I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 125

< A Boy's Dream >

After observing him for a few more days, I concluded that Napoleon’s talent was genuine.

Of course, this wasn’t just my opinion.

“Good heavens, what is that kid? Napoleon Bonaparte?”

Even Count Brienne, who was sitting across from me sipping tea, seemed completely focused on Napoleon.

“Headmaster, is it true that this Napoleon is from Corsica?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

The headmaster, who couldn’t sit down and had been standing to one side in his office, brought over the file containing Napoleon’s personal information.

“Napoleon is a student for whom His Highness the Prince personally wrote a recommendation letter. Frankly, I didn’t know why, but now the teachers are already full of praise for him.”

“Indeed! That’s just like His Highness! How could he have foreseen the talent of such a young child and made arrangements in advance like this? I’m more amazed by His Highness’s divine foresight than by Napoleon’s abilities.”

“Those with ability should receive commensurate treatment. That is my principle.”

Napoleon was showing his potential even faster than I had anticipated.

Perhaps this was because the teachers’ attention was focused on him, knowing that he was a student under my protection.

Normally, a boy from the countryside with no background would naturally be ignored if he said things that ordinary people couldn’t understand.

But now, no one in the military academy ignored Napoleon.

After all, who would dare to ignore a student sponsored by the most powerful person in France?

And with so much attention, Napoleon’s genius was naturally revealed more quickly.

“That boy is truly fortunate. Many people with talent fail to blossom due to environmental issues, but His Highness has provided this rescue.”

“No, if he’s that much of a genius, he would have risen on his own. All I did was help him bear fruit a little faster.”

“Your Highness truly thinks highly of that child.”

Of course. He’s Napoleon Bonaparte, after all.

Even in the original history, he rose to become the Emperor of France, so it’s a fact that he would have climbed above the clouds even if left alone.

Strictly speaking, I might actually be preventing him from rising even higher, so I can’t unconditionally say he’s lucky.

But at least he won’t face a fate of destruction, so I deserve thanks in that regard.

“In any case, Count Brienne and the headmaster should spare no support in helping that child develop his talents in the future.”

“Of course. We will do our best to make him the most outstanding graduate and ensure he goes to the military academy in Paris without any issues!”

“Good. Since Brienne is so far from Paris, I can’t directly oversee him, so I’m counting on you. Of course, if I get satisfactory results, I won’t forget your contributions.”

Count Brienne’s mouth stretched from ear to ear as he heard the answer he wanted.

He nodded his head, trying to suppress the laughter that was about to burst out.

“I am a person who moves only with loyalty to the royal family. Just knowing this heart is enough for me. As for rewards, I don’t want any of that.”

“Really? I was going to create a position for you in Versailles [the location of the French Royal Palace], but if you don’t want it…”

“I will devote my whole body and mind to loyalty! If you told me to adopt Napoleon Bonaparte as my own son, I would gladly…”

“No, there’s no need to go that far. Just make sure he’s comfortable. And let him read any books he wants. Giving too many benefits might make him lazy.”

In any case, Napoleon is scheduled to graduate early from the junior military academy and come to Paris.

And after graduating from the formal military academy in Paris, I will take him to New France [French colonies in North America] to gain practical experience.

If he gains experience like this from a young age, he will grow into an even more complete master of strategy and tactics.

When that time comes, even my only weakness will completely disappear.

No, rather, my only weakness will transform into my greatest strength.

“…By the way, it should be about time now.”

“I told him to come as soon as class was over, so he should be here now.”

The headmaster said, checking his watch with an anxious face.

With so much work piled up in Paris, I can’t stay here forever.

But I wanted to talk to Napoleon at least once before returning, so I made time for one last meeting.

He must be nervous and his heart must be pounding as he comes here, but I, too, was struggling to suppress my own excitement.

In fact, Napoleon is not a respectable figure in terms of personality.

But still, the young Napoleon, with his pure side still remaining, must be a different kind of person.

What kind of face will Napoleon have when he comes through that door?

I enjoyed the anticipation that washed over me after a long time, and waited for the firmly closed door to open.

※※※

-His Highness the Prince wants to see you before he leaves for Paris. Come to the headmaster’s office immediately.

Napoleon’s mind went blank at the words the teacher gave him after class.

When he came to his senses, he was already standing in front of the headmaster’s office.

He didn’t know what he had been thinking on the way here.

In fact, he had been wanting to visit and express his gratitude.

But the other person was a member of the royal family at the pinnacle of this country.

Not just any royal, but the Duke of Orléans, who held the title of the first nobleman of France, the most noble nobleman.

On the other hand, he was the son of a lower-class nobleman from a remote countryside far from the mainland.

Of course, the Prince was generously sponsoring him, but he couldn’t just ask to meet him.

What if he gave the impression that he was overstepping his bounds just because he had been treated a little kindly?

But to think that the Prince would call him first to talk.

“Hoo… Hoo…”

Calm down.

Napoleon took several deep breaths, repeatedly grabbing and releasing the doorknob.

What’s certain now is that the Prince definitely has a liking for him.

He didn’t know why, but that’s the only way to see it.

Thanks to that, contrary to expectations, he didn’t suffer from any bullying at the military academy.

At first, there were some signs of it, but the atmosphere completely changed after the first class.

As soon as the rumor spread that Napoleon Bonaparte’s sponsor was Prince Christian, even nobles began to bow down to him.

Some nobles even sent gifts to his family to curry favor.

It was a change in environment that the young Napoleon couldn’t help but feel bewildered by.

Yes. First, open the door, greet him as politely as possible, and say that he will work harder and ask for his continued support.

If the Prince supports him, he will be able to study in an environment no less enviable than in Brienne, even in Paris.

“Napoleon Bonaparte. I’m coming in.”

Having calmed his mind, he slowly opened the door and entered.

The first person he saw was the headmaster, who couldn’t even sit down and was standing.

And behind him sat the Duke of Brienne, the highest person in this region, and the Duke of Orléans, who was even making him uneasy as he watched him.

“It is the greatest honor of my life to meet Your Highness the Prince! Glory to the great French royal family…”

“You don’t have to be so nervous. I called you because I wanted to have a comfortable conversation. Are there any problems with your school life?”

“Yes! Thanks to Your Highness’s consideration, I am learning comfortably and happily. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude once again.”

“You don’t have to worry about it. Creating a country where talented people like you can grow well and fully demonstrate their abilities is what I, Louis Christian, must do.”

The Prince lightly shook his head as if it were nothing.

Even that looked very cool to the young Napoleon.

Not being bound by status or origin, but valuing and nurturing individual abilities and qualities.

Isn’t this a necessary virtue for a royal family leading the country?

The Prince’s kind words continued to Napoleon, who was immersed in emotion.

“You probably know from the headmaster, right? You have a full scholarship until you graduate from this Brienne Military Academy, as well as the Paris Military Academy. Don’t forget that I, and France, are expecting you.”

When he was young, his father once said that a man pledges allegiance to those who recognize him.

He didn’t understand it then, but now he felt like he knew what it meant.

His body trembled slightly with excitement, even though he tried not to show it.

“I have a lot of work piled up, so I can’t stay long. Do you have anything you want to ask me?”

“Well, that’s…”

If he parts ways here, he won’t be able to meet him again for at least a few years.

Napoleon plucked up his courage and voiced the question he had been holding in his heart.

“What do you believe in me to do this for me, Your Highness?”

“Didn’t I say? Talented children should be treated accordingly.”

“…But Your Highness took action even before I entered this school.”

“Just as you have a natural talent for military affairs, I also have an eye for recognizing talent. Of course, I don’t know everything right away. So I stayed here for a few days to see if you were the real deal.”

Prince Christian made it clear on the spot.

“The reason I decided to support you is not because of Corsica or your father. It’s purely because I have high expectations for the future of Napoleon Bonaparte.”

“Can I… really grow that much?”

“You have the talent to do so. But no matter how talented you are, if you are overconfident and don’t work hard, you will end up as just mediocre. I hope my expectations don’t end in disappointment.”

“I will do my best to meet Your Highness’s expectations!”

If he receives this much grace and fails to reciprocate, he is not a man.

He felt like something unknown was boiling over inside him.

“If you have any last wishes, tell me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Napoleon, having made up his mind, carefully opened his mouth.

“If… if I graduate from the military academy with grades that everyone has to acknowledge…”

“If you graduate?”

“I want to lead the army where Your Highness’s eyes can reach. And…”

Even if it may seem like a childish dream of a young boy that may seem absurd.

Napoleon reaffirmed his determination by deliberately speaking it out.

“I want to rise to the highest position a soldier can reach.”