I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 138

French Royal Genius 138 The Paris Debate (138/355)

British Prime Minister William Pitt was slowly reviewing his speech while his ship docked at the harbor.

“The time has finally come.”

“Indeed. I never thought you’d make such a big deal out of this.”

Unlike the excited Wilberforce, Pitt was troubled by many things.

“After this conference, no one will be able to openly defend slavery anymore… It should have been like this from the beginning.”

“It’s all thanks to your hard work. However, this may lead to France receiving more attention.”

Wilberforce, who initiated this movement, doesn’t have to worry about being overshadowed, but he’s not thrilled about France becoming a major player beyond simply offering support.

‘It would have been enough for them to just strengthen our arguments, but I never expected them to take such a prominent role.’

“This Paris Debate will surely be regarded as more significant than the Valladolid Debate [a historical debate concerning the rights of indigenous peoples] in the future. I am convinced of that.”

‘Yes. That’s exactly the problem, my friend.’

“I thought they weren’t ready at all when I visited before, but when did they manage to enlist the Pope’s support?”

‘It’s admirable how bold and proactive they are.’

‘Moreover, they have the showmanship to make such a big deal and capture all the attention.’

Pitt admitted that he wasn’t yet on Christian’s level after observing the previous meeting and the planning of the Paris Debate.

But that didn’t equate to defeat.

Rather, someone possessing qualities he lacked presented an opportunity for learning.

It was like the Roman Scipio who defeated Hannibal, who had once terrified Rome, by adopting his tactics and strategies.

Having someone to learn from is a blessing for a young man still developing.

‘Go ahead and showcase your skills to your heart’s content. I’ll thoroughly analyze them and make them my own.’

While Pitt was absorbed in thought, the ship had fully docked at the harbor and come to a standstill.

“Prime Minister, Congressman, we are ready to disembark.”

A naval officer approached with restrained movements and saluted.

“Okay. Thank you for your hard work.”

Pitt stepped onto land with Wilberforce.

Pitt glanced back and clicked his tongue as he watched the officer preparing the escort.

“I’ve heard that there are quite a few naval officers who support slavery. I’m sure you know that, right?”

“Is there a problem with that? It would be beneficial if they changed their minds while observing this debate.”

“Okay. There won’t be any problems. Let’s go.”

Since the interests of the most powerful European countries are aligned, the outcome is already decided.

The important thing is the ability to manage the aftermath.

Pitt was confident in that aspect.

Of course, he doesn’t underestimate his opponent.

What he trusts in is the strength of his country, England.

Even if he’s currently a step behind Christian, the British Empire won’t lose to France.

That belief will never waver, regardless of the circumstances.

※※※

The Paris Debate.

This conference, which would determine whether black people possessed human rights, was attended by a significant number of scholars.

However, it was evident to everyone that the weight of opinion favored those opposing slavery.

This was because it was a time when ideas emphasizing human rights and individual freedom were gaining traction.

In particular, the Dominican friars and nuns, who had recognized the indigenous peoples of the Americas as human beings during the Valladolid Debate, seemed particularly resolute.

“Your Highness, thank you for creating such a wonderful opportunity. God will be very pleased with Your Highness’s faithfulness.”

“I’m simply doing what I believe is right. It’s not something deserving of excessive praise.”

“That obvious truth has been obscured by all sorts of sophistry and selfish desires until now. You have done a great service.”

The bishops and intellectuals from various countries thanked and praised me.

‘To protect justice and human rights against evil and greedy oppressors!’

Even without hearing it from their mouths, their eyes burned with such a sense of mission.

“They are very motivated.”

Pitt, who had joined us recently, offered his observation as he watched the busy intellectuals.

“Isn’t that a positive thing? It suggests a favorable outcome is likely.”

“Looking at the pro-slavery side, there’s a fairly well-known Marquis from France. I suppose there are still many nobles on that side involved in trade.”

“Well… roughly.”

In fact, Marquis de Belille, who was serving as a scapegoat this time, wasn’t deeply involved in the slave trade.

But there’s no need to reveal that he’s here as part of a political maneuver.

“But England seems to have a more systematic approach. I don’t know if I should say it’s different from other countries…”

“That’s because they are constantly developing technically and ideologically. It will continue to be so in the future.”

Pitt didn’t bother concealing their capabilities and openly acknowledged them.

The navy, which he brought along for escort this time, seemed intended as a display of strength, and it was clear they were composed of elites.

And he was convinced once more.

If things continue smoothly like this, France will eventually be overtaken by England.

Like Russia, which engaged in a great game with England in the original timeline and ultimately lost.

“I heard that a steel bridge was completed over the Severn River in England. I heard it’s quite a sight to behold, isn’t it?”

“You’re aware of it. It’s probably the world’s first steel bridge.”

I didn’t deny the boast that implied, ‘You don’t have this in your country, do you?’

I have to acknowledge what I have to acknowledge.

That’s how you can effectively improve your own nation.

At first glance, France might appear to be the strongest country in the world, but the reality is different.

No, it might be true right now.

However, it was difficult to halt the rise of England, which was already successfully developing industrial technology.

Even in the original timeline, the Russian Empire possessed the second-largest territory in the world and had the military power to rival all of Europe.

However, upon closer inspection, it was close to being hollow, and it lost in the competition with the British Empire.

The fundamental reason was that the Russian Empire’s system was far behind the British Empire.

The old-fashioned absolute monarchy continued to maintain serfdom, and the power of the nobles remained strong.

With the country continuing to operate in this manner, it became a nation that was only large in size but lacked substance.

And the situation in France wasn’t much different.

Ultimately, if France doesn’t undergo a major transformation, it will become like the Russian Empire in the original timeline.

Fortunately, Pitt didn’t seem to realize this yet.

It’s not due to a lack of ability on his part.

This is because it was a conclusion that couldn’t be reached without deeply considering the historical facts that had already unfolded.

“Prime Minister, since you’ve come to Paris, please join me for dinner tonight. I’ll treat you to a wonderful meal.”

“Yes. Can Wilberforce join us?”

“Of course. Even though we don’t have a steel bridge in France yet, we have plenty of incredibly delicious food, so please enjoy it to your heart’s content.”

“England also has an outstanding dish called roast beef…”

‘No, it’s not. Steak is much better.’

I was about to enter the carriage, ignoring Pitt’s words, when I kept feeling like I recognized the face of the officer standing at attention in the back.

I don’t believe I’ve ever met him in person, but why does he look so familiar?

“Prime Minister, please invite the soldiers who are in charge of the escort to the palace as well. They are honored guests from afar, so I will prepare a separate meal for them.”

“Thank you for taking care of the soldiers separately.”

“By the way, what is the name of the officer over there? I might see him often while staying in Paris, so I thought it would be good to know.”

‘Good. That was very natural.’

Pitt nodded nonchalantly and brought the officer I pointed out forward.

The young officer saluted me and Pitt with a slightly nervous voice.

“I heard you were looking for me. Navy Captain Horatio Nelson.”

“Oh…”

‘Why are you here?’

‘I thought I had seen him somewhere… Was it someone I saw in a portrait?’

I, who had been frozen for a moment, stiffly extended my hand.

“I might see you often in the future… I look forward to working with you, Captain Nelson.”

“It’s an honor. I look forward to working with you too.”

I shook hands with the man who might become an even greater enemy of France than Pitt.

Pitt was watching us from the side with an expression of incomprehension.

※※※

“Thank you! Your Highness! Thank you so much!”

“Whoa, whoa, that’s enough, just go. I didn’t originally intend to treat you so harshly.”

While dissuading the nobles who were about to kneel, I entered the palace where the meeting was in progress.

The nobles, whose names were initially on the list of those who opposed the abolition of slavery but were later removed, smiled happily and followed me.

“We will never oppose Your Highness’s opinion in the future!”

“In fact, Marquis de Belille acted on his own. We never intended to do that from the beginning. Of course, Your Highness saw through our situation and granted us leniency…”

“Okay. Be more careful with your words and actions in the future. You are the nobles of this country.”

‘Look at their gaping mouths.’

‘Well, it’s no wonder they avoided being permanently embalmed in the history books.’

Most of them, except for Marquis de Berille, who was the ringleader of this incident, succeeded in withdrawing from this conference.

From the beginning, I didn’t intend to condemn them all, so I pretended to generously forgive them.

As expected, the effect was very good.

The nobles who were excluded from the list this time swore allegiance, saying that they would openly side with me.

Some of them even reported minor acts of corruption committed by Marquis de Belille.

Of course, I wasn’t naive enough to completely trust the nobles who had turned around now.

At least half of them would not hesitate to stab me in the back if they had the chance.

Nevertheless, the reason why I allowed them to avoid disgrace now was to build a reputation.

It’s not just about condemning them in history and making them suffer shame for a long time, but a preparation for when a real bloodbath occurs.

“I have no intention of giving you the absurd order to disregard your personal interests. But at least, if you are a class that enjoys many privileges, you should seriously consider what is the right path for the future of the country. This is a natural duty that we must bear.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“I will engrave it in my heart!”

I don’t know if they truly understood, but even if they face the worst outcome, they won’t be able to blame me.

I genuinely forgave them, and I gave them at least a warning.

“Well, could one of you deliver this letter? It’s going to Nouvelle France [New France, a French colony in North America]…”

“Please leave it to me!”

“Okay. Then to you… no, wait. I should add one more line.”

I placed another piece of paper in the envelope and handed it to the nobleman who actively volunteered.

The contents of the hastily scribbled letter were roughly as follows:

-If you adhere to the overall strategy I outlined earlier, you can exercise as much discretion as possible on the spot. And from the moment this contact arrives, you are no longer a captain but a major. I anticipate your continued success.

‘Nelson is a captain, so I can’t keep Napoleon as the same rank of captain.’

When the conclusion of the issue currently being debated crosses the Atlantic, the other side will be in chaos for a while.

Now is the time to leisurely enjoy the unfolding events.

End