I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 45

The King’s Aura

The temperature was perfect, neither too hot nor too cold.

It was a typical spring day in Paris. After a long absence, I visited the Lycée Louis-le-Grand and realized I likely wouldn’t be attending regular classes there anymore.

The school had been preparing for days, organizing a grand welcoming ceremony, and the teachers were eager to exchange even a few words with me.

This was true even in modern times, but back then, education was directly tied to money.

Attracting high-quality academics, inviting renowned lecturers, and initiating research on any topic all required financial backing.

Money was the fuel that kept the school running, and a capitalistic mindset was already permeating academia without anyone realizing it.

“Your Highness! We were wondering if the royal family might sponsor the academic conference we’re hosting…”

“Just as the Sun King [Louis XIV, known for his patronage of the arts and sciences] did, we hope Your Highness will become a figure who opens new horizons in academia…”

As my status grew daily, it was only natural for the school to expect support from the royal family.

And, of course, I had no intention of pouring money into that place.

The current French royal family’s finances were, to put it mildly, in dire straits.

Surprisingly, this wasn’t due to the royal family’s lavish lifestyle.

Unlike England, which was rapidly advancing due to the Industrial Revolution, France hadn’t yet escaped its old ways.

No, far from growing, France was on the verge of collapse due to the debt accumulated since the reign of Louis XIV.

This didn’t improve at all during Louis XV’s reign.

Instead, they lost the Seven Years’ War, and the already substantial debt ballooned to astronomical levels.

Now, they could no longer easily resort to the usual method of paying off debts by taking out new loans.

Well, if I only considered my own situation, I didn’t need to borrow money from the royal family.

I was making a fortune from the vaccine patent, and Lavoisier was managing the funds, generating huge profits.

This wealth was expected to keep growing, so I wasn’t at all financially strained.

However, considering the future, the use of this money was clearly earmarked, so I had no intention of wasting a single penny right now.

“There are too many things to consider right now; I simply don’t have the time. I’ll make time to listen to you later.”

After making some vague excuses, I went out to the school’s garden to clear my head.

Of course, I couldn’t be alone, even there.

Due to the recent assassination attempt, trained elite guards followed me everywhere I went.

These men were under Louis XV’s orders, so I couldn’t simply dismiss them.

“Your Highness! I’ve found some answers to the topic we discussed last time. Would you be willing to hear them sometime?”

Robespierre, who recognized me and hurried over, began to chatter.

He was worth investing time in, so I spent time with him whenever I could, working to build a rapport.

“Are you referring to when I asked you to consider whether a republic is truly a flawless system?”

“Yes!”

Robespierre replied brightly.

Every time I saw this side of him, it was hard to reconcile it with my knowledge that he would become a key figure in the future Reign of Terror.

“I’m looking forward to hearing your answer. By the way, did you attend the trial that was held recently?”

“Of course. I wanted to greet Your Highness, but I was content to observe from afar, as it didn’t seem like a place for me to be involved.”

“I see.”

“It was so invigorating. It was also an opportunity for me to realize I had misunderstood His Majesty.”

Robespierre continued to share his impressions of the trial throughout our walk in the garden.

Even though he was still young, he was one of the most intelligent students among the young intellectuals.

It was important to gauge how these people were reacting to the purge of the nobles of the robe [nobles who held judicial and administrative posts].

Fortunately, Robespierre’s reaction was extremely positive.

I also heard that most of the students he associated with felt the same way.

“By the way, the Lavoisier family, who were key witnesses in the trial, are also close to Your Highness, correct? There’s a rumor among the students that Your Highness played a significant role in this trial.”

“A significant role? I simply connected Lavoisier with His Majesty because he expressed his disgust with the court’s corruption. That’s all.”

“I believe that was a brilliant decision. The court hasn’t actively supported Your Highness until now. The ability to cut ties with even those who brought you benefits for the sake of the greater good! This unwavering conviction is what sets Your Highness apart from other powerful figures.”

The man who would later send countless friends and political allies to the guillotine for the sake of the greater good was saying such a thing; it definitely felt strange.

I wondered why he was so drawn to me.

Did he see me as someone like himself?

If that was his perception, it wouldn’t be detrimental to me.

I should maintain my position as Robespierre’s mentor and…

“……?”

The train of thought I was on was abruptly cut off when I saw a familiar figure waving at me from a distance.

“…What are you doing here?”

The woman smiling innocently was none other than my wife.

It was Marie Antoinette, who should have been relaxing at the palace.

She was wearing a simple dress and no jewelry, so anyone who didn’t know her wouldn’t guess she was a princess.

Even so, the faces of the attendants nearby were already pale with anxiety.

My quick-thinking guards were also gritting their teeth and treating her like a stranger.

Approaching her as quickly as possible without losing my composure, I hurriedly whispered in Marie’s ear.

“Why did you come here dressed like that?”

“But if I officially leave the palace, it becomes an official event. Then I won’t be able to look around at my leisure…”

“Looking around?”

“Yes. I was very interested in the school. Especially since it’s where you’re studying and has a high proportion of Third Estate [commoners] students, I couldn’t resist my curiosity.”

I’d been too busy to spend time with her lately.

It’s not an excuse, but I’m so busy that even having two bodies wouldn’t be enough.

Subtly encouraging Maupeou to appoint Chief Justices who aligned with my views, exploring effective ways to use the media, and even investigating the Duke of Orléans and the Duke of Chartres.

I was working so hard that I was even cutting back on sleep, but even if I made excuses, I’d just be a bad husband.

Now that she was here, I thought it best to let her enjoy a brief escape to her heart’s content.

Anyway, given Marie’s personality, she would definitely find a way to do it secretly even if I told her not to.

Wasn’t she the one who insisted on riding a pony in the original timeline, even when people advised against it?

“I suppose I can’t stop you. Since I have some time, I’ll guide you…”

“Your Highness!”

Just then, a soldier ran up from the back of the guard formation.

I frowned reflexively at the interruption and turned to look at him.

At first, I thought it was another request to attend an event.

But it wasn’t.

“This is a message from His Majesty. He requests your immediate return to Versailles.”

“Right now?”

I’d dealt with all the urgent matters, so there shouldn’t be any reason to summon me so urgently.

There was a high probability that something unexpected had occurred or a completely new problem had arisen.

As I was about to get into the carriage, I glanced at Marie’s face.

She didn’t look disappointed, but rather worried that something significant might have happened.

After a moment’s thought, I called Robespierre over.

“I need to go to His Majesty right now, so could you guide her around the school and the surrounding area in my place? I trust you the most, after all.”

“Since Your Highness trusts me and has entrusted me with this task, I will dedicate myself to it!”

“Ah… You don’t need to risk your life, but please take good care of her. She is… the daughter of a duke, and she grew up so sheltered that she lacks ordinary social experience. And she is a very important person to me, so please look after her.”

“Yes! Leave it to me.”

Robespierre looked enthusiastic, and Marie seemed happy that she could continue her tour without any issues.

I wondered if it was wise to leave Robespierre and Marie together, but there shouldn’t be any problems at this point.

Robespierre wasn’t yet a revolutionary, and Marie was far from being the unpopular queen.

I promised Marie that I would be back by dinner and got into the carriage.

I felt like a famous detective, wondering what kind of incident was calling me this time.

※※※

Marie, who had been waving until the carriage carrying Christian disappeared from sight, greeted Robespierre kindly.

“Hello. You’re a student at this school, right? You seem to be unusually close to the Prince, not my husb… am I right?”

“D-Do I seem that way? Thank you. Hahaha.”

“I heard that this is one of the most prestigious schools in France, so you must be a very outstanding intellectual.”

“You flatter me. Compared to His Highness’s insight, I am but a humble commoner.”

Robespierre blushed, unsure of how to respond.

Even though he was a bright student, he was still a young boy.

It would have been odd if he hadn’t been flustered by the praise from such a beautiful and radiant older woman.

Suppressing his pounding heart, Robespierre diligently guided her through the school, providing thorough explanations.

Marie seemed fascinated by everything, her eyes sparkling with wonder even at the most ordinary sights.

It was a reaction Robespierre had never elicited before.

‘Just how sheltered was she raised? Is this her first time out in Paris?’ he wondered.

The anxious looks of the attendants following behind also seemed suspicious.

Was this normal for someone from a ducal family?

Robespierre, who had never met anyone of ducal lineage, had no idea.

“Shall we visit that building next? Students will still be studying there. We can observe quietly from a distance.”

“Oh, wonderful! I’m looking forward to it,” Marie replied with a bright smile, following him.

She seemed like a naive young lady, unfamiliar with the world, but Robespierre didn’t find it off-putting.

Firstly, her closeness to Prince Christian was a definite plus.

And more than anything, she was pretty and kind.

For a boy his age, that was paramount.

“By the way, does the Prince have a good reputation among the students?”

“Of course! How could any student not admire him?”

Marie chuckled at his immediate response.

“Could you elaborate? I’d like to hear more.”

“Certainly. I could talk about His Highness all night. Not only the students but also the citizens of Paris adore him. It’s inevitable, as he always puts the people first. So, even the fact that he chose an Austrian woman as his Princess Consort is something people calmly accept.”

The smile on Marie’s face faltered for the first time.

“…Is marrying an Austrian such a significant issue?”

“Are you referring to that? France and the Habsburgs [the Austrian royal family] have been at odds for so long. While it’s not as intense as the rivalry with England, those long-standing resentments don’t simply vanish with a marriage.”

“I see. So, the perception of the Princess Consort wouldn’t be very favorable either, right? What do the citizens think of her?”

“What do they think? Well, if you’re French, you’d likely feel the same way. ‘Our Prince is tainted by an Austrian!’ Something along those lines, perhaps? And her name… Marie Antoinette, wasn’t it? Even with the French styling, the Austrian influence is undeniable…”

As Robespierre continued, he noticed Marie’s face paling, and a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind.

It was clearly the expression of someone deeply hurt.

He even thought he saw her holding back tears.

What if he had made someone cry whom Christian had entrusted to his care?

That would certainly put him out of favor with the Prince.

Frantically trying to recall what he had said wrong, he felt a growing unease.

The fact that the Austrian Princess Consort’s reputation wasn’t good was common knowledge in Paris.

Even if she was a delicate flower from a ducal family, she should be aware of that.

Besides, why would she be so upset simply because a stranger’s reputation was tarnished?

‘Come to think of it, this person feels strangely familiar…’ he mused.

He was certain he had never met her before.

It wasn’t familiarity, but more like he had seen her from afar a few times.

Moreover, her French had subtly awkward moments here and there.

Putting the pieces together, Robespierre arrived at a possibility.

The reason Christian had repeatedly emphasized taking good care of this important person must be because of that.

If so, there was only one way to salvage the situation.

“Marie Antoinette… Doesn’t the name, with its Austrian roots yet French elegance, sound noble and refined? I believe she possesses a dignified presence that complements the Prince perfectly.”

“…Yes? Ah, well… But since the perception of Austrians isn’t very positive…”

“That’s just a general sentiment, but it doesn’t truly matter. What’s crucial is the sincerity with which the person beside the Prince approaches the people of France. Since the Prince is so beloved, if the Princess Consort genuinely cares about the French people, that sincerity will naturally be felt. That’s what I meant to say – sincerity is paramount. Yes, precisely.”

Marie’s tearful expression softened slightly at the expertly delivered deflection.

“Really?”

“Of course. I have absolutely no idea what kind of person the Princess Consort is, but since she is the Prince’s chosen woman, she must be warm-hearted. What does nationality matter? Haha…”

“I see. Approaching with sincerity is important…”

Watching Marie, lost in thought and muttering to herself, Robespierre secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He seemed to have avoided the worst-case scenario of being caught in the crossfire and ruined without even realizing it.

※※※

The Palais Royal, a grand mansion north of the Louvre Palace, had served as the Orleans family’s base for over a century.

The Duke of Chartres harbored ambitions to expand his power, centered around this mansion, once he inherited the title of Duke of Orleans.

But that would only happen after his father passed on everything.

For now, he had another matter to address.

Louis Christian.

The sudden emergence of this individual perplexed the Duke of Chartres.

He still couldn’t fathom where such a person had come from.

“So, you believe Prince Christian is behind the purge of the nobles of the robe [nobility who gained their titles through judicial or administrative posts]?”

His father, the Duke of Orleans, read the report written by the Duke of Chartres with interest.

“Yes. I concealed my suspicions during our interactions, but I am certain of it.”

“Alright. If you say so, then it must be true. Good work. You may rest.”

The Duke of Chartres bowed politely and left the office.

As the door closed, the Duke of Orleans’s benevolent expression vanished.

“…So it was. Well, I suspected as much from the beginning.”

A servant, who had remained silent until now, nodded in agreement.

“It’s a pity Esterhazy didn’t handle the task properly.”

“Indeed. He was all talk and no action.”

“Shall we seek a new pawn?”

“No.”

He was honestly confident that the plan in Austria had been flawless.

Assassinate Louis Christian, who had unexpectedly intervened, and silence Esterhazy, the perpetrator.

He had even deliberately leaked the plan to the Austrian side.

Naturally, diplomatic relations would collapse, and the marriage alliance would dissolve.

It was a brilliant maneuver that could damage the royal family’s reputation and place the Crown Prince in a precarious position.

But the plan had been completely thwarted.

No, more than thwarted, Louis Christian was skillfully exploiting the situation to his advantage.

“Perhaps the Prince suspects our involvement. Now is the time to lie low.”

The opponent’s capabilities were beyond his expectations.

He had to admit it.

The Duke of Orleans was acutely aware that he might have made the mistake of creating a formidable enemy.

“Perhaps the King will entrust the Prince with handling the matter currently under discussion. For now, it’s best to observe his handling skills and devise countermeasures.”

“But if the Prince handles this matter perfectly as well, his position…”

“It cannot be helped. We must proceed cautiously now. If we err and are caught, we could lose our heads to that ridiculous organization, like the nobles of the robe.”

The Duke of Orleans said this as he burned the reports the servant had brought.

Whoosh.

The plans he had meticulously crafted were reduced to nothing, like the documents turning to ashes.

He knew where his son’s ambitions lay.

Even though they were a cadet branch, they were still members of the Bourbon royal family.

He had relinquished his own aspirations, but his son clearly possessed potential.

If the legitimate heirs were discredited or removed, preventing their rise, the opportunity would fall to his son.

If so, as a father and the head of the family, it was his duty to eliminate any obstacles to his son’s future.

The chaotic political climate in France was a crisis, but it could also be an opportunity.

What was certain was that now was not the time to act.

The Duke of Orleans stared at the darkening ashes and muttered quietly.

“The opponent is someone who knows how to seize opportunities… We have no choice but to remain hidden for the time being.”