He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 78

(78) Deceive Austria with the Mediterranean Fleet’s Deployment

In times of war, soldiers are not the only ones fighting.

“Haha, wearing these, you all look like elite soldiers! Hahaha!”

Pierre Colo, the banker of Banque Marseille, burst into a hearty laugh.

The uniforms and rifles, 3,000 in total, brought all the way to the Toulon naval port, had finally found their use.

Technician Polly only had to make them, and cartel patron Eugene only had to give instructions.

However, Colo, the actual working-level person, had to handle various tasks from technician salaries to safe storage and rapid transportation.

February 1795.

A remarkable feat achieved just five months after the decision to launch the Italian Expedition.

Now, in front of the soldiers who had just equipped themselves and completed basic drills, a non-commissioned officer saluted.

Nicolas Chauvin, a man who once almost died in this Toulon square.

“Thanks to you, we have all the necessary weaponry, Monsieur Colo. I will report well to Colonel Eugene.”

“Hehe, Sergeant Chauvin. I’m just helping our patron with his work. Oh, and be sure to tell him this: our Banque [Bank] is investing all of its capital into this expedition.”

“Yes, I will definitely convey that Banque Marseille is thoroughly supporting the expeditionary force.”

However, Colo shook his head seriously and said,

“No, it’s not just that. We’ve invested exactly three million livres [French currency]. If this expedition fails, our bank will go bankrupt.”

They are pouring in not only their capital but also all the funds earned over the past two years.

It’s a gamble based on the premise that the expedition will succeed.

What if it fails or even stagnates?

Colo felt a chill as he looked at the 1,000 conscripts and the supply wagons that would depart with them.

That’s all money.

Furthermore, it’s also the accounts receivable that Colo is responsible for.

At that moment, a calm voice was heard from behind Colo.

“We’re paying for everything on credit, so it can’t be helped. Don’t you think?”

A man with dark skin but white hair, Brueys.

Colo greeted Brueys with delight.

In the cartel business, Brueys’ smuggling and Colo’s bank were in a cooperative relationship, so they had become quite close.

“Oh, Captain Brueys. Long time no see? What brings you here?”

“We received a summons too.”

“Pardon? A summons? Surely not to the Italian Expeditionary Force?”

Brueys looked at the young Colo and nodded solemnly.

“That’s right. A direct summons from the patron. It seems he intends to use the smuggling ships.”

Colo also saw another young man who had come with Brueys.

A new captain who has always been conducting smuggling operations with Brueys these days.

That means Brueys’ smuggling fleet, which is currently active, will be suspended.

Suddenly feeling dizzy, Colo shuddered again.

“That’s a bit troublesome. Our Boarneh Cartel’s core source of funds is the smuggling business.”

“I heard the munitions factories are running 24 hours a day.”

“It’s all on credit, isn’t it? Besides, until now it’s been okay, but the future is more problematic. The technicians’ wages aren’t on credit!”

It is true that skilled artisans are diligently running the munitions factories.

Uniforms, rifles, boots, gunpowder, ammunition.

None of it comes for free.

France, before the start of the Industrial Revolution, has to gather people to produce everything.

And that’s all money.

“General Bonaparte’s supply officers say that the expedition will continue for at least three months. Until then, we need to procure supplies for an army of at least 40,000 men.”

No matter how much capital the Boarneh Cartel, especially Banque Marseille, has gathered, it is a difficult task.

War consumes that much money.

It’s not for nothing that the French royal family went bankrupt waging wars in the past.

Just as Colo and Brueys’ expressions were turning heavy, someone shouted from the supply wagon in the distance.

A young man in charge of military supplies for the Italian Legion.

“Wow! The goods are great! Inspection complete! We’ll take them well, Monsieur Colo!”

“Oh, okay. Monsieur Albert Permont! Be sure to return victorious!”

“That’s General Bonaparte’s job. Haha!”

After waving to Permont, who was cheerfully pulling the wagon, Colo sighed again.

“Did you see that? Those massive uniforms, boots, muskets, and gunpowder! All on credit. Even if the gunpowder comes from state-owned factories, we have to provide the rest. At this rate, we’ll really go bankrupt!”

Then Brueys asked.

“What about food?”

“Huh? No, do we have to handle that too?”

“The Italian Legion probably doesn’t have anywhere else to receive food supplies. Perhaps that’s why they’re calling us.”

Certainly, smuggling ships can supply food to the coast.

Of course, that would require a food supply source.

Feeling like more work was piling up, Colo clicked his tongue.

“At this rate, we’ll have to sweep up all the smugglers in this area and send them. Ugh, we really have to win this expedition! Please tell that to the patron!”

Of course, if they win, it’s all good.

It’s not for nothing that Napoleon mentioned Italy, full of gold and jewels.

Clearly, Italy has been the center of Mediterranean trade for hundreds of years and is a land with vast wealth accumulated.

If the expedition succeeds, all of that can become the conqueror’s.

However, all of this is like a gamble.

An all-in gamble where you get everything if you win, but lose everything if you fail.

Just like the revolution.

At that moment, Brueys smiled calmly and replied in a confident tone.

“Indeed. But have you ever seen our patron take a gamble he couldn’t win?”

Colo chuckled.

“That’s always been the case!”

Of course, neither Brueys nor Colo knew what kind of gamble awaited them.

***

In fact, Eugene is preparing for another gamble.

Gambling always requires a hand of cards.

One of the cards Eugene is preparing is still jumping around today.

That is, the passionate cavalryman, Murat.

“I will never listen to a brat! Don’t even think about ordering me around! Got it? Boy jockey or whatever!”

Now, Murat is jumping around and even yelling at Eugene after coming all the way to his office.

The Italian Legion has finally reached the eve of its departure.

That seems to have made Murat impatient.

Eugene, who was reviewing the final plan before the mobilization, glanced at Murat and chuckled.

He’s probably afraid that Eugene will issue a charge order.

Hippolyte whistled.

“Wow, full of spirit. About to depart soon.”

On the other hand, Tournay, who was standing behind Eugene as a bodyguard, frowned.

Then Murat flinched and stepped back.

Tournay was very tall and more muscular than Murat, so he looked a bit scary.

“If, if you threaten me, it’s a, a duel! Hmph!”

Watching Murat subtly retreat, Tournay asked in a low voice.

“Should I beat him up?”

“Can you win?”

“He just looks big, but he probably can’t fight. I’m a veteran who went back and forth between Marseille and Paris in the Vendée [region of France], you know. Colonel.”

Eugene shook his head and asked.

“That’s enough. More importantly, has Nicolas Chauvin returned?”

Nicolas Chauvin, a soldier who was forcibly conscripted thanks to Eugene and Napoleon saving him in Toulon.

At Eugene’s words, Tournay nodded.

At the same time, Armand, who had just returned from Paris, rushed out with a sharp military bearing and called Chauvin.

Chauvin, a soldier who had just returned from Toulon, saluted Eugene forcefully.

“Sergeant Chauvin! Arrived here!”

“Good job, Sergeant Chauvin. All the soldiers from Toulon have been organized, right?”

“Yes! The existing special company soldiers are non-commissioned officers, and the soldiers from Toulon are privates. Currently undergoing drill training!”

Drill training, that is, training to match the parade.

This training was fully introduced into European armies from the 16th century.

At first glance, ordinary people might wonder why they do it, but it is the easiest way to turn ordinary people into soldiers.

Because it makes them take the same actions with a single command.

It’s similar to marching, running, or obstacle course training in modern history.

Eugene nodded, then tilted his head.

“Then, what about Brueys?”

At that moment, someone else entered the office.

“Just arrived, Patron.”

The captain of the Boarneh smuggling fleet, Brueys.

However, a young man who looked too young was accompanying Brueys.

Eugene tilted his head and asked.

“I see an unfamiliar face with you. What’s your name?”

Instantly, the young man saluted and shouted.

“Good after-noon! I’m Robert Surcouf! I’ve heard a lot from my cousin!”

Murat, who had been blankly watching the scene, was startled and frowned.

“What, what is that? That guy? Did he swallow a megaphone or something?”

Eugene was also a little surprised.

Not because of the volume, but because of the name Robert Surcouf.

Originally, he is the man who will lead France’s foremost privateer fleet.

Silently looking at Robert, Eugene smiled.

“Nice to meet you. Nicolas went to Flanders?”

“Yes! That’s right! He’s escorting Madame Désirée Clary, so he’s a bit late!”

“You can lower your voice. However, use that loud voice to the fullest in the next battle.”

At that moment, Brueys was startled and asked.

“What do you mean by the next battle, Patron? Surely you’re not ordering me to participate in the Italian Expedition?”

“Half right and half wrong, Admiral Brueys.”

“Pardon? Admiral?”

Eugene flicked his fingers, and Hippolyte smiled and took out a letter from his pocket.

-Chuck!

Brueys’ eyes widened as he received the letter.

“This is!”

“It’s a letter of appointment from Paris. The new Admiral of the Mediterranean Fleet, François de Brueys.”

“Ad, Admiral? I don’t deserve that.”

At that moment, a clear voice was heard.

“You do, you deserve it enough.”

This time, even the insolent Murat stood at attention.

It was Napoleon, the commander of the French Italian Legion, who had entered.

Massena, the division commander, was grinning behind him, along with Junot and Marmont, who always accompanied him.

Brueys looked at Napoleon, flustered, and paid his respects.

“Ah, hello. Commander Bonaparte.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Admiral. I’m Bonaparte, who will be embarking on this Italian Expedition. I want you to help me with a diversionary operation.”

“A diversionary operation?”

Eugene handed over another letter brought by Tournay.

“This is an urgent telegram from the postal unit under the Paris Security Command. News from Flanders says that Britain is concentrating its naval power in the Netherlands.”

This is the result of Hoche launching an offensive in Flanders.

The Netherlands is in danger.

From Britain’s perspective, it is an ally, a financial business partner, and a maritime landing site is in danger of disappearing.

As a result, they were mobilizing all the fleets in the Mediterranean to Flanders.

No matter how much Britain is, it is difficult to operate a large number of large fleets.

Just as Brueys was about to open his mouth, realizing the meaning of those words, Eugene said.

“That means Corsica is empty.”

“They underestimated us too much.”

“They only had the fleet left, but no naval officers to operate it. But now, we have them.”

Eugene shone his eyes at Brueys and ordered.

“You can use all the sailors of the Boarneh Cartel. Admiral. Including Captain Robert Surcouf here.”

Brueys was brought from Toulon for this very moment.

Originally, Corsica was recaptured around the time of Napoleon’s Italian Expedition in original history.

But now, thanks to the Flanders offensive, the opportunity has come sooner than in original history.

In particular, the fact that the Mediterranean Fleet in Toulon is still intact has had an immediate effect.

Even the naval officers from noble families under Brueys, too.

However, this would mean that the Boarneh Cartel’s smuggling business would be completely suspended.

“You’ve really bet everything on this expedition, Patron.”

“Call me Colonel.”

“No, you’re my Patron. Forever.”

Brueys declared with a gentle but determined face.

“I will put Corsica in the hands of the commander and the patron.”

If Corsica is occupied, control of the western Mediterranean Sea will return to France by half.

In particular, the possibility of British reinforcements arriving during the capture of Italy becomes extremely low.

Napoleon smiled very contentedly.

It was then.

Eugene spoke to Napoleon, taking out what he had just thought of.

“By the way, Commander. On the way to Corsica, can I have one of my men board the ship for reconnaissance?”

“Huh? Well, do as the regimental commander pleases. But who?”

“Well, I think that wild horse who doesn’t listen to me would be good.”

Eugene and Napoleon’s gazes turned to one corner of the barracks.

It was where Murat was.

Until then, Murat, who had been paying respects because of Napoleon, widened his eyes and shouted.

“Wait, why me! I’m a hussar [cavalryman]! Not a sailor!”

Clearly, hussars are cavalry, and cavalry extremely hate going to sea.

However, there were two men in this place who knew the ship as their calling.

Among them was a young man, like Murat, who was also reckless and could not hold back his anger, a former smuggler.

Not Robert, but Massena.

“Sailor? That’s a bit harsh. Sailors are also sea men who risk their lives at sea!”

“No, that’s not it. Why am I on a ship!”

“Hey, the commander ordered you to listen quietly!”

Massena kicked Murat’s stomach hard.

-Thud!

Murat, who had been hit by an unexpected blow, staggered and fell.

Massena raised his eyebrows and shrugged.

Massena’s gaze suddenly turned to Brueys and Robert.

“Well, I made it easy to take him, right?”

Brueys wore a bitter smile, but Robert only chuckled, as if he was used to this kind of thing.

At the end of the 18th century, sailors, whether in the navy or on smuggling ships, were very rough.

Anyway, if there is a mutiny on the ship, everyone could die.

Napoleon shrugged.

“Massena is quite a handful too.”

“I’ll break the wild horse’s spirit on the ship and bring him back. Until the first battle with the Austrian army.”

“Do that. Can you meet the schedule?”

Instead of answering, Eugene looked at Brueys.

“Of course, Patron. And Commander.”

Brueys affirmed.

Whether they win or lose, they will send the wild horse back.

***

So, what is the real gamble that Eugene is aiming for?

“The Mediterranean Fleet’s deployment is a trick?”

In the dark night, commanders gathered at the Italian headquarters on the eve of departure.

Massena, Augereau, Sérurier.

Here, Napoleon is sitting in the seat of honor.

The briefer is Eugene.

Eugene smiled at Massena, whose eyes had widened.

“That’s right. It’s good if we occupy Corsica, but it doesn’t matter if we don’t. Brueys wouldn’t blow [destroy] the Mediterranean Fleet, would he?”

“He seemed like a cautious person. But what’s the point if the conquest isn’t successful?”

“The enemies will be mistaken. Division Commander Massena, I have a question.”

Eugene asked, turning his gaze to Napoleon while speaking to Massena.

“Originally, whose land is Corsica?”

At that moment, Napoleon opened his mouth first.

“I want to say it’s the land of us Corsicans, but that’s not the answer. Genoa?”

“That’s right. A neutral country. If we occupy Corsica, the Genoese coast will come into view.”

“Indeed.”

Originally, Corsica was Genoese territory.

The so-called Corsican independence movement was also against Genoa, not France.

Genoa couldn’t handle it and it was handed over to France.

What does this mean?

Genoa and Corsica are close.

If Corsica falls into French hands, the Genoese waters will come within range of the French fleet.

That means control of the western Italian coast will pass to France.

Everyone will misjudge the actions of the Italian Legion.

That they are going to Genoa.

Eugene nodded.

“That’s right. Operation Genoa Capture Deception.”

Suddenly, Eugene’s baton pointed to the map of Italy.

“And we are directly striking Sardinia.”

Not Genoa, not the island of Sardinia, but the Kingdom of Sardinia.

That is the real target of Napoleon’s Italian Legion.