He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 530

Extracurricular (8) Talleyrand Still Prefers Power to Fine Dining

In Paris, the capital of the French Empire, many famous attractions exist, but perhaps none are as personally delightful as this particular place.

-슥, 슥, 슥.

Talleyrand delicately sliced the perfectly cooked duck liver with a ‘couto’ [a type of knife] and placed a piece in his mouth.

The chef, Antoine Carême, stood nervously beside him, clutching his toque [chef’s hat] in his hands, awaiting judgment.

What kind of evaluation would this old man, renowned as France’s greatest gourmet, deliver today?

Inside the restaurant, all the guests watched with bated breath as Talleyrand set down his fork and smiled faintly.

“Hmm, Antoine Carême. Your cooking remains top-notch.”

Chef Carême bowed, his face radiating joy.

“You flatter me, Your Excellency. I am gratified you enjoyed it.”

“If circumstances allowed, I would still wish to have you as my personal chef.”

“Whenever you summon me, I shall visit your residence.”

Talleyrand chuckled heartily and waved his hand dismissively.

“I cannot do that. I cannot monopolize the best chef in Paris!”

All the gentlemen in the restaurant applauded politely.

Carême, basking in the cheers, returned to the kitchen to prepare the next courses.

Soon, dishes resembling pyramids, obelisks, and even the recently completed Arc de Triomphe began to appear.

These were so-called architectural cakes, pièces montées [elaborate, ornamental confectionery], which had been specially ordered.

As everyone’s attention was captivated by the fascinating cakes, the gentleman seated across from Talleyrand inquired.

“Are you simply going to continue eating, Senator Talleyrand?”

Perhaps the most surprising aspect was the title used to address Talleyrand.

Senator, implying he was the chairman of the Senate. It was a peculiar situation, considering that Talleyrand was the one who dispatched the Emperor to the New World under the guise of a viceroy when he officially held no title.

On the other hand, it could also suggest that Talleyrand’s influence was even more substantial than Fouché’s [Joseph Fouché, Napoleon’s Minister of Police, known for his power and intrigue].

Of course, Talleyrand himself replied with a face betraying no surprise.

“Why? I have only just finished the main course. The dessert hasn’t even arrived yet.”

“Cease speaking of dessert. I must return to London as soon as possible. With a confirmation!”

Canning, visibly startled by the mention of his name, glanced around nervously and gritted his teeth.

“Without a loan, there is no future for England. Please, just save us this once, Senator!”

George Canning, once a diplomat who confidently traversed the European continent.

He was now the Prime Minister of the British Empire.

However, with the government teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, he was reduced to a mere debtor traveling to various countries in search of funds.

The creditor always holds the upper hand over the debtor.

Talleyrand leisurely cut another piece of foie gras and remarked.

“We have our own Prime Minister. Monsieur Lafayette.”

“Lafayette is merely a figurehead put forward by the Emperor! Does anyone truly believe he holds the real power? It’s clear you are the true mastermind!”

“Well, I wonder if His Majesty shares that assessment?”

With a subtle, enigmatic smile, Talleyrand suddenly paused, setting down his fork and knife.

“Would you be willing to relinquish Bombay [modern-day Mumbai]? Then I will bring the matter to His Majesty’s attention.”

A city called Mumbai in modern history.

An artificial city painstakingly created by reclaiming seven islands, a testament to British engineering in the western part of the Indian subcontinent.

Calcutta [Kolkata] is the result of the British plundering the treasures of India, but Bombay is different.

It is a city that the British built with considerable blood and sweat.

Of course, most of that blood and sweat belonged to the local Indians.

So, the reason Canning is visibly trembling now is not because he regrets the human cost.

It is because of the potentially fatal blow that Britain would suffer if Bombay Harbor were lost.

Britain, having largely lost its dominance in India, relies on two major ports as its lifeline.

Calcutta in the eastern part of the subcontinent and Bombay in the western part.

If either is seized, Indian trade would be completely crippled.

“That is the very lifeline of our Great Britain.”

“You stated you would perish without a loan in any case. Then shouldn’t you be willing to sacrifice your lifeline?”

“Please reconsider. I would rather concede something else. Like Ireland!”

The Chairman of the Senate responded to the Prime Minister, who was desperately bargaining to avert the collapse of British security.

“What significance does an island plagued by famines every year hold? Then, perhaps Gibraltar would be a more suitable offering.”

In fact, if the Minister of National Defense, Marceau, or the Grand Marshal of the Empire, Hoche, had overheard this exchange, they would have been utterly dumbfounded.

Because holding Ireland would allow them to completely dominate Britain militarily.

However, Talleyrand’s perspective differs greatly from that of soldiers.

Talleyrand’s preferred strategy is to keep the enemy alive and exploit them for an extended period rather than outright annihilation.

Canning frowned deeply.

“You intend to seize control of the entire Mediterranean.”

“What are you implying? Is not the United Kingdom of Hispania [Spain] under His Majesty’s dominion? How irritating would it be for him to have British territory within it? This is merely to persuade His Majesty.”

“The entire western Mediterranean is effectively French territory, and the eastern Mediterranean is virtually a French sphere of influence. Are you planning to seize the gateway as well?”

Talleyrand fixed Canning with a piercing gaze and stated.

“Listen carefully, Canning. His Majesty may well consider the option of war.”

Canning swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry.

The British Empire had already suffered a devastating blow once before.

During the Great London Air Raid, when balloon squadrons darkened the sky.

If the Emperor were to authorize another aerial assault, could they possibly withstand it?

Now, with the discovery of hydrogen and helium, balloons are even more advanced and dangerous than before.

-Wow!

In an instant, Canning seemed to draw strength from the growing noise emanating from outside the restaurant.

“Get out! Emperor’s dogs!”

“We demand rest! Abolish the 70-hour work week!”

“Save us! We’re all going to die working like this!”

Canning smirked as he observed the protesters and inquired.

“With such unrest brewing, you are truly prepared to choose war?”

“You must consider the alternative. There is a great deal of discontent, so if you forcibly conscript them as soldiers, the problem is easily resolved, is it not? As was done during the revolution.”

“Is that a veiled threat?”

Talleyrand shrugged nonchalantly.

“No, do not forget that His Majesty is unparalleled in matters of war. The most accomplished general in Europe at this moment is our Emperor.”

It has been a decade since the Emperor last waged war.

However, the fundamental principles of warfare have not significantly changed during those ten years.

Furthermore, conversely, no general has ever managed to defeat the Emperor on the battlefield.

Canning finally raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.

“I will concede Gibraltar. But I require a loan of 1 billion francs.”

Talleyrand briefly hesitated, considering whether the amount was excessive, before nodding in agreement.

“The interest rate will be rather substantial.”

The one who should truly be concerned about the repayment is not Talleyrand but the Minister of Finance.

***

Gourmets continue their search for new culinary experiences even after finishing their meals.

-Ttan, ttadadan, ttanttan!

Piano music drifted from a cafe specializing in desserts.

The one seated at the piano was a young boy.

He was undeniably a beautiful boy.

Talleyrand closed his eyes, savoring the music, then partially opened them and inquired.

“The piano music is exceptional. Is that young man a renowned prodigy these days?”

Jacques Rothschild, who was anxiously sipping coffee across from him, nodded in affirmation.

“Franz Liszt, the 19th-century Mozart from Hungary. Strangely, the Paris Music Academy declined to accept him.”

“Why? It is the most accomplished performance I have heard in some time, and he is still so young.”

“They claimed the quota for foreigners was filled. In truth, they may be reluctant to accept Hungarians.”

Talleyrand clicked his tongue in disapproval.

“I shall have to speak with the director of the Cherubini Academy. Surely you did not request this meeting solely to ask for that favor, did you?”

A boy who would later be hailed as the King of the Piano in history.

But now he is reduced to performing on the streets because he cannot even gain admission to the French Paris Music Academy.

Of course, Jacques Rothschild did not summon Talleyrand to the cafe solely for the purpose of sponsoring a pianist.

“Of course not. I need to initiate a new business venture, but His Majesty will not grant approval. I require your assistance.”

It concerns the railroad business.

“If it pertains to business rights, you should have approached Damas Boerne, the general manager of the cartel, Monsieur Rothschild.”

“These days, General Manager Damas is preoccupied with ventures in the New World. Something involving the production of fertilizer from bird droppings? A rather peculiar undertaking.”

“If it involves artificial fertilizer, it is worthwhile. You should also engage in ventures that benefit humanity.”

Jacques gritted his teeth and bowed his head slightly.

“The European wide-area railway network that I envision will undoubtedly benefit humanity. Your Excellency, Chairman of the Senate. If you would assist me just this once, I shall never forget your grace.”

Of course, it is also evident that it will be of great benefit to Jacques before it benefits humanity.

Especially in an era when the Holy Roman Empire has crumbled, the Austrian Empire has collapsed, and the Russian Empire is weakened.

The railroad originating from Paris, the capital of the only true empire on the continent, will undoubtedly dominate all of Europe.

Talleyrand quietly studied Jacques and stated.

“Well, grace is as light as a feather. Offer me something more tangible.”

“Of course, I intend to demonstrate my sincerity.”

“I have heard that you possess a vineyard in Bordeaux.”

The moment Jacques blinked in surprise, Talleyrand continued.

“Transfer it to me. I have been craving fine wine lately.”

Jacques opened his mouth in response to the completely unexpected request and hurriedly asked.

“Will that truly suffice? It seems rather insignificant.”

“You underestimate its potential. These days, refrigeration and preservation technologies are rapidly advancing. In the future, wine will be widely commercialized. Bordeaux’s wine will be exported not only to Europe but throughout the world.”

“I am uncertain if that day will arrive within my lifetime. I understand.”

Talleyrand chuckled as he observed the tycoon who failed to foresee the era when wine would dominate the world.

“Then, I shall speak with His Majesty once. Do not raise your expectations excessively.”

Of course, nothing that Talleyrand has committed to this explicitly has ever gone undone.

***.

Gourmets do not forgo dessert even when they return home.

“This is an unexpected guest.”

While ordering another meal from his personal chef, an uninvited guest arrived.

“You must assist me, Talleyrand.”

“I am always pleased to assist if it is a request from the Princess. What is the matter?”

“Help me reunite my brother and Empress Marie.”

Talleyrand tilted his head slightly as he regarded Princess Hortense before him.

“They are not divorced.”

Hortense did not touch the meal that Talleyrand had offered and instead urged him.

“This is not the time for jesting. I fear they are genuinely contemplating divorce.”

“Is that the impression you gained from seeing the Emperor?”

“Yes. My brother has no intention of yielding in the slightest. He does not even believe he has acted wrongly.”

Talleyrand elegantly toyed with his knife and replied.

“Then there is little I can do.”

There is a common misconception.

That Talleyrand can sway the Emperor’s heart.

That is utter nonsense.

The reason why this rumor persists is due to Talleyrand’s unique talent.

It is his ability to discern the intentions of his superiors.

So, if the Emperor has no desire to reconcile, Talleyrand is powerless to intervene.

Then another individual who knows the Emperor’s heart intimately, his only younger sister, Hortense, suggested.

“Can you not create an opportunity for them?”

“How so?”

“A setting that can move a woman’s heart. Are you not still the most skilled at such matters in France?”

Talleyrand raised his eyebrows at the suggestion of orchestrating the Empress’s reconciliation.

“I am uncertain if that is a compliment. I do have one idea in mind at the moment. Music.”

“Music? Are you contemplating opening an opera house?”

“No, something even more captivating than that.”

Thinking of the exceptionally talented young man he had encountered today, Talleyrand smiled faintly.

“A performance presented by the second Mozart, a prodigious young pianist. A concert featuring music that will instantly captivate women. Can you ensure the Empress attends? I shall handle the Emperor.”

There is an anecdote recorded in later history.

It is said that all the noble ladies swooned when Liszt performed.

Due to his striking beauty and captivating performance.

He is still a boy, but his talent is undeniable.

Hortense, who had not yet witnessed Liszt’s performance, tilted her head and replied.

“Very well. I shall reward you with the iron ore rights in the New World.”

A gourmet who remains actively engaged in the world of power.

Talleyrand forged a secret agreement with Hortense.

They resolved to host a concert with the aim of reconciling the Emperor and Empress.