I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 338

[Breaking News! France’s Blatant Intervention Intensifies!]

[Is France Aiming for Dominance in Asia?]

Blatant articles exploiting domestic public opinion spread, further solidifying the alliance of the Four Dragon Union [an alliance between Korea, Vietnam, Manchuria, and Japan].

Either way, it’s too late to back out now, and yielding would cause an uprising.

With things as they are, there’s only one way.

They need to frame France as plotting to invade Asia and portray themselves as the only ones who can stop it.

If they can create that global narrative, even France would find it difficult to deploy troops to Asia.

The Four Dragon Union never truly believed they could win a fight against France.

Their goal was merely to demonstrate their will and strength and to win over global public opinion.

In a way, this plan also revealed the confidence the allied nations possessed.

Having never failed since deciding to open up, they were optimistic that things would go well this time too.

Those who don’t have memories of failure often choose dangerous paths.

The reason why many people who suddenly become rich through stocks fail to maintain their wealth is not much different.

The more success they have, the more their instinct to sense danger dulls.

Conversely, the thrill of victory becomes increasingly glorified over time, tormenting people.

Therefore, their actions inevitably become more radical, and they enjoy taking risks.

This greatly influenced not only politicians but also the perceptions of ordinary citizens.

Immediately, intellectuals who had previously revered France began to condemn France’s desire for invasion and issued statements every day.

“Asia is ruled by Asians!”

“Invaders, get out!”

With the situation as it was, even those who thought something was wrong shut their mouths and joined this wave of madness.

Now, there’s no stopping it.

With orders to secretly mobilize the military, the government ministers had nothing more to do.

They could only prepare propaganda materials, piecing together justifications for their actions until the very end.

“All four countries are unanimous and prepared for war.”

Prime Minister Jeong Yak-yong, who had summoned the cabinet members, continued in a tone devoid of any emotion.

“His Majesty the Emperor has said that we have spared no effort to maintain order in Asia. However, France is unilaterally trampling on our efforts and is instead portraying us as the main culprits in disrupting Asia.”

Some ministers nodded in agreement, while others exchanged uneasy glances, wondering, ‘Is this right?’

“Therefore, His Majesty has made a decision. Now, Asia must confidently raise its voice towards Europe. The only ones who can take on that role are our allied nations.”

Even as Jeong Yak-yong spoke, he couldn’t believe this reality.

‘Is this a dream?’

How on earth did he end up in a position where he was declaring something akin to war against France?

Although he held the position of Prime Minister, with the Emperor and the military in complete agreement, there was nothing he could do.

If he continued to oppose, he would only be dismissed.

His initial judgment was that it would be better to moderately protect his position and mediate from the middle.

But somehow, things had flowed to this point.

He was afraid that history would record Jeong Yak-yong as the one who declared war against France.

But what could he do?

Even if he had to take the blame, he had to prevent the country from collapsing.

“First of all, France’s intentions are clear. Marshal Napoleon bluntly told us that we have no choice.”

“Arrogant bastards!”

“They must be mistaken, thinking they have truly become the rulers of Asia!”

France had initially lured Asian countries with sweet words.

They had said all sorts of nice things, such as they would not engage in colonial rule and would recognize the rights of Asia.

So, when they tried to exercise their rights, what was this mess?

“His Majesty’s decision to curb their greed is right. We must unite and resist.”

“General Ryu Hyo-won will surely deliver results this time as well.”

The more they spoke, the more voices condemning France filled the room.

If things continued like this, all that was left was a formal declaration of war.

But no one actually wanted to start a war.

Jeong Yak-yong inwardly ridiculed their petty psychology and asked.

“Then what should we do now? Should we formally begin a holy war against France’s ambition? Shall we suggest to His Majesty to issue an advance order to General Ryu Hyo-won?”

“Uh… well……”

“So, um……”

“It’s a bit much for us to be the first to declare war……”

They had enthusiastically cursed, but they were hesitant to take the lead and step forward.

“Shouldn’t the four countries declare war together on the same day?”

“No… still, it’s a bit much for us to declare war. We need to induce France to do it first to have a better justification.”

In fact, the Korean Empire was not the only one acting like this.

Vietnam and Manchuria had also gathered their troops but showed no signs of moving.

Kyoto, having received reports of the disgraceful behavior of its allies, sighed deeply.

“To think that our allies are so unreliable! As expected, the only one who can lead Asia is our Great Japanese Empire.”

“Why are they hesitating so much when everyone has already agreed to work together?”

“At this rate, information that we are gathering troops near Guangdong [a province in Southern China], France, will leak out. We must settle this before that happens!”

“This war will be recorded in history as the first step towards achieving true Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere [a concept пропагандируемая by the Japanese, promoting the idea of Asian nations freeing themselves from Western colonial powers and uniting under Japan’s leadership]!”

Japan’s characteristic of pushing forward more boldly than anywhere else once public opinion was decided shone here.

Prime Minister Ienari, having received the opinions of the ministers, pleaded with the Emperor along with them.

“If that is the will of all of you, then I too agree. But I have one question.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Didn’t you previously say that France was the epitome of an ideal nation and that we should follow in their footsteps? But now you seem to be saying something completely different. Have I misunderstood?”

The ministers, who had been praising France just a few months ago, could not answer the living god’s question and lowered their heads.

However, Kono, who had taken the lead in this war, was different.

“Your Majesty. France is certainly the world’s best developed country that we should emulate. Emperor Christian is renowned as a generous and benevolent monarch. But Napoleon, the ruler who came to Guangdong, is different.”

“Napoleon……”

“Yes. He is acting as if he is the king of Asia and is demanding our submission. Therefore, Asia needs to unite and show its will.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better to inform the French mainland of our situation?”

“We have considered that, but the French mainland and Asia are too far apart. And Napoleon of Guangdong, France, is famous as Emperor Christian’s most trusted confidant. He is probably still trying to blind the eyes and ears of the king who cherishes him.”

Thoroughly separate Guangdong, France, from the mainland and turn Napoleon into a demon.

This way, the Asian allied nations’ current attitude will not contradict their previous sucking honey as allies of France.

The Emperor nodded as if he roughly understood.

“Then let me ask one more question. If we go to war, do we have a chance of winning?”

“It is impossible to win against France. But it will be possible to inflict significant damage on Guangdong, France. By doing so, we can vividly inform Europe of the reality of Asia and bring them to the negotiating table, and that will be our victory.”

“Good. I trust your hearts for the country and for me.”

The Emperor decided to volunteer as the vanguard for the other allies who were still hesitating even after coming this far.

In the end, the parliament passed all the agenda items for the start of the war with Guangdong, France, and the surprise attack for it in the name of the Emperor.

※※※

Napoleon was filled with the thought of even declaring war if necessary, but he still had his last bit of reason.

It would not look good for France to declare war on Asia first and mobilize its troops.

France is the world’s strongest country with vast territories and military power across Europe, the New World, Asia, and Africa.

If such a country drew its sword against the remote Asia, it would inevitably take on the image of a great power bullying a weak country.

Then they would have to wait for them to declare war first, but would they be crazy enough to do that?

No matter how crazy they were, that would not happen.

Napoleon’s plan, who had mobilized the army, was to show the overwhelming difference in military power and make them crawl.

If they had brains in their heads, they would be able to realize the difference in power just by looking at the military demonstration.

Thus, the army of Guangdong, France, which had received the summons of the Marshal, began to act as if to show off.

Since they had no intention of going to war, some warships leisurely roamed the waters without any sense of crisis.

But when one battleship docked at a port on Taiwan Island.

Japanese warships that had departed from Okinawa launched an all-out attack and sank the warship of the Guangdong French army.

No matter how excellent the performance of the Guangdong French warship was, it was only one ship, and even in a docked state, it was helpless against the enemy’s surprise attack.

A sudden and unbelievably absurd major incident.

Even the allied nations who received the first report could not believe that Japan had struck France first.

Even Napoleon, who received the report, doubted the truth of the incident.

“…Japan attacked and sank our warship? Even coming into an area far beyond their own waters?”

“That’s what they say.”

“Hey, they must have seen it wrong. There’s no way that could actually happen.”

“But it actually happened.”

This report, with the serious faces of his subordinates and the signatures of the responsible parties, proved that this incident was not a fiction but the truth.

However, Marshal Napoleon, who had experienced countless wars, asked a dumbfounded question as if he could not understand the situation this time.

“…Why?”

Unfortunately, there was no one here who could answer the Marshal’s question.

※※※

A few days after the war between Guangdong, France, and the Asian allied nations officially broke out.

Europe, which had heard the news of the outbreak of the war through the telegraph, was turned upside down.

This shocking breaking news was delivered to Paris, as well as Vienna in the Holy Roman Empire, and London in England.

“…What? France is at war with the Asian alliance?”

Even Pitt, who had completely established himself as Europe’s top political commentator, was speechless for a moment after hearing this ridiculous news.

“This won’t be good for France’s image. They’ve made a mistake. The UK might be able to seize a good opportunity.”

“But sir, the thing is… Japan attacked France first.”

“…Huh? France attacked Japan?”

“No. Japan attacked France first. Without a declaration of war.”

“Ah~ those French bastards are finally revealing their true colors. They’re even manipulating information and distorting facts to start a war?”

Logically, unless the Asian countries were collectively crazy, would they start a war against France?

Even if the forces of Europe or the New World did not participate, Guangdong’s forces alone could easily steamroll Asia.

“Napoleon, that guy… I thought he was a natural-born military man with no connection to politics, but after being next to Christian, his political skills have reached a considerable level. He even knows how to do these kinds of manipulations.”

But these crude manipulations will all be revealed over time.

Pitt contacted some of the congressmen he was close to, thinking that he could have some fun for the first time in a while.

Even so, Pitt put down the coffee he was drinking and let out a sneer, as if the absurd feeling had not completely disappeared.

“Well, still, he’s a soldier, so his manipulations aren’t sophisticated. You have to make the lies somewhat believable. Tsk tsk.”