I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 195

The Misconception of the Ottomans

England and France were like oil and water, impossible to mix.

This was the perception throughout Europe at the time, and largely reflected reality.

England interfered with France’s affairs, and France reciprocated.

Therefore, the proposal from France was shocking.

Pitt urgently summoned the ministers of each department for another emergency cabinet meeting.

“We must first consider the possibility of a trap.”

The Minister of War spoke first, cautiously adding, “The French Prime Minister is like a snake, weaving layers of schemes to ensnare his opponents. How many times have we been backstabbed already?”

“So you believe this instance will be no different.”

“Yes. We must exercise extreme caution.”

“However, Prime Minister, we cannot afford to view this so simplistically.”

The atmosphere in the room turned chilly as the Foreign Minister formally challenged the Minister of War’s opinion.

Nevertheless, the Foreign Minister remained unfazed.

This demonstrated the gravity with which he regarded the matter.

“France undoubtedly has its own objectives. That’s certain. But what truly matters is what benefits we can extract from this situation. Frankly speaking, public sentiment for Greek independence is reaching a fever pitch. It’s an issue we can no longer ignore.”

“Are you suggesting we have no choice but to accept?”

“Let’s assume we reject France’s proposal. France will then pressure the Ottomans alongside Russia and the Holy Roman Empire. In that scenario, we will inevitably be forced into a position of opposing Greek independence.”

“I see. Unless other major powers hesitate, with public opinion so strongly favoring Greek independence, we would appear to be siding with the Ottomans, swimming against the tide. The decline of the British Empire’s international standing, not to mention domestic public opinion…”

Pitt immediately grasped his meaning.

The widespread sympathy for Greece in Europe wasn’t just a problem for England.

In a year or two, citizens might well begin to question why Europe wasn’t liberating Greece.

Islam had weakened, and Christianity had strengthened.

Even children understood this.

So it was hardly surprising that those driven by a sense of justice were calling for a 19th-century version of the Crusades.

“If we aren’t careful, we risk being branded as the only country in Europe opposing Greek independence and siding with Islam. If that happens, the public will not tolerate it.”

The issue was fundamentally different from siding with the Ottomans to prevent Russia’s southward expansion.

They would inevitably be branded as traitors who sided with Islam within the broader Christian cultural sphere.

And would the citizens spare the cabinet that caused such a situation?

If the opposition parties seized on this issue, the next election would undoubtedly result in a crushing defeat.

“Let’s first ascertain exactly what France wants. That way, we can maximize our gains from this inevitable course of events.”

Pitt left the conference room with a quiet sigh.

No matter how he analyzed it, the current situation was developing unnaturally quickly.

It was clear that the environment was being manipulated according to someone’s intentions.

And the identity of that someone could be easily guessed with minimal thought.

‘I suppose I have no choice but to go myself.’

Leaving Christian’s opponent to the ambassador to France was too risky.

He had to deal with that man personally, no matter what.

Otherwise, he might belatedly realize he had fallen into an unforeseen trap, as the ministers had warned, and be left powerless.

Of course, he wasn’t confident he could uncover all of his opponent’s schemes simply by investigating himself.

“Get in touch with Prime Minister Christian. Tell him I wish to see him.”

He felt like he was doing more running around lately.

He was disgusted at the thought of having to face Louis Christian’s irritating presence again, but he couldn’t let personal feelings get in the way.

The national interest of the British Empire took precedence over trivial personal feelings.

※※※

Paris, France.

Pitt, who had arranged a meeting with remarkable speed, once again understood why he disliked coming here.

“Prime Minister Pitt. It’s good to see you again. We seem to be meeting quite frequently lately.”

“Indeed. Prime Minister Christian seems to be planning so many unexpected things that I find myself increasingly busy.”

“Haha, I apologize if that’s the case.”

It was a smile that seemed utterly insincere.

He had avoided seeing Christian as much as possible because their encounters always grated on his nerves.

“We have thoroughly reviewed the proposal you presented last time. If you can clarify a few points, we are inclined to accept your request.”

“I will answer any questions I can to the best of my ability. What are your concerns?”

“First, why do you insist on forming a united front with us? You could easily achieve Greek independence by working with Russia alone.”

“Russia and the Holy Roman Empire are too close to Greece. If those two countries primarily oversee Greek independence, the outcome is easily predictable. We don’t want Greece to become a virtual protectorate of those two powers.”

It was the answer he expected, a textbook justification.

Even as allies, France had already conceded enough to those two countries.

Further increasing their power would be giving away advantages for nothing.

“So we aim to establish Greece as an independent sovereign state?”

“Yes. If France and England jointly lead the effort to secure Greek independence, Russia and the Holy Roman Empire will be less likely to interfere openly. ”

“What tangible benefits can we realistically expect?”

“First, you can prevent Russia’s southward expansion. That alone justifies dispatching troops, wouldn’t you agree? Next, there’s the advantage of creating another stable market. How do you think the Greek citizens will view France and England, the nations that helped them achieve independence? Moreover, they will have no choice but to rely on our assistance in building their nation’s foundation.”

Christian tapped the map of Europe on the table and continued.

“You understand the strategic value of having a pro-British, pro-French government in Greece without me needing to elaborate. England has always been wary of Russia gaining access to the Black Sea. If Greece maintains its position, you won’t have to worry about that threat indefinitely.”

“But won’t the Russian and Habsburg leaders object? If I were the Russian Empress, I would try to secure a foothold somehow.”

“Negotiations with the Russian ambassador are complete. After much deliberation, they agreed to our terms. They stated they would be satisfied if we signed a clear treaty guaranteeing that France and England would not turn Greece into a protectorate.”

Hmm?

They’re willing to concede so easily?

It seems like Russia is giving up too much; does this make sense?

For Russia, their long-held ambition to advance into the Black Sea would be thwarted.

Are they really willing to let it go?

“Is that all?”

“Of course, I did make one additional promise. However, it’s a matter that is closely tied to Russia’s interests, so I must ask for your understanding that I cannot disclose it.”

“What about the Habsburgs? How did you convince them?”

“The Empire is already preoccupied with its own internal affairs. I advised them to avoid being greedy for Greece and to focus on their domestic issues. When I assured them that we would prioritize building a railroad for them among the allied countries, they agreed without hesitation.”

So he offered each of them an incentive to turn a blind eye to Greek independence.

He’s efficient and thorough, which is irritating.

“What benefits will France receive?”

“They are nearly identical to the benefits England will receive. We also believe we should gradually expand our influence in the Mediterranean. And above all…”

Christian revealed one of the trump cards he had been holding back.

“Isn’t this an opportunity to demonstrate to the world which country leads Europe? England and France are leading the way in reclaiming the center of European culture, which was occupied over 400 years ago. You are aware that sympathy for Greece has been growing in society recently. France and England will achieve that historical feat. You have elections next year, correct?”

Pitt, struck in a vulnerable spot, quietly clicked his tongue.

As Christian mentioned, England was due for a general election the following year.

The opposition party, which had been losing ground in previous elections, was now determined to win and was actively engaging in a public opinion war.

-How much has the British Empire actually progressed and benefited since Pitt took office?

-They’re all talk and no action.

This was the opposition party’s main argument.

“We in France are closely monitoring public opinion in England. According to our analysis, your ruling party still appears to be ahead, but we shouldn’t be complacent.”

“So you’re suggesting we seize this opportunity.”

It was undoubtedly an appealing offer.

The citizens may not be fools, but they are easily swayed.

If there are tangible results, approval ratings will skyrocket instantly.

There is already a fascination with Greek culture, so what if England takes the lead in securing Greek independence?

They will be seen not just as winning a war, but as heroes representing Christian culture and driving out Islamic forces from Europe.

If they mobilize all the newspapers and manipulate the media, the next election will be virtually guaranteed.

Yes.

Regardless of what happens, they must first win the election to continue their current policies.

If Pitt loses and the opposition party gains power, what will become of the British Empire?

Those foolish individuals don’t realize how dangerous the man in front of them is.

Only he.

Only England, led by him, who has been fiercely battling Christian for over a decade, can stand up to France.

“Prime Minister Pitt, will you give me an answer?”

Christian’s proposal echoed in Pitt’s ears like the devil’s whisper.

But that’s precisely why it sounded so enticing.

※※※

The Greek Revolution was not a sudden occurrence.

While under Ottoman rule, they had repeatedly attempted independence and been suppressed.

In 1603, there was a movement in Morea to rebuild Byzantium, and it had not even been 30 years since the end of the Orlov Revolt, which was instigated with Russian support in the 18th century.

Each time they revolted and were suppressed, the Greek mainland was ravaged by Turkish Albanians, and animosity steadily increased.

Of course, not all Greeks suffered under Ottoman rule.

Thanks to the Ottoman Empire’s administrative system, the Millet system [a system that gave religious communities limited autonomy], the high-ranking clergy of the Greek Orthodox Church were guaranteed some autonomy.

A significant number of the bureaucratic organization were also Greek, and many prominent merchants were of Greek descent.

At first glance, it seemed like a generous arrangement, but in the 18th century, it became a source of discontent.

Wealthy Greek merchants built schools and libraries, and the children of influential families studied at universities in Western Europe.

The Enlightenment and nationalism of Europe spread to Greece, and the Greeks increasingly desired to form their own nation.

The person who ignited this sentiment was Rigas Feraios, a revolutionary from Thessaly.

After staying in Vienna, Austria, and witnessing the changes in France, he returned to Greece and proclaimed that a Balkan Republic should be established.

“Wake up, Greek citizens! The time for revolution is at hand! Now is the time to demonstrate our will to all of Europe!”

Rigas actively recruited followers by publishing declarations of human rights and booklets outlining his vision for a Balkan Republic.

Translations of newspapers and editorials from various countries, brought in by merchants, played a surprisingly significant role.

-The world supports Greek independence!

-A historic agreement reached at the Paris Peace Conference! A nation with a rich culture deserves respect and the right to self-governance!

This was unlike previous failed revolutions.

Clear evidence that all of Europe was watching Greece’s movements ignited the hearts of the Greeks.

The number of supporters gathering whenever Rigas gave a speech increased daily, and within months, it had become a formidable force.

“It is better to live freely for even an hour than to live as a slave for 400 years! Greece was the first country in the world to achieve democracy. Why should we live as slaves to other nations!”

“Wake up, my brothers! I think and act more freely than anyone else. And only those who think freely can think correctly!”

But this rapidly growing momentum was short-lived.

Rigas’ forces were eventually apprehended by the Ottoman authorities.

The secret society Philiki Eteria [a secret Greek nationalist organization], which shared his ideals, and its key members were also arrested.

The Ottomans identified Rigas as the ringleader of the planned uprising and immediately sentenced him to death.

Just as the Greek revolution was about to be extinguished before it even began, the British Embassy issued a peculiar statement to the Ottoman government.

How should they respond to this absurd claim?

The Ottomans immediately launched an investigation, but Rigas was from Thessaly, studied in Constantinople, and traveled to Wallachia.

How could a man who had never even been to England commit a crime there and flee?

The Ottomans decided to ignore the British protest and set the date for Rigas’ execution.

And on that very day, England announced its second statement, as if they had been waiting.

At this point, England’s intentions were clear.

They didn’t know why, but they were demanding submission.

They didn’t know what had upset those European thugs, but the Ottomans were a sovereign state and an empire of the East.

Why should they submit when they were told to?

If they wanted a fight, they had no choice but to accept it.

Even now, the Ottomans believed they could engage in a moderate war of nerves with England, who was simply agitated, and then sign a peace treaty.

After this, which countries would join in?