I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 169

We Are Justice

Newly appointed Lower House Representative Robespierre was like a fish in water, unstoppable.

He and his like-minded supporters were dedicated to parliamentary activities, advocating for the introduction of advanced civilization, the revision of unreasonable laws, and the eradication of corrupt practices.

Of course, I would cut him off if he went too far, or have Danton’s faction check him, but so far, he hadn’t excessively crossed the line.

Still, I didn’t completely let go of the reins.

In the original history, he was the one who turned the political scene into utter chaos with his unchecked reign of terror.

Of course, I knew that the current Robespierre was different from the one in the original history, but I felt uneasy until I was completely sure he was okay.

Originally, I was going to observe and evaluate the parliamentary activities of various lawmakers for about a year, but it seems that things don’t always go as planned.

“I’ll be away for a few months, so take care of things on your own during that time.”

“Yes? Are you leaving without any instructions?”

“It doesn’t matter as long as you act to a level that you think is reasonable. I’ve told Danton the same thing, so you can coordinate your opinions well.”

When I suddenly said I was going to the New World, Robespierre scratched his head, looking a little confused.

“Isn’t this a time when we should be pushing for reforms? But if the Prime Minister leaves at this time, wouldn’t there be a risk of putting a damper on things?”

“The basic framework is already in place, so the reforms will continue even if we leave it alone. And it’s only a few months, not a few years. If the parliament can’t run the country in just a few months, wouldn’t that be a problem?”

“That’s… true.”

Now that I’ve decided to go to the New World, why not use this trip to test the abilities of the new lawmakers?

The reason I didn’t give Robespierre and Danton any special instructions was precisely because of that.

If they do well here, I can trust and value them in the future.

“And while France is important, the most important time may be now for New France. This year could determine the next 100… no, 200 years.”

“Well, New France can’t help but be affected by the fact that the home country is so noisy. So, the meeting with President Jefferson is just a coincidence?”

“No. In fact, that’s the original purpose externally. I needed an excuse anyway, and Davout conveniently provided one. I’m grateful to him.”

There were many opinions in the parliament regarding Davout’s actions this time.

Some condemned Davout for assaulting a key figure from the United States, an important ally, and creating a pretext for conflict.

Others defended him, saying he was doing his job as a superior officer when his soldiers were insulted.

Neither side had an overwhelming advantage, but political stances influenced this to some extent.

Many of those who criticized Davout were older lawmakers or high-ranking military officials.

Perhaps they were annoyed by the sudden success of a young division commander, no matter how capable he was.

Conversely, even excluding people with personal connections like Napoleon or Lannes, the younger generation reacted quite favorably to Davout.

“Still, we should apologize for the fact that a general commanding an entire division used violence.”

“I agree. It was definitely satisfying, but he’s a businessman who helped with the U.S. presidential campaign and even received a plaque of appreciation. We should at least pretend to suspend him from his position for a certain period of time…”

“No, that’s not right. I can just go and bow my head once, and it’ll be over.”

“Yes? I don’t think the Prime Minister needs to do that.”

“Of course, there’s no need to do that. But there’s a lot to be gained by doing that unnecessary thing.”

Now that France has turned to a constitutional monarchy, the relationship with New France must be clearly established.

The summit with the U.S. president is just an excuse; the real aim is elsewhere.

Now is the crossroads where France will either remain a simple European powerhouse or become a superpower that can hold the world’s hegemony [dominance].

※※※

Originally, the best way to strengthen internal unity is to create an external enemy.

This assault would have ended as a minor incident, but the American businessman was cunning.

“Those barbaric Frenchmen unilaterally assaulted me without asking any questions. And they weren’t just ordinary people, but soldiers!”

In this world, if you have a lot of money and great connections, you can manipulate public opinion to some extent.

The American businessman, who was beaten by Davout and gritted his teeth, mobilized all the reporters he was close to and framed the situation.

[The reality of New France, which we thought was a civilized country. Unilaterally assaulted a good American businessman]

[I was beaten without even knowing why! The resentment of a good American who was turned away after going to invest]

[President Jefferson’s name was even mentioned, but the French soldier didn’t care and beat him]

Originally, the one who throws the first punch in propaganda and fabrication gains the upper hand.

This is especially true in an era where information doesn’t spread as quickly as it does today.

“Look at this? They’re really making a fuss.”

“Prime Minister, I think things are getting a little out of hand.”

“They seem to be trying to subtly portray the situation as if the United States was ignored, rather than just one American being beaten.”

Lavoisier, who was serving as the acting governor-general in my place, looked quite serious.

The military generals lined up in front of him were silent, as if they had nothing to say, and were just looking at the ground.

Only the reporters who had been granted special permission to observe were excitedly moving their pens.

Davout, who had been silent, finally opened his mouth heavily.

“I will gladly accept the punishment for causing the problem. However, I ask for leniency for the other officers who tried to stop me.”

“Punishment? Why would I punish you?”

Davout and the other generals widened their eyes at my unexpected reaction.

Lavoisier frowned and said.

“The problem has become bigger than expected, so shouldn’t we at least pretend to take action?”

“I’m meeting with Jefferson anyway, so I can apologize then and move on. If the prime minister of a country apologizes politely and shows some sincerity, they won’t try to find fault.”

When something like this happens, it’s a great opportunity to strengthen the unity of the group, so why would I punish Davout?

If I did, I would be labeled as a general who protected blacks and only suffered losses.

“They say that they insulted our soldiers first. Of course, it’s a problem that they punched and kicked them right away, so I’ll apologize and give them some consolation money. But that’s it. The state holds them responsible for the anger that erupted when their comrades who risk their lives on the battlefield were insulted? That’s absurd.”

“Prime Minister…”

“Davout, don’t be discouraged by this and hold your head high. If you’re not angry when your subordinates are insulted, you’re not qualified to be a commander. It’s an act of righteous anger that deserves to be praised. However, since you did cause a problem this time, we’ll offset the merit with the fault.”

I paused for a moment to make sure the reporters were taking notes and continued.

“And the other officers and non-commissioned officers didn’t use violence, so there’s nothing to hold them accountable for. I’ll award them medals for their courage in not tolerating the insults their comrades suffered.”

“…Yes?”

“Medals? That’s too much…”

“The awards will be given publicly. No objections will be accepted. I emphasize once again to the people here, the soldiers who will see the medal ceremony, and all citizens. Don’t forget. We are proud Frenchmen, and Frenchmen never turn a blind eye to the difficulties of their own people. Davout and the other officers showed a truly French military spirit this time.”

What would happen if you were praised in a place where you expected to be severely reprimanded?

What else? A melting pot of emotion.

As expected, the faces of the generals were filled with emotion.

Davout himself had tears in his eyes.

Only Lavoisier showed a worried reaction.

“Prime Minister, even if it’s just to set an example, there’s a risk that the same accident will happen if a similar situation occurs.”

“Yes. It means that the next time the same thing happens, you can just beat them half to death, no matter who they are.”

At this point, everyone else clearly understood what I was trying to say.

The country will pay for the damages, so don’t tolerate insults to your soldiers.

It doesn’t matter if they’re black or Native American.

Because they’re all soldiers of New France.

To do this, I, the prime minister, don’t mind bowing my head and apologizing.

“Thank you for your generous decision, Prime Minister!”

“I will never forget my pride as a French soldier in the future!”

That’s right. It would be a problem if you didn’t.

With this, the first stage will proceed as planned.

Some time after that day, articles began to pour out from New France as if by appointment.

[The French military spirit that doesn’t forget when a comrade is insulted! Shattering the arrogant prejudices of Americans]

[“I would do the same thing a hundred times if I were in that situation.” The beautiful camaraderie of Sergeant Martin, who stepped forward for his colleague faster than anyone else]

[“Black? What’s important to a soldier isn’t skin color, but the desire to protect the country.” Division Commander Davout’s philosophy. The New France Army’s reasonable advance]

You can’t beat emotion with reason.

The fuss in the United States right now was also based on emotional logic.

It was clear that there was some inferiority complex underlying it, like, ‘Are you ignoring us because we’re a new country?’

Originally, the most troublesome thing in the realm of emotion was pride, which ranks at the top.

But if you attach pride to it, the United States can’t beat France, no matter how hard they try.

The nation with the most national pride in the world, at least in the top three, throughout modern and contemporary times.

In particular, there’s no way to overcome the burning public opinion as long as there’s a justification for not tolerating injustice.

Moreover, there was one more element that satisfied the pride of the French in the current situation.

A nation that values equality and tolerance more than anyone else in the world!

Even if they are black, they are treated and respected like white people as long as they are accepted as comrades.

The soldiers of New France were intoxicated with their righteous image.

A model soldier who embodies justice without any prejudice.

How wonderful and great it looks.

The non-commissioned officers and officers involved in this incident received medals and attracted media attention, and this ripple effect spread to the citizens.

“What? It turns out that an American Yankee was trying to treat our soldiers like slaves and started a fight?”

“Tsk tsk~ Those uncivilized Yankees. What age is it, and they’re still using slaves, so they’re doing stupid things like that.”

“I agree. No, how can you use slaves when they’re all the same people living together?”

Even the citizens who had been ignoring blacks and Native Americans until yesterday forgot their past selves, intoxicated by the atmosphere.

And this atmosphere slowly but surely began to flow into the United States.

The neighboring country’s general beat up a foreign dignitary because a black soldier was insulted, but this side only oppresses blacks, saying that blacks are just slaves~

No one can stand this.

Dear Americans.

There’s an old saying that it’s better to be beaten sooner than later, so don’t be too upset and accept it humbly.

It’s just that the civil war you’re going to experience will break out about 50 years earlier.

We Are Justice End