I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 177

Prime Minister for Life? No Way

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. President.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you like this. The General is a hero of our United States.”

Napoleon Bonaparte, Marshal of the New French Army.

Jefferson couldn’t help but be amazed that this young man, who didn’t even look thirty, had achieved such outstanding accomplishments.

“Congressman Lafayette said that the General is far more talented than he is. At first, I was skeptical, but seeing the results, I can only admire him.”

“You flatter me. The South was so focused on concentrating almost all its forces in the north and east to fight the Union that they couldn’t possibly stop us from pushing in from the west. If they had, we would have been ashamed.”

“In any case, thanks to you, the war that was expected to last several more years ended in just one month. Countless young people in this country owe their lives to France. I am also deeply moved by the Prime Minister’s consideration in providing a justification that also considered our side.”

The reason Jefferson couldn’t ask France to join the war in the early stages was simple.

The Civil War, from the North’s perspective, was about suppressing the rebellious South, but its essence was ultimately a civil war.

Even if mobilizing foreign troops in a civil war was acceptable, there was no certainty what demands they would make in the future using this as an excuse.

Moreover, if Britain got involved due to France’s participation, it would be difficult for the United States to handle.

From a long-term perspective, relying further on France’s power here could lead to a position similar to that of a dependency.

It was not easy to make a hasty decision between the need to end the war quickly and the risks that had to be taken.

In the meantime, Christian provided a refreshing solution.

[The war taking place in the United States is not merely a fight between the North and the South, but a critical juncture that will determine the progress and regression of human rights. France, which defends freedom and equality, can no longer stand by and watch this fight drag on and lose its momentum for reform. Accordingly, we strongly condemn the Confederate States of America, which unfairly oppresses the human rights of black people, and urge them to immediately abandon the war.]

France, issuing such a strong statement, first proposed to the Union to form an allied force.

Here, they clearly defined the nature of the war and pressured Britain to withdraw.

When even the Pope joined in supporting the protection of black people’s human rights, it had an impact that was incomparable to what the Union was shouting alone.

Political structures and economic conflicts were all pushed to the back burner, and all that remained was the confrontation between good and evil.

Of course, even if the situation had turned out like this, Britain would not have readily withdrawn if the war continued to drag on.

As soon as France’s participation was decided, they quickly brought the South to its knees, giving Britain no time to worry.

Before the British fleet even crossed the Atlantic.

“The Prime Minister was concerned that the Union would be under too much burden. He must have judged that we couldn’t put any more strain on you since we weren’t providing supplies for free.”

“To consider our position so much…”

“Because we will continue to walk together as allies.”

Jefferson was once again ashamed of his suspicion of Christian.

It was fortunate that he kept it to himself; it would have been a real disaster if he had revealed it.

“I promise that the friendship and trust of the United States towards France will remain steadfast in the future. There is no such thing as an eternal alliance in the world, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could be the exception?”

“Thank you. The Prime Minister will also be pleased.”

Napoleon said it as if it were nothing, but Jefferson was by no means a fool and had ears to hear.

Now that some time had passed since the end of the war, he was able to hear detailed reports of how the South had been crushed by the New French Army.

He, who had no knowledge of war, did not judge everything himself like Washington.

If he did, he would likely ruin even what could be done.

Instead, he broadly accepted the opinions of the military and ministers, who were experts.

The report submitted by the Secretary of War after reviewing this French army’s advance could be summarized simply in one line.

[The French army is a monster. The commanders who lead them are even greater monsters.]

Even though the South had dispersed its forces to face the Union army, it was not as if they did nothing while their capital was being captured.

In the end, they clearly withdrew their forces to intercept the French army that had pushed right in front of the capital.

However, Napoleon easily annihilated the Southern army as if he had been waiting for it.

The U.S. military, after thoroughly analyzing this unbelievable result, came to one conclusion.

The French army is at least several levels ahead of us.

We must continue to maintain a good relationship and somehow raise our level.

But before that.

First, we must heal the wounds of this country that has been completely divided in two.

After two years of war with each other, the public sentiment on both sides was so terrible that even the word “worst” was not enough.

The people of the North argue that the South, which started the war, should be held accountable, and the South thinks that the North is oppressing them even though they were living well.

Uniting the completely divided sides into one was by no means easy.

Perhaps no results will be achieved even if one devotes oneself to it for a lifetime.

Fortunately, there was one way.

Thankfully, Christian also gave a hint through Napoleon.

‘Blame all of this on the British side and rally public opinion…’

It certainly wasn’t a bad method.

No, in fact, there seemed to be no better way to see results in the short term.

The South was deceived by the instigation of the evil British and made the wrong choice, and France noticed this and quickly intervened.

This is all a tragedy caused by the fact that the United States is still less powerful than Britain.

We must not forget this humiliation and unite to build up our strength to the point where we can surpass Britain.

‘Hmm, yes. I should write the speech in this direction.’

The British ambassador will protest foaming at the mouth, but so what?

Isn’t it true that you sided with the South and sold them supplies?

I will show you that putting on an iron face is not a privilege exclusive to Britain.

‘Come to think of it, he also told me to be careful of assassination… I should definitely pay attention to the security issue.’

Christian expressed concern that the security system for the U.S. President was too crude, and Jefferson accepted it as a valid point.

It was something he hadn’t even thought of, so he was actually shocked as if he had been hit in the head with a hammer.

How could he doubt Christian’s kindness in considering even these minor points?

He will never doubt his friendship again.

Jefferson slightly bowed his head towards the direction of Paris in the distance.

※※※

[Great Victory of Justice! The Tide of Freedom Sweeps Across America!]

[Prime Minister Christian’s Bold Decision! Ascends as the Savior of the Poor Blacks!]

[Blacks Freed from Slavery Shed Tears and Praise France’s Generosity]

“They’re having a great time without me even telling them to.”

“Isn’t that what newspaper guys are like? They’re so crazy about sales that they’ll bite like hyenas if you just throw them bait.”

“It’s convenient because I don’t have to give separate instructions.”

The results of the Civil War began to be widely promoted within France as well.

If there is an opportunity to indulge in national pride, the French will never refuse.

The citizens did not hide their delight that France’s majesty had once again exploded in the distant New World.

“Do you guys know that the evil British were behind this war? They secretly incited the South, which advocated slavery, to start a rebellion.”

“There’s no country in the world that can match those guys when it comes to being petty. Is that something a person should do?”

“Still, it’s a relief that the Prime Minister, who miraculously saw through their plot, immediately retaliated. And the newspaper says that we made a huge profit from this war without even spending money?”

“As expected, it’s the Prime Minister! Even the parliament, which was fighting ugly this time, immediately bowed down as soon as he came. This country really can’t do without him.”

“Cheers! Let’s toast to the health of France’s Prime Minister for life, Christian!”

I kept hearing stories that my popularity was increasing day by day among the citizens.

It’s definitely good news, but I want to correct that part about being Prime Minister for life.

Frankly speaking, if I were going to be Prime Minister until I die, there would be no reason for me to change the system like this.

But our dear brother even responded to an interview with a newspaper, unusually, as if trying to pour oil on a burning house.

The article that came out was…

[King’s Definite Guarantee! Prime Minister for Life is by No Means Impossible.]

What the hell is this!

If I make a mistake, there may be a declaration from the parliament and the king that I will be appointed as Prime Minister for life.

As my face hardened at the serious threat, Danton and Count Mirabeau, who were giving reports next to me, quickly opened their mouths.

“Those newspaper companies really don’t know anything. Not impossible, but already certain. You don’t have to worry too much. Who else but the Prime Minister can lead this country?”

“Danton is right. Not only the commoners, but also the nobles in the Senate want the Prime Minister to firmly protect his position. There’s a different sense of stability when the Prime Minister is there, a sense of stability. Hahaha!”

“The House of Representatives has already decided to start preparing a bill. Robespierre is more enthusiastic than anyone else.”

“……”

I ordered the House and Senate to gather neutral opinions, but it seems like they are misunderstanding something greatly.

I always thought that subordinates’ excessive loyalty was just an excuse for high-ranking people, but it really does happen.

To think that this terrible bill was actually scheduled to be formally presented.

Looking at it now, it seemed that our brother was not really trying to screw me over, but was trying to do well for me in his own way.

I really don’t understand.

Does he think there are people who enjoy working for the country until they die?

Or did I look like a power-hungry monster so obsessed with ambition?

No, if I looked like that, a man like Robespierre would not have been the first to promote me.

This must be a job that is disguised as promotion, telling you to do it for France until you die.

“Danton, Count Mirabeau. The power of France must be justified by elections that reflect the will of the citizens in the future. But wouldn’t having a lifetime position seem too impure in its purpose?”

“Of course, but the Prime Minister is an exception. In the first place, even if we elect a leader through elections, there will be no one else who will be elected besides the Prime Minister.”

“That’s true, but…”

It would end if I didn’t run, but looking at it now, the public opinion of the whole country was not going to allow it.

What should I do?

If I don’t do something here, the House of Representatives will really pass a bill to appoint Louis Christian as Prime Minister for life.

No matter how much I decline, there is no answer if they accept this as an expression of humility and push it forward.

It is true that France still needs me, so I cannot retire from politics right now.

Isn’t there a new topic that can quell this public opinion at once?

I have to create it if there isn’t one.

Before the choice of hell falls, whether to accept the Prime Minister for life or retire immediately…

“Prime Minister!”

Just as I was racking my brain because I couldn’t think of a good excuse, Grouchy, who had rushed in, gasped and shook the paper in his hand.

“I thought you should see it urgently… I apologize for intruding without permission.”