I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 189

The idea for a world peace conference, championed by France, quickly garnered support across Europe.

Everyone understood that completely eliminating war was an unrealistic goal.

Nevertheless, the constant stream of war-related news had left people weary.

In this climate, the announcement that the world’s most influential nations would convene to promote peace in the new century offered a beacon of hope.

France’s allies, the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, were among the first to signal their participation.

Russia, already entangled in difficult ceasefire negotiations with Turkey, also declared its intention to send the Crown Prince.

As events unfolded, the Ottomans, fearing exclusion from the negotiating table, hastily accepted the invitation.

Britain, expected to be the most resistant, surprisingly released an official statement welcoming the peace conference.

“The United Kingdom, proud of its significant contribution to maintaining order in Europe, will continue to dedicate itself to global peace.”

This was a bold statement, considering Britain’s role in instigating the very circumstances that necessitated the conference. However, Pitt remained unconcerned with such criticisms.

In true British fashion, he added caveats to dampen enthusiasm for the French-led initiative.

“But isn’t the growing number of participating countries diluting the purpose of a gathering intended for only the strongest powers in Europe to reach an agreement? Since when were the Netherlands or Portugal considered major powers? The same applies to Prussia. Participation qualifications must be strictly enforced.”

“The eagerness of each country to participate demonstrates their strong desire for peace. How many more opportunities will arise for leaders from so many nations to gather in one place and reach an accord?”

In contrast to Britain, France broadened its invitation, welcoming most countries that wished to attend.

Unsurprisingly, many European nations favored France’s inclusive approach over Britain’s.

Of course, even with participation, smaller countries would find it difficult to exert significant influence in the negotiations dominated by powerful nations.

However, the difference between having a voice and being silenced was immense.

Even excluding the Ottoman Empire, numerous countries had pressing international concerns to address.

“Is it true that France has formally invited Prussia to attend the conference?”

“Yes, it is.”

“That’s a relief. I heard the Habsburg [ruling dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire] bastards were trying to exclude us.”

“Those fellows are always eager to undermine each other. But the British are the most detestable of all.”

The Berlin Castle, residence of the Prussian royal family, echoed with condemnations of Britain and the Habsburgs.

Among those present, nobles, feeling betrayed by Britain, voiced their anger without restraint.

“This is our chance. His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince must attend and expose Britain’s atrocities to the world!”

“That’s right! Those backstabbing sons of bitches deserve condemnation.”

“As long as we share damaging information about Britain, the French won’t openly pressure us further. This is an opportunity!”

Prussian politicians were not naive.

Several years after their devastating defeat, the truth of what had transpired was widely known.

The role Britain had played in manipulating them.

“What kind of unscrupulous nation uses its allies to gauge the true strength of the enemy? Furthermore, all they did when they arrived as reinforcements was to seize pro-British nobles from Hanover!”

“Their insistence on limiting participation this time is transparent! Countries like Portugal and the Netherlands are mere excuses; their real aim is to prevent our attendance. They know exactly what we intend to say.”

King Frederick William II of Prussia frowned at the nobles’ indignant outcry.

Once quite stout, he had become gaunt and almost unrecognizable.

Stress had robbed him of his appetite.

It was all the fault of those British bastards.

Frankly, the king and nobles harbored more animosity toward Britain than toward France, who had crushed them.

France, strictly speaking, had merely acted as mercenaries for Prussia’s arch-rival, the Holy Roman Empire.

Britain, on the other hand, was the mercenary they had hired.

France had spared no effort in leveraging its capabilities for the benefit of its ally, the Holy Roman Empire.

Consequently, Prussia had been forced to pay a hefty indemnity, cede territory, and even lose Hanover and the Electorate of Saxony.

All due to the foolish decision to trust Britain.

Of course, Prussia had grievances to air.

Hadn’t Britain instigated them to initiate the war in the first place?

If Britain had ignored them from the outset, would Prussia have been reckless enough to confront France and the Imperial coalition alone?

Even if it meant accepting some losses, they would have sought a diplomatic resolution.

“If we denounce Britain at the meeting, how much damage can we inflict?”

“…We won’t inflict any immediate, tangible damage. However, if a similar situation arises in the future, no one will want to align with Britain, unsure of when they might be betrayed. Conversely, France has consistently championed the interests of its allies. I wonder if this difference will determine the fate of the two countries in the years to come.”

“So…was it our biggest mistake to side with Britain instead of France?”

In reality, an alliance between Prussia and France was impossible, as the Habsburgs were offering a royal princess to maintain their allegiance.

Still, he couldn’t suppress a feeling of regret.

“I’d like to attend myself and curse those British bastards, but…I suppose I have no choice but to send the Crown Prince?”

“Yes. The Russian side also indicates that the Empress cannot attend in person, so they will send the Crown Prince. And it would be unseemly for His Majesty to directly confront the British.”

The Prussian side harbored no hope of reducing the indemnity or reclaiming lost territory from the Empire.

They would be content simply to tarnish Britain’s reputation for their treachery.

Surely, they didn’t believe they could escape accountability for the chaos they had caused?

While Frederick William II’s animosity was directed at Britain, the opening date of the Paris Peace Conference drew near.

※※※

Three days before the summit, known as the Paris Peace Conference, was scheduled to begin.

Nearly all the leading figures from the participating countries had already arrived in Paris.

The Holy Roman Empire, in particular, demonstrated its commitment by sending Emperor Joseph II himself.

He was the first to arrive in Paris, using the pretext of visiting his sister and nephews to stay at the Tuileries Palace [royal and imperial palace in Paris].

It was a plausible excuse, but it didn’t deceive me.

Joseph II subtly spent more time with the children, remarking on his nephews’ intelligence.

To others, it might have seemed like a caring uncle doting on his nephews, but to me, it felt like an assessment.

Is he truly considering placing my son on the throne of the Holy Roman Empire?

Marie would typically exploit such a situation for her advantage, but her judgment was clouded by her son’s involvement.

I decided to entrust this matter to her, as she was maintaining her composure.

Regardless, I had someone else to keep a close watch on at this conference.

Coincidentally, that person arrived last, as if deliberately avoiding association with the other countries, despite their proximity.

“Are we the last to arrive? Unfortunately, a typhoon struck, delaying the ship and slightly disrupting our schedule.”

Pitt, arriving just one day before the conference, offered a flimsy excuse upon meeting me.

“I understand. A typhoon is unavoidable.”

“Actually, I had hoped to arrive earlier and become acquainted with the others, but I’m disappointed. Haha.”

Are these fellows too lazy to even fabricate believable excuses anymore?

Just consistently blaming the typhoon.

At this point, I wondered if they were intentionally trying to provoke the other party.

Pitt, rattling off lies without a change in expression, casually surveyed the warships and soldiers mobilized for the welcoming ceremony and asked nonchalantly.

“By the way, I’ve heard reports of France’s recent alarming progress. If you continue to grow stronger, I honestly worry about our ability to keep pace.”

“You’re being too modest. We receive daily reports of your country’s own military buildup.”

“That’s because I witnessed the devastating strength of the French army. The officers from the home country who were dispatched to assist Prussia were in an uproar. They claimed the French army is at least ten years ahead of other countries.”

“Even so, we still have a long way to go to catch up with Britain at sea. Of course, we’re not idle either.”

I deliberately directed my gaze toward the Temeraire-class ship of the line [a type of warship] visible in the harbor.

The pinnacle of 18th-century naval technology, showcasing French innovation.

Pitt narrowed his eyes at its imposing presence.

“Is that the 3rd rate ship [classification of warship] that you began introducing a few years ago?”

“Yes. It’s our country’s 74-gun main ship. We can’t afford to remain passive at sea forever, can we?”

“Hmm…”

Pitt’s gaze, fixed on the displayed battleship, grew heavy.

He was likely trying to discern the intention behind this display.

Too bad, but this time you’ll never understand the reason.

This is not a matter of intellect or knowledge, but a realm of foresight.

“Of course, that doesn’t mean we believe we can defeat your country immediately. The reason we can showcase this new battleship is because we’re confident you won’t perceive it as a threat.”

“…Of course. The naval power of the home country grows stronger with each passing moment.”

His tone, laden with the implication that no matter how much France advances, it cannot surpass Britain at sea, couldn’t conceal a hint of concern.

Even in the original timeline, the design of the Temeraire-class battleship was considered superior to that of British battleships.

While it didn’t surpass Britain due to the qualitative differences in crew and tactical considerations, the ship’s performance was undeniable.

Pitt couldn’t have missed the reports about the new battleships France was deploying.

The fact that they are unmatched on land is established, but if the naval gap also narrows, it poses a significant threat.

I casually revealed the information Pitt was most eager to obtain.

“The advantage of this battleship is its efficiency in terms of maintenance and repair. With our current financial strength, the navy is requesting the construction of at least 150 of these battleships.”

“150 ships…”

Until now, France had neglected naval expansion, prioritizing investment in the army.

But now, they possessed such abundant financial and resource reserves that they were overflowing.

Building 100 ships immediately is unrealistic, but it’s a feasible goal in the medium to long term.

Pitt remained rooted to his spot long after the Temeraire-class battleships had disappeared from view.

Regardless of the reason for revealing this side’s cards, the fact remains that France’s new battleship poses a significant threat to the British.

Even with minimal intelligence, one cannot escape the trap I have laid.

As long as this side increases its naval power, Britain will be forced to invest even more heavily.

If they exploit the colonies ruthlessly, it’s not beyond their capabilities, but they will likely become even more aggressive in all parts of the world.

But contrary to what I told Pitt, this side never intended to equip the next-generation warships with sailing ships from the beginning.

So, I hope they work hard to exploit the colonies and build numerous warships that will become obsolete in a few decades.

Of course, this will only submerge them to their ankles, but now I’ll slowly make them sink completely.

By the time they realize it, I will already be far ahead.

“Haha, shall we proceed? The finest cuisine awaits.”

“Let’s do that. I admit my appreciation for French cuisine, even if I know nothing else. Hahaha!”

Although they were smiling nonchalantly, neither Pitt nor I displayed genuine amusement in our eyes.

End