I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 309

The European summit, held after a long interval, predictably descended into chaos.

From the outset, smaller nations below a certain threshold of national power weren’t even permitted to participate.

Even Sweden, with its relatively weaker national power, strutted around with newfound confidence as France’s closest ally.

“This World Expo is generating immense interest, even before it has begun.”

“Holding it right after the football season seems to have been effective. It’s like amplifying an already heightened atmosphere.”

“And France is generously showcasing its new inventions.”

“Indeed. In that regard, we must not let this momentum wane. The next Expo should be held in our Britain, which boasts the second-best technology after France…”

“Britain second to France? That’s quite a novel claim.”

As expected, the summit quickly devolved into squabbling, with British Prime Minister Robert Banks, Lord Liverpool, and Emperor Karl of the Roman Federation clashing.

“Your Majesty, I acknowledge the rising power of the Roman Federation. However, technological advancement has an accumulated history. Perhaps the Roman Federation should take more time to refine its capabilities and aim for the opportunity after next; it would better serve your national interests.”

“No, we actually want to host such a large-scale international event to strengthen the Federation’s unity. Perhaps it is the British Commonwealth that needs to take a breather right now. Wouldn’t it be better to focus on internal consolidation?”

“We are always consolidating internally.”

“Really? That’s news to me.”

This had already turned into a battle of pride to determine who was the second most powerful nation after France.

Spain, not wanting to appear as if they were backing down, subtly joined the conversation.

“Actually, we have already prepared detailed plans for the event. While technological prowess is important, we believe that those who are well-prepared should receive additional credit.”

“Sweden is also fully prepared. More importantly, we have been in constant territorial disputes with Russia until recently. If we prepare well and host the Expo, it will be a monumental event demonstrating that world peace has arrived.”

If left unchecked, this could clearly escalate into a diplomatic incident.

I turned my gaze to the American representative, who had been sitting quietly without saying a word.

“Secretary of State, do you have any thoughts?”

“I am merely a guest from afar…”

James Monroe, the influential figure who oversees the foreign policy of the United States Federal Government and is almost certain to be the next presidential candidate, did not reveal his thoughts.

Of course, in Europe, the United States was generally seen as a second-rate country.

They had barely expanded westward and had only managed to seize the northern part of Mexico, gaining control of the Gulf of Cortez [also known as the Sea of Cortez or Gulf of California].

It wasn’t surprising that they weren’t highly regarded in Europe.

The only reason James Monroe was able to participate in this summit, which was attended by Europe’s power players, was to create the plausible image of honoring a guest from across the Atlantic, as the United States was a long-standing ally of France.

“Isn’t the United States also interested in hosting the Expo? Europeans tend to be unaware of the realities across the Atlantic, so it could be a good promotional opportunity.”

“Well… the President thinks so, but we are not in a position to raise our voices.”

This James Monroe is indeed the same Monroe of the famous Monroe Doctrine.

The Monroe Doctrine, in a nutshell, drew a line across the Atlantic and declared, ‘This is our territory, so stay away,’ a form of isolationism.

But that was impossible in the current world.

France existed in the Pacific and Atlantic, and its national power was now stronger than that of the United States.

Therefore, the current foreign policy of the United States was to maintain the best possible relationship with France in the New World and expand southward.

Since I had no attachment to the land south of Panama, I didn’t tell the United States what to do.

Whether they fought with Mexico was their problem.

“The United States prioritizes harmony and peace above all else. I am concerned that this matter might harm the friendship of Europe.”

“I assure you, that won’t happen. But there might be lingering resentment, which is not good.”

I can guess why the American President sent James Monroe.

He was one of the most personable politicians in the United States and rarely made enemies.

Even Federalists with different ideologies described Monroe as someone they could talk to.

His party advocated for pro-French policies, so he was likely dispatched to make a good impression.

Perhaps I can use this opportunity to devise an exit strategy.

“Now, now, I understand that you are all proud of your countries, but it is beneath the dignity of national leaders to engage in such squabbles. Therefore, I will propose a compromise. Let’s simply hold a blind vote among everyone present to select the next host country.”

“…A decision by vote…”

“Just write down the three countries you believe are most suitable to host the event.”

“Why three? Wouldn’t one be sufficient?”

“Since it’s a blind vote, everyone will obviously write their own country, resulting in a tie. That’s why I suggest writing three. Of course, I will abstain. We are already hosting this time.”

The leaders, who were growing weary of this tedious meeting, expressed their agreement one by one, and the voting began immediately.

As the only one not participating in the vote, I received the papers from the leaders of each country, shuffled them, and placed them on the table.

“Since everyone has agreed, I trust that you will all accept the results without objection.”

“Of course.”

“Certainly.”

I can hear it.

The sound of people desperately racking their brains and engaging in a fierce battle of wits.

“Now, let’s carefully review each paper so that everyone can see.”

I am very familiar with these types of games, having played them often in modern times.

As I said before, since it’s anonymous, people confidently put their own names on the list without any worries.

Then, they try to vote in a way that minimizes the votes for their competitors.

In other words, countries like Britain, the Holy Roman Empire, and Spain would never write each other’s names.

From an individual perspective, it’s a rational choice, but the important thing is that everyone else is thinking and acting the same way.

In other words, in these games, the one who gets the most votes is almost always the one who people think ‘Surely no one else will vote for them.’

In this situation, that position belongs to, of course…

“The results of the vote show that the United States has received the most votes.”

“…?”

“What? America got it?”

“Who on earth voted for America…?”

The European leaders looked at each other and then burst into hollow laughter with a ‘You too?’ expression.

Even Monroe, the person in question, seemed unable to grasp the sudden turn of events.

“Congratulations. You can return to your country with pride, having the opportunity to host a major event that will attract the attention of the entire world.”

“…Ah, yes. I don’t know what to say… Thank you very much.”

If Monroe has any sense, he will know that I have done him a favor.

As long as the party that advocates for pro-French policies remains in power, there will be no need to expend unnecessary effort in the New World.

Even if the United States doesn’t gain as much power as it did in the original timeline, it’s never a bad idea to maintain friendly relations.

The other leaders were disappointed, but they were relieved that the event would not be held in another European country, and they left the room.

They still have many opportunities to prove their superiority.

This event alone attracted a tremendous crowd not only from Europe but also from America and even Asia.

India, the small kingdoms of the divided Central Plains [referring to various regions within China], and even Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] sent a significant number of people.

In this era, the term ‘industrial espionage’ doesn’t even exist.

From the perspective of Asian countries, it was an opportunity to freely observe and study the developed Western civilization, which must have been very tempting.

Therefore, the participating European countries must have been determined to make a strong impression this time.

The reason why Expos were so popular in the 19th and 20th centuries was that there was no better place to promote their systems.

“But… why are you still here?”

Although all the other monarchs had left the conference room to encourage their scientists, there was one exception.

Karl, the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, pretended to have his aide adjust his attire, but he did not leave.

“Rather than engaging in emotional battles among ourselves, you simply gave it to America. A practical decision worthy of a father.”

“No matter who I supported, there would have been complaints. If it weren’t for Beatrice, I would have supported you…”

“Of course, I understand. I also think it was the best choice. I didn’t stay here to talk about that.”

Karl said, sitting back down and casually tossing his jacket onto the adjacent chair.

“I wanted to tell you this sooner, but my sister kept preventing me from having a private conversation with you. I wasn’t particularly interested in the Expo from the beginning. It would be nice if it happened, but Britain and my sister wouldn’t allow it anyway.”

“Oh… so all your actions so far have been an act.”

“Yes. Now that the next host country has been decided as the United States, others won’t care much whether I have a private conversation with you or not.”

What on earth does he want to say that the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire would travel all the way to France?

I asked my son with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety.

“Let’s hear it. I’m curious what topic you want to discuss that you don’t even want to tell your other family members.”

“Even my brother is fine, since he is French. But my sister is ultimately the Queen of a third country, so I thought it might be a sensitive issue.”

Why is the preamble so long?

I gestured for him to get to the point, but Karl simply clicked his tongue and stroked his chin.

“Ah… how should I explain this? I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but it’s difficult to put into words. I believe that the only way for the Holy Roman Empire to revive is to abandon its current clumsy system and truly unite and integrate the people.”

“It won’t be easy, but… I agree that’s the right direction.”

“In that regard, I am referring to your methods a lot. But there is one thing. There is an existence that is like a thorn in my side.”

“Don’t tell me…”

I can roughly guess what this guy wants to do.

The Holy Roman Empire, which was newly reborn as a federation, was somehow harmonizing various cultures, but there was still one area that had not been clearly integrated.

“Yes. We currently have territories spanning numerous cultures. Of course, the Germanic people are one of them. And the Germanic people I rule pride themselves on being the true owners of Germanic culture.”

“…”

“And I have decided that I cannot avoid this issue forever. Yes, so to put it bluntly, I would like you to allow me to take Prussia.”

I knew it.

A myriad of thoughts came to mind, but before that… son.

First of all, aren’t you a French half-breed?