I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 236

< Czar's Thoughts >

[Are Russian forces changing course? Are they heading east again?]

[Is Russia’s open ambition to expand its territory likely to become a threat to the stability of India?]

[Prime Minister Pitt insists that Russia is not a threat!]

England was completely taken by surprise by Russia’s intervention, something they hadn’t even considered.

Pitt mobilized every resource to gather information on Russia’s movements.

And his assessment pointed to a situation heading in the most concerning direction.

Russia was already steadily moving southward towards West Asia, expanding its sphere of influence.

Until now, it hadn’t been particularly alarming because they were only annexing less wealthy regions, but further southward expansion would inevitably become a problem for England.

Everyone knows that India is the cornerstone that allows the British Empire to exist as the British Empire.

However, no European country, not even France, could easily dare to covet India.

This is because accessing India from Europe requires passing through the sea route via the Arabian Sea.

England, with its dominant naval power, only had to protect India to deter any potential threats.

Recently, France, which had rapidly increased its naval power by introducing steamships, was becoming a new threat, but France didn’t seem particularly interested in India, so it wasn’t an immediate concern.

But Russia is a different story.

Since the Paris Conference, Russia had been gradually moving southward, and before anyone realized it, their border was touching the Qajar dynasty [Persian dynasty ruling Iran from 1789 to 1925] south of the Caucasus.

And, predictably, they started a war with the Qajar dynasty and ended up occupying Azerbaijan.

If it weren’t for the war with Qing [referring to the Qing dynasty of China], which put a brake on their southward movement, they might have completely destroyed the Qajar dynasty.

“What do you think is the reason why those Russian bastards are so greedily moving south? To seize the sea? That’s just a superficial excuse! Russia has never hidden its ambition to become the strongest power in Europe. This territorial expansion is an extension of that! If they make the Caspian Sea their inland sea and occupy Uyghur [region in Northwest China], we can no longer be confident that we can protect India!”

A sense of crisis and anxiety, followed by incitement and animosity.

In particular, the fact that Russia, not even France, could pose a threat to them wounded the pride of the British.

They could understand if it were France.

But Russia, which was only a second-rate power?

The majority of British people did not consider Russia to be an equal competitor.

And that was the same for politicians.

“The British Empire cannot condone Russia’s influence in Uyghur. If they sign an agreement not to station permanent troops in Uyghur, we are willing not to intervene in the dispute with the Qajar dynasty.”

“That’s irrelevant. Whatever your country does in Asia has nothing to do with England.”

The Russian ambassador, summoned by Pitt, was not at all intimidated.

“Every time we have gone to war, we have failed to achieve our goals due to British intervention. Frankly, considering the concessions we have made so far, shouldn’t England refrain from interfering now?”

“It’s the opposite. We have provided as much convenience as possible for your country’s territorial expansion. I’ll ask again. Will you not accept the agreement we proposed?”

“The Prime Minister’s demands are far beyond the authority I have been granted by His Majesty [referring to the Russian Czar]. I am sorry, but I cannot give any definite answer.”

The Russian ambassador’s stubborn refusal made Pitt feel the strong will of the Russian imperial family.

Not even granting the ambassador the authority to negotiate meant they were closing their eyes and ears and ultimately refusing to engage in negotiations.

The parliament, upon hearing this news, raised their voices of criticism against Russia day after day.

“How much do they have to look down on us to behave in such a way!”

“This is all because the Prime Minister and the ruling party are too lenient in their diplomacy. We must be firm when we need to be!”

“Frankly, are we in a position to be looked down upon by Russia!”

“Citizens suspect that Russia is an ally of France, so we are taking such a weak stance! Prime Minister, are you perhaps really afraid of France?”

In the eyes of the opposition party, this matter was a golden opportunity where they had nothing to lose.

If the Prime Minister took a hard line, they could criticize him for ruining the work they had put into Qing, and if he seemed hesitant, they could criticize him for being afraid.

Whatever the case, if they kept nagging, the Prime Minister and the ruling party would inevitably be uncomfortable.

In particular, invoking France, which is the British citizens’ trigger, would create a perfect storm.

Pitt had no choice but to make a decision due to the constant pressure from citizens and the parliament to decide on a position.

-The British Empire will seek all possible means to achieve lasting peace in Asia.

The pride battle between the two great powers, which reached a critical point so quickly, was casting dark clouds over the innocent skies of Asia.

※※※

“So, I am at a loss. I’m starting to wonder if the Czar [referring to the Russian Emperor] is overwhelmed with too much confidence.”

“France and England are currently carrying out important work in Qing. If Russia intervenes here, there may be miscalculations.”

“But in fact, isn’t there a higher possibility that things will go better if we lend a hand? It wouldn’t be a loss for France at all, even if it is for England.”

Russian Ambassador Alexander desperately watched my expression, fearing that the fallout might affect him.

Since we had been maintaining a relationship for a long time, there was no doubt about this person’s pro-French stance.

However, I had doubts about the judgment of Alexander I, who had recently ascended the throne.

His name is also Alexander, which is confusing.

“The Czar did not grant the ambassador any negotiating rights regarding Uyghur.”

“Yes, yes. It seems he wanted to prevent France from mediating in the situation in advance. It is also proof that the Czar’s will is so strong. There is nothing I can do even if I try to intervene.”

“It’s a bit frustrating.”

Originally, Alexander I, as I knew him, was not a man with outstanding military judgment.

Because even in the original history, this guy ruined more than one or two battles.

Even so, he intervened in the tactics of the general headquarters, so from the military’s point of view, he was the worst kind of leader.

Perhaps this hard-line policy is likely to be the Czar’s unilateral decision.

“From France’s point of view, there is nothing inherently bad about Russia liberating Uyghur. Rather, it is commendable. But if this causes conflict between England and Russia, the story changes. England will never overlook a threat to the defense of India.”

“…Should we be prepared for a military clash after all?”

“If Russia doesn’t back down, wouldn’t that be more likely?”

Alexander’s expression darkened in an instant.

Judging by his expression, he seems convinced that Russia will never back down.

This means that war is inevitable.

“I’ll tell you in advance, if Russia and England go to war, it will be difficult for us to unilaterally side with Russia in this matter. Currently, France’s Asian forces are concentrated in Qing, and England is also an ally taking on a role on the anti-Qing front.”

“But aren’t Russia and France blood allies?”

“So, we’re stopping at the point where it’s difficult to take sides unilaterally.”

I can roughly guess why Alexander I is so high-spirited.

Even if a military clash occurs, the area will be around Uyghur.

But if that happens, it will be difficult for England to do anything significant with its proud navy.

On the other hand, Russia can directly transport the forces of its home country.

Furthermore, they recently defeated the Qajar dynasty and quickly seized their territory, so how confident would they be?

The defeat that occurred in Qing is just an accident, and England also suffered quite a bit, so they are doing mental gymnastics, saying it’s a wash.

“Ambassador. If possible, please convey to the Czar as diplomatically as possible that I do not recommend a clash with England.”

“…He won’t listen even if I tell him. Unless the Prime Minister writes a letter himself…”

“Would he listen to me anyway, since it’s the words of a foreign Prime Minister?”

“No. The Czar may have a subtle feeling of admiration for the Prime Minister. He said that he was strongly impressed by the Prime Minister when he participated in the last meeting as the Crown Prince.”

“Then it will be more counterproductive for me to send a letter.”

I know Alexander I’s type well.

To put it bluntly, how much would he know about me, who he has never personally talked to much?

He’s just imagining an ideal and hoping that that person will support him.

In that situation, telling him not to mess around because he can’t beat England will only touch his sore spot.

“First, Ambassador, please convey France’s position to your country that we want to avoid conflict as much as possible. It seems there is nothing more we can do, so this is the best we can do for now.”

“I understand. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of much help.”

I watched Alexander leave and looked down at today’s newspaper headlines.

[The escalating conflict between England and Russia. Is there a clue to the solution?]

The rumors have spread so widely that even the newspapers of third countries know about it.

And as long as neither of them intends to back down, war is inevitable.

Now that things have come to this, I should abandon any thoughts of trying to mediate clumsily and prepare in advance for the repercussions that this situation will bring.

I had considered the possibility of being troubled by Napoleon, but I didn’t know I would have to worry about things like this.

Well, I can understand Russia’s feelings.

As they feel more and more isolated, they had no choice but to use a hard-line policy to some extent.

They must also have confidence that they now have the power to match other great powers, and in particular, Alexander I’s judgment, who is ignorant of military matters, is decisive.

No, when you think about it, it’s not just Alexander I’s problem.

This era is not a society where information is shared in real time like today, so even experts had difficulty accurately predicting the power of other countries.

In fact, European military experts were greatly overestimating Russia’s power.

They had been defeating the Turks routinely, the size of their visible army was enormous, and they had recently devoured the Qajar dynasty easily, so it was natural.

But if you look into the reality, these guys have serious flaws.

Unless they had laid down a proper railroad, there was no way they could properly transport troops for long-distance expeditions while still transporting troops in a primitive way.

Of course, England has not yet laid a railroad in India, but when you think about it, the conditions are similar.

Will the Russian army beat the British army if they fight under similar conditions?

I think they are seriously mistaken, but even though England has the impression that they are weak on land because they are all-in on naval power.

That’s only when the comparison target is my France. There’s probably going to be a disaster?

“Prime Minister, you should leave for your next appointment soon. Your wife is waiting.”

“Okay. I’ll leave right now.”

I was going to have a relaxing time by handling official schedules with Marie after a long time, but lately, I even feel like the whole world is against me.

Anyway, if you look at the current situation, it seems that the aftermath itself will not be very difficult to deal with, so I should say it’s fortunate if it’s fortunate.

Since Russia can’t beat England, I’ll just have to step in and mediate after Russia gets a proper lesson.

And we should leave Uyghur as a neutral area.

If a third party doesn’t intervene, we can wrap up the situation to this extent.

I believe there aren’t any more hyena-like guys who are hungry for prey.

Even if there are, there’s no way there’s anyone on the European continent who is so clueless as to get involved in this fight.

If such a guy comes out… we should seriously worry about the average intelligence level of that country.

< Czar's Thoughts > End