I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 287

“Heh, look at these guys.”

I was half-doubting it, but Napoleon’s deduction was actually correct.

We dispatched warships and took a fighting stance to gauge the British fleet’s reaction.

Of course, we had no intention of actually fighting, so we ordered them to retreat if the enemy launched a serious counterattack.

But what do you know?

The British army abandoned the Yellow Sea, which they had been blocking so thoroughly, far too easily and retreated.

It was as if they had been ordered never to start a battle rashly.

However, I wasn’t convinced by this alone.

Even though it was a low possibility, this could also be Nelson’s plan to let us drop our guard, lure us out, and destroy us.

My suspicion turned into conviction a little later, after a small amount of supplies came in from Japan and Joseon [historical Korean kingdom].

If Nelson had been there, he would never have allowed such a minor loophole.

Upon hearing this news, Napoleon immediately suggested retaking Taiwan and Hong Kong.

If their main force is away, there’s no reason for us to just stand by and watch.

“Retaking Hong Kong and Taiwan is encouraging, but if the British fleet returns, the same thing will happen again.”

“Conversely, if their fleet takes a hit in Europe, our breathing room will greatly improve.”

The reason why supplies from France haven’t been arriving properly until now is because of the British fleet that has a tight grip on the Indian Ocean.

Even if we take the shortest route through the Suez Canal, our freedom of movement is greatly restricted because the middle passage is blocked.

But if Britain is determined to fight a battle in Europe, the situation changes.

Frankly speaking, even if we just trade blows evenly, it would be a great deal for us.

If we receive proper support from the home country, taking advantage of Britain’s weakened control of the Indian Ocean, then Wellesley and the Russian army in Asia will be in a living hell.

“But what if our fleet suffers a crushing defeat in Europe…?”

“Then, well, we’re screwed.”

Still, I believe that France won’t make any rash moves, as they are showing signs of impatience.

If we stall for a bit and coordinate with the Nouvelle France [New France, historical French colony in North America] fleet when it crosses the Atlantic, it will be difficult for Britain to cope.

“Tch. It’s still a shame. It seems the fate of this war will be decided in the Atlantic. I wish I could crush the Anglo-Russian allied forces with Davout and Lannes.”

“You wanted to fight Wellesley?”

“The British are singing their own praises, calling him the unparalleled genius born from Britain, a strategist comparable to Napoleon, so how can I not be bothered?”

“I feel the same way. Napoleon, please. I’m confident I can handle it with Davout, so what genius are they talking about…”

I thought they were just being their usual arrogant selves, but it seems they were more conscious of it than I expected.

Considering Arthur Wellesley’s achievements in the original history, it’s undeniable that he is an outstanding commander.

The strategy he showed at Waterloo [decisive battle where Napoleon was defeated] is still praised as the pinnacle of defensive tactics even in modern times.

That’s not to say he can’t use offensive tactics.

Looking at Wellesley’s career, he is a veteran who has been active on many fronts in various fields.

He has also been active as a politician, so he is talented enough to be called a versatile person with outstanding talent.

If he was truly a bubble, would he have been able to deliver the big Waterloo blow to Napoleon in the original history?

Of course, I don’t think he’s a genius on the level of Napoleon.

Maybe in the original history, but in this era, Davout and Lannes have reason to be confident that they can handle him.

“Actually, I’m worried that all my future victories will be dismissed as just the difference in weapons. No, in fact, Prussian and British historians are already recording it that way…”

“That’s just the self-consolation of the losers, so there’s no need to pay attention to it.”

“That’s true now, but as time passes, those words may be taken seriously…”

I was going to dismiss it as a groundless fear, but when I thought about it, it didn’t seem impossible.

No, of course, no matter how good the weapons are, it’s impossible to fully utilize the difference unless the commander’s ability supports it.

In that respect, there is no possibility that Napoleon will be recorded as a bubble, an overhyped example of someone who only relied on item stats.

However, if we take the Napoleon of the original history as the comparison standard, it’s a bit ambiguous.

The reason why Napoleon made a name for himself as one of the greatest geniuses in history is because of his achievements in going to the brink of victory against all of Europe.

Even now, he has crushed Prussia and plundered Qing China [historical Chinese dynasty], but it feels a bit lacking compared to the Napoleon of the original history.

If we only look at his abilities, I don’t think he’s below par, but that’s a judgment that only someone like me, who knows both sides, can make.

As Napoleon, he deserves to feel that he is not achieving the achievements that match his abilities, situation, and national power.

So, is that why he was so eager to crush Qing China and have a big war break out in Asia?

“Still, the opportunity hasn’t completely disappeared, so don’t be too disappointed. Even if we win in the Atlantic, this place is likely to be where the war ends.”

“Ah, you think the British will make a last-ditch effort.”

“Maybe, wouldn’t they?”

If they lose this war, Britain will have to give up everything.

Even if they don’t want to, I have no intention of letting this opportunity pass.

At the very least, I have to make them spit out Ireland again and significantly reduce their influence in India.

If it’s Pitt that I know, he’ll try to choose a way to minimize losses rather than making a futile effort and getting hit again, but will the parliament make the same choice?

However, all of this is a story when we win in the Atlantic.

If we lose, I’ll have a lot of headaches… If we even think we can win, we’ll be planting a flag with our own hands, so we must never think like that.

Ah, even if the French navy has become stronger, the opponent is the strongest British Empire, so there’s not much chance of winning, right?

I don’t even want a great victory, I just hope they’ll take us down with them.

※※※

Massena, who had completely subdued Prussia, returned to Paris triumphantly like a hero.

As if to bless his victory, the navies who had turned the Ottoman fleet into Mediterranean fish food also returned.

With these consecutive great victories, the citizens, as well as the parliament, were half-crazed with excitement.

In particular, it was significant that the navy, which had been France’s sore spot until now, had perfectly proven their worth.

“So, didn’t I tell you! The French army is undoubtedly the strongest in Europe!”

“The army’s strength won’t be pushed back even if we fight against the whole of Europe. Moreover, we have invested in the navy as much as the army, so there’s no way they can be weak.”

“Now, the British camp only has two countries left: Britain and Russia. I think we should take advantage of this momentum and completely crush them.”

Among the French parliamentarians, there were those who argued that there was nothing more to fear, so we should land directly on the British mainland.

A representative person was Danton, who was recently elected as the Speaker of the House.

“Marshal Massena, what do you think? If our brave French army lands on British soil, can’t we consider victory to be certain?”

“If we can land, I’m confident we can decide the outcome within fifteen days. If we can land, that is.”

“What’s there to worry about! We have the invincible French fleet led by our Admiral Villeneuve!”

Of course, the parliamentarians weren’t just crazy with national pride.

No one thought that the fact that they had defeated the Ottomans was such a great significance.

The reason why they are showing confidence is only one.

They believed that their superiority was clearly revealed when they indirectly compared the naval battle that Britain had previously fought with the Ottomans.

“The British Royal Navy hasn’t been just playing around, but they introduced steamships much later than us. They won’t be able to handle us in absolute numbers.”

“We should hear the opinion of an expert. Admiral Pierre Villeneuve. Please tell us the wise opinion of the hero who spread the prestige of our French Navy all over the world.”

“Uh… well, that is…”

Pierre was at a loss as to what to do with the excessive praise and attention suddenly pouring in on him.

In fact, he was by no means an inexperienced officer.

He had served as an officer since the support of the American Revolutionary War, and he had also participated in the Egyptian invasion and the Greek War of Independence.

However, the main players in the victory at that time were not himself, so he passed by relatively quietly.

He had never been in a position to make big decisions that would affect the war itself.

In the first place, he wasn’t the type to want to rule over everyone, so he only felt burdened by this position.

“The naval battle with the Ottomans was not very difficult. However, the British and Ottoman armies are so different that it is necessary to be cautious.”

“Of course, of course. We must be cautious. But what people are curious about now is whether we have a chance of winning at sea when we fight a full-scale war. Most people are looking at it very positively now, but what is your opinion, Admiral?”

“…Uh…”

Do I have a choice here now?

In fact, Pierre was still not sure.

He didn’t think he would necessarily lose, but there were many things that he was reluctant to say that he would definitely win.

Anyway, in terms of experience, the other side cannot be compared to this side.

But if he said this here, he could be criticized for pouring cold water on the army, which was in high spirits.

And if he confidently said he would win and then lost?

Anyway, Pierre is the only one in France who has a lot of naval battle experience, so he can’t avoid command.

If he did and lost, he would be branded as a great traitor who ruined France in an instant and be ridiculed.

‘Ha, damn it! Why isn’t the Prime Minister here at a time like this?’

If Prime Minister Christian was here, he would never have put the commanders in such a difficult position.

After much deliberation, Pierre made up his mind.

Still, wouldn’t it be better to postpone being criticized right now until tomorrow?

Besides, depending on what he does, he could remain a hero in French history.

“The British navy is strong, but we are not easy to deal with either. We can win enough… can’t we?”

“As expected! I knew you would say that. Hahaha!”

“How refreshing would it be to sink all the Royal Navy that the British were so proud of into the Celtic Sea!”

“Is there a need to wait for the fleet to arrive from Nouvelle France! The date has not yet been set. If we do, the British may be afraid and not fight us.”

“The Admiral is confident of victory, so there’s nothing more to see!”

Wait, when did I ever say I was confident of victory?

I wanted to make a correction, but there was no way to stop the parliamentarians who had already caught fire.

Pierre was eventually swept away by the atmosphere and accepted the parliament’s proposal to directly strike the British mainland.

“If the Prime Minister was here, he would have made the same choice.”

“Of course! The Prime Minister told us not to crash into Russia, but he didn’t say anything about Britain.”

“The Prime Minister must have foreseen this development. Hahaha!”

As the parliamentarians’ celebrations continued, Massena, who was in high spirits, patted Pierre on the shoulder to encourage him.

“I don’t know much about the sea, so I’ll leave it to the Admiral. Hahaha!”

“Ah… yes… leave it to me.”

Pierre forced a smile and wiped away his cold sweat.

‘Is this… going to be okay?’