He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 497

(497) Leipzig, Saving Europe

However, the news from the North Sea remained unknown to most of continental Europe.

“Napoleon is approaching rapidly! Your Majesty, a decision is needed immediately! We require a grand strategy!”

Brunswick, historically a pro-Prussian independent principality, now found itself at the heart of the storm.

A corps bearing the fate of Europe was gathering here.

A massive army of 270,000 men, assembled through the general mobilization order of the Kingdom of Hungary, alongside 50,000 Prussian remnants, and 110,000 soldiers from the Rhine Confederation, stood ready.

Ordinarily, such a force would be more than capable of defeating even the French Empire.

However, King Karl of Hungary, the commander-in-chief who should have been coordinating these forces, remained passive, merely sitting in the ducal palace.

Instead, Duke Brunswick, the former Prussian commander-in-chief, grew increasingly impatient.

After a long period of silent contemplation over a map, Karl finally raised his head.

He addressed Marshal Radetzky, who stood beside him.

“Is there any news from the Kingdom of Hanover?”

“They have delivered the war funds. Special Envoy Castlereagh himself brought them.”

“That is of secondary importance. What of the army? The soldiers that England is gathering from across the globe!”

Metternich, the former chancellor and French ambassador, shook his head.

“They have not yet arrived in London.”

Even the most skilled diplomat cannot overcome logistical realities.

Moreover, it seemed England was deliberately using the Germans as scapegoats.

If England were truly in a hurry, would they be waiting for soldiers from India or other far-flung colonies? Instead, they would have issued a general mobilization order at home to address the crisis directly.

Karl let out a mirthless laugh.

“In the end, it seems our [Deutschland]’s people must face France alone.”

“Wasn’t that always the case, Your Majesty the King of Hungary?”

“The leader of the Rhine Confederation has arrived. Welcome, King of Bavaria.”

However, King Maximilian of Bavaria responded with a cold demeanor, offering no welcoming greeting.

“Our Rhine Confederation has not yet made a decision. I wish to inquire about the odds of success. What are the chances of victory against that terrifying [monster]?”

Bavaria had long maintained a hostile relationship with France.

However, Maximilian remained convinced that there was still an opportunity to realign with the French.

This was not merely the wishful thinking of a monarch.

In fact, even in the original timeline, Napoleon repeatedly forgave Austria, despite their severe betrayals.

This stemmed from the prevailing concept of warfare among Europeans born in the late 18th century.

Not yet fully removed from medieval chivalry, Europeans of this era were unaccustomed to the concept of total annihilation warfare.

Perhaps this explains why France was not divided and destroyed in the original history.

Conversely, the Rhine Confederation could change sides at any moment.

But not Hungary.

Karl, staring at Maximilian with a pale face, stated.

“If England had arrived, we would have been assured of victory.”

“Forget those island rat bastards. They don’t appear to be coming anyway!”

“Nevertheless, England is essential. For victory.”

In an instant, Karl unfurled another map on the conference table.

-Rustle!

King Maximilian’s eyes widened as he examined the map.

“What on earth is this?”

“A tactical deployment map. This battle must be fought by drawing Napoleon in. We are certain to lose if we are simply dragged around.”

“But why do you say we need England?”

King Maximilian scrutinized the map, captivated. He didn’t fully grasp Karl’s troop deployments and battle plan.

However, he was convinced that victory was possible if the enemy moved as predicted.

Karl fixed Maximilian with a sharp gaze and said.

“We need news that the British army is moving, forcing the dispersion of French forces in two key areas: French domestic forces, and Napoleon’s main army.”

First, France must be prevented from sending reinforcements to Napoleon from its homeland.

Second, Napoleon’s main force must be significantly smaller than its current size.

The Grande Armée is estimated to number around 200,000, composed of elite veterans, and the supporting Russian army poses a significant threat.

Although the exact number is uncertain, the Russian army, advancing with transport units and dispersed formations, is a cause for concern.

However, the most crucial factor is that the British army must act as a diversion, drawing the enemy without forcing us to divide our own forces.

“Our army is currently centered on the Hungarian army, reinforced by the remnants of Prussia and the Rhine Confederation.”

“No, the Rhine Confederation has not yet decided.”

“But even with those forces, we cannot guarantee a certain victory. Because our opponent is Napoleon. Therefore, we must divide the enemy army in two.”

Karl tapped Hanover on the northern part of the map.

“To achieve that, England must make a significant move. Even if they don’t appear directly on the battlefield.”

Dispersion of enemy forces and concentration of friendly forces.

If Jomini or Clausewitz were present, they would have been astonished.

Because it was Napoleon’s own tactical doctrine.

King Maximilian, who had been listening to Karl’s strategy in a daze, asked.

“Can we truly win if the enemy forces are dispersed?”

“If they come to the battlefield of my choosing.”

“Where on earth is that? No, what are you preparing?”

Looking back at the tactical deployment map, Karl narrowed his eyes.

“First, let’s discuss the battlefield. Leipzig. In the past, it was the site of the Battle of Breitenfeld during the Thirty Years’ War.”

That battle was a rout in which the Habsburgs were defeated by a foreign army, the Kingdom of Sweden.

***

Karl, a man who unhesitatingly chose an ominous battlefield from his ancestors’ time, finally met with the British envoy.

“You insisted on seeing me, Your Majesty?”

Baron Castlereagh inquired with a distinctly arrogant tone.

The vassals of the Kingdom of Hungary gnashed their teeth, but Karl’s expression remained unchanged.

To be exact, he lacked the energy to alter his expression.

Karl stared at Castlereagh and said.

“I will be brief. I demand the dispatch of British troops. At the very least, you must mobilize the forces of the Kingdom of Hanover. Also, a rebellion throughout Flanders.”

It’s a long list.

Three demands in total.

Direct dispatch of troops, mobilization of the army of the Kingdom of Hanover, and instigation of a rebellion in Flanders.

If this were not the Hanoverian legation, Castlereagh might have ended the meeting immediately.

However, regardless of Castlereagh’s arrogance, the king himself had traveled all the way to the Kingdom of Hanover.

Even with the enemy advancing rapidly.

With the intention of driving a hard bargain, Castlereagh began to speak at length.

“As I have explained, it is currently impossible for England to issue a general mobilization order. This is an unavoidable consequence of our national structure. Therefore, we are supplying troops from colonies scattered across the globe, but…”

“Do you wish to see Napoleon set fire to London?”

“Your Majesty, aren’t you being overly dramatic?”

In an instant, Karl raised his voice for the first time.

“Not at all! No one predicted 20 years ago that Napoleon would conquer Vienna! Or that he would make the Russian Empire disappear! But what is the situation now?”

Approximately 20 years ago, the French Revolution erupted.

At the time, the royal families of Europe believed that the rebels would eventually be defeated.

Instead, the leader of the rebels became emperor and destroyed all the empires of Europe.

Now, France has only two enemies remaining.

Hungary and England.

In reality, the United States could also be considered an enemy, but for the moment, they are preoccupied with Nouvelle-France [New France, referring to French territories in North America].

So, it is accurate to say that only two countries remain.

Karl glared at Castlereagh.

“Do you believe England will be an exception? Dover is not that far across the sea!”

“You underestimate the Royal Navy significantly.”

“Ha! Who killed Nelson, the greatest commander of that Royal Navy, no, admiral? Napoleon’s son!”

At that, Castlereagh regained his confident expression.

“Our Royal Navy is currently attempting to eliminate that son in the North Sea.”

“Have you succeeded?”

“Not yet, but our navy will ultimately prevail.”

Objectively, this is a correct assessment.

The British Navy is the strongest in the world in the early 19th century.

In particular, it reaffirmed its power by defeating the French Atlantic Fleet.

However, Karl, who had fought against Eugene on land, though not at sea, scoffed.

Caught Eugene?

Not unless his body is presented before him.

Even if Nelson were to return from the dead, he would reach the same conclusion.

“Success is distant, and Napoleon is near! Let me be clear. If these two things do not occur within a month, the war is pointless!”

Castlereagh rolled his eyes.

In truth, Karl’s demands were not physically impossible.

It’s simply that their execution is difficult.

Furthermore, a competent diplomat is one who secures gains while minimizing losses for their country.

But if he pushes any further, Karl will abandon the war, resulting in England’s greatest loss.

“It’s difficult, but it’s the maximum possible. [Maximum] implies that we may not be able to fulfill all of your requests.”

“It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that Napoleon divides his troops.”

“Are you confident of victory? How is that possible? I also require a reason to persuade the home government and the royal family to mobilize the army of the Kingdom of Hanover.”

Only then did Karl reveal his true intentions.

“It’s quite simple. I am planning to wage a battle of concentrated firepower this time. Against Napoleon, on the battlefield of my creation.”

Unfortunately, Baron Castlereagh, a politician with no combat experience, did not comprehend Karl’s ambition.

“What difference does it make?”

“You are ignorant of military matters, correct? Let me put it simply. I intend to gather 500 cannons.”

“Yes? 500? Is that even possible?”

Karl nodded vigorously.

“It is possible if we forcibly requisition cannons from across Deutschland. If we focus all our ammunition on this one shot, and if you provide us with the British gunpowder from the Kingdom of Hanover.”

Of course, cannons cannot be fired simply by collecting them.

Even if they are not prone to bursting, ammunition is required.

Naturally, gunpowder is essential.

But what is needed most is gunners.

It is impossible with the power of the Kingdom of Hungary alone.

But what if we gather them from across the German territories, which have been known as Deutschland since the Middle Ages?

Gunpowder is naturally the responsibility of England, which has transported vast quantities of saltpeter from India.

The moment Castlereagh’s eyes widened, Karl urged.

“Do you understand what I am saying? I am going to throw Napoleon into a hell of fire!”

In the end, Castlereagh had to nod.

“With this, persuasion is possible. Your Majesty.”

Even if it is costly, it can inflict damage on Napoleon.

***

Indeed, a large army, unprecedented in Western Europe, had assembled.

“We must defend this place, Leipzig. Otherwise, we will be unable to stop the devil from returning!”

The Allied forces, those gathered under the banner of anti-Napoleon.

Most of them are Germans, but there are also soldiers from across Europe who have come to oppose France.

Holland, Spain, Portugal, Naples, and Sweden.

With the exception of Portugal, an ally of England, all are countries that France dominates or exerts a strong influence over.

King Karl of Hungary addressed the 450,000 troops gathered at the Leipzig military camp.

“There is only one way to defeat Napoleon! Fight him with his own tactics!”

“So, you have prepared the cavalry, haven’t you?”

“No, in the meantime, the devil has evolved further! Marshal Blücher! Consider the Russian expedition! The Battle of Warsaw too! They concentrated their cannons and easily annihilated the enemy. Therefore!”

Karl roared, rebuking Blücher.

“We simply need to respond with more cannons, shells, and gunpowder. That is our winning formula!”

Not trickery, not mobility, not a brilliant operation, but simply firepower.

That is Napoleon’s winning formula that Karl has discovered.

Just like all the anti-Napoleon corps in the original history.

June 1810.

The time has come for Napoleon and Karl to clash once more in Leipzig.