He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 274

(274) Napoleon Wants a Russian Princess

What is the essence of diplomacy?

“When different parties meet and achieve harmony. Isn’t that marriage?”

So, it was three days before Eugène met Józef Poniatowski, right after meeting Talleyrand.

Napoleon summoned Talleyrand directly.

It wasn’t unusual for the Consul to call the Foreign Minister.

Of course, usually, he would send a letter through his secretary unless it was a cabinet meeting.

Talleyrand smiled, enjoying the pleasure of a private audience with the supreme ruler.

“A method from the dynastic era, I see, Consul.”

“Is it any different in a republic? The House of Nassau in the Netherlands didn’t officially have a king either. They were called Stadtholders or something. But they still married into the British and Prussian royal families.”

“An outstanding leader certainly deserves the right to rule the country continuously.”

Napoleon retorted curtly to Talleyrand, who was making a significant insinuation.

“I never said that, Talleyrand.”

Talleyrand wore a peculiar smile.

Napoleon is quite easy to understand in some ways.

He wants something but hesitates to say it directly, and then gets angry when someone else says it for him.

However, that doesn’t mean he’s an easy person to deal with.

Because the means he uses to achieve what he wants are extraordinary.

Even now, suddenly bringing up marriage is an example of that.

Hiding his curiosity about what he really wants to say, Talleyrand nodded.

“I understand. You’re speaking metaphorically, of course.”

“Exactly. For peace, I need foreign recognition. France too! But the world outside France is a world of monarchs. The old royal families despise our republic!”

“So, you’re saying we need a marriage to create a stable relationship.”

Napoleon nodded, passionately explaining.

“That’s right. To acknowledge France as a negotiating partner, and to discuss peace and trade!”

It’s easy to dismiss it as the words of a madman if you just listen.

But if you break it down, everything he says is correct.

The European countries, filled with monarchies, fear France.

During the height of the revolution in the 1790s, the revolutionary French government tried to spread this fire to other countries.

But as a result, France had to fight against the whole of Europe.

If it were a modern person from the original timeline, they would simply answer.

That there are few or no bourgeois [middle] classes ready for a new era in other countries, or that they don’t feel the need for revolution like England.

But for those living in this era, there is no time to wait for the maturation of the citizens.

The ruler has a duty to make peace immediately, revitalize exchange, and normalize the country.

A political marriage is a solution that Napoleon has derived through long deliberation.

Napoleon’s way of speaking is so strange because he only states the result after a leap of thought.

Talleyrand, who barely understood this far, asked.

“Then, who is the target?”

“Of course, my family comes first. Florence is still young, but I have my siblings, Hortense, and Eugène, don’t I?”

“Is Chief Aide Eugène also a target?”

The moment Talleyrand asked slyly, Napoleon nodded vigorously.

“Of course. I plan to find the most expensive match for that guy.”

In Napoleon’s view, he was saying it to show his affection.

Talleyrand doubted whether Eugène would be happy about it, but he didn’t have a reason to defend Eugène, so he offered a technical diplomatic analysis.

“Currently, the three most noble royal families are the old Austrian Habsburgs, the Spanish Bourbons, and the English Hanoverians.”

“There probably aren’t any suitable princesses in Spain or England? Austria is a bit tempting.”

“Their ages aren’t quite right.”

Napoleon frowned at Talleyrand, who was indirectly saying that the princesses were still children.

“Then, what about Russia?”

This time, even Talleyrand couldn’t hide his surprise.

“The Romanov family, you mean?”

“Yes. Frankly, the Bourbons are enemies of the revolution. The Habsburgs are enemies of France. The Hanoverians are enemies of both.”

“So, there is a certain charm to reconciliation.”

But Napoleon shook his head violently.

“I need Russia. Is there a suitable princess?”

In short, Napoleon was interested in Russia from the start.

The talk about noble royal families, expensive matches, and stable relationships were all excuses.

Russia, a vast empire in the northeast.

He cannot compete with England with this empire as an enemy at his back.

Also, if he cannot surpass England, France will never be the best.

It’s a fact that any French strategist would know, even if they weren’t a genius like Napoleon.

Of course, the idea of discussing marriage with Russia to solve this problem is something no one has ever done before.

“I will look into it.”

Talleyrand bowed his head, giving the answer of a technical diplomat.

***

So, why has France never considered a marriage with the Russian royal family until now?

“Napoleone? I have something to say.”

Malmaison, Josephine’s mansion on the outskirts of Paris.

Of course, it’s also Napoleon’s private residence.

But today is almost the first time Napoleon has come to Malmaison.

He has been staying at the Tuileries Palace because he has been so busy.

Napoleon, who was excited to see Josephine after a long time and started taking off his clothes, frowned.

“No, I’ve come home after a long time, and I’m trying to enjoy myself comfortably in the bedroom. What is it that you suddenly have to say? Save the pillow talk for another time.”

“That’s because you’re busy playing with opera singers!”

“Wh, wh, what are you talking about! I, I was busy with state affairs!”

Of course, Napoleon met Giuseppina yesterday amidst his busy schedule, but it was true that he was busy.

In any case, governing is overwhelming every day just by handling routine administration.

Moreover, the supreme ruler has not just the exercise of power but also numerous official events to attend.

The French ruler is even worse because the citizens are used to the exhibition-style events that were popular during the old royal era.

Besides, the bigger problem is that Napoleon is not just a man desperate to maintain power.

A completely new France.

This is what Napoleon is dreaming of now.

As a result, he has no choice but to be busy every day, but Josephine is misunderstanding.

“Hmph, you’re not thinking of kicking me out and replacing the mistress with an opera singer, are you?”

Napoleon was dumbfounded and retorted.

“Who’s replacing whom! An opera singer? I wouldn’t trade you even for an Austrian princess!”

“What princess? You’re not talking about a marriage proposal with a princess, are you?”

“No, I’m just saying! What’s most precious to me is you and Florence! And Eugène and Hortense!”

For a moment, Josephine, who had been angry, trembled at Napoleon’s heartfelt words.

She had never seen such passion in any of the Parisian men she had met.

Of course, it was also a sincere outpouring that subtly distinguished between biological and adopted children in the Corsican style.

Just then.

-Woof!

Kicking away the dog that rushed at him, Napoleon grumbled.

“This ugly pug! Didn’t I tell you to get rid of it when I come to the bedroom!”

“Oh my, why is he doing this? I’m sorry. But don’t kick him.”

“Every time I go to bed, this guy bites me! By the way, what did you want to say?”

Napoleon, who had forgotten what he wanted to say while fighting, sat down on the bed and asked.

Josephine busily sent the pug out, glaring at Napoleon.

However, if she knew the future of the original timeline, Josephine would have been moved by Napoleon’s improved temper.

Originally, Napoleon would have just killed this pug.

However, it should also be taken into account that Josephine had committed adultery at that time, so Napoleon had very bad feelings for Josephine.

In any case, Napoleon is the one who committed adultery now, and Josephine has a perfect moral high ground.

That means Napoleon has no choice but to listen to Josephine’s words.

“It’s about Eugène.”

“Huh? Eugène, why?”

“The child has been running around outside, and now he’s caught up in a scandal. You know? The one that’s been all over the newspapers.”

Josephine sighed, and Napoleon swallowed hard.

Josephine’s clothes now are a negligee [a loose, flowing gown], a famous undergarment that originated in 18th-century France.

Now that the damn dog is gone, and it’s just the two of them in the bedroom.

His head is full of excitement because he hasn’t enjoyed Josephine for a long time.

Even though he enjoys playing with his lover, having an affair with his wife is something else for Italian men.

“I see.”

“No, it’s not a problem you can just gloss over, is it?”

“What do you want me to do? Should I kick Pauline out to Corsica? If I did that, she would cause even more trouble.”

In fact, it’s something that actually happens in the original timeline.

However, instead of Corsica, she is kicked out to Rome, and she causes all sorts of scandals in Rome.

Of course, Josephine is surprisingly kind-hearted, so she is not the type of woman who would recklessly tell someone to be kicked out.

“Who said anything about expelling her? Get them married, get them married! Isn’t the problem that men and women of marriageable age are hanging around without getting married!”

Napoleon’s eyes widened as he looked at Josephine.

“Pauline is none of your business. Eugène?”

“He’s the Consul’s adopted son now. I think we can have enough marriage talks with good families. Besides, he has even achieved merits in the war.”

“I have been thinking about that.”

Suddenly, Napoleon slyly took off Josephine’s negligee over her shoulder and wore a lewd smile.

“A Russian princess.”

Instantly, Josephine shook off Napoleon’s hand.

Napoleon was surprised by Josephine’s unusually violent attitude.

It was the first time Josephine had rejected his caressing hand.

Josephine shouted with a flushed face.

“Napoleone! Good heavens, are you going to marry Eugène to those barbarians? Absolutely not!”

This is why France has never considered marriage as a countermeasure against Russia during the old royal era.

Even though they have married into the Polish royal family.

As of 1800, France is still the pinnacle of European culture.

Fashion leads Europe, the language is understood everywhere in Europe, and etiquette is all authentically French.

To Josephine, who was a French aristocratic wife, Russia is a land of unknown barbarians.

And her son is marrying a member of that barbarian royal family?

It’s truly a terrible thing.

At that time, Napoleon had a triumphant look on his face instead of getting angry.

“Right? Isn’t it amazing? No one would have thought of it, would they?”

“Isn’t that obvious? Please reconsider, Napoleone.”

“You’re wrong. Josephine, think carefully. If you really care about Eugène, he must marry a member of the royal family.”

Suddenly, Napoleon’s eyes flashed.

“Especially if Eugène is to inherit what I achieve.”

Josephine, who had been angry, blinked at another unexpected word.

“What do you mean? You’re the Consul.”

“I don’t know how far I’ll go. I may rule this country until I die, or I may step down before that.”

“Napoleone.”

Napoleon grabbed Josephine’s shoulders and whispered.

“I’m not at an age to think about successors yet. But soldiers can die at any time. At that time, if Eugène is in a firm position, won’t he protect you, Florence, and Hortense?”

If Eugène were Napoleon’s biological son, it would be simple.

Napoleon would do everything in his power to give Eugène everything he has.

But no matter how close they are, Eugène is an adopted son.

Josephine is always unconsciously aware of that limitation.

Napoleon is bringing up this issue.

That an adopted son needs something special to have inheritance rights, whether big or small.

Just as Josephine was about to close her lips, Napoleon brought his face close and asked.

“Or, are you going to marry him to a princess of the Bourbon royal family? There is no family in Europe that is more powerful than the Romanov family right now.”

Looking at the excited Napoleon, Josephine answered in a tearful voice.

“That’s, dangerous. I understand.”

Josephine and Napoleon began to entangle on the bed.

It was the night Eugène’s marriage was decided.

***

Of course, in the era of revolution, it is not a time when marriage can be arranged as the patriarch pleases.

“Hmm, Eugène. You’ve come?”

Eugène, who was entering Napoleon’s office in the Tuileries Palace, stopped.

Somehow, the atmosphere is strange.

Even if you put aside Duroc, Marmont, and Junot, who are Napoleon’s closest aides, Salicetti and Joseph Bonaparte are also present.

What’s even stranger is that Talleyrand is among this group.

“What’s going on, Consul? There are a series of official events scheduled for today. Also, I have someone to meet regarding the Austrian partition issue.”

“That can be postponed a bit. There is an issue I need to notify you about.”

“What is it?”

Napoleon looked back at Talleyrand and said.

“Did you find a suitable person?”

“Yes, Alexandra Pavlovna Romanov. Born in 1783, she is currently 17 years old.”

“How is she, is she pretty?”

Talleyrand replied with a strange smile.

“She is known for her beauty.”

Until then, Eugène, who was blinking, not knowing what they were talking about, narrowed his brows.

“Consul, what are you talking about?”

Suddenly, he calls Eugène and discusses the beauty of the Russian Empire’s princess.

Could it be that Napoleon’s famous divorce in the original timeline is already happening?