He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 207

(207) Plan B, Return via the Crusader Route

Naturally, the prestigious Royal Navy would never surrender to the enemy.

“I will never cooperate! The enemies of Admiral Nelson!”

That was Edward Berry, formerly the captain of the Victory.

In reality, the Victory had long since returned to Gibraltar via the Malta route, heavily damaged.

So why was Berry imprisoned in the Cairo Citadel?

The reason was quite simple.

He had been thrown into the sea by the shock of Eugene’s bombardment.

Unlike Berry, there were others whose ships had sunk entirely, making them prisoners.

The number was approximately 1,000.

About one-tenth of the Caribbean fleet that had originally invaded.

Suddenly, Eugene smiled from outside the bars of the Citadel prison.

“If you want to return home, you’d better cooperate, Captain Berry.”

“Ha, you are no gentlemen! How can you not give honorable treatment to a prisoner who lost in war?”

“We treated you honorably, so you’re living comfortably like this, aren’t you? Should we treat you the Egyptian way?” Eugene retorted coldly at Berry, who flinched.

“This isn’t Europe, Mr. Berry. Besides, our revolutionary government hates the British army because your government tried to overthrow our government.”

In fact, Berry was captured by the French army in the original history as well.

The reason is a bit funny: he was sailing along the communication line to announce the British victory when he was captured by the French fleet.

At that time, Berry reportedly acted confidently towards the French army, demanding to be treated as a gentleman.

On the other hand, this time he was caught in battle, so it would be difficult to make any other appeals.

Berry frowned and asked from behind the bars.

“So, if we cooperate, you can save my men?”

“Of course.”

“What if we deceive you and mess up the ship?”

Eugene stared at Berry and shrugged.

“A gentleman never breaks his oath of honor. Isn’t that right?”

In other words, this actually alludes to so-called chivalry [a code of conduct emphasizing honor and integrity].

In an era without knights, officers from each country consider themselves descendants of the old knights.

Even if they don’t ride horses, there is etiquette to be observed on the battlefield.

It also applies to prisoners, such as not massacring them indiscriminately once they surrender.

Of course, that’s only when they have the *leisur*e to do so.

What would anyone outside know if they announced a ‘suicide’ in this Egyptian prison far from Europe?

In other words, Eugene retorted: if you want to be treated like a gentleman, then you must keep a gentleman’s promises.

‘Gentleman’ Berry glared at Eugene and snorted.

“Alright. Keep your promise!”

Thinking that he seemed like a typical British gentleman, Eugene was about to leave when Ippolito asked.

“Are you really okay with this? Entrusting the construction of a fleet to enemy soldiers?”

“Egypt has no trees anyway, Ippolito.”

“What?”

Since ancient times, Egypt has had no trees to build ships.

The first Egyptian trade is said to have originated from importing cedar from Lebanon.

It was no different in modern times, so even in this era, Egypt lacks sturdy trees.

Besides, the British army are naval experts, but they can’t be called shipbuilding experts.

So, what kind of ship did Eugene and Villeneuve say they would build?

It’s a sunken ship.

“What we have to do is repair the broken battleships that have sunk or been taken over near Alexandria. It’s a job of taking out the intact parts, rearranging them, and repairing them.”

“Ah, that’s something even skilled sailors can do!”

“That’s right. Besides, a very excellent naval observer will be attached. Right?”

Suddenly, Admiral Villeneuve, who was listening to Eugene’s story, shouted with sparkling eyes.

“Yes, Chief of Staff. I will monitor with all my heart! Thank you very much for entrusting me with this mission!”

Of course, Eugene doesn’t trust Villeneuve.

If Eugene later appoints a naval admiral, he will employ a completely different person.

For example, Louis-René Levassor de Latouche Tréville, who died quickly from heart disease.

But now, a cautious person like Villeneuve may be better at defending Alexandria.

Eugene looked at Villeneuve quietly and smiled strangely.

“I’m counting on you, Admiral Villeneuve.”

Anyway, with this, a plan was prepared to protect Egypt, which Eugene would be leaving.

***

In fact, compared to Napoleon’s return in the original history, Eugene’s return is very moderate.

However, once it becomes known, there will inevitably be a shockwave.

This is especially true for members who have no choice but to stay in Egypt.

Lavoisier, the best French chemist who had recently shaken off his seat and was working energetically, was one of them.

“Oh my god, the expeditionary force is retreating! Who’s going!”

Lavoisier has someone to protest to in the Egyptian expeditionary force.

He is a member of Eugene’s Beauharnais cartel [a group of influential people], and an adjutant, the most knowledgeable about secrets but also an easy target.

Brigadier General Ippolito of the General Staff.

Scratching his head, Ippolito answered while doing the paperwork ordered by Eugene.

“Not everyone is going, Monsieur Lavoisier.”

“No, I heard Chief of Staff Eugene is returning?”

“Chief of Staff Eugene is leading the way, and the Desaix and Junot divisions are returning. The rest are staying. Well, I’m following Eugene.”

Only then did Lavoisier regain some reason.

“The Augereau, Kléber, and Marceau divisions are staying?”

“Ah, Marceau is going. However, only the Marceau’s Chief of Staff’s Guards are returning. Most of the division will remain to defend Egypt.”

“It won’t even be 1,000. In the end, doesn’t that mean about 20,000 in total are returning? By the way, are they going by ship? I heard that most of the remaining battle fleet will be mobilized.”

30,000 out of the army remain.

Then the Egyptian expeditionary force is by no means abandoned.

However, it was still unsettling that the fleet was leaving.

Ippolito did not deny that point.

“11 battleships, 10 frigates. A total of 21 fleets and some transport ships will be mobilized. For now, 2 battleships and 12 frigates will remain in Alexandria. In addition, 1 battleship and 4 frigates led by the Knights Hospitaller will defend Damietta.”

The main force of the battle fleet is being led by Eugene.

However, the minimum force to defend Egypt is left behind.

That’s Eugene’s idea.

It is clear enough for even a military non-expert like Lavoisier to understand.

Lavoisier, who was licking his lips, tilted his head.

“Isn’t that not enough? Wouldn’t it be dangerous if the British Mediterranean Fleet showed up?”

“If the Mediterranean Fleet comes to Alexandria, the battle fleet will return immediately. Only enough force to hold out until then will be left behind.”

“No, I mean, isn’t there not enough force to break through the Mediterranean?”

Ippolito widened his eyes and chuckled.

“Oh, half right and half wrong.”

“What does that mean?”

“Because Chief of Staff Eugene is planning to return by land. Well, he’ll be using waterways in parallel. The navy isn’t really lacking. The problem is the army.”

Ippolito pointed to the window towards the surprised Lavoisier.

“So, that’s why they’re training like that, right?”

Soldiers wielding bayonets were seen outside the fortress of the French Expeditionary Force Headquarters in Giza.

-Hey!

Looking closely, Arabs were wearing French military uniforms and wielding bayonets.

-Chuk, chuk, chuk!

Watching the scene, Lavoisier opened his mouth wide.

“Are you teaching muskets to Egyptians?”

“They’re not just Egyptians, they’re Coptic Christians [an ethno-religious group indigenous to North Africa]. Fortunately, the Mamluk army also bought old muskets? That’s what they’re holding. Haha!”

“Well, the Coptic Christians are cooperative with us. Huh? Aren’t those friends over there real Mamluks?”

Unlike the Egyptians who looked like French soldiers at first glance, they were different at a glance.

They wear turbans and practice charging while riding horses.

The number is only in the hundreds, but their momentum is imposing.

Ippolito nodded, looking down at the Mamluk cavalry [soldiers of slave origin] galloping through the center of the parade ground.

“That’s right. They are Mamluk surrender soldiers. We will avoid the desert as much as possible, but there may be situations where we have to fight in the desert after all. It will be helpful.”

Lavoisier, who was staring intently at the soldiers, sighed.

Of course, Lavoisier also wants to return to France.

However, unlike the naval return, where scholars do not need to fight, the land return is bound to be a series of battles.

Besides, if you return to Egypt by land, how far will it be?

He realized once again that he could not join.

“You’re really preparing thoroughly. Then where are you going? By land? Are you going all the way to Gibraltar?”

Ippolito blinked and burst into laughter.

“Puhahat! That’s a masterpiece too. Of course not!”

“Where are you going by land then?”

“If you go to Europe by land from Egypt, where would it be?”

Crossing North Africa to Gibraltar is certainly one way.

During World War II, the North African coast became a battlefield.

But in this era, the late 18th century, there is a separate land route connecting Egypt and Europe.

Ippolito flicked the document he was writing, a map book, and said.

“Of course, it’s the Holy Land!”

In short, this is Plan B.

It is to retrace the route that the Crusaders took.

***

Too bizarre and dangerous, the returning troops that no one among those left behind envied gathered.

“Receive, gun!”

The location is none other than Damietta.

The site of the victory that defeated the Turkish army.

Once upon a time, King Louis IX of France invaded here but was captured by Mamluk Baibars.

From there, the French Revolutionary Army, which conquered Egypt, is now marching.

The main force is the Desaix and Junot divisions.

In addition, Marceau’s Guards from the Postal Regiment, who had followed Eugene from Toulon, accompany them.

Along with newly replenished Egyptian soldiers and surviving sailors from the Mediterranean Fleet.

Looking back at the 30,000 soldiers, Eugene loudly announced.

“Okay. Everyone knows that the road we are taking back is a dangerous one.”

Eugene is now shouting with a megaphone.

Because of this, it doesn’t look very stylish, but he makes a loud noise even with his voice that has passed puberty.

As 30,000 soldiers focused, Eugene shouted.

“No matter how prepared we are, no matter how old the opponent is, no matter how backward the country is, the opponent we will fight is an empire!”

The Ottoman Turks, the old empire that once threatened to conquer Europe.

Now, going to the Holy Land means fighting that empire.

The soldiers swallowed dry saliva with a tense look.

Not only French soldiers but also Egyptian Copts and Mamluk remnants who were ruled by the Turks are here.

Can we really win?

Everyone will have doubts.

Then Eugene asked.

“But! Who are we!”

At that moment, the Junot Italian Division soldiers, who had been with Eugene in the most glorious battlefields, shouted.

“We are the French Revolutionary Army!”

“That’s right! The army that won in Italy, conquered the Netherlands, and defended the Rhine! The Mamluks of Egypt were only half a day’s opponent for us!”

“Puhahat!”

French soldiers laughed loudly, and the laughter spread to the Coptic soldiers and the Mamluks.

“Now, let’s go make the Ottoman Janissaries [elite infantry units of the Ottoman army] half a day’s opponent!”

As Eugene’s proclamation fell, the soldiers shouted.

-Waaaa!

Turning around, Pauline, wearing a military uniform, suddenly followed Eugene, who was heading to the flagship.

“You’re really good at inciting?”

“Are you really going? With that dog?”

“What? Did you say Maltese? It catches mice really well.”

It seems that she is now openly trying to board with even a dog, not smuggling.

Eugene clicked his tongue.

However, Napoleon’s instructions have not yet been issued from the home country.

For example, to send Pauline back home.

That’s when it happened.

“Now, Commander. Why don’t you give the order to march? Stop flirting around.”

Suddenly, Marceau chuckled and said in front.

Perhaps Marceau is remembering.

The day he kissed Marie on the way to Toulon.

Feeling like he was having an affair, Eugene blushed and took a deep breath.

“Okay. Holy Land Expeditionary Force, march!”

February 1, 1798.

On this day, the 30,000-strong French-Coptic Corps left Damietta.

To conquer the Holy Land Return Route.