I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 51

교황 (1) [Pope (1)]

“Your Highness Crown Prince Auguste, shouldn’t we have at least received a definite answer from the Vatican regarding the expulsion of the Jesuits?”

As soon as the diplomatic delegations from Spain, France, and Austria gathered separately, Spanish Ambassador Jose Monino fired off questions like a machine gun.

“If England is determined to interfere, it will be difficult to use more coercive measures than this anyway. We can’t deliberately intimidate His Holiness the Pope. And frankly, it’s not even a matter worth going that far for.”

Spain and France had already expelled the Jesuits within their borders some time ago.

What they wanted was for the Vatican to justify that decision, using it as a pretext to completely eliminate the remaining vestiges of the Jesuits.

However, upon careful review of the course of history, this was not a matter to be so fixated on.

“I would appreciate it if you would leave this matter to me and His Highness the Crown Prince, as we have our own ideas on the matter.”

“Understood. Then we’ll leave that part to you.”

“Thank you. In fact, as you both know, from our perspective, there is a much more pressing issue to worry about than the Jesuits.”

“…England, I presume.”

Jose Monino muttered, grinding his teeth.

His voice was filled with anger, likely due to the heated debate they had just engaged in.

Kaunitz gave an awkward smile and shook his head slightly.

“From our perspective, we would prefer to deal with Prussia rather than England.”

Jose immediately retorted.

“Ambassador Kaunitz, of course, we must keep the rising power of Prussia in check. But as long as England remains strong, any attempt to deal with Prussia will inevitably lead to their intervention. England and Prussia may not have had a beautiful parting in the last war, but they will eventually join forces again if cornered.”

“So shouldn’t we deal with Prussia first? If we rashly unite to restrain England, England will immediately take Prussia’s side.”

Both sides seemed to have valid points, but ultimately, they wanted to prioritize their own interests.

So no matter how much they argued, they were unlikely to reach a conclusion.

Eventually, both of their gazes naturally turned towards me.

“Both of your opinions are reasonable. In fact, this isn’t a problem with a fixed answer. Both England and Prussia are nations that pose a threat to us.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“So the first thing we must do is prevent these two nations from joining forces as they did in the early stages of the previous war.”

England’s economy is growing at an alarming rate, and Prussia is also diligently building up its internal strength.

On the other hand, Spain and Austria should not expect to close the gap with these two countries in the future.

No matter how much I try to normalize France by manipulating Louis XV, it will be challenging enough just to keep up with England’s growth for the time being.

In the end, with the current alliance’s strength, we will inevitably have to endure enormous losses when we confront England in the future.

Reinforcements were essential.

Jose and Kaunitz were well aware of this point.

“So, Your Highness’s idea is to strengthen the alliance while refraining from aggressive pressure.”

“Yes. The most important thing is to isolate England. England is currently the most rapidly growing power among the world’s great powers. We need to curb their momentum in the near future.”

The top priority of France’s foreign policy, which I had been planning since before coming to Rome, was precisely this.

England must not receive support from its allies.

Jose and Kaunitz reacted with mixed feelings to my policy of targeting England.

“A wise decision.”

“No, but Your Highness…”

“Of course, Austria would like to put more aggressive pressure on Prussia. But it hasn’t even been 20 years since the end of the Seven Years’ War. Neither side has the capacity to start another large-scale war like that. For the time being, a lull will continue. The top priority is to use that time to create a structure that is as favorable to us as possible. To do that, we must isolate England.”

“Still, isn’t it impossible to isolate England without dealing with Prussia?”

It was a perfectly natural question, but knowing the events that would unfold, I confidently shook my head.

“Prussia is only reluctantly cooperating with England and secretly hopes for England to suffer a setback more than anyone else. Just now, didn’t you see how the Duke of Grafton lost so much face, yet they stood by and watched? They will probably only take England’s side again after England suffers a significant loss.”

“I see. I understand. The strategy is to isolate England first and then inflict significant damage when the opportunity arises. Then, even if Prussia rejoins England, our side will still have the upper hand in the overall power structure.”

“Yes. And since that alone isn’t enough to be certain, we need to bring one more major power over to our side.”

“It would be great if we could, but I don’t know if there is a suitable country.”

Instead of answering, I pointed to the Russian delegation passing by outside the window.

Kaunitz stroked his chin with a dubious expression.

“It would be good if Russia joined our side, but didn’t they betray us in the Seven Years’ War? I believe they are currently allied with Prussia. And Russia has recently been trading with England as well.”

“So we need to get Russia back on our side. Fortunately, Russia is still on good terms with France. Russia is actively embracing French culture, and Empress Catherine has even designated French as the official language of the court.”

“But national alliances are based purely on practical considerations, and that alone is not enough…”

“There are excellent bargaining chips in that regard as well. We were able to confirm it with our own eyes just a moment ago.”

Having said this much, Jose and Kaunitz understood my intentions and naturally nodded their heads.

The reason Russia allied with Prussia was that Austria’s appeal had gradually diminished.

Austria was not pleased with Russia expanding its territory towards them, and Russia felt the same way.

However, Russia’s interest was gradually shifting south towards the Ottomans.

Even now, Russia and the Ottomans were waging war over the issues of southern Ukraine and the Crimean Khanate.

And such wars would continue several more times in the future.

If Russia’s interest is focused on the Ottomans, then naturally, there will be a demand for improved relations with Austria.

I intended to exploit this subtle shift in international relations on this occasion.

However, Jose, who had been listening to the story, cautiously raised a question.

“Your Highness’s words suggest that we should side with Russia over Turkey, who is currently here. Of course, it would be good if Russia wins the war against Turkey, but if that doesn’t happen, wouldn’t our position become difficult for no reason?”

“It’s okay. The Ottomans can’t beat Russia.”

“Yes? Of course, Russia has been increasing its national power recently, but the Ottomans are a traditional powerhouse. In fact, the Ottomans have always defeated Russia until recently, and only recently has Russia won a few times.”

“So the difference that has been narrowed is now widening to the point where it can’t be closed. To the point where Russia openly treats the Ottomans like a toothless tiger.”

In this era where the exchange and spread of information are not fast, even Western powers cannot perfectly know the other party’s strength.

Therefore, there was a tendency to underestimate emerging new countries and relatively overestimate declining old powers.

This is also why the British Empire was so cautious about the war with Qing [Qing Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of China] during the Opium War.

The Ottoman Empire was a great power that had dominated Europe in the past, and Russia was just a poor, remote country.

Of course, the current European powers now considered themselves stronger than the Ottoman Empire, but they could not ignore the potential of the old power.

In this respect, my knowledge of already knowing the outcome of the war is almost at the level of a cheat in the diplomatic arena.

“I can’t tell you the details because it’s top-secret information, but the Ottomans will never beat Russia in this war. If I’m wrong, I’ll take full responsibility for the resulting losses.”

In fact, not only this time, but the Ottomans are destined to be unilaterally beaten by Russia in the future.

In fact, the two countries themselves, who are the parties involved, probably do not realize that the Ottomans will become Russia’s personal punching bag.

How else would there come a day when England or France would support the Islamic Ottomans instead of the Christian Russians?

Of course, that time was still a long way off, so there was no need to worry about it right now.

As I showed so much confidence, Kaunitz and Jose had no choice but to agree for now.

I’ll take responsibility if the prediction is wrong, so they have nothing to say.

“Understood. Since Your Highness is so confident, we will follow your lead.”

“If Russia really overwhelms the Ottomans and joins our side, they will be a strong ally in the anti-British front.”

“Thank you for your trust.”

I bowed politely.

At first, I thought it would be okay to let things flow according to the original history, but since there have already been many butterfly effects, I need to prepare thoroughly.

There isn’t much time left to wait leisurely.

I will thoroughly isolate England behind the scenes and lay the groundwork so that I can extract as much profit as possible.

If I succeed in this alone, I can build a position that overwhelms even the Duke of Orléans and the Crown Prince’s forces.

Whether France will follow the flow of original history or be completely reborn.

Until the turning point that will determine whether I can shake off my fundamental limitation of being a bastard or not.

Five years from now. The time of that fate is approaching.

※※※

The next day, we received a visit from Cardinal Lazzaro.

He came to confirm the schedule for the audience with the Pope, but first, he bowed his head and apologized.

“Your Highness Crown Prince! I am truly sorry.”

“No, no. Please don’t worry too much.”

Auguste was at a loss, constantly glancing at me, at Lazzaro’s actions, who seemed ready to kneel.

The reason why Cardinal Lazzaro, who was the Secretary of State, was acting like this was simple.

The Crown Prince of France had suffered a severe stomachache after eating the food provided by the Vatican.

The guards who had checked the food before the Crown Prince also suffered from abdominal pain.

Of course, we weren’t really this sick, but we were claiming to be.

It wasn’t exactly to find fault with the Vatican, but because I wanted to have a private audience with the Pope instead of Auguste.

The Crown Prince here got sick from eating the food you provided, so let me talk to you instead.

With this flow, the Vatican would not feel that France was ignoring them.

However, since this happened as soon as France defended the Vatican at yesterday’s meeting, the Secretary of State must have been feeling anxious.

Auguste, who wasn’t really sick but was pretending to be, felt a pang of conscience and was unknowingly about to reveal his true personality.

At first, I thought about stopping him, but this time I thought it would be better to leave him alone, so I didn’t intervene.

“We will thoroughly check if there was a problem with the freshness of the ingredients, and if there was negligence in management, we will strictly hold the person in charge accountable. Of course, that wouldn’t fully compensate for the damage caused to Your Highness…”

“Please don’t worry too much. The Vatican’s sincerity has already been fully conveyed. There is no need for the Secretary of State to bow down so much when it wasn’t your fault. Rather, I am more responsible for not taking proper care of my health while being in a foreign land.”

“Thank you so much for your gracious and generous words.”

“No. I am just sorry that I am unable to go and greet His Holiness the Pope in person because my body is not cooperating.”

Auguste, whose true personality had emerged, seemed extremely polite and timid.

But this appearance would come across completely differently to those who had seen yesterday’s meeting.

Cardinal Lazzaro was someone who had witnessed how arrogant Auguste had been towards England.

For such a person to be so warm towards them, the difference would inevitably feel even greater.

In fact, no suspicion could be found in Cardinal Lazzaro’s eyes as he looked at Auguste.

His face was filled only with gratitude and emotion.

“I will never forget this consideration for so generously overlooking our mistake. I will speak well to His Holiness the Pope, so please don’t worry. Rather, His Holiness the Pope will also express deep gratitude for the friendship shown by France.”

Cardinal Lazzaro thanked me several more times before rising first.

I arranged to enter the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope resided, an hour later and escorted Cardinal Lazzaro out.

Although it has declined, the Pope is still the pinnacle of all bishops in Catholicism.

I felt a little nervous and excited at the same time about having a private audience with such a big figure.

I had private audiences with the Emperor of France and the Holy Roman Emperor, but the Pope felt different.

Is it because the position of king, which has become nominal, is different from the position that has maintained its lineage to this day?

Of course, whether the other party is the Pope or whatever, what I have to do does not change.

I have to get what I can get and use what I can use.

I took a deep breath and left the room, leaving Auguste behind.

※※※

Even if the Pope’s power and authority have been reduced in modern times, that is only when compared to the Middle Ages.

The Pope still held vast lands in central Italy and had the troops to defend himself.

It was not just a matter of having a few troops, but he boasted one of the most powerful forces in the still-ununified Italian peninsula.

Of course, that means within the Italian peninsula, and it is true that it cannot be compared to Austria or Prussia, let alone France or England.

Still, the Pope’s true power does not lie in military force.

The words of the Pope, the head of Catholicism, still wielded tremendous influence in this era.

If the Pope was really an insignificant being, secular monarchs would not have pressured him to pass the policies they wanted.

In the end, the root of the problems currently inherent in the Vatican lies in the fact that their moderate power and strong influence are not balanced.

Clement XIV, who was newly appointed as Pope this time, was also not free from this dilemma.

“…So you’re saying that the ambassadors of each country are divided into three main categories and are active?”

“Yes. Broadly speaking, England and Prussia, and France, Austria, and Spain are the most active. Russia and Turkey seem to be watching the movements of each country and looking for countries that will take their side.”

“Do they think of the Vatican as their playground… It’s truly miserable.”

This was unimaginable before the Crusades.

Cardinal Lazzaro looked at the Pope’s worried face with pity and said.

“Please don’t worry too much. France has already promised to take the lead in protecting the Vatican so that no disgraceful events occur.”

“France? Why are they, who were the most eager to expel the Jesuits along with Spain, doing this now?”

“I spoke to them, and the Crown Prince and Prince of France seemed very favorable to the Vatican. In particular, the Crown Prince’s attitude towards other countries and his attitude towards the Vatican were noticeably different.”

“That’s the most welcome news I’ve heard.”

The Pope’s complexion brightened noticeably after hearing the detailed circumstances from Cardinal Lazzaro.

Recently, most secular monarchs trust in their own power and despise the papacy, but sometimes there are those who do not.

Among the kings with sincere faith, there were those who valued the Pope’s authority and gave him strength.

If the next king of France, of all people, was such a talent, the Pope could not ask for more.

“When he said he would send another prince instead of coming himself, I thought he was ignoring us… but if there are such circumstances, it can’t be helped.”

“If we can make France our ally, the Vatican’s position will noticeably stabilize in the future. This is an opportunity given by God.”

“Yes. Did the prince who came instead of the Crown Prince seem to have a similar disposition?”

“Definitely. He was the one who first established the Vatican’s prestige in a gathering of several countries.”

Various possibilities and plans swirled complexly in Clement XIV’s head.

First of all, what must be clearly grasped is the other party’s true intentions.

We need to know whether they are favoring the Vatican out of a truly sincere faith or whether they have other intentions.

The Pope of this era cannot fulfill his will if he is only deeply religious.

The Pope had a responsibility to understand the political situation more wisely than anyone else and to carry out politics that suited it.

There was a high possibility that Louis Christian would trust France and be hit hard in the back of the head.

“Yes… First, we need to have a conversation. If we talk, we can guess the other party’s intentions.”

Knock knock-

A knock ringing at just the right time.

The Pope solemnly raised his voice.

“What is it?”

“Yes. Your Holiness. Louis Christian de France, Prince of France, has arrived.”

“Oh, yes. Let him in quickly!”

The door opened at the same time as the Pope’s words fell.

Clement XIV and Cardinal Lazzaro’s gazes naturally turned towards him.

The Pope did not take his eyes off Christian’s every move as he slowly walked in.

If he is hiding his true intentions, I will not miss even the slightest lie.

Christian did not avoid the Pope’s gaze, which was filled with strong will.

He knelt politely and kissed the Fisherman’s Ring [a ring worn by the Pope], which symbolized the Pope.

Is it the Pope who is holding tension and vigilance, or is it Christian?

The formal audience began in a heavy atmosphere where a strange silence flowed.