I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 190

< Russia's Counterattack >

“…Lastly, on behalf of France, I would like to express my sincere gratitude once again to the distinguished guests from various countries who have willingly traveled all the way to distant Paris. We all share the same desire for peace and harmony. I sincerely hope that the new century we will face through the upcoming conferences will be remembered as a century of peace.”

Before the conference fully commenced, Louis XVI concluded his lengthy speech.

Thunderous applause erupted as he sat down, his face still tense.

*This is all thanks to my constant pressure on him to avoid making a fool of himself as the representative of France, the host country.*

Louis XVI must have felt like he was dying inside, but surprisingly, the neighboring countries regarded him with envy and admiration.

The whispers of the representatives, seeing him in person for the first time, reached my ears.

“Indeed, Louis XVI of France… he possesses more charisma than I had been led to believe.”

“I wondered what kind of person he would be, but seeing him now, I understand his reputation.”

Charisma? Reputation?

Are these people looking at the same person as I am? He’s merely clenching his teeth, mechanically reciting the prepared script for fear of error. What charisma are they talking about?

“His Majesty Louis XVI can be considered the embodiment of the ideal enlightened monarch. Wouldn’t it be fair to say that France’s successful constitutional reforms are thanks to his wise decisions?”

The intellectuals accompanying the representatives constantly exclaimed with admiration, envying France’s progressive system.

Indeed. In their eyes, Louis XVI appeared as a wise ruler who willingly transferred the power of absolute monarchy to the parliament and the prime minister, an unprecedented act in the world.

His image had been so thoroughly sanitized that in the United States, they were calling Louis XVI the George Washington of Europe.

This sparked another debate, with the French, angered by the comparison, insisting that George Washington should be called the Louis XVI of America.

“George Washington could have become a king, but he relinquished the opportunity. In fact, he never experienced the allure of royal power. On the other hand, the great Louis XVI voluntarily reduced the power of the absolute monarch. And that was voluntary, not forced as in England!”

Some congressmen sought my agreement, but even if he is my brother, honestly, that’s not quite accurate, is it?

He didn’t relinquish his power out of some grand conviction, but simply because he wanted to be free from heavy responsibilities and enjoy the privileges.

However, I couldn’t very well say, ‘Why are you comparing your king to the president of another country?’ So, I remained silent for the time being.

But thinking about it, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

If Louis XVI maintains such a positive external image, I can often use him as a figurehead and manipulate him as needed.

He probably thought he could work briefly this time and then return to a life of luxury, but no way.

Now that it’s clear he can play an active role, you’ll have to continue working with me, brother.

Louis XVI, sensing a slight chill in my gaze, turned to me, shuddering slightly.

I waved dismissively, and Louis XVI cleared his throat and gestured towards me.

“Now, then, Prime Minister Louis Christian, Duke of Orléans, will proceed with the meeting.”

“I would like to express my gratitude once again to the representatives who have traveled far to Paris. I am Louis Christian, entrusted with the progress of this momentous event. I promise to proceed as fairly and impartially as possible.”

After my brief address, I immediately introduced the first agenda item.

In reality, despite my promise of fairness, this meeting was far from it, as evidenced by the seating arrangement.

The order of the seats, arranged to the left and right of the chairman’s seat, clearly reflected national power.

Great Britain, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Russia, and Turkey were seated closest to the head.

Smaller countries with less influence were relegated to the corners.

Of course, no one complained.

No matter how unfair and corrupt it may be, the international community operates under the law of the jungle.

Everyone present understood this simple truth.

“First, the most pressing issue is the ongoing dispute between Russia and Turkey. This isn’t just a problem between the two countries; it involves the Holy Roman Empire, Prussia, and even Great Britain.”

No sooner had I finished speaking than Alexander Pavlovich Romanov, the Crown Prince of Russia, requested the floor and began to speak.

“Let me be clear. The reason the armistice negotiations are dragging on is clearly Britain’s fault.”

“Are you blaming us for this? Strictly speaking, shouldn’t we acknowledge that the negotiations are stalled because Russia is being excessively greedy?”

Pitt shook his head, feigning innocence.

Alexander ignored Pitt and continued his rebuttal.

“Russia rightfully won the war against Turkey and is attempting to exercise its rightful claims as the victor. Of course, if the party concerned, [the Ottoman Empire], objects, we are willing to listen. But what right does Britain have to suddenly intervene and stir up trouble?”

“Well, someone needs to advocate for world peace. If all countries strictly adhere to the logic of power, what kind of hell would this world descend into?”

“I don’t think you’ve considered that you might be contributing to that hell.”

“That is a preposterous slander. This country has always strived for world peace and the advancement of human rights. Which country was the first to abolish the slave trade? France and Great Britain.”

Pitt clenched his fist solemnly, posing as a champion of human rights, and looked around.

Before Alexander, dumbfounded, could respond, he quickly continued.

“So, why did we intervene in the war between Russia and [the Ottoman Empire]? The reason is simple. Russia has instigated numerous conflicts to seize the Black Sea coast. Counting this war, it’s already eight… no, nine times? I wonder if any other country in Europe has displayed such ambition for territorial expansion recently.”

“That’s…”

“So, we have decided that it is time to end this cycle of conflict. If this fighting continues, there is no guarantee that the flames of war won’t engulf all of Europe.”

“…”

As expected, Britain’s strategy is to portray Russia as a territorial expansion obsessed gangster.

In fact, Pitt’s eloquence sounded plausible at first glance.

It wasn’t entirely false that Russia was eager to control the sea.

The Turkish representative also sided with Britain and criticized Russia.

“Russia will not stop until it completely occupies the Black Sea. But we cannot simply surrender our capital.”

“That’s right. Frankly, would we want to side with Russia or [the Ottoman Empire] emotionally? Why else would we side with [the Ottoman Empire], who believe in Islam?”

The picture the British were painting was predictable.

Russia aims for complete domination of the Black Sea coast, and to achieve that, it must advance to Istanbul and seize the Bosphorus Strait.

However, if [the Ottoman Empire] is threatened in that way, it will have no choice but to mobilize all its national power and fight to the death, which will ignite a major war.

Besides, even as an ally, the Holy Roman Empire wouldn’t want Russia to swallow the entire Black Sea, so there’s no reason to support it.

If it escalates into an international public opinion war, most European countries will have no choice but to side with [the Ottoman Empire], not Russia.

The fact that the Russian Orthodox Church shares Christian roots while [the Ottoman Empire] practices Islam is irrelevant.

The most important issue is whether to allow a rising power to grow stronger by seizing the sea, or to let [the Ottoman Empire], a declining power, continue to exist.

European countries were presented with these two choices.

If things proceed smoothly, most will side with [the Ottoman Empire].

Even if I try to sway public opinion, I might be criticized for favoring the alliance’s interests.

But it’s acceptable if a country other than France steps forward.

“Prime Minister Pitt’s words sound plausible, but there is a hidden contradiction.”

The Crown Prince of Prussia, who had remained silent until now.

The man who would later be known as Frederick William III requested the floor, suppressing his quiet anger.

“Personally, I was truly surprised to hear Prime Minister Pitt’s words. I never knew that Britain had such noble intentions and was intervening in the disputes of various countries.”

“We have always acted for the cause of peace.”

“Then, was it also for peace that you abandoned your allied country, after promising support, and fled?”

“Ah, that’s…”

Pitt hesitated, as if he had been stabbed in the back.

In fact, Britain’s actions in the last war were beyond what could be excused as ‘disagreeable’.

Promising support to the alliance, inciting war, then withdrawing their support, and using the allied country as a guinea pig?

If this is revealed, it will inevitably face enormous international criticism.

But that’s why it was strange.

There’s no way Pitt wouldn’t have anticipated Prussia’s attack?

If it’s the Pitt I know, he must have prepared something, anticipating Prussia’s reaction.

“That’s a misunderstanding.”

*Yes. He must have anticipated being caught and prepared a response.*

“A misunderstanding? Do you think we’re fools?”

“Absolutely not. I admit that our support was insufficient. That was a truly unfortunate accident. We were preparing to dispatch more than 50,000 troops. But a typhoon struck and severely damaged the port, preventing the troops from arriving in time.”

“That typhoon is…”

“And we never ran away as soon as the fight started. Unfortunately, the French army’s power was overwhelming, forcing us to retreat quickly. Nevertheless, we continued to resist fiercely enough to expend all the shells we brought. I have prepared data in advance in case Prussia misunderstands. I hope this will clear up Prussia’s misunderstanding.”

Pitt handed a thick stack of documents to the Prussian side through his secretary.

“This is confidential data recording when, where, and how the military supplies of this country were consumed. It is data that should never be disclosed, but if Prussia wants it, we will take measures to allow everyone to view the relevant parts.”

*I knew it.*

What Massena said about hearing a violent explosion where the British army was expected to be was not a mistake.

Those guys must have used up all the gunpowder they brought, pretending to fight, in preparation for being exposed.

You can argue that it’s all manipulated data, but that’s now in the realm of suspicion.

If all the countries that participated in the war conduct a joint fact-finding investigation, the truth could be revealed.

But I can’t do that here.

No matter how brazen Britain’s claims are, without solid evidence to refute them, it will only be an empty argument.

When even the Crown Prince of Prussia fell silent, Pitt smiled kindly, as if relieved that the misunderstanding had been resolved.

From my perspective, knowing the truth, it was an admirable and hypocritical performance, but that poker face itself was commendable.

To someone unaware of the truth, Britain seemed to be the truly wronged party.

Even with such a polite facade, he must remain vigilant and not let his guard down.

And as far as I can tell, no matter how much Russia or Prussia criticizes, they can’t break through Britain’s evasive logic.

Because the difference in political acumen between the Crown Princes and Pitt, the representatives, was clear, even if the working-level staff didn’t realize it.

The future kings of Prussia and Russia were not incompetent, but they still lacked experience.

Pitt, who is talking to them, will know that more clearly than anyone else.

If things continue like this, they will seize control of the meeting’s early momentum.

That’s what you’re thinking, right?

But if everything in the world goes according to expectations, it’s not fun.

I stared intently at the Russian side, who seemed cornered.

And in a fleeting moment that no one noticed, Crown Prince Alexander, after exchanging glances with me, sighed and nodded.

“I will admit that your perspective may be valid from an objective standpoint.”

“I am very grateful that you recognize the sincerity of this country.”

“In that sense, we, Russia, promise to abide by the arbitration plan that will be created at this meeting. In other words, we will concede that it was excessive greed to completely control the Black Sea coast.”

“…Yes?”

Pitt asked, bewildered, for the first time in the meeting, as if he never expected Russia to back down so easily.

Crown Prince Alexander couldn’t suppress the slight upturn of his lips, as if he was pleased with the reaction.

Then he slowly raised one finger.

“Instead, there is one condition.”

The most unreliable person in the world is someone who begs you to grant them just one request.

If you grant that one thing, there is a 100% chance that a string of desired things will follow.

Still, there are conditions in this world that you have to accept, even if you don’t like them.

For this one move, Russia has revealed its hidden teeth.

< Russia's Counterattack > End