [title held by Louis XVIII during his exile].

Surprisingly, the Count of Provence is not staying in the Russian Empire.

He has participated in the coup in Spain and has established himself as the regent of the new king.

In fact, the justification was that they were distant relatives of the same ‘Bourbon’ family [the royal house of France].

Of course, the real power will be held by the British and Spanish nobles.

But if the French mainland is empty, won’t they take advantage of this opportunity?

However, Napoleon looked interested when he heard those words.

“Come to think of it, the *real* ‘Louis XVII’ is also in France?”

“Yes? Ah, are you referring to Princess Pauline’s aide-de-camp? It has been revealed in an official trial that he is a fake.”

“Are you talking about the nonsense that he is the son of Swedish Marshal Fersen [believed to have helped the royal family escape during the Revolution]? That’s what Eugène made up to save his life.”

Talleyrand slightly furrowed his brow with an elegant gesture.

“Do you perhaps intend to kill him?”

In the original history, Napoleon killed a member of the royal family, the Duke of Enghien, just before the transition to the Empire.

It was to show both domestically and internationally that the Bourbon dynasty could not return.

But now, Napoleon has no reason to do so, and when you think about it, the more dangerous Marie Therese is about to become his daughter-in-law.

Napoleon chuckled.

“Why, do you want me to become a royal family murderer?”

“Then will you leave him alone? Especially since Your Majesty is about to leave your seat?”

“Are you saying I should drag him along? Haha, that would be quite interesting.”

Napoleon, who had misinterpreted Talleyrand’s words, stood up.

“Where is he? I’ll go meet Marie Antoinette’s son.”

Talleyrand, who had brought about an unintended result, could only frown again.

***

Louis Charles, who had been neglected since returning from the New World, was very nervous.

“This way, Major Louis Charles.”

Even if Louis Charles were just an ordinary soldier, he would have no choice but to be nervous.

The person guiding Charles now is Police Chief General Savary.

Also, the place Savary is taking him is none other than the Tuileries Palace.

When Louis Charles stayed at the Tuileries Palace in the old days, it was a time when revolutionary protesters were singing to kill the royal family.

Suddenly, Charles asked Savary with a nervous face.

“Do you perhaps know why His Imperial Majesty has summoned me, Minister Savary?”

“I do not know. I am merely carrying out His Majesty’s orders.”

“Is there anything you can guess? There is no reason for His Majesty to meet with a low-ranking officer like me in person.”

Then Savary turned to Charles with a blank face and spat out.

“The Emperor’s sister, Her Highness Princess Pauline’s lover, is not just a low-ranking officer.”

Just as Charles was about to open his mouth in shock, Savary strode to the door at the end of the hallway.

-Knock, knock, knock.

A loud reply came from inside.

“Come in!”

When the door opened and the two entered, the reception room of the Tuileries Palace was crowded.

“So, the 1st Corps in the Spanish region is still not fully organized?”

“The number of cavalry is insufficient. Didn’t Your Majesty order each unit to fill at least one-fifth with cavalry by imperial decree? But since we have to expand the cavalry to the eastern front.”

“Bring them from Italy! The Spanish front is not the main battlefield, but it will be a problem if we are short!”

The Grande Armée [the main army of Napoleon], the Grand Army, is a unit with a cavalry ratio of at least 20 percent.

In addition, as a former artilleryman, he arranged for artillery units to be included in each division or brigade.

In other words, he made it so that a brigade-level unit could become a tactical unit capable of independent operations.

As Charles recalled this fact, he looked around.

In the center of the reception room, there was a large table surrounded by staff officers.

The most noticeable person was, of course, the Emperor, Napoleon.

Next to him, the staff of the General Headquarters, led by Berthier, were running around with documents, maps, and reports.

Suddenly, Napoleon’s adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel Muiron, ran up and shouted.

“Your Majesty, this is an urgent report. A notice has been received from the Confederation of the Rhine [a union of German states, clients of France] that it is difficult to allocate more than 50,000 support troops.”

At that moment, Napoleon’s eyes flashed and he threw away the document he was holding.

-Whack!

As everyone in the reception room, or temporary general headquarters, turned to look, Napoleon pressed.

“Who is it? Is it the Archbishop of Mainz?”

“No. It is a reply from the Grand Duke of Bavaria. He says that it is impossible to mobilize 100,000 troops because he has not yet recovered from the damage of the last war.”

“Nonsense! There, Brienne! Write down everything I say exactly! Stop talking such bullshit and bring the support troops to the Rhine River right now! Otherwise, the licorne cannons [a type of howitzer] of the Grande Armée will target Munich!”

Brienne stuck out his tongue as he wrote it down.

“Okay, I understand. Your Majesty.”

The Confederation of the Rhine is a group of former Holy Roman Empire principalities along the Rhine River.

The nominal leader is the Archbishop of Mainz, who was a clerical lord, but the de facto leader is the Grand Duke of Bavaria.

However, the Grand Duke of Bavaria, who was originally an enemy of France, is not enthusiastic about the war.

But the Confederation of the Rhine must be made to participate in order to solve the auxiliary and supply problems.

So, Napoleon had to bring in the Confederation of the Rhine by any means.

Napoleon, who had come up with a simple solution through threats, looked for another adjutant.

“Okay. Then Moreau is left. Duroc! Where did Duroc go?”

“Your Majesty bestowed him on Vice-King Eugène.”

“What is Duroc, an object? Damn it. Oh, Suukovski, you’re here. You take dictation.”

As another adjutant, Colonel Suukovski, followed closely, Napoleon dictated a letter.

“Moreau, I am well aware of your achievements. Now that the Austrians, Hungarians, and Prussians are ruthlessly trying to invade our Empire, your role is crucial! Eh, cut out the flowery language!”

“Yes, ah. Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Anyway, keep both Austria and Hungary in check! Bernadotte of Bohemia will help!”

It’s a very hectic but flawless operational meeting.

However, in this meeting, only Napoleon made decisions, and the other staff and adjutants only carried out orders.

Suddenly, Charles felt his heart beating.

This is the army commanded by the Emperor of the French Empire, which intimidates Europe.

It was then.

Savary, who had been watching the scene, judged that there was an opportunity and approached cautiously.

“Your Majesty, Major Louis Charles, whom you summoned, has arrived.”

At that moment, Napoleon turned to Charles and grinned.

“Oh, so you’re the one who dared to violate my sister’s bedroom?”

Charles felt his heart pounding again in another sense.

For example, with fear.

***

He could feel cold sweat soaking his entire spine.

-Trickle.

As Charles sat anxiously in front of the Emperor with a pale face, Napoleon pointed to a cup.

“Drink. This is coffee brought from Egypt. It tastes very good.”

“Th, thank you. Your Majesty.”

“Oh, you’re eating well. Did you take care of my sister with such skill?”

Charles, who was drinking hot coffee, choked and urgently made excuses.

“Cough, cough, cough! Your Majesty, I am merely in love with Her Highness Pauline.”

“Insolent. Who dared to violate the princess’s chastity?”

“Th, that is.”

Charles became even paler, but he did not stop speaking.

“Her Highness Pauline allowed it. Also, I love Her Highness Pauline.”

If Napoleon gave the order to execute him right away, Charles would be dragged out.

However, Chief of the Guard Lannes could not help but laugh, but his face was not tense.

Indeed, Napoleon glared at Charles as if he would kill him, but then raised both hands.

“I don’t know why all my family members try to get married as they please. Whether it’s Ajaccio [Napoleon’s birthplace in Corsica] or Versailles [the royal palace], shouldn’t marriage be decided by the patriarch? Tsk!”

Charles has nothing to say on that point.

Because Napoleon’s words are correct according to the standards of this era.

No matter how much the marriage of men and women has been officially liberalized since the revolution, the marriages of the upper class are still naturally decided by adults.

But he is going in and out of the princess’s bedroom, so as a former royal prince, doesn’t he have nothing to say?

However, Napoleon did not want an answer and brought up a completely different topic.

“Okay. What do you think of this war? Son of Louis XVI?”

“Yes? Your Majesty, I am not the son of Louis Capet [Louis XVI’s family name after the revolution].”

“Stop talking nonsense. You’ve been under Eugène for three years, so you must have learned something, right? What do you think?”

Charles answered reflexively in a daze.

“The number of enemy troops is twice that of our French army.”

Just as Napoleon was about to raise his eyebrows, Charles swallowed hard and said again.

“Although our France can mobilize up to one million troops, if you combine Spain, England, the former Holy Roman Empire, and Prussia, it will be twice our population.”

“We have the Russian Ivan guys, don’t we?”

“Will they really move properly? Pavel I [Czar of Russia] has already lost the public’s support, and if he sends out a large army, there will be a rebellion internally.”

It sounded like he was grandly saying that this war was reckless, but Charles did not stop.

“So, we have to face almost all of Europe alone. To do so, we must destroy the core of the anti-French alliance first. That’s Prussia.”

Napoleon, who had been staring at Charles silently, twisted his lips.

“You have quite a strategic eye.”

“I, I’m sorry. I just recited what I heard from Vice-King Eugène.”

“It’s hard to recite if you don’t understand. This, it’s starting to look more and more dangerous, isn’t it?”

It was the moment when Charles blinked again with a pale face.

-Bang!

Suddenly, the door opened and Suukovski, who was guarding outside, shouted.

“You can’t go in, Your Highness!”

“Shut up! Are you telling me to stand still while they’re trying to kill Charles?”

“That’s not it, Your Highness! St, stop!”

Napoleon waved his hand at Lannes, who was looking at him with eyes asking if he should stop her, and clicked his tongue.

“What is it, Pauline?”

Pauline ran to Napoleon, blocked Charles, and shouted.

“Don’t kill Charles! I’d rather marry whoever Your Majesty wants!”

Of course, this is what Pauline is saying because she doesn’t value marriage very much.

Anyway, it’s because she intends to use the bedroom with whoever she wants to marry.

Napoleon seemed to have seen through her intentions, frowned, and retorted bluntly.

“It would be nice if it were that simple, but Archduke Karl, no, King Karl, whom I was going to marry you off to, has become our enemy.”

“What did you say?”

“There is a way to win this war and get you married.”

Just as Pauline was about to shout again, Napoleon turned to Charles with a playful face.

“How about it, Louis Charles Capet. In this war, Marmont is going to the battlefield to marry my sister. Would you like to try it too?”

He called him Capet.

That means Napoleon doesn’t believe Eugène’s claim that Louis Charles is Fersen’s son.

But Charles felt more excitement than fear.

If Napoleon really intended to kill him, he wouldn’t bother sending him to the battlefield.

Of course, no one knows what will happen on the battlefield.

But isn’t the battlefield better than dying helplessly without being able to do anything?

Charles knelt before Napoleon and shouted.

“Gladly, if you give me the chance!”

“Good. You are my personal adjutant from today. Then, I’ll give you your first mission.”

“What mission is it?”

Napoleon laughed heartily and gave a reckless order to Charles, who was sparkling his eyes.

“Tell Eugène to set off immediately and go to Prussia, even if he is not ready. I’m giving him the mission of the vanguard!”

At that moment, Charles sensed it.

It seems that Napoleon is taking Charles with him to torment him.

If not, he is trying to test him like his stepfather Eugène.