I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 203

Became the Genius of the French Royal Family 203

< Living as the Child of Great Parents >

The request from Sweden spread throughout France in an instant.

Reporters, never ones to miss a scoop, amplified the news.

[Sweden’s Succession Strategy: Desires the Bloodline of Prime Minister Christian of the Orleans Ducal Family!]

[Why Does Sweden Want French Blood?]

[Political Analyst Alain Explains Sweden’s Intentions: Actually Good for France!]

In typical French fashion, where every issue is linked to national pride, the prevailing sentiment was that Sweden had essentially surrendered.

There was, of course, a reason for this flood of stories.

Some focused on Sweden’s desire for the Prime Minister’s child, not the King’s.

King Louis XVI of France had only produced three princes with the Queen.

While the eldest was destined for the throne, the second or third son were also viable options.

Even with France’s move away from absolute monarchy, the Bourbon royal bloodline still held significant weight.

“After all, isn’t the Prime Minister also of royal blood?”

“No, the Prime Minister doesn’t have succession rights. I’ve heard that in aristocratic circles, these minor justifications matter a lot.”

“What are you talking about with justifications? Our Prime Minister is the best, period. That’s why Sweden wants this.”

“True, isn’t it? Honestly, I’d do the same if I were the King of Sweden.”

Most reasonable French people knew who the most powerful figure was.

Sweden must have reached the same conclusion.

The majority viewed the situation as entertainment, dissecting and analyzing every detail.

However, the individuals at the heart of the matter felt differently.

Christian’s children couldn’t afford to watch with detached amusement.

“Beatrice, have Father or Mother said anything unusual to you?”

“No, not at all.”

“Haa… Are they waiting to tell us after speaking with the Swedish ambassador?”

Louis Christian’s eldest son, Theodore, tapped the table, unable to stay still.

Beatrice, his eldest daughter, slammed her teacup down, annoyed. “Seriously! If you’re so worried, just ask. How can you be less composed than Charles, who isn’t even ten yet?”

“He probably doesn’t fully grasp the situation.”

“Brother, that’s a bit hurtful.”

Charles, who had been lounging on the bed, jumped up and joined them at the table.

As Theodore said, Charles’s position as the third child differed greatly from Theodore and Beatrice, who were nearing adulthood.

This was even more true for the fourth child, Christina, who was still a toddler.

Unlike his younger siblings, Theodore felt the pressure of entering the world himself.

And he carried the label of being the son of Louis Christian, considered the greatest leader in French history.

He already felt the weight of expectations.

Honestly, what did his father’s accomplishments have to do with him?

“What do you think? Will Father send me to Sweden?”

“I told you, don’t worry. If he sends anyone, it’ll be Charles, the second son. Or maybe our youngest, who’s still in Mother’s belly.”

“…I’m not worried, but honestly, going there wouldn’t be so bad…”

Ignoring Theodore’s quiet mutter, Beatrice continued, clicking her tongue. “But there’s no rule that only men can go… What if I went?”

“Would they accept a woman as queen?”

“There have been queens in Sweden before. And there’s Grandmother’s case, too.”

“That’s why your grandmother couldn’t claim the title of Holy Roman Empress. They won’t take a woman unless there’s no male heir.”

“True. But more importantly, Father won’t send you to Sweden. If he sends you anywhere, it’ll be to New France [French colony in North America].”

It was well known that Theodore was being considered as the next Governor-General of New France.

In fact, it seemed better for Theodore to make his debut in New France rather than mainland France.

Of course, this was because he had no idea what the perception of Christian was in New France.

“Wait. So, if we exclude me because I’m the eldest son, and Beatrice and Christina because they’re women, then Charles is the only one left?”

“If our youngest, due in a few months, is a younger brother, he’ll be a candidate too, right?”

“Surely they wouldn’t send a newborn baby.”

“The current King of Sweden isn’t going to die anytime soon. He’s about 50, so he’ll probably last another 10 years. They might include the youngest in the candidate pool?”

Theodore envied Beatrice’s relaxed attitude, as if she were watching a distant fire.

“Beatrice, you’re closest to Father. Can’t you ask him?”

“No. Why me?”

“Well, since we were young, Father has always given you whatever you wanted when you acted cute. If you really tried to cling to him this time…”

“Have you forgotten? Mother scolds us if we do that. It’s a family principle not to ask about official matters.”

Indeed.

Beatrice, who had received so much love from her father, hadn’t become a spoiled aristocrat thanks to her mother’s strictness.

Without her mother, Beatrice might have become a pathetic, naive person.

In that respect, his younger siblings had a much more fortunate upbringing than he did.

Louis Theodore.

A gift from God, born on the day France completely avenged itself against England in the war.

The next generation of hope to lead France, following in Louis Christian’s footsteps.

He still couldn’t believe that these descriptions referred to him.

“Still, you’re amazing, brother. People always compliment you. Teachers always tell me to be as bright as you, but it’s not easy.”

“That’s right. I admit it. You don’t even change your expression despite all the pressure? You’re so strong-hearted. When we’re alone, you’re such a coward, but you really can’t judge a book by its cover.”

“…As someone who has to follow in Father’s footsteps, this is only natural.”

As always, he smiled, managing his expression, and everyone exclaimed and gave him a thumbs up.

He should have admitted from a young age that he wasn’t as capable as his father, but it was too late now.

Even his younger siblings saw him as someone who was timid but always did what he had to do.

Should he just go to Sweden?

Or even New France would be fine.

But that was wishful thinking. Theodore knew his father’s nature.

His father wouldn’t appoint him to an important position like Governor-General, even if he was his son, unless he proved his abilities.

He would definitely tell him to gain experience in central politics for a few years.

“Haa…”

When that time came, his true colors would be revealed.

The thought of being criticized for being a fraud while navigating the political world made his stomach churn.

※※※

International relations are always complex.

An event between two countries affects more than just those two.

This was especially true in the modern era.

“Prime Minister, Sweden will never betray your trust. Please trust us and leave it to us.”

“……”

“If your son becomes our king, Sweden will automatically be tied to France. It’s like wearing shackles that prevent betrayal, even if we wanted to.”

The Swedish ambassador enthusiastically proclaimed their sincerity, making overtures.

Instead of answering, I considered the possibilities and reserved my answer.

I couldn’t immediately answer something involving my child’s future.

“Please tell me the real reason my son was nominated.”

“I understand. Lying to you won’t work, Prime Minister, so I’ll be honest. We want to form a strong alliance with France.”

“And you’re probably afraid of Russia.”

“…I won’t deny it. We’re in conflict with Russia, and His Majesty has no heir. The country’s situation is unstable, both internally and externally. Bringing a successor from France would solve both problems.”

Russia was currently in a marriage alliance with France.

If the next King of Sweden was a member of the French royal family, France would have grounds to mediate the conflict.

France couldn’t ignore it.

“Assuming Sweden’s gains are clear, what benefits would we get from accepting?”

“Your son will become the King of Sweden. That’s the biggest benefit for you personally. And a reliable ally in the north will never be a disadvantage for France.”

“I understand. I’ll give you an answer in a few days. Let’s stop here today.”

The Swedish ambassador nodded, confident that their proposal would be accepted, and stood up.

But there was another reason why I hesitated.

It was a problem I couldn’t solve alone, so I went to the bedroom where Marie was resting.

“Is the meeting with the Swedish ambassador over?”

Seeing her smile gently while stroking her pregnant belly eased my complicated feelings.

I carefully lay down next to her.

“You said you’d give them an answer in a few days.”

“It wasn’t a bad proposal. Are you worried about your brother [Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor]?”

“…That’s the main thing.”

The position of King of Sweden wasn’t a risk to us.

However, Joseph II, the Holy Roman Emperor and my brother-in-law, also wanted my son.

“If we accept Sweden’s proposal, my brother will want us to consider his request first. If we favor Sweden over the Holy Roman Empire, things will get awkward.”

“If we accept one, we have to accept both, and if we reject one, we have to reject both. But both sides want a son.”

“We can’t send Theodore, so we’d have to send Charles or the child who will be born. Ah, but if this child isn’t a son, it’ll be a problem.”

“I’m more worried about whether the children who go to other countries will be happy…”

Sweden wants our bloodline, even if it’s Habsburg.

If things get desperate, they might accept a daughter.

I was more worried about the child going to the Holy Roman Empire, one of the most hopeless entities of the era.

“But I think they’re better than before. France has crushed Prussia, securing long-term growth.”

“Of course, it’s better than before.”

“And the children might prefer being kings of other countries. Even if they stay in France, they won’t inherit all of your legacy.”

“Well, their opinions matter most.”

It’s wrong to consider their happiness without asking them.

Let’s listen and decide.