I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 306

<[Side Story] Pitt is Happy>

It has been ten years since the war that shook all of Europe ended.

If one were to pick the single most significant new order that swept through Europe, it would undoubtedly be the rise of federalism.

The indisputable world superpower: the French Federal Empire.

And following behind is the British Commonwealth, still considered powerful, even if not as much as before.

In addition, the Holy Roman Empire, centered around its newly enthroned emperor, has reorganized into the new Holy Roman Federal Empire.

Analysts interpreted this move as an attempt to incorporate Prussia and completely seize control of the Germanic peoples.

As Europe began to unite into such a massive entity, Spain, in desperation, also tried to create a federation centered around itself, but failed.

Even if they tried, they had no countries to bring in, and their relations with neighboring countries were not good.

If they had Mexico, it might have been different, but most of South America had already escaped from European hands.

As a result, some were even suggesting that they should join the French Federation, emphasizing that they were from the same Bourbon royal family.

If all of this had remained solely a European issue, it might have ended as just their story.

However, in the 19th century, the center of the world was ultimately Europe, and changes in Europe were bound to become changes in the world.

In particular, with the collapse of the Qing dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China] and India’s departure from British rule, the situation in Asia became impossible to predict.

How will this period be recorded in future history?

It was an incredibly headache-inducing topic for those involved, but for a third party, there was no situation more amusing.

For someone like William Pitt, who had completely retired from active duty, every day was simply enjoyable.

“I wonder what kind of crazy incident will be in the news today.”

Sipping his morning coffee, he unfolded the newspaper brought by the butler, and as expected, the front-page article was:

-Rebellion of the Coachmen: The Red Flag Act is on the Verge of Passing.

-The Red Flag Act: Is it truly a malicious law that will stagnate Britain’s industrial development? An objective analysis of the pros and cons of the Red Flag Act.

-Are machines truly a blessing of civilization? The lessons of the Luddite movement [a group of English textile workers and weavers in the 19th century who destroyed weaving machinery as a form of protest] and the direction we should take.

“They should just enact it if they’re going to do it anyway. They’re being incredibly cautious.”

Of course, this situation wasn’t entirely bad for Pitt.

The Red Flag Act was a type of regulatory law to protect the horses pulling carriages.

France had already established several traffic laws, so it couldn’t be called the world’s first, but it was the first traffic law to be enacted in Britain.

There were various details, but to put it simply, it meant that steam-powered vehicles were not allowed to operate in the city.

In relation to this, all sorts of stories were circulating within Britain.

This is a malicious law born from the lobbying of outdated coachmen.

Steam-powered vehicles are not competitive in the first place, so it’s not a problem at all.

There were even rumors spreading that it was a conspiracy by other countries to hinder Britain’s industrial development.

“Sir, the Times has sent a request.”

“What is it? Are they asking me to write another op-ed [opinion editorial]?”

“Ah, no, it’s not that. The Times is hosting a political commentary session in the square. They’re asking you to participate…”

“Really? Of course, I have to go to such an event. Did you hear what the topic was?”

“They say they will be discussing the validity of the Red Flag Act and laws regarding worker protection.”

As politics became increasingly open to citizens, the influence of political commentators began to grow.

Among them, Pitt was undoubtedly the most authoritative figure among all commentators.

Although he had stepped down in disgrace, he had completely succeeded in rehabilitating his image thanks to the government’s outrageous actions afterward.

People begged him to return, but he couldn’t because of the contract he had with France.

Instead, he received permission to do political commentary, and it turned out to be incredibly fun.

What should I call this?

Pleasure without responsibility?

Since he no longer had any political responsibilities, he could just talk as much as he wanted.

It’s always more fun to give advice from the sidelines when playing chess.

Politics was the same way, and it was incredibly addictive to criticize both the ruling and opposition parties.

‘That’s not how you do politics.’

Every time he saw lawmakers trembling and giving lengthy rebuttal interviews in response to this one phrase, he burst into laughter.

Living as a private citizen. He might be able to enjoy this much more than he thought.

“Ah, and sir, there has been one more request recently.”

“Hoo… at this rate, I might become busier than when I was in office. Alright, what do you need me to do this time?”

“They want you to take on the position of chairman of the British Commonwealth Football Association. They want you to ensure that the British Commonwealth participates separately in the next World Cup. What should we tell them?”

“Ah, geez… I told them it’s not possible, but they still haven’t given up.”

The World Cup was enjoying the greatest popularity in the world, to the point where the concerns raised when it was first launched were now meaningless.

In Europe, the passion for football was no longer just a sport, and national matches were certainly not just ordinary competitions.

The football league of a country indirectly showed how big the market was.

Not only Britain, but also Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and France were all the same.

They were using every means to increase the size of the league under state leadership, improve the skills of the players, and enhance the competitiveness of the national team.

“I keep saying that if we participate separately, our performance will only get worse! Now is the perfect opportunity for our country to win. Tsk tsk.”

“That’s what I’m saying. It seems that many people think we should do it because France is doing it.”

“Do you think so too? Didn’t you watch the last World Cup? It was clear that the French guys’ strength had declined. What separate participation are they talking about!”

“Those who say that are all ignorant fools who don’t know anything about football.”

“I should ask the Times to create a football discussion program instead of a political commentary session. Last time, I saw a stupid guy who couldn’t even distinguish a forward being interviewed as an expert. I have to strip all the gilding off those fakes!”

He never got this excited about political issues, but this damn football always drives the British crazy.

Pitt, who had unusually poured out his passion for several minutes, calmed down and sat back in his seat.

Since the topic came up, he opened the sports section and could see why these words were resurfacing.

-The Motherland of Football, France: Three teams qualify for the World Cup finals again.

-FIFA rejects the formation of independent associations for Wales and Scotland again. It seems that the benefits of separate participation will only be allowed to the motherland.

-The American continent qualifiers are an unclaimed land. Atlantic and Pacific France qualify for the World Cup too easily. Is this right?

“…Those guys are definitely gangsters. I’ve never seen guys who do things so much to their advantage except for us.”

The French Federal Empire had independent associations for each federation, so Atlantic France, Pacific France, and European France all had their own national teams.

So, of course, they went to the World Cup separately.

When they first went out like this, they even showed off by having three French federations reach the semi-finals.

So, other countries had no choice but to look at them with disapproving eyes.

What the heck are they? They send out three or four national teams by themselves and do this.

In that sense, it’s not entirely unreasonable for the British Commonwealth to insist that they also participate separately as England, Wales, and Scotland.

“…But as far as I know, the association’s authority is quite strong. If I become the chairman, can I exercise my authority too?”

“Wouldn’t you think so?”

“Good. Then, for the development of the fatherland, I will now dedicate myself.”

He had already given up on beating France in the political arena a long time ago.

However, the fact that his pride did not allow him to step down as a loser was also true.

So, from now on, he would move the battlefield and surpass France in football.

Realistically, if you only look at objective power, it’s not even close, but France’s power is currently divided into four, so there is a chance.

Right now, there are more than a few players who play in Europe and move to the New World if they don’t think they will be called up to the national team.

In that way, the difference is constantly narrowing as the power continues to be dispersed.

Even in the semi-finals of the last World Cup, European France barely won 2:1 against the Holy Roman Empire.

In this World Cup, they might lose if they make a mistake.

“I, William Pitt, will destroy the stronghold of France, which has been praised as invincible in the football world. If that happens, my name will be remembered forever in football history.”

“You can do it, sir!”

“Of course. Then send a reply to the association right away. I will spare no effort to dedicate myself to the development of the fatherland’s football.”

Let’s just bury the nonsense like separate participation without doing anything.

Anyway, no matter how much they curse, if they beat France in the World Cup, 99% of the people will be enthusiastic and shout the name of the lifetime association president, Pitt.

Pitt, who changed his business card from former Prime Minister to current Football Association President, immediately began his work.

The first official event was to attend the opening ceremony of the Paris World Cup, which would be held soon.

Since he was going to the opening ceremony, he made a schedule to watch all the games and carefully observe the power of each country.

It’s definitely not because he was trying to satisfy his personal desires by being able to watch the games live from the best seat.

But he had no intention of not using the VIP seats.

※※※

The Great French Federal Empire.

The capital, Paris.

VIPs from all over the world are flocking to enjoy the long-awaited global festival.

Pitt, who entered the country with a carefully selected elite team from England, was treated on par with other national leaders.

“President Pitt, it is an infinite honor to have you come all the way!”

“The FIFA president is waiting for you.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you.”

Pitt, who was following the guide, suddenly realized who the FIFA president was referring to and smiled bitterly.

‘Ah~ that’s right. The French Football Federation and FIFA are separate.’

The president of the French Football Federation, which oversees European French football administration, had met before, but FIFA, the International Federation of Association Football, is a separate organization from him.

And the head of that FIFA had never changed since the organization was first created.

It’s a natural thing.

In the first place, it could be said that all of the achievements that allowed football to enjoy this level of popularity in Europe were due to that person.

‘Come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen his face directly.’

He had been invited to France several times so far, but each time he had refused with various excuses.

At that time, there were still various grudges left, and he couldn’t help it because his feelings hadn’t been sorted out yet.

But now, he truly feels like it doesn’t matter anymore.

Is that why?

Pitt, seeing a man whose hair was turning white like his, smiled sincerely and reached out his hand first.

“It’s been a long time. Should I call you Your Majesty now?”

“Politics should not interfere with sports. I am always careful to be called President at events like this. It’s been a while. Should I call you the President of the Association now instead of the former Prime Minister?”

“I had a lot of free time after retiring from politics. In the meantime, I received a good offer and accepted it right away. Hahaha.”

Even though time has passed, meeting again like this makes me feel like I’ve returned to the old days of a dozen years ago.

At that time, he wasn’t just a former Prime Minister, and the person in front of him wasn’t in a position to be called Your Majesty.

“By the way, Your Majesty, or rather, President, you still seem to be busy these days.”

“…A little bit.”

“I saw that article last time. You were going to abdicate, but a referendum was held and the abdication was rejected.”

It was a legendary event in which the people grabbed the back of someone who was trying to run away, unlike himself, who was dragged down by a vote of no confidence, and forcibly seated him.

However, the person in question seemed to be quite angry, and there was a slight flaw in his thorough poker face.

“I expected it, so I can’t help it.”

“It’s because the people love Your Majesty that much. I can only be envious.”

“Let’s stop talking about that. Football is the only rest for me right now, so I want to rest here.”

Pitt, seeing the face of Louis-Christian, the king of the three continents, slightly distorted, smiled sincerely and bowed deeply.

What is this feeling that he feels like he has already won even though the opening has not yet begun?

He did well to retire from politics after all.

Because he doesn’t have to be exploited to death like that.