I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 305

< The Empire, and Beyond (End of Main Story) >

Changing a nation’s system was no easy feat.

In many ways, this was a monumental event, promising even more profound changes than France’s transformation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one.

Of course, with parliamentary approval, royal family consent, and the agreement of the nations joining the federation, the transition to a federal empire was practically a foregone conclusion.

However, it wasn’t as simple as declaring, “From now on, we are a federal empire!” and instantly switching to a federal system.

The reorganization into a federal system presented numerous challenges. These included determining the composition of the parliament, deciding whether to maintain Nouvelle France [New France, referring to France’s territories in North America] as a single federation or divide it, and figuring out how to manage the autonomous regions.

Eventually, a historic conference convened in Paris to address these issues, bringing together leading intellectuals from the New World, France, and Hong Kong.

And naturally, this event transcended being merely a domestic issue for France.

-The imminent birth of an unprecedented great empire. Will France become a leader guiding the world, or an evil force plunging it into destruction?

-The impact of the French Federal Empire on the Commonwealth [referring to the British Commonwealth]. Can we seize this as an opportunity for a new leap forward?

In Britain, one of France’s closest neighbors, these questions were being explored daily through in-depth analysis articles.

Having already relinquished India, Britain found itself unable to prevent France from quietly expanding its influence west of India.

With another major shift on the horizon, British intellectuals couldn’t shake their unease.

“Citizens! We must awaken! France is subtly but surely expanding its power! Peace? Harmony? They care nothing for such things!”

Covent Garden, London.

Trafalgar Square, created to honor the great hero Nelson, had recently become a platform for intellectuals delivering anti-French speeches.

“The current cabinet has been completely swayed by France’s sweet talk and is selling out the nation’s future! We must hold them accountable in the next election and reclaim the glory of the British Empire! Rise up, citizens!”

“Easy to say, but tell us how! How can we overcome those Frenchies?”

“If we unite and face them with unwavering determination, what can we not achieve!”

“Hey! The Times reported that the French Prime Minister announced a desire to strengthen economic cooperation with Britain. Wouldn’t we be shooting ourselves in the foot if we fought with the French for no reason?”

Many British citizens harbored a dislike for France, but not all believed hostility was warranted without cause.

They knew from experience that the previous war had inflicted enormous damage.

Moreover, France hadn’t completely destroyed Britain, but rather left them with just enough room to maneuver.

With the pro-French cabinet now in power, consistently publishing favorable articles about France through the media, public opinion was divided.

Some genuinely felt that the French were being considerate, while others remained convinced that the French could not be trusted.

“The French Prime Minister pretends to treat us reasonably, but he’s ready to stab us in the back at any moment! Never trust him! France will dominate the New World, dominate Asia, and eventually devour all of Europe! Wake up, citizens! From today, I will come here every day and…”

Beeeeeeep!

Suddenly, a sharp sound sliced through the anti-French speaker’s words.

Simultaneously, police officers surged into the square and began mercilessly striking those on the platform with batons.

“What, what is this! What are you doing!”

“These are subversive elements spreading false information and inciting unrest! Take them all away!”

“What? You bastards! These French lackeys dare to drag me away! I am a British citizen!”

“What a coincidence. I’m also a British citizen. Let’s find our other commonalities at the station. Now! Drag them all away!”

“No matter how much you suppress us, the truth will not be hidden…”

Crack!

“It’s finally quiet. These days, these guys keep popping up endlessly. I wish they’d tone it down a bit.”

The police officers clicked their tongues as they watched the protesters being dragged out of the square.

Whether the current leaders are pro-French or not, from their perspective, the most important thing is that society remains peaceful.

“The French Federal Empire… I don’t know what it is, but I hope there won’t be any more wars.”

The majority of ordinary people are far more concerned with their own well-being than with grand global affairs.

They simply hoped that the new France would not become an oppressor spreading the flames of war.

※※※

“Prime Minister, it’s almost time.”

After a year of preparation, France, Nouvelle France, and the Asian territories had finally reached a smooth agreement.

As I suggested, the Asian territories would initially be incorporated as autonomous regions and then fully integrated into the federation after a period of time.

Nouvelle France would be renamed Pacific France and Atlantic France, becoming members of the federation.

France would be reorganized as European France, and these three Frances would form the federal empire as a trinity.

The federation would be granted broad autonomy, and each would form its own lower house parliament.

The upper house would transition from a parliament composed solely of nobles to an institution where representatives from each federation would gather to represent their regions.

In addition to this, there were numerous discussions regarding the scope of integration, but it was decided not to incorporate the west of India and the Middle East, where we have recently been focusing our efforts.

To be precise, I ensured that wouldn’t happen.

These regions, where religion has become intertwined with life beyond culture, possess values that are too divergent from ours.

Even if Northeast Asia was manageable, forcibly integrating those regions would undoubtedly lead to division rather than unity.

This has been demonstrated by countless incidents in the original history, so I needed to draw the line first.

As for the rest, we’ll just have to work it out through trial and error.

It may sound a bit irresponsible, but given that this is the birth of an unprecedentedly large federal empire, it’s impossible to foresee every eventuality.

And frankly, the others need to face some challenges too. If I handle everything, the next generation will simply coast along, right?

“By the way, a coronation… you’d think the king was changing.”

“In a way, he is changing. His Majesty is ascending as the emperor of the new federal empire, and you, Prime Minister, are becoming the head of each federation.”

“I never imagined such an absurd thing would actually happen.”

The coronation announcing the birth of the new empire was imminent.

‘Long live Emperor Christian.’

A vast amount of tribute from various countries was piled up in the corner.

Not only Britain, but also Spain, Sweden, the Holy Roman Empire, the newly independent Poland and Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, and so on.

Even congratulatory letters bearing the names of the Joseon King [referring to the Korean dynasty] and the Japanese Tenno [referring to the Japanese Emperor] arrived from distant Asia.

I didn’t think much of it at first, but as the time approached, I began to feel the pressure.

The cheers and stomping of the citizens grew louder and louder, now feeling almost like an earthquake.

And finally.

The enthronement ceremony announcing the birth of the new king began as I boarded the golden carriage specially made for this coronation.

“Ooooooh! Long live France!”

“Long live Prime Minister!”

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, where the new king would be crowned, was already packed to the point of overflowing.

This spectacle, where people of all ages and races from all over the world gathered in one place, could be said to be a milestone showing the path that the French Federation would take.

Standing outside in the spacious area so that everyone could see, I quietly waited for the cardinal to bring the crown.

Soon, the doors opened, and as the cardinal carried the crown, escorted by soldiers, an explosive cheer erupted that seemed to shake the entire cathedral.

“Ooooooh!”

“Long live! Long live!”

“Long live Prime Minister!”

Are you crazy? Do you want me to be overworked in this position forever?

Looking at that crown, I was suddenly reminded of when I first entered graduate school in my previous life.

The admission certificate I had gleefully picked up back then seemed like that crown.

The symbol of promised overwork had finally come before my eyes, but the cardinal did not immediately place it on my head.

Instead, I turned to the assembled citizens and solemnly began to speak.

“Citizens. Since this country took its current form, I have been dedicated to the nation and its citizens as Prime Minister.”

When I first arrived here, I believed I could accomplish anything with my knowledge, but reality proved otherwise.

I literally crawled my way up, experiencing death and rebirth countless times.

“Not everything was smooth and easy. When I was young, I had nothing. But I met many kind people and had colleagues who shared my vision, so I was able to persevere. Above all, the most powerful thing was the support of you, the citizens.

If it weren’t for you, I would not have dared to be accepted as a member of the royal family, I would not have been able to hold the undeserved position of Duke, and I would not have been able to stand before you as Prime Minister.”

I glanced over and saw elderly citizens nodding repeatedly, seemingly moved.

It wasn’t just the citizens.

Lavoisier, watching the coronation from the best seat, had undeniably aged. He was clapping cheerfully, not even bothering to wipe the tears that had welled up in his eyes.

Thank you. For continuing to support me from childhood until now.

Marie was also constantly wiping away tears with a handkerchief, but she didn’t take her eyes off me.

I feel so much love for her that I can’t even bring myself to express my gratitude.

If it weren’t for you, Louis Christian would never have made it this far.

I don’t know when or how my life will end, or if it will ever end, but I am certain that I will cherish my love for you forever.

“Looking back, it’s been a long journey. From France to the New World, from the New World back to France. And I unexpectedly went to Asia, where I encountered countless cultures and was able to witness the lives of various citizens firsthand.

Thankfully, you all understood my sincerity, and thanks to that, we are witnessing the birth of a unified great empire, unprecedented in human history.”

Flap!

Soldiers who had received the signal lowered an enormous world map that had been placed on top of the cathedral in advance.

“Ooooooh!”

“We really got that big?”

Everyone who saw the new French territory painted in blue couldn’t help but gasp, and at the same time, an undeniable sense of pride swelled within them.

“From the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, to the Pacific. An empire where the sun never sets. The most powerful empire in history.”

Speaking each word clearly and forcefully, I slowly walked to the front of the world map and pointed to the French region where we were standing.

“But we are not simply a strong and large empire in that sense. That’s right. We possess a greatness that surpasses even Rome…”

Everyone held their breath. I deliberately paused to take a breath before continuing.

“…An empire, and beyond!”

“Ooooooh! Long live France!”

“Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!”

“We are France!”

“Therefore, as the new leader who will take on a part of this empire, I swear before you. This is not the end point, but just the starting point.

We will continue to develop and move to places that no country in history has ever reached!”

That’s right.

This is not the end, but just the beginning.

Nothing is over yet, and there are countless stories waiting to unfold.

A new world unlike anything before.

A new history was beckoning us, beckoning France.

< The Empire, and Beyond (End of Main Story) > End

I wrote that it’s the end of the main story, but of course, it’s not really over.

Originally, I planned to write a generous amount of side stories that would serve as both the main story and the epilogue, but I don’t think I’ll be able to do that because my condition has been completely ruined by this Omicron [a variant of the COVID-19 virus].

I’m sorry ㅠㅠ So, I’m going to end the content up to the epilogue today, rest, recover my condition, and plan to serialize the side stories from next week or so.

There are quite a few things that I intentionally didn’t resolve in the main story, so there are still more things to come in the back. If you wait patiently, I will come back quickly and reward you.

Thank you so much for being with me for so long, and I will do my best to write the last remaining story.

Thank you.