I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 350

I take a moment to reflect on my memories.

I’ve met so many celebrities that it would take an entire train to carry them all.

From politicians to diplomats, generals, and even presidents.

Of course, this includes kings as well.

From Maria’s mother, Theresa, to Joseph II, and my grandfather, Louis XV.

Even my own son and daughter are emperors of the Holy Roman Empire and the Nordic Federation.

I don’t feel nervous or intimidated about meeting the Japanese Emperor.

To be honest, I’m actually looking forward to it.

When I went to Qing China last time, the Emperor ran away, and I ended up just grilling the Crown Prince.

In the Korean Empire, the Emperor was dragged down, and I didn’t even get to see what he looked like.

So, in that sense, Emperor Ninko is the first Emperor I’m meeting in Asia.

In fact, the one who’s probably on edge right now is him.

There’s almost a grandson-level age difference between us, and our statuses are worlds apart.

If I were him, I would be racking my brain to figure out what cards I could play to at least save my own life.

I may be a pitiful king stuck in the French palace, overworked, but when I’m out here, I’m the king of the world’s strongest empire.

Of course, France isn’t an absolute monarchy, but I’m confident that my influence is stronger than any emperor of the past.

So, what about Japan’s Emperor Ninko, who is having a private audience with the king of the great French Federal Empire?

The young man, dressed in a decent-looking suit and with his hair neatly styled, looked visibly nervous.

He doesn’t exude the charisma or dignity that one would expect from someone who claims to be an emperor.

But I understand.

Being an emperor is just a fancy title; in reality, he’s just a living mannequin.

His life is dedicated to existing as a symbol to unite the nation, so it’s no wonder he doesn’t radiate any authority.

Still, it’s fascinating.

I’m actually seeing the Emperor of Japan in person.

As King Louis Christian of France, I don’t feel much, but as history enthusiast Christian, I’m bursting with curiosity.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve sent letters before, but this is our first time meeting in person.”

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you too. I am Bunsei.”

The young man, using his era name [Bunsei was Emperor Ninko’s era name, a practice common in Japan], extended his hand for a handshake, which trembled slightly.

It could be an act to appear like a naive boy, but how many sly old foxes have I seen so far?

My instincts, honed from facing figures like the former Duke of Orléans and Pitt, were screaming.

This guy is just a pushover.

I took Emperor Ninko’s trembling hand and gave him a warm smile.

“It would have been nice to foster friendship in a better situation, but it’s a shame that the timing isn’t so good.”

“…Still, thank you for your consideration in many ways. Do you enjoy the meals and tea?”

“Yes, I’m enjoying Japanese culture, thanks to you.”

“Ah! I heard you enjoy sushi very much.”

As luck would have it, Kyoto was slowly returning to its former state, but it was still difficult to survive without our food aid.

But that was just the commoners’ story; the imperial family and ministers were still eating, sleeping, and living lavishly.

“Do you know Chura Churai” wasn’t limited to kimchi; as soon as I arrived in Japan, I was showered with tributes.

Of course, they asked if I was okay with raw fish, but as soon as they heard I liked it, Ienari pulled a “Do you know sushi [a reference to a popular meme, implying an over-the-top display of something someone likes]”, bringing in plenty of seasonal fish.

“When I go to a foreign land, experiencing the local cuisine is one of my pleasures. That’s why I’m even cutting back on my favorite coffee and drinking tea from time to time.”

“Then I’ll serve you some good tea. You there!”

The Emperor, flustered, urged his servant, and soon a steaming cup of hot tea was placed on the table.

Did he interpret my words as an order to bring tea?

Come to think of it, this is Kyoto.

It’s practically the headquarters of indirect speech, notorious even within Japan.

I made sure to nip any potential misunderstandings in the bud.

“The aroma of the tea is wonderful. Actually, I’m worried that misunderstandings might arise because I’m not yet fully accustomed to Eastern culture. So, in this meeting, I’d like to be frank and put everything on the table, just as it is in my head.”

“I would be grateful if you did.”

“You must be anxious if we drag this on, so shall we get straight to the point? I don’t know if you’ve heard, but a trial is underway in the country next door. The Republic of Korea, which claims to be a nation of the people, is putting their emperor on trial as a war criminal.”

As soon as I finished speaking, the Emperor’s face turned pale.

Did he take it as a message that he’ll meet the same fate, so he should wash his neck and wait [a Japanese idiom meaning to prepare for execution]?

I said I’d be frank, so why is he jumping to conclusions?

“I’m saying this out of concern, but I’m just telling you what’s happening in the country next door. This side will handle things as its citizens wish. I’ve already told the Grand Duke that there will be no tyranny that goes against the will of the citizens.”

“I am grateful that you are considering the local situation even though you are the victor. I am ashamed to admit that I could not stop the unrest of those who stirred up the war by blinding the eyes and ears of my subjects. France drew its sword on my behalf, so this must be a blessing for the country.”

He’s saying that he’s just the king of a constitutional monarchy and that his situation is different from that of the Emperor of the Korean Empire.

The fact that both the Prime Minister and the Emperor are so concerned with their own self-preservation is quite amusing.

“Actually, I sympathize with Your Imperial Majesty’s position. We are both monarchs of constitutional monarchies, after all. Well, France’s system is a bit unique, though.”

“France is a constitutional monarchy, but I’ve heard that Your Majesty has more real power than anyone else in France. From my position, where I can’t do anything as I please, I can only envy and respect you.”

“It’s not like I’m exercising my authority as a king. I’m suffering because of the bizarre system of being both Prime Minister and King.”

“Isn’t the fact that such a system was created proof that Your Majesty’s abilities are unmatched in France? You are on a different level from me, who can only function as a symbol of the nation.”

It’s so obvious.

So, he’s saying that he’s just a symbol of the nation and has no fault, and that all the bad guys are the military and ministers who started the war?

And he’s constantly emphasizing that he is the symbol of this country, implying that keeping him alive would make it easier to govern Japan.

I agreed to some extent.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that the Emperor was genuinely wronged in this war, not just putting on a show.

In the original history, Hirohito, who started World War II, was at least interested in military and diplomacy, but this Emperor Ninko was just a wooden doll.

Frankly speaking, he became Emperor at the young age of 17, and the war with France broke out in his 20s, so what role could he have played?

Humanly speaking, there is room for sympathy.

Even if he were to step down from the throne, he would be able to live well for the rest of his life, but even someone who has lived as a deity, even if it’s just in name, has pride.

“Actually, the citizens of France are very angry about this war. We have defined the harsh colonial rule of the Western world as unethical behavior and have contributed to world peace more than anyone else. In fact, your country was one of the biggest beneficiaries of France’s policy of coexistence and co-prosperity.”

“Yes, I am aware that we have committed a truly ungrateful act.”

“That’s why there is a sense of skepticism about appeasement in the home country. They say that we were kind, but they repaid us with malice. They say that it would be better to thoroughly suppress them so that they can’t even make a peep.”

“I have nothing to say but to apologize and ask for leniency. The common people are not to blame for the mistakes of foolish politicians, are they? Of course, I think those who have committed crimes should be punished.”

Emperor Ninko stood up and bowed.

This man knows that someone has to take responsibility for the war and disappear into the execution ground.

“Then I have a question for you. Your Majesty, who has seen everything from the Imperial Palace, must know who was most active in the war.”

“…Well, wouldn’t it primarily be the military, who misjudged their own strength? Of course, the ministers cannot be completely free from responsibility either.”

Currently, Prime Minister Ienari is pretending to be a victim who was swept away by the military and had no choice but to approve the war.

It should have been a story that no one would believe, but Ienari was presenting a concrete plan to completely turn Japan into a vassal state of France.

It was a complete vow of obedience, offering his liver and gall bladder [a Japanese idiom meaning to offer everything], begging to spare his life.

I wondered if the Emperor knew this fact, but he didn’t seem to know yet.

If he did, he wouldn’t have reacted so calmly.

“Then, how many people can be said to be truly loyal to this country? I mean, those who possess unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and would even give their lives for him.”

“There must be quite a few if you look for them. I’m not sure how many there are in the upper echelons, but I’m sure there are some.”

“I see. Actually, as a fellow monarch, I don’t feel entirely comfortable with the current situation. I know who is really responsible for this war, but I don’t think it’s right to hold the wrong people accountable.”

After I said some flattering words, the color gradually returned to Ninko’s face, which had been as stiff as a statue.

But unfortunately, I am the King of France, not the King of Japan.

Whatever chaos unfolds here is not really my concern.

No, for the sake of smooth governance here, I wouldn’t care much even if some kind of hell broke loose.

Unless innocent civilians are dying, I would welcome the infighting among power-hungry fiends.

After easing the tension by chatting about trivial matters, I dropped a meaningful remark before getting up from my seat.

“Seeing someone in a similar yet different position like you today makes me feel a sense of kinship. With that in mind, I have one more question: What do you dislike the most, Your Majesty?”

“What I dislike, you ask?”

“I’m not testing you, so please feel free to tell me.”

“I haven’t thought about it deeply, but… there are times when I dislike not having a free life. I’m sure Your Majesty feels the same way?”

“Of course. But I’ve long accepted that it’s an unavoidable fate. In my case, perhaps because of my position, I despise traitors the most. Especially those who abandon the place they belonged to like a worn-out shoe as soon as things go wrong.”

The Emperor’s eyes twitched at the meaningful remark.

“Are you perhaps saying…”

“There may be many loyal subjects who would gladly give their lives for the Emperor, but conversely, there must be people who don’t even care about the safety of the Imperial Family in order to save themselves. Especially those who are in a position where it would be difficult to guarantee their lives if things continue as they are.”

“Are you saying that there are those who would sacrifice me?”

“I’m just mentioning the possibilities.”

Leaving behind the Emperor’s gaze filled with suspicion and shock, I left the palace.

There’s nothing more boring than a fight where one side is just getting beaten, right?

Dogfights are the most fun to watch.

I should look forward to the upcoming war crimes trial with a joyful heart.