He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 232

(233) In 1799, France Wants a New Leader

Just a year ago, France seemed poised to seize European hegemony.

“The brothers of Eire, they say they all died in the end. How can this be, Moreau!”

In May 1799, a roar erupted from the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

This palace served as the residence of the Directory, the supreme executive body of France, composed of five directors.

However, as the number five suggests, power was dispersed, and in reality, attendance was inconsistent.

The man who diligently appeared in the office was, unexpectedly, the laziest, Danton.

Conversely, this also meant that Director Danton was held responsible for the problems France currently faced.

The so-called Grand Expedition, the expedition aimed at northern England, had ended in failure.

Moreau, the person responsible for the failure, hung his head low.

“I can only apologize, Director.”

“I wouldn’t be saying this if you had even set foot on the coast of Ireland! Did you even get on a ship!”

“I tried to send warships several times. However, I could not break through the British Navy’s defenses with a fleet.”

Puffing out his chubby cheeks, Danton shouted until his face turned red.

“Is that all you have to say! Then you should have carried out troop infiltration in other ways. Use decoys, or even take advantage of the weather! What does that make me, who recommended you!”

Thus, the Irish Rebellion failed.

Ireland, an island right next to the British Isles.

Originally, a rebellion occurred around this time in the original history as well.

But as it was originally, France has failed to exploit the Irish Rebellion even now.

Moreau, the expedition leader, listened to the reprimand without a word and left the office.

Danton glared at Moreau’s back, huffing and puffing.

He would like to dismiss Moreau immediately and exile him to Saint-Domingue [present-day Haiti].

However, Director’s Secretary Deglandine stopped Danton.

“General Moreau has not been completely defeated, Director Danton.”

“It’s all the same. Do you know what? Bonaparte, who planned the Grand Expedition, is being praised, and I am now being criticized by the court and the public. How can this be!”

“Well, ‘Petit’ [Little] Bonaparte succeeded in the Egyptian Expedition, didn’t he? Even against the Ottomans.”

Eventually, Danton snapped at his secretary as well.

“The Ottomans were not conquered! Strictly speaking, it was a victory for our diplomacy! Sultan replacement and military aid! Isn’t it?”

In fact, there is nothing wrong with Deglandine’s words.

Moreau clearly failed to sustain or expand the Irish Rebellion.

However, he didn’t actually suffer much damage.

Because he only provided indirect aid in an extremely passive manner, there were almost no losses of troops or ships.

The problem is just one person, the Egyptian Expedition, which everyone thought would fail except for Napoleon.

Although Hoche is in command, no one expected the expedition to succeed in the distant Orient [Middle East].

Rather, when they heard that the British Caribbean fleet was heading to the Mediterranean, everyone was worried that they would be annihilated.

But unexpectedly, it was a great success, and they even overthrew the Ottoman Empire.

Even now, the outside of the Tuileries Palace is already in a festive mood celebrating the victory.

Even at this time when all sides are facing the threat of invasion.

Danton, grinding his teeth, slammed the desk.

“Besides, that stupid Moreau ruined more than that, Deglandine! The British fleet is off the leash! That’s the real problem!”

In the end, the credit for the Egyptian Expedition belongs to Napoleon.

Why?

Because Bonaparte did everything from planning to execution.

Since Napoleon is doing so well, Moreau cannot be fired even more.

However, Danton, who has common sense even if he doesn’t know about war, accurately grasped the situation.

With the rebellion over, it has become much easier for Britain to project its fleet power externally.

It is obvious that attacks by the British fleet will become commonplace in the Atlantic.

For example, there is a high possibility that unofficial engagements such as raids, fleet kidnappings, and looting will occur frequently.

That is the real storm that Moreau’s failure has brought.

“Now, the entire Atlantic and Mediterranean will be targeted by Britain. Damn it, I’ll have to demand that coastal guns be installed in every port.”

“There is no budget. Besides, there is the North Sea issue.”

“The North Sea? Why there? Do we have any ports other than Calais?”

Director’s Secretary Deglandine rolled his eyes and said.

“Isn’t the Batavian Republic [Netherlands] now our satellite republic? Besides, Sweden and Denmark have strong pro-British factions.”

Batavia, the old Dutch Republic, is the problem.

Currently, Britain is already attacking Batavia’s colonies.

Of course, Batavia is a naval power ranked within the top 5 in the world and has the power to stand up to Britain.

However, because it is a satellite republic under the control of France, it cannot properly use its power.

And France cannot efficiently control Batavia either.

This side is a five-person collective leadership system, and France itself is in a state of disarray.

Danton closed his eyes tightly and lamented.

“A domino effect from the failure of the Irish Rebellion.”

“Just hand it over to General Bonaparte.”

“What?”

Deglandine still rolled his eyes and advised Danton in a low voice.

“If we continue like this, the Bonaparte faction, which succeeded in the Orient Expedition, will seize the initiative anyway. In that case, it might be the answer to hand it over first, Director.”

Preventing the Fructidor Coup [coup d’état of 18 Fructidor, Year V (September 4, 1797)], succeeding in the Italian Expedition, and counterattacking the Pichegru Rebellion.

Through a series of processes, Bonaparte has become the most famous surname in France.

Also, the elite Italian Army is under Napoleon’s command.

In this situation, the Egyptian Expedition, which Napoleon led and Eugene executed, was also successful.

It is clear that Napoleon’s power will be further strengthened when Eugene returns.

Then, wouldn’t it be better to pass on all the responsibility?

For example, could he collapse while struggling against Prussia or Russia?

Danton rolled his eyes at Deglandine’s words and cocked his head.

“I can’t just hand it over. I need someone to declare that we failed together.”

“Yes? Who would do that?”

“There is someone. Someone who is our opponent, but at the same time, very wary of Bonaparte, isn’t there?”

The old revolutionary, who has become a seasoned politician as a director for three years now, twisted his lips.

“Lafayette.”

Glory is diminished by sharing, but responsibility is increased.

***

The problem is that France in this era, no, all European countries must also worry about the world outside of Europe.

“Director Lafayette, your term is coming to an end soon.”

Lafayette, the de facto second-in-command among the five directors, turned his gaze to the slick man.

“I know that without you telling me, Foreign Minister Talleyrand.”

“Then you probably know this too? A large sum of money has arrived by ship from Florida.”

“What is it? Is it perhaps good news?”

Talleyrand solemnly informed Lafayette, who had quickly risen from his seat.

“Coastal blockade. It’s a request for help sent just before that.”

Originally, Lafayette made his name in the American Revolutionary War.

As a result, Lafayette naturally took charge of the west, the Caribbean coast, during the Grand Expedition.

However, Lafayette is also tired of hearing only news of repeated failures.

Lafayette sighed, clutching his head.

“It’s terrible. Is Pichegru not enough after all?”

“The chief of the Florida defense forces is currently Major General Lescure.”

“He is highly regarded for his diligence, but he is said to lack military talent, isn’t he? Besides, we haven’t even sent a fleet properly.”

Then Talleyrand asked with a strange smile.

“So, how about dispatching a relief fleet?”

Lafayette’s eyes widened.

“In this situation? Can we even break through the British coastal blockade?”

“The sea is constantly fluctuating. You should know since you’ve crossed the Atlantic, right? No matter how strong the British fleet is, they can’t block the entire path to the New World.”

“But we’re having a hard time just defending our Atlantic side.”

At that time, Representative Fouché, who was standing behind Talleyrand, opened his mouth.

“Napoleon Bonaparte’s son, Eugene Freiherr, has overthrown the Ottomans.”

Lafayette smacked his lips.

He is well aware that Fouché operates an intelligence network.

Because Lafayette used Fouché’s public opinion manipulation through Eugene in the early days of the revolution.

However, he did not know that he would use that intelligence to inform him of news from the Orient.

Lafayette nodded heavily, recalling something he seemed to have heard in a meeting.

“I’ve heard it too. If it’s that child, he’ll know his father first. Has he grown up that much already?”

“He used the princess as bait to ensnare the general.”

“Don’t talk like that. Eugene was once a loyal constitutional monarchist. He moved to that side when his mother married Bonaparte.”

Lafayette waved his hand at Fouché’s remark.

At one time, the Constitutional Monarchist faction, led by Lafayette, almost seized power.

However, the king at the time was caught while fleeing and ‘committed suicide’.

Since then, former constitutional monarchists have turned into moderate revolutionaries, the Feuillant faction, centered around Lafayette.

Fouché, a former Jacobin who is now working independently, knows this process very well.

Because Fouché was Eugene’s informant until Eugene was exiled to Toulon.

However, Lafayette does not consider Eugene a traitor.

It’s just that their paths have diverged now.

Suddenly, Talleyrand opened his mouth.

“Grand Master.”

The head of the French branch of the secret society, Freemasons.

That is Lafayette’s other identity.

Furthermore, Talleyrand, who abandoned his priesthood and devoted himself to the revolution from the beginning of the revolution, is also a Freemason member.

Of course, everything was just something that Talleyrand could easily take off and throw away like clothes.

Whether it’s a Jacobin, a Freemason, or a Catholic priest.

“Either way, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that Eugene Freiherr’s achievements are Bonaparte’s achievements. Look outside.”

When he looked out the window without realizing it, Lafayette saw an unusual sight in his field of vision.

-Boom! Boom boom! Boom boom boom!

Numerous citizens were marching while playing instruments.

“What is that?”

“It’s Egyptian music. It’s a civilian music group that was urgently organized after hearing the victory news that arrived in Paris a month ago.”

“Huh, the Rhine and Flanders are about to be breached. How leisurely.”

Talleyrand said in a calm tone to Lafayette, who was dumbfounded.

“They all believe it. Commander-in-Chief Bonaparte will save the country, and his son will return from the East with the Ottoman Sultan’s 100,000 troops.”

Lafayette frowned.

First of all, this is impossible even if Eugene becomes the Sultan of the Ottomans.

It is difficult for the Ottomans to mobilize 100,000 troops, but they cannot go to save France.

If you know the army, it’s common sense.

“That’s impossible. He changed the Sultan of the Ottomans, but it’s not a situation where he can mobilize military power.”

“I know the work of diplomats best. But wouldn’t the citizens be different?”

“So what do you want to say?”

Talleyrand said with a deep smile.

“Become the savior of Florida. Britain is busy attacking us, so if we form and dispatch a special Atlantic fleet, we have a chance of winning.”

Talleyrand, like Danton, does not know much about the military.

However, he is more familiar with the structure of power than anyone else.

The British beast unleashed from the rebellion will target mainland France.

It is obvious that they will gather fleets from all over the world to attack France.

This is the timing when the offensive against Florida will naturally weaken.

If we send a national fleet in this gap, we will definitely win.

Of course, the defense of the home country will be weakened, but it is an era when the navy cannot overthrow the country.

Lafayette, gritting his teeth, asked.

“Who would be good?”

Fouché, with his slender face, quickly stepped forward.

“Ahem, let me tell you. You’ve seen him during the American Revolutionary War, right? I recommend Admiral Louis-René-Madeleine de Latouche-Tréville.”

Very long names are a characteristic of nobles in this era.

Besides, the name I just mentioned is not just a noble.

Lafayette once again opened his mouth in amazement.

“Representative Fouché. Isn’t that man a henchman of the Duke of Orléans?”

“He was dismissed because he was suspected of that. But as I investigated, it’s a misunderstanding. He has a history of serving in the British Navy, but after the revolution, he faithfully performed his duties. Until he was dismissed.”

“To select someone suspected of being a counter-revolutionary as the admiral of the relief fleet?”

Talleyrand asked Lafayette, who was hesitating.

“Are you going to hand over the country to Bonaparte?”

Eventually, Lafayette raised both hands.

“Okay. However, tell him to leave his family in Paris. I’ll try to bring the fleet from Holland.”

With this, the decision was made to hastily create the Florida relief fleet.

At a time when the British fleet is sure to invade the French Atlantic coast.

The interests of politicians were unexpectedly saving the colony.

***

However, the situation cannot be good for the faction that has seized the initiative.

“I don’t think the Commander-in-Chief should leave Paris.”

Saliceti, the lowest-ranking director, grumbled as he entered the drawing room of his home.

The Bonapartists tend to avoid the Tuileries Palace.

This is partly because the palace itself is a royal palace, and partly because there are surprisingly many former Jacobins [radical revolutionaries], but the real reason is different.

This is because the Tuileries Palace is full of Danton’s people.

As a result, meetings are mainly held at the directors’ residences, and today it is Saliceti’s residence.

Desmoulins, who was sitting in the drawing room drinking coffee, asked.

“Wh-what is it? Director Saliceti?”

“Hoo, I just heard the news. The Spanish royal family is on the verge of collapse.”

“Wh-why? D-did a rebellion break out?”

Saliceti cocked his head at Desmoulins’ surprised question.

“It’s not a citizen uprising. However, those who hate Duke Godoy started a palace rebellion and were caught. They caught them this time, but next time…”

Godoy, the de facto ruler of Spain, has become the leader of the current pro-French faction by chance.

However, of course, there are not many nobles who like Godoy, who only received money and sold Florida.

Therefore, the Spanish court was in a state of severe internal conflict.

In this situation, his throne began to shake as he was repeatedly defeated by the British in fleet battles.

The faces of the Napoleon faction representatives sitting in their seats became serious.

If things continue like this, there is a high possibility that Spain will also turn to Britain.

They have been blocking the southern side in Spain, but it looks like the entire France will be surrounded.

Just like in the early days of the revolution.

In an instant, Auguste Desmoulins jumped to his feet.

“Let’s go see the Commander-in-Chief.”

“What do you mean, Director Desmoulins?”

“It’s a national crisis. Then the person in charge of defense should have a plan, right? Of course, the victory in the Orient Expedition, in which his son participated, is good. But there must be an alternative!”

Auguste, Desmoulins, and Saliceti looked at each other and nodded.

“Let’s go and tell the Commander-in-Chief to come up with a solution. Instead, give him full authority. With the resolution of our three directors!”

At the moment when even Desmoulins, who usually stutters, shouted vigorously, Saliceti’s eyes lit up.

“That’s right. This France needs new leadership. Desmoulins.”

It was the moment when Saliceti finally seized the opportunity to change French power.

To Napoleon, the non-mainstream Corsican general.