I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 53

The Power of a Silver Tongue (1)

Surprisingly, the country most anxious about the Holy See right now isn’t England, France, or Austria.

The countries most keenly aware of their neighbors’ movements are Russia and the Ottoman Empire, who are currently at war.

Therefore, anyone from the Russian side would come running if called.

As expected, Russian Ambassador Ivan Osterman responded to Cardinal Lazaro’s summons on the same day.

“Welcome, Your Highness Christian. Thank you so much for finding us,” the plump, middle-aged man said with a friendly smile as he sat across from me.

He wasn’t an incredibly famous figure, but that didn’t diminish his importance.

If I remember correctly, Osterman would later become the Minister of Foreign Affairs and even rise to the position of Prime Minister.

If I could establish a friendly relationship and help him achieve even more than in the original history, he could become a valuable connection in the future.

“I wanted to see you sooner, but I apologize for the delay. I thought it would be best to meet discreetly, away from the eyes of other countries, so coordinating the timing took longer.”

“I understand. The Ottoman bastards are watching us with fiery eyes to see which countries we’re contacting.”

“Yes, exactly. But now the Holy See has arranged a discreet location, so there’s no chance of information leaking elsewhere.”

I was trying to proceed without England’s knowledge, but it would be problematic for the Russian side if this leaked out as well.

I didn’t have to worry too much about secrecy.

“By the way… I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is unwell. I hope for his speedy recovery.”

Even as he said that, Osterman’s gaze was more suspicious than concerned.

Being this blatant actually made it easier to respond.

“Thank you. However, I have spoken with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sufficiently, so you can interpret my intentions as the intentions of France without any difficulty.”

“Oh, I see. But before we discuss anything, let me clarify one thing: the actions we took at the end of the Seven Years’ War were by no means the intention of the current Emperor. That was solely the foolish act of the previous king and is completely unrelated to the current Russian policy.”

“I know.”

People say geniuses change history, but sometimes fools play that role too.

But fools, of course, have no awareness of the impact of their actions.

The former Russian King Peter III was a prime example.

A fervent fan of the current Prussian King Frederick II, he immediately halted the war upon ascending the throne during the height of the Seven Years’ War.

The problem was that this was when England was withdrawing from the war, and the Franco-Austrian alliance was pushing Prussia hard.

If Russia hadn’t withdrawn at that point, it was uncertain whether Prussia would have collapsed, but it was certain to suffer enormous damage.

Of course, Russia had also suffered cumulative damage from the long war, so it could have used the new king’s accession as an excuse to make a truce.

The problem was the content of this agreement.

Russia ended the war with Prussia on terms that wouldn’t have been out of place if they had been the defeated country.

They returned all the territory Russia had occupied without receiving a single penny in compensation and even offered to provide support troops in a ridiculous negotiation.

To suddenly return all the land you’ve won in a war you were winning and act like a defeated country? Because your monarch is a fervent fan of the enemy monarch?

But such a thing actually happened.

When these conditions were first revealed, the Russian nobles were so dumbfounded that they treated it as a rumor.

In addition to this, he forcibly tried to change the court culture, which was already full of French influence, to a German style, and even tried to convert Orthodox priests to Protestantism.

It would be a miracle to maintain his position while running the country like this.

In the end, he was deposed by Catherine II, the current Russian Empress and Peter III’s wife, imprisoned, and died in prison.

It was a good example of what happens when someone who isn’t fit for the job ascends the throne at a sensitive time.

Osterman seemed to have no desire to defend this foolish former king.

Rather, he probably wanted to distance himself from that era to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings that he was acting as Prussia’s lackey.

He chuckled awkwardly and moistened his lips with the wine on the table.

“Thank you for understanding our position. Then, since this is a secretly arranged meeting, shall we get straight to the point?”

“Please do.”

“The reason you came to us is, as we suspect, related to the war we are in?”

“Yes. Your country is currently at war with the Ottoman Empire, and we believe that small and large conflicts will continue to occur in the future.”

The frequent clashes between Russia and the Ottoman Empire were not as simple as they seemed.

This is because it is intricately intertwined not only with practical aspects but also with political aspects.

First, Russia claimed to be the legitimate protector of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the successor to the Eastern Roman Empire.

The Ottoman Turks also claimed to be the Third Roman Empire and the successors of the Eastern Roman Empire, having overthrown the Eastern Roman Empire and taken Constantinople [modern-day Istanbul].

Honestly, to others, it looked like two bizarre guys who had nothing to do with Rome were pretending to be Rome, but it was an important issue for them.

Besides, Russia desperately wanted a port that doesn’t freeze.

In other words, Russia desperately wanted to occupy the Black Sea coast.

However, the Black Sea is an inland sea closed to the west, so it was like a huge lake unless they took possession of the Bosphorus Strait.

In other words, Russia had to take Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, at all costs.

Of course, the Ottoman Empire could not simply hand over Constantinople and the Bosphorus Strait.

The conflict between the two countries was like an unavoidable fate.

“In fact, the fact that infidels claim to be Rome and occupy the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire is absurd. I am confident that the cause of the war is on our side.”

“Yes… well, I think it’s more important to take control of the Crimean Khanate than Constantinople, but the ultimate goal is still Constantinople.”

“The subjugation of the Crimean Khanate is a matter of time. In land battles, our proud Russian army is overwhelming the Ottomans. Although the Black Sea is still under their control, we believe we will soon be able to bring them down and punish them.”

In fact, it was about time for the Battle of Kagul and the Battle of Chesma, which would determine the direction of the 7th Russo-Turkish War.

I knew the results of this battle in much more detail than Osterman, the Russian ambassador.

The Ottoman Empire, which was defeated in this battle, completely lost control of the Black Sea and the Crimean Peninsula.

And the fact that this was before Russia had virtually confirmed its victory was fortunate for me.

There is a completely different feeling between trying to put a spoon on a war that has already been won and taking sides before the victory or defeat is decided.

“Our France also believes in the victory of the brave Russian army without a doubt. That’s why we tried to contact Russia, not the Ottoman Empire.”

“Oh, is that so? You have great insight. Hahaha!”

“I’m just saying this here, but frankly, how can the Ottoman Empire, which is already declining and has lost all its teeth, cope with Russia? It’s a war as obvious as the fight between a hyena that is almost dying of old age and a lion that is growing up.”

“I am truly amazed by the Crown Prince’s perspective on seeing the great powers. I don’t know what to do because you said so much.”

Osterman waved his hand with an awkward smile at my unreserved praise.

Although France and the Ottoman Empire are allies, it is very natural in international relations to kick out a weakened ally and join hands with another powerful country.

Even seemingly ruthless things were rationalized for the sake of one’s own interests in the diplomacy of this era.

“I’m just stating an analysis based on objective data.”

“I see. Then, can you dispatch support troops to us in this war? Of course, we will provide definite compensation.”

Here it comes.

In order to form a practical alliance, there must be something to give and take.

What Russia, which is at war, wants most is, of course, an increase in troops or funds.

Even if they promise a little support, Russia will not hesitate to form an alliance with France.

But I had no intention of spending a single penny on Russia.

France is in a difficult situation right now, so there is no reason to pour money into a war that benefits others.

So, I have to get a promise of alliance from them without opening our wallet.

A proposal with a collapsed balance that no one would normally accept.

It would be impossible for anyone, but it is possible for a country that knows how this war will unfold and what kind of ending it will have.

The point is how well you use this silver tongue.

Everything will be decided by my ability to talk.

I was confident.

Because I had simulated it dozens of times before even entering this room.

“I’m sorry, but it seems difficult to increase military or military spending.”

“Yes? Then, how can you support us? We are still nominally maintaining an alliance with Prussia. In order for us to switch to France, we must have corresponding benefits.”

“Of course, I’m not just asking you to form an alliance without anything in return. We believe that your country will win the war against the Ottoman Empire. So, we want to help you clean up the aftermath.”

“Clean up the aftermath?”

A hint of doubt lingered on Osterman’s face, which had been filled with disappointment.

I continued to explain to him in a calm tone, who still didn’t understand.

“Judge calmly. If Russia wins this war, it may be able to completely take over the suzerainty [the right to rule] of the Black Sea and the Crimean Peninsula, depending on the circumstances. The question is whether the surrounding countries will allow it.”

“…That is…”

Osterman smacked his lips and trailed off.

Certainly, Russia would have been most wary of this situation.

That’s why they hurriedly sent a diplomatic ambassador when they heard that the great powers were gathering at the Holy See.

Even in the original history, England, Austria, and Prussia, wary of Russia, which had completely crushed the Ottoman Empire, put pressure on them to stop the war all at once.

Russia avoided the offensive while delaying negotiations, but could not completely ignore the pressure from Prussia and Austria, which were nearby.

If Europe had not pressured Russia at this time, the Ottoman Empire might have fallen much faster.

“If Russia completely seizes the Crimean Peninsula, Prussia will be the first to protest. Do you think they care that your country is growing stronger when they are just nominally allies? Austria also has bad feelings towards Russia. An unprecedented situation may occur in which these two countries join hands. And there is a country that never misses such an event. That is England.”

“England is an ally of Prussia… I certainly have to consider the possibility of intervening under the pretext of Prussia’s demands.”

“That’s right. In other words, Russia is at risk of not gaining much practical benefit even after winning the war. I heard that Ottoman envoys are visiting England and Prussia to appeal for help with similar logic.”

This is a clever mix of fact and fiction.

It is true that England and Prussia tried to intervene at the end of the war, but Russia still seized the Crimean Peninsula and pushed the border with the Ottoman Empire far south.

This is thanks to the fact that Russia crushed the main force of the Ottoman army in the Battle of Kagul and the Battle of Chesma.

However, the most important point is that the current Russian ambassador has no idea about this great victory that will happen in the future.

It is also naturally false that Ottoman diplomats are begging England and Prussia.

Still, Russia has no way to confirm this, so they have no choice but to become anxious.

If I dig into this part, I can adjust this meeting as much as I want.

As expected, Osterman’s face hardened in a way that was incomparable to the beginning.

He asked in a reluctant voice.

“…So. Are you saying that France will put its weight behind diplomatic efforts to help us smoothly end the war?”

“Yes. And if the war drags on longer than expected, we will provide physical support as well. However, you must keep in mind that if we intervene, England may side with the Ottoman Empire as a backlash.”

“That’s certainly true. We don’t want a repeat of the Seven Years’ War either. It seems right to postpone receiving direct military support from France as a last resort for now.”

Of course, I have no intention of providing military support even if the war drags on for 10 or 20 years, but since I know that won’t happen, I can freely make empty promises.

Osterman could only feel that France was definitely taking Russia’s side.

“I will promise you clearly here. Even if England puts diplomatic pressure on us, we will offset it. Specifically, we will take sides so that Russia can seize the Crimean Peninsula and secure control of the Black Sea. I know that the Dnieper River is the border with the Ottoman Empire now, but it may be worth considering pushing it south to the Bug River. You will also have to obtain the right to pass through the Bosphorus Strait and the right to protect the Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire.”

This is exactly the content of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca [a peace treaty signed in 1774], which will be concluded in 1774.

It was a benefit that Russia would have taken on its own even if I didn’t lift a finger, but there was no one who thought that Russia would overwhelm the Ottoman Empire to this extent.

Even Russia itself probably doesn’t have that much confidence yet.

The most definite proof is that Osterman’s face, after hearing my promise, brightened to the point where it couldn’t be any brighter.

“Oh! Thank you so much for France taking our side to that extent. Then, what can we do in return?”

“First, I want you to form an alliance. And in order to strengthen the bond of the alliance, I would like Russia to select a woman suitable for our Crown Prince. If the Empress had a princess under her, it would have been a simple problem to solve, but since that is not the case, I think we need to think more about this part.”

“Yes. We will pay attention to matching the status on our side. A woman who will marry the Crown Prince of the Great Kingdom of France must, of course, have the qualifications to match. That’s right.”

“And if we go as far as a marriage alliance, I would like this to be announced after Russia wins the war against the Ottoman Empire.”

The fact that Russia is a newly emerging power is now slowly spreading throughout Europe, but it still lacks impact on the public.

The reality is that many people still recognize Russia as a small country attached to the outskirts of Europe.

However, the story will be different if they gain the image of a powerful country that has won a great victory against the Ottoman Empire.

Within France, the perception that it is a powerful country enough to use the Crown Prince’s marriage card will be instilled.

And my evaluation, which had already penetrated this potential long ago, will also rise further.

Above all, I only made empty promises in this alliance, and the burden that France had to bear was virtually non-existent.

All I did was promise to give Russia the fruits that it would have picked anyway as if I were doing them a favor.

Osterman, who didn’t even dream of that fact, was delighted that he had achieved satisfactory results and signed the alliance treaty without hesitation.

“Hahaha, I look forward to working with you in the future, Your Highness.”

“I hope to continue to have a good relationship in the future.”

I shook hands with Osterman, congratulating him on the conclusion of the treaty.

I didn’t actually give anything and only I benefited, but what does it matter? They say it’s a win-win if the other side is happy too.

Selfish diplomacy that takes everything that can be obtained with a silver tongue at a summit where the leaders of each country gather.

That’s my way.