I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 345

It might sound obvious, but even a successful military career doesn’t guarantee success in politics.

In fact, countless examples prove the opposite.

The skills required for a soldier and a politician are vastly different.

Many soldiers achieve initial political success due to their popularity, but few sustain it.

Someone with top-notch abilities in both areas would be like Caesar of Rome, but he was inherently more of a politician.

He wasn’t just a great general who was also good at politics; it was the other way around.

He was a natural politician with high capabilities as a general.

Despite knowing this, many successful generals still venture into politics.

Perhaps they’ve reached the pinnacle of their military careers and seek new challenges.

Or it might be vanity, a desire for greater fame and public support.

Napoleon, steadily following that path, embodies both motivations.

From the beginning, he possessed the desire and ambition to reach the highest position, along with the ability to achieve it.

However, his political insight wasn’t as sharp as his exceptional military capabilities, which were unmatched in Europe.

If he hadn’t witnessed France’s growth firsthand alongside Christian, he might have considered seizing power and ruling France himself.

Even though those thoughts are gone, his desire for political success remains.

Success in politics doesn’t necessarily mean becoming king and ruling France.

Initially, I considered a ministerial position, but Minister of War felt like a demotion.

Instead of a role tied to my military image, I needed to project a complete transformation into a true politician.

The plan was set.

First, I’d leverage my fame to run in the next general election.

Objectively, with my current reputation, losing would be impossible.

After winning a seat in the National Assembly, I’d ride on Christian’s coattails, subtly involving myself in various achievements.

Ultimately, rising to head of the ruling party and finishing my career as Prime Minister would secure my place in history as an unprecedented figure who excelled in both military and political arenas.

To achieve that, I needed to successfully conclude this Asian war.

Christian entrusting all authority on the ground to Napoleon was an unparalleled opportunity.

Winning the war was a given, so others weren’t interested.

But what if I could successfully manage the aftermath as well?

Wouldn’t the perception that ‘Napoleon is not only good at fighting, but also good at politics’ naturally take root in the minds of the French people?

At first, I was overwhelmed, but now, with Christian’s guidance, I felt confident.

I had secretly received a solution from Christian upon request.

On the surface, it would appear to be a policy I devised, earning admiration and applause.

Napoleon secretly welcomed the prime ministers from both countries, pleased that everything was going according to plan.

“It must have been difficult to travel so far with the war causing such chaos.”

“Not at all. We are grateful for your welcome.”

“Yes. We are simply grateful you didn’t dismiss us and demand immediate surrender.”

It was secretly satisfying to see the heads of government, who had been making ridiculous demands before, acting so humble.

Of course, I knew that to succeed as a politician, I shouldn’t show such emotions.

“However, discussing matters together like this risks sensitive information leaking between your countries. Is that acceptable? If you prefer, we can arrange separate meetings.”

“No. I met with Prime Minister Ienari before coming here and we had a separate discussion. We’ve confirmed our understandings align, so separate meetings aren’t necessary.”

I see.

They must have been plotting during that short time, but I didn’t care.

In fact, Christian’s plan made this arrangement even more ideal.

“Then let’s get straight to the point. This isn’t a formal meeting, after all.”

“Yes. We prefer that.”

“First, let’s discuss the amicable conclusion to this war that you both requested. But personally, I doubt an amicable conclusion is possible.”

Jeong Yak-yong and Ienari froze as they reached for their glasses, while Napoleon smiled and accepted a glass of wine.

Napoleon savored their reaction and continued.

“Of course, I want to help. But how can I, a mere soldier, make such a significant decision alone?”

“…We heard that Grand Marshal has been granted full authority over this war.”

“That’s right. But as the Prime Minister said, my authority ends when the war ends. I can’t control everything that happens afterward.”

“Even so, if France guarantees it won’t unilaterally break the agreement once it’s made…”

Napoleon ate some cheese, looking at Jeong Yak-yong and Ienari alternately.

“So, you both want me to ensure you can keep your positions after this war ends, right?”

“…Even after the war, the Korean Empire needs someone to manage the chaos. It may sound arrogant, but I’m the only one who can handle that important task right now. Of course, I plan to step down as soon as my mission is complete. After all, how many more years do I have left anyway?”

“I feel the same way as Prime Minister Jeong! If you give me one more chance, I promise the Japanese Empire will forever be France’s loyal younger brother. I will definitely make that happen!”

It was an obvious lie, but Napoleon nodded, pretending to be naive, and his eyes gleamed.

“Specifically, what are you going to do?”

“…I will clearly state that this war was not France’s fault but Japan’s mistake, and I will urge sincere reflection. And with gratitude to France for giving us another chance, we will move forward…”

Most of it was lip service, but Napoleon was satisfied and handed over a document.

“Then sign here.”

“Thank you! Thank you!”

The document outlined a conspiracy: Ienari would manipulate public perception and opinion to ensure Japan served France, in exchange for not being held responsible for the war.

Ienari signed without hesitation and bowed repeatedly, expressing his gratitude.

“Now, Prime Minister Ienari, please work hard to ensure Japan surrenders when you return.”

“Of course. Thank you so much for giving me another chance! I won’t let you down!”

Ienari couldn’t hide his relief at grabbing a lifeline so easily.

Napoleon patted him kindly and sent him back, telling him to rest as he must be tired.

As Ienari left, Napoleon turned to Jeong Yak-yong, who had been watching.

“What do you think?”

“…Yes? What do you mean…”

“I guess desperation narrows one’s vision. To fall for something like this so easily.”

“…?”

Jeong Yak-yong, bewildered, widened his eyes when he saw Napoleon raise the secret agreement.

The agreement wasn’t one sheet but two, cleverly overlapped.

The hidden agreement contained a trap: this was solely Ienari’s idea and had nothing to do with France.

It was a childish trick he wouldn’t have fallen for normally, but Ienari, driven to the brink, fell for it readily.

Jeong Yak-yong asked, desperately clutching his wine glass with trembling hands.

“…Does Grand Marshal ultimately have no intention of forgiving us?”

“To be precise, Prime Minister Ienari is not forgiven. He instigated Japan to declare war, so how can I let him off the hook? What would my citizens say?”

“I, I am different. Ryu Hyo-won led the war on our side, and I…”

“Yes, yes. I know everything. That’s why I showed you this whole process, isn’t it?”

Christian had instructed him to eliminate Ienari, but showed a slightly reserved attitude towards Jeong Yak-yong.

To be precise, he had one chance left.

Whether he seized it was up to him.

“For reference, the mainland is furious about this war. Especially since Vietnam and Manchuria surrendered first, the perception of your country and Japan is worsening. They’re surrendering, but you’re fighting to the end? At least 80% of the public wants us to finish you.”

“Can’t the Grand Marshal somehow…”

“No. That’s not possible. I intend to fulfill my duty as a soldier, representing the will of the citizens and protecting their lives. That’s why there was no room for reconsideration for Prime Minister Ienari. If he had abolished the Tenno [Emperor] system and put the Tenno on trial as a war criminal, it might have been different.”

Even a fool would understand with such a clear hint.

As expected, Jeong Yak-yong jumped up and shouted.

“I can do it! No, I was going to do it anyway. I came here after setting the date for the uprising, not because of your words.”

“Is that so? That’s welcome news, but…”

“I’ve already secured support from many military figures. Most of the public will be on our side. If Grand Marshal guarantees it, I’ll proceed as soon as I return.”

Napoleon hadn’t expected things to move so quickly, so he paused and thought.

He was surprised, but wasn’t it a good thing?

He only had to use Ienari as an example to make the Korean Empire overthrow the imperial family, but since it was going to happen anyway, it was even better.

“Then the mainland’s response will depend on whether your uprising succeeds or fails. I think His Majesty wants you to succeed. Of course, that’s just my personal thought.”

In fact, it was obvious even without asking.

From giving these instructions, Christian’s intentions were clear.

Even Napoleon could easily see the answer.

Jeong Yak-yong also noticed this, hesitated, and asked cautiously.

“Perhaps Grand Marshal…no, does the King of France intend to abolish our imperial family and the Japanese imperial family?”

“I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

He knew the answer but wouldn’t say it.

Of course, in this situation, it was obvious that the other side had also noticed his true intentions.

That’s why he asked.

He couldn’t imagine the aftermath, but for Napoleon, it was a trivial matter.

“Then I’ll be waiting for good news. I hope we can meet again next time in a different capacity than as Prime Minister.”

Jeong Yak-yong boarded the returning ship with an even more troubled expression than Ienari’s.