He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 454

(454) The Time of the Russian Expedition Arrives

Originally, Eugene was, strictly speaking, a foreign king.

“So, even if I return home from here, it wouldn’t matter, right?”

As Eugene said with a resigned expression, Commander Rahn of the Imperial Guard chuckled and replied.

“Oh, Your Majesty. It would be troublesome if you ran away. Especially since His Majesty the Emperor has declared his direct command.”

“Are you saying that knowing that His Majesty’s direct command is nominally [aimed at attacking India], Rahn?”

“Doesn’t everyone know that there’s no way that’s really the case?”

At the Imperial Guard barracks in the Palace of Fontainebleau, Rahn shrugged.

“In the end, this is the Russian expedition.”

He wasn’t particularly quick-witted, but Rahn was a professional when it came to war.

He knew for sure that in this situation, if the French Imperial Army went to Russia, the goal couldn’t be the conquest of India.

Besides, if the Emperor was taking direct command, wouldn’t he naturally try to intervene in Russia in some way?

Unexpectedly, Eugene shook his head.

“If it were simply a Russian expedition, it would be simple.”

“Isn’t it? Of course, the Tsar seems to be very interested in Asian beauties and jewels, but are we really going all the way to India?”

“Long-distance expeditions have many variables. Moreover, intervening in foreign affairs is even more so. What if Russia doesn’t have internal strife?”

Eugene said heavily.

“We’ll inevitably be dragged all the way to India. And that’s under the Emperor’s direct command.”

Of course, Eugene didn’t think that would really happen.

However, he couldn’t even imagine how many variables there would be when advancing troops into Russia.

In the original history, they prepared for the war from winter, barely advanced in summer, and finally fought a decisive battle in Russia in autumn.

Afterward, they stayed in Moscow without the Emperor, and started their winter retreat.

All of this didn’t happen because Napoleon or the General Staff were fools.

The problem is that there are just too many unexpected variables in a long-distance expedition.

Until now, the French Imperial Army had mainly fought on the border, in Italy, and at most in Eastern Europe within the Holy Roman Empire.

From Paris to Austerlitz is roughly 1,000 kilometers [approximately 621 miles].

But to Moscow, it’s nearly three times that distance, at 2,800 kilometers [approximately 1,740 miles].

That’s the straight-line distance, and in terms of marching routes, it will eventually exceed 3,000 kilometers [approximately 1,864 miles].

Of course, Eugene had fought at even greater distances in the New World.

But he had never moved a large army, and Canada was easier to move troops in than Russia.

Indeed, are Napoleon and the Grand Armée’s General Staff keeping this issue in mind?

Suddenly, Chief of Staff Berthier, who had come to Fontainebleau by the Emperor’s order, opened his mouth.

“First, two confirmations are needed. Your Majesty the King of Spain.”

“What is it, Chief of Staff Berthier?”

“First, does Your Majesty plan to participate in the war? How many soldiers can Spain contribute?”

Eugene replied simply.

“The entire Third Corps and the Royal Guard. However, in this case, the safety of Marie and Karl becomes an issue.”

“If necessary, they can be moved to Marseille. Also, support from Spain itself is required.”

“No, that’s not possible. I’ve already told His Majesty.”

This was an issue that Eugene had preemptively rejected to the Emperor.

“The Spanish [Federation] is in a state where a rebellion can occur at any time. Therefore, if we forcibly organize an expeditionary force, not only Spain but the entire New World will be engulfed in rebellion.”

Unlike the original history, Spain has accepted the new King Eugene and Marie.

However, that was at the cost of Eugene weakening the Spanish royal authority.

If a large army is formed, there will naturally be a flood of opposition from nobles and commoners.

Therefore, it is difficult for Eugene to draw support from Spain.

Of course, even in the original history, the Russian Grand Expedition was prepared without any support from Spain, except for the 200,000 soldiers lost in Spain.

Moreover, now that Austria and Prussia have been subjugated earlier than in the original history, France’s troop consumption itself is small.

Berthier nodded, judging that there was no problem with troop resources.

“I understand. His Majesty’s idea is to draw support troops from the Rhine Confederation as well, and Your Majesty’s presence itself will be helpful.”

“What’s the second thing?”

“It’s about Lasalle, Your Majesty’s Guard General. I heard he stole my brother’s wife.”

Berthier brought up a completely unexpected issue with a blank face.

“Do you intend to leave it as it is?”

Eugene widened his eyes and smiled bitterly.

He had sent Lasalle to Paris for vacation, and it seemed he had caused a major accident.

However, for Eugene, who knew the original history, it wasn’t that surprising.

After pondering a solution for a moment, Eugene made a suggestion to Berthier.

“Punishment is difficult. However, I will compensate the Chief of Staff’s brother and the Berthier family.”

“Compensation?”

“How about shares in the Suez Canal? It will be opened soon. Or, land in the New World.”

Berthier coldly replied to Eugene, who was offering material compensation.

“There is a better way. Banish Lasalle. From Europe.”

Eugene frowned.

“Chief of Staff, are you saying to banish the best shock troop commander of the French Imperial Army before the war?”

“That’s Your Majesty’s situation, and I don’t think I can give the glory of the battlefield to someone like Lasalle. Also, he belongs to the Spanish Royal Guard, not the French Imperial Army, and it harms the morale of the Grand Armée [the Great Army, Napoleon’s army].”

“Berthier!”

Instantly, Eugene shouted at Berthier.

“Lasalle is clearly a general of the French Viceroy’s Guard. Also, I am the son of His Majesty the Emperor and the Viceroy of New France before I am the King of Spain! Speak plainly, are you saying you will handle military personnel with personal feelings!”

Of course, he understood the Berthier family’s anger towards Lasalle.

However, Lasalle is not only capable but also irreplaceable from Eugene’s perspective.

Reconnaissance, assault, deception.

Lasalle cannot be left out of Eugene’s cavalry tactics.

But to remove him due to personal issues?

It’s absolutely impossible before the Russian expedition.

However, Berthier was strangely firm.

“Then I will tell His Highness the Viceroy. Someone who disrupts discipline like Lasalle is not needed in the Grand Armée.”

“Berthier! Are you even saying that!”

“This is the unanimous opinion of the entire General Staff.”

Just as Eugene was about to get angry again, Chief Aide-de-Camp Hippolyte quickly stepped in to stop him.

“Then, the Viceroy’s Guard can stay in Spain, and Your Majesty can take the Spanish army with you.”

“Hippolyte, what are you talking about?”

“Isn’t this nominally a support force for the conquest of India for the Russian Tsar?”

Hippolyte winked and said.

“Doesn’t His Majesty the King of Spain just need to make a token appearance? It’s not a desperate situation like the last Anti-French Alliance War.”

In short, Eugene doesn’t need to do his best.

Eugene doesn’t welcome the Russian expedition and actually wants to stop it at all costs.

But if the war starts, shouldn’t he do his best all the more?

However, Berthier nodded.

“That’s right. Your Majesty can just show your face.”

As soon as these words were finished, Berthier left the barracks.

As if he had come to formally notify Eugene to participate in a formal capacity from the beginning.

Eugene stared intently at Berthier’s back and spat out.

“Arrogant.”

“That might also be His Majesty the Emperor’s view? It’s not just Berthier’s unilateral decision, Your Majesty.”

“Rahn, what do you mean?”

Rahn chuckled and said.

“Well, I don’t know about politics? But I don’t think His Majesty the Emperor would easily give the glory of the battlefield to Your Majesty.”

Eugene raised his eyebrows and frowned.

“Then, I’ll have to find another way.”

Since the Grand Expedition is happening, Eugene must intervene in this Grand Expedition.

***

So, why can’t Eugene stop this unwelcome Grand Expedition?

“Good heavens! His Majesty the Emperor has declared a Russian campaign. This is madness!”

Talleyrand, who usually has a bad relationship with Eugene, is like this, so the reaction of everyone else is obvious.

“It’s been a while since you’ve been surprised, Talleyrand.”

“Your Majesty the King of Spain, please stop him. There is no one who can stop this except Your Majesty!”

“Talleyrand, what is the probability that Crown Prince Alexander and the Tsar will fight each other?”

As Talleyrand’s face hardened, Eugene shrugged.

“Don’t be surprised. You probably already guessed it. This is an intervention aimed at the Russian civil war.”

Possibility of Russian civil war.

Internal strife between the Tsar and the Crown Prince.

Only Pavel doesn’t know, but everyone else is guessing.

Talleyrand calmed his breath and tried to regain his elegant attitude.

“It’s also surprising that Your Majesty the King is asking me for information.”

“Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy with Spanish internal affairs. Rochejacquelein isn’t here, so I have no choice but to ask you.”

“The letters I received from Caulaincourt are almost all the information I know about Russia. However.”

Suddenly, Talleyrand’s eyes narrowed.

“Castlereagh is said to be constantly traveling back and forth from Hanover to Russia. According to Caulaincourt.”

So, this is a British plot.

“Who is he meeting?”

“Definitely the Crown Prince.”

“Then will the Crown Prince participate in this war?”

Talleyrand nodded.

“I heard he’s in charge of the vanguard.”

Eugene closed his eyes.

It’s like being tempted to come to Russia.

Who?

England.

Then, when you know it’s a trap, shouldn’t you stop the Grand Expedition?

“Then I can’t stop it. Talleyrand, what you have to do now is not to stop the war, but to protect the rear.”

“Even if Russia has a civil war, why does that give His Majesty the Emperor a reason to take direct command?”

“Because His Majesty believes that becoming a hegemon is the only way to shine his prestige, power, and the glory of France.”

I’ve been too careless.

The memories of my previous life are now so vague that they are blurry.

But one thing I remember for sure.

That the Russian Grand Expedition was the most foolish thing, and that if Napoleon hadn’t started the Grand Expedition, he wouldn’t have failed.

So, I eliminated the reason to commit the Continental Blockade, secured the New World, and gained the position to have a say.

But I can’t stop the Grand Expedition itself.

Why?

The fact that Napoleon brought out the war card to prevent scandals is not the real problem.

The problem is that Russia itself may cause a civil war.

A dangerous great power in the East causes internal strife on its own?

It’s an irresistible temptation for an empire aiming for hegemony in Europe.

Even if Eugene were the Emperor, he would definitely want to intervene.

But since the scandal broke out, it has become an excuse for Napoleon to move.

Eugene opened his eyes.

“The real problem is that it’s true.”

Therefore, not only Talleyrand but also Eugene cannot stop it.

***

But doesn’t Eugene necessarily have to participate in the Grand Expedition?

“Eugene, you’re going to Russia? Why you?”

Marie grabbed Eugene at the Spanish King’s residence in the Palace of Fontainebleau.

Another war, it’s an absurd thing for Marie.

When you think about it, Eugene has fought a battle on average once every two years since he first left Marie.

Eugene stroked Marie and replied.

“His Majesty the Emperor is testing me.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“He’s also testing his own destiny.”

Eugene spoke about the reason why Napoleon doesn’t avoid the Russian Grand Expedition.

“Unlike royal families that have been passed down for generations, upstarts must always win. To the extent that no one doubts them, constantly.”

It’s also what Napoleon said in the original history.

If he loses even once, Napoleon will fall to the bottom.

In the end, it’s also the reason why Napoleon collapsed after the failure of the Russian Grand Expedition.

Then, shouldn’t he not start a war?

Those who have risen from the bottom cannot do that.

Eugene felt it desperately while living in this era.

That they are constantly shaking, challenging, and trying to overturn from above and below.

However, Marie, who is a royal by birth, still didn’t understand.

“Then, what do you mean by testing you?”

Eugene looked into Marie’s eyes and replied.

“Whether I will obey even such an unreasonable expedition, seemingly impossible things, and absurd orders, he’s testing.”

“What does that mean? You’ve always done that.”

“This expedition is different. A single defeat can make you lose everything. Nevertheless, he’s seeing if I will obey His Majesty’s orders.”

Eugene suddenly smiled bitterly.

“Furthermore, even if he gives the throne to Charles, whether I will gladly accept it.”

Napoleon is certainly not a monarch who can pass on the throne or the imperial throne to his son.

But if he wants to pass on the imperial throne to his biological son, Charles Napoleon, the biggest obstacle is none other than Eugene.

Napoleon hasn’t decided on an heir yet, but the powerful always want to test.

Whether he can decide on an heir, and whether someone will challenge this.

In this case, he is testing Eugene, who is the biggest obstacle.

Whether Eugene is a being who will rebel against Napoleon over the issue of the heir.

But Marie grabbed Eugene’s hand and said.

“Eugene, I don’t care if you’re not the king.”

“Even if our Karl doesn’t get the throne?”

“We can just live as commoners. I’ve already experienced that the royal family is rather unhappy when I was young.”

Marie shook her head.

“You don’t have to accept tests. You can just step down from the throne and go live in the New World. Like my cousin Franz, who went to America now.”

Eugene stared at Marie and then flashed his eyes.

“Yes. But I can’t give up. This isn’t a matter of the throne for me, it’s a matter of the game.”

Those who covet power can sometimes give up the throne.

But gamblers cannot give up the game.

And Eugene has always been a gambler from his previous life until now.

The same is true even in front of this game called the Russian Grand Expedition.