He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 236

(237) Suvorov Urges Karl

As if there were no war, Schönbrunn Palace is peaceful.

“A very interesting structure is being formed, Your Highness.”

Karl glanced at the old man drinking coffee with a fox-like face, and thought of Wurmser.

Once the only hope of the Holy Roman Empire.

But he was defeated by Napoleon, who was virtually unknown in Europe until then, and met his death.

What about that general smirking leisurely in front of him?

After staring silently at the old man, Suvorov, Archduke Karl of Austria asked.

“Surely you are not referring to the Ottoman Empire?”

“Haha! Of course not, I know more about the Turks than Your Highness. I’ve fought them several times.”

“Then, since the Ottoman army won’t move, are you talking about the young ‘Bonaparte’?”

Suddenly, Suvorov raised his white eyebrows and burst into laughter.

“Well, my young subordinate was captured by the boy. But that’s a scale that the Vienna garrison can handle, isn’t it? Surely, it’s not otherwise? Uhehe.”

He is small and slender, without much fat.

However, he is the one who brought an army of 80,000 from the distant frozen land.

Furthermore, he conquered Polska [Poland], defeated the Turks, and was a renowned general who even defeated Sweden, a strong power in the north, in his twenties.

Looking at the old general who remained calm even while talking about his subordinate’s defeat, Karl nodded heavily.

“Of course, Marshal of the Russian Empire. Our empire’s arch-enemy is the same ‘great’ Bonaparte, whether in the last war or this one. However, the movement of the army is something His Majesty the Emperor will decide.”

This is a conversation between Suvorov, the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, and Archduke Karl, a highly influential figure in Austria.

In late 1798, Europe united against France again at the instigation of England.

Russia strongly agreed, Prussia also moved with the support of England, and Austria cooperated from behind.

However, due to the limitations of the allied forces, the power France displayed in the last war, and diplomatic negotiations, the advance was not very fast.

It was not until June 1799, after the turn of the year, that the Russian army finally arrived near Vienna.

Of course, from Austria’s point of view, allowing foreign troops to enter its territory was a significant matter in itself.

But the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, Marshal Suvorov, came to visit Archduke Karl.

As if it was Austria’s turn to step up directly.

Looking at Karl, who did not give a definite answer, Suvorov suddenly asked.

“Then, where do you think Bonaparte will choose to fight? Your Highness?”

“Well, as I said, that’s not for me to decide. It’s something the war committee will review and advise His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Eventually, Archduke, you will command the main force of the Austrian army, won’t you? Besides, Bonaparte will eventually march out; will you just stand by?”

At that moment, Karl frowned.

“You’ve never seen me command, so why do you think so, Marshal?”

Then Suvorov gave a truly absurd answer and laughed.

“I saw it in the newspaper.”

“Wh-wh-what? Could you repeat that?”

“Oh dear, you underestimate the [News] too much. Especially British media outlets provide very accurate information. War structure, execution tactics, and even the time taken.”

Suvorov, a self-proclaimed British expert who had never been to England, smiled knowingly.

“Combining all of this, you can know how the army moved. Of course, you have to be a professional.”

It’s not a very famous anecdote, but Suvorov praised Napoleon highly.

He especially praised the mobility of the Italian campaign, and most of that information was gleaned from British newspapers.

However, there is a premise to this praise.

That if it had been Suvorov himself, he would have won, unlike Wurmser or Alvinczy.

Karl replied with a strange expression.

“I didn’t know you were so interested in England.”

“Hahaha! Unlike Austria, we do a lot of direct deals with England. Back when we fought Sweden, if you look closely, there were many British officers in our navy.”

“I heard you lost back then because of one eccentric British admiral.”

He’s talking about the story of Sydney Smith.

In 1790, during the war between Sweden and Russia that ended amidst the French Revolution.

Unfortunately, Suvorov did not participate in this war.

Because he was fighting the Turks in the south.

Rather, the naval battle that was lost due to Sydney’s performance was mentioned, but Suvorov laughed it off.

“There are always some quirky friends, aren’t there? We Russians don’t do foolish things like breaking [alliances] over such things. Hehe.”

“But now you’re here telling us to break the peace treaty with France, aren’t you?”

“Isn’t that treaty coercion?”

Instantly, Suvorov’s sharp eyes flashed.

“Isn’t it shameful for the historic Habsburg dynasty to be threatened by a Corsican bumpkin?”

Karl frowned as he listened to Suvorov’s very fluent German.

It’s clearly true, so he can’t refute it.

But at the same time, it’s hard to tolerate the reckless touching of the imperial family’s disgraceful moment, the Treaty of Schönbrunn.

In an instant, the generals standing behind Karl flared up first.

“Marshal! Your words are too harsh!”

“That’s because some foolish generals rushed in recklessly and were defeated!”

“Please apologize immediately, Marshal!”

Suvorov looked around at the generals and twisted his lips.

“Hiller, Bellegarde, Rosenberg. All generals who have been defeated by Bonaparte.”

“Marshal, this is Schönbrunn Palace, not Peterhof Palace. Watch your words.”

“Your Highness, I do not underestimate the opponent just because I have been defeated. Victory and defeat in war are always variable factors. But…”

Johann von Hiller, Heinrich von Bellegarde, Franz Seraph von Rosenberg.

All generals who represent Austria along with Karl.

But they are also warriors who have already been defeated by Napoleon in front of Vienna.

Suvorov put down his coffee cup and said in a precise tone.

“I despise those who are crushed by the victor and frightened.”

Victory and defeat are common in military affairs.

But those who are crushed by defeat find it difficult to win again.

Just as the generals were trembling with humiliation at the words of the old Marshal Suvorov, Suvorov rose from his seat.

“Thank you for allowing our army to pass through, and for the supply cooperation. But, in the end, when we win this war, who will occupy the Rhine and Italy? Austria.”

Just as Karl raised his head, Suvorov was already leaving.

“If Austria does not step up directly, Bonaparte cannot be defeated. Keep that in mind.”

With very tempting and accurate advice.

***

However, the highest ministers of the Austrian court still have divided opinions.

“We must not move rashly, Your Majesty.”

The Holy Roman Empire has disappeared, and now the name of the empire has been changed to Austria.

But the ruler of the empire is still the emperor.

Franz II, or Franz I as the Austrian Emperor, frowned.

He is 31 years old, but he always frowns, giving him an older impression than his age.

Even now, he doesn’t seem to like the restraint of State Councilor Weinsberg.

In an instant, Tugut, the former State Councilor and imperial advisor, stepped forward, watching the emperor’s complexion.

“Isn’t now the opportunity, State Councilor Weinsberg? Prussia, England, and even Russia have moved. This has never happened before.”

“That’s not true, Tugut! Such naive thinking brought about the previous defeat. France still has potential!”

“What potential are you talking about? Even Spain is trying to let go of France’s hand, according to the information I have obtained!”

Looking back at the emperor’s close advisors, the hard-line minister Tugut said.

“There’s even talk that Chief Secretary Godoy will soon be dismissed.”

Once, Spain was a kingdom of the Habsburg family.

Of course, the Bourbon family now occupies the royal family, but in many ways, the connection between Austrian nobles and Spanish nobles is deep and wide.

There are even nobles in this court who have ancestors from Spain.

So the inside story of the Spanish court can be discussed in Vienna.

What if even Spain lets go of France’s hand?

Excluding satellite republics, France is completely isolated.

Emperor Franz stroked his chin and turned his gaze.

“What does the war committee think?”

Count Michael Johann von Wallis, chairman of the war committee, bowed his head.

“Your Majesty, we have concluded that the strategic situation is clearly unfavorable to France.”

“Then are you saying we should go to war?”

“But the enemy’s [ringleader], Bonaparte, has not yet moved.”

Wallis, the man who once led the Italian campaign, said in a cautious tone.

“We believe it is right to go to war only after confirming how he will mobilize.”

Marshal Friedrich Moritz, Count Ferdinand Tige, Karl Josef von Latur.

The old men who move the war committee bow their heads.

The emperor gritted his teeth.

They are all clearly frightened.

But what about the emperor himself?

“I remember the humiliation.”

At the emperor’s sudden words, the nobles raised and bowed their heads in confusion.

“I still remember when French soldiers roamed the palace. I remember the humiliation when my cousin, Princess Marie, was ‘forcibly’ dragged out and appeared in a half-naked dress.”

“Your Majesty, please calm down.”

“I even remember Marie being dragged away by the French commander-in-chief’s adopted son, that ‘rascal,’ and being forced to dance!”

Emperor Franz trembled and lamented.

He was so afraid that he couldn’t say a word even though his relatives were watching.

He must have wanted to get out of the ‘enemies’ of his family.

It’s just a pity that he couldn’t say a word to Marie.

Of course, it’s all a misunderstanding.

The reason Marie was trembling was because she was wary of Pauline.

She didn’t care about her relatives, and Eugene was Marie’s only concern.

But the emperor, who harbored resentment due to misunderstanding, shouted to the entire palace.

“Even so! I also know. If we act rashly, those ruthless people may trample on this Vienna again!”

No one could open their mouths.

The horror of the Treaty of Schönbrunn.

That’s the real reason why Austria can’t act rashly.

In fact, in the original history, Austria led the Second Coalition War.

But that was when Napoleon went to Egypt.

On the other hand, Commander-in-Chief Napoleon is currently staying in France.

Then someone spoke from the end of the line.

“No one is giving sincere advice to Your Majesty.”

State Councilor Weinsberg hurriedly stopped the person who stepped forward.

“Ambassador Metternich, this is not your place to step in.”

“Minister of State! I know the grace of recommending me, but this is not a situation to stand still. The southeast, Turkey, is occupied by France.”

“So isn’t it more dangerous?”

Metternich smiled and shook his head.

“No! It means that the great Emperor’s empire will be surrounded by French forces as time goes by! We must break through the situation while everything is still fluid!”

Everyone was startled by Metternich’s words.

It is certainly dangerous for Austria to step up.

But the Ottoman Empire behind them has succumbed to France.

Very wisely, instead of dismantling the Ottoman Empire, they reorganized it and preserved a considerable amount of power.

It may be difficult to become a great power, but it is a force that can check Austria and Russia.

But that force is being moved by a pro-French regime?

It means that Austria will inevitably face enemies from both the front and the rear.

Then soldiers entered the center of the court alone.

-Step, step, step.

The one at the head is the emperor’s brother, Karl, wearing a white Austrian military uniform.

“What’s going on, my brother Karl?”

The emperor asked with a tired face, and Archduke Karl bowed his head.

“Your Majesty, please allow us to go to war.”

“The war committee decides the affairs of the army. I know your military talent, but this is not something to decide rashly.”

“Suvorov marched out yesterday. And, yesterday, new news was obtained.”

Karl’s report shook the court.

“It is said that an anti-French rebellion has broken out in Venice.”

Venice, a country that Austria has long coveted.

Why?

This is a matter of the sea.

In the 18th century, the countries that lead the world have strong maritime trade as their central axis.

No matter how proud Prussia is of its strong army, and no matter how vast Russia’s territory is, its economic power cannot catch up with the Atlantic countries.

The British Empire, France, the Netherlands, and Spain are ultimately colonial powers that lead maritime trade and move forward.

In fact, the Holy Roman Empire, or the Austrian Empire, which is a landlocked country, has long desired an outer harbor.

Venice is a country that fits the conditions perfectly.

But it has rebelled against France.

Karl persuaded the emperor.

“This is an opportunity; we must seize Venice first. That way, the road to the sea will be opened again.”

Of course, the real purpose is not that.

It’s just that the justification for mobilizing the army is like that.

The emperor and Karl both know that the real reason is revenge.

The emperor stared at Karl and asked.

“Or will Russia seize it?”

“They may not be able to hold it for long, but there is a possibility that they will plant a pro-Russian force.”

“That’s very troublesome.”

But this excuse is a justification for going to war that the nobles cannot help but agree with.

“Okay. I allow you to go to war. However, you will have to go to the Rhine as well, so choose. Which one will you choose?”

Originally, in the original history, Karl blocked the Rhine.

Afterwards, he achieves victory by defeating Jourdan.

But now, Karl’s gaze is not on the west.

“I want Italy, Your Majesty.”

With this, the Austrian army led by Karl crossed the Alps.

***

Suddenly, an adjutant asked Suvorov, who was marching.

“How did you influence the Archduke, Grand Marshal?”

Suvorov glanced at him and laughed.

Of course, Karl will think he moved on his own.

But there is no inevitable reason for Austria to participate in this war.

When you think about it, that’s the same for Russia.

“Young people are originally very competitive, Barclay.”

“But wouldn’t it have been better to send the Archduke to the Rhine? We can’t do as we please, but you could have encouraged him.”

“I guess I have to answer that young people are very competitive. Bonaparte is also young.”

Suvorov said very leisurely on horseback.

“If Karl goes to Italy, Napoleon will also go to Italy. We can slow down our advance and watch the situation a bit. First, let’s do some [mountain mobility training] in Switzerland.”

Adjutant, Barclay de Tolly.

The man who first chose the scorched earth tactics as a tactic in the Russian expedition of the original history.

Although he was fired from the position of commander-in-chief because he was unpopular, the general who saved Russia remained under Suvorov’s command and shouted.

“Okay, you heard that. Everyone! The primary goal is Switzerland!”

At that moment, 80,000 soldiers of the Russian Empire shouted.

-Hurrah!

Now, the Russian Imperial Army began to rush to Switzerland.

It was in June 1799, when Napoleon departed for Italy.