I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 58

To the New World (1)

“There’s been quite a heated debate surrounding your previous claims.”

I was back at the Palace of Versailles.

Louis XV said, showing me the thick report I had written.

“Are you referring to the suggestion of not clashing with England for the time being?”

“No. Everyone unanimously agreed with that.”

Louis XV showed me the recorded opinions of the heads of each ministry who had attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister, the Director-General of Finances, and the heads of the four major departments—Foreign Affairs, Interior, Army, and Navy—all had different reasons, but the conclusion was the same.

After reading the records, I felt relieved.

No matter how much I disliked England, that was merely an emotional matter.

If someone in a key position of the government made political decisions based on such personal feelings, the country would quickly decline.

For now, I was glad that there didn’t seem to be any real fools among the ministers.

“Then, there must have been fierce debate about the direction of future foreign policy.”

“Indeed. Maurepas and Choiseul gave lukewarm approval. The Minister of the Navy, Morpua, strongly agreed, while the Ministers of the Army and Interior opposed. The Minister of Foreign Affairs remained neutral, and the Director-General of Finances seemed to be mildly opposed.”

“I can roughly guess the basis for their judgments.”

Maurepas and Choiseul are now close to my faction, so they would have initially sided with approval.

Morpua, from Auguste’s faction, vehemently agreed because if France focused on the New World again, it would inevitably strengthen the navy.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs is probably still gauging which side to take.

Realistically, given France’s current situation, re-entering the New World would be a significant burden.

We lost all territories except for Saint-Domingue, which is modern-day Haiti, in the Seven Years’ War.

Even Louisiana, which we would regain during Napoleon’s time, was currently Spanish territory.

Louis XV might have shown a negative reaction from the start if I hadn’t been the one to propose it.

“I thought it would be best to hear your story and make a judgment before making a decision, so I didn’t come to a conclusion at the meeting. Someone of your caliber must be aware of the current financial situation of our France, right?”

“Yes. Of course, starting a new colonial venture in the New World from scratch would be no different from foolishly banging one’s head against a brick wall.”

“What? Then why did you make such a far-fetched claim, knowing it was absurd?”

“I’m only saying that’s the case now. But situations always change, and only those who are prepared can seize the opportunity.”

Louis XV still looked like he didn’t understand.

I understand.

Any normal person would naturally react this way.

I would have been disappointed if he had readily agreed with my opinion.

“The Minister of the Army argued that our France’s strength lies in its powerful army. This has already been proven through numerous wars. Therefore, the Minister of the Army said that we should further expand France’s powerful army to seize opportunities.”

“Specifically, what did he suggest doing with that army?”

“Our alliance with Austria has become solid, and if we can even form a marriage alliance with Russia, wouldn’t they also become our allies? So, if we pressure Prussia from all sides, wouldn’t it be possible to expand even further in Europe than we are now?”

“I guarantee that the Minister of the Army’s idea is nothing more than a delusion.”

This was the first time I had used such strong words in front of Louis XV.

The Minister of the Army’s claim was that dangerous.

In fact, this wasn’t just his problem.

Just as Louis XV was tempted by the idea, building a great empire in Europe was still a dream that paralyzed the reason of many rulers.

It’s all because of Rome.

The Third Rome, the Rebirth of Rome, the Successor of Rome.

This title is the ultimate goal, an ideal and dream for all European monarchs.

Even Russia and the Ottomans, who have little connection to the Roman Empire, are pretending to be Rome.

This alone shows how significant Rome’s status is.

There are even records that Napoleon boasted that he was the Emperor of Rome.

Thus, it may be a natural course for European powers to dream of expanding their territory on the continent and recreating the glory of ancient Rome.

Of course, being caught up in Roman fantasies isn’t the problem.

But if they harbor the delusion of realizing it, then it becomes troublesome.

“It is absolutely impossible for a great empire like ancient Rome to emerge on this continent now. Even if they don’t call themselves Rome, it’s impossible to completely annex other countries and expand their territory.”

“Is it because other powers won’t stand by and watch this side grow?”

“In terms of territorial expansion, that’s a big reason. Spain or Russia may side with us in the near future, but if France boasts enough power to swallow all of Europe, will they still side with us then? Whether to tolerate the birth of a hegemonic power or to stop it. If they are faced with such a choice, they will not hesitate to choose the latter.”

“Well… if that happens, they’ll probably flock to England and try to keep us in check, as if they never did. Still, what if we do our best in diplomacy beforehand to prevent such a situation from happening?”

I shook my head firmly.

The current Europe will never stand idly by and watch the birth of a superpower.

That fact has already been verified several times in the original history.

As soon as it seemed that Russia might completely overwhelm and swallow the Ottomans, England sided with the Ottomans, even with France.

When Napoleon completely painted Europe with his flag, Europe united and beat Napoleon.

When the German Empire, which appeared later, grew threateningly, Europe formed a triangular alliance of England, Russia, and France to check it.

“No matter what method we use, it’s impossible. Overt expansion on the European continent will only accelerate the formation of an anti-French alliance and will not benefit the national interest. Moreover, even if France has the military power to overwhelm all of Europe, the construction of an empire is nothing more than a futile dream.”

“Why?”

“The ancient era and the present era are completely different. In the past, the distinction between ethnic groups was not as clear as it is now, so nationalism was not as strong, with a few exceptions. But now, each region of Europe is linked by its own cultural sphere, and the identities of ethnic groups are firmly rooted.”

“Hmm… now that I hear it, it seems that way.”

“Even if you forcibly suppress and dominate with military power, it won’t last 50 years before they break away and become independent. For example, even if England occupies France, would our people willingly accept their rule?”

When I gave a simple example, Louis XV quickly understood and nodded.

“Expansion in Europe is no longer possible… so we must develop overseas colonies. I can understand that much. But why do we have to be so fixated on the New World? We will inevitably have to compete with England again.”

“No one knows how much potential the New World holds right now. Of course, it is impossible to directly compete with England and push them out. But what if England’s colonies are in conflict with England? If we prepare well in advance, it is not impossible to recover the territory of the old New France.”
The territory of the colony that France created in North America, commonly known as New France, was enormous in its heyday in terms of territory alone.
The border stretched from Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Hudson Mountains.

Of course, it was only wide in terms of administrative districts, and the actual population and substance did not reach that level.

But if I can utilize these conditions, the story will be different.

The problem is how to convey this to Louis XV as plausibly as possible.

If I say, ‘I know the knowledge of the future, Grandpa…!’, I’ll be treated like a mental patient right away.

“It would be nice if things went your way, but things in the world don’t always go our way. I know that England’s colonies in the New World are quite close to England.”

“Of course, it may seem that way now, but the seeds of conflict are already sprouting inside. If there is an opportunity, there is a high probability that the spark will ignite in an unexpected direction.”

“Hmm… well. There’s no guarantee that that will happen…”

I had expected the conversation to flow this way from the beginning.

And that’s why I approved Lavoisier’s investment plan in preparation for this very moment.

“It just so happens that the company I have a stake in is taking slaves to the New World this time. The main customers this time will probably be the British colonies, so how about sending a trustworthy person with them to scout the atmosphere there and establish relationships with influential figures? If unsatisfactory results come out of this, I will cleanly admit my mistake.”

Anyway, I can selectively create the data I want and make it plausible.

The point is who to send, and in order to avoid suspicion, I need to forge the identity of the British Jenner…

“Then you can take care of it again this time.”

“…Yes?”

I’m not old enough to be hearing things, but this is strange.

I moved my head from side to side because I thought I heard a strange sound, but Louis XV’s voice was more resolute than ever.

“This matter is a serious issue that could determine the fate of the country. So, I don’t think I can trust anyone else’s report as much as yours.”

“No, still, I’ll tell you which parts to focus on…”

“Still, it would be less accurate than you going there yourself. Because your achievements so far are certain, I am presenting even this level of compromise. If that wasn’t the case, it would have been rejected right away.”

“Still, I went to the Vatican right after returning from Austria… and right after returning from there, you’re telling me to cross the Atlantic this time, which is a bit…”

Perhaps realizing that this was too much even for himself, the King flinched for a moment.

After thinking for a while, he suggested another compromise.

“Anyway, there was a story that you needed suitable compensation last time. Considering your achievements so far, and now you are taking on an important mission and going on a long journey, I will give you the title of Sic [likely a typo, should be ‘Sire’]. Let’s see… yes, I will give you the area of ​​La Marche, which was under the jurisdiction of the Paris High Court. In other words, if you accept this job, you will become the Count of La Marche.”
The County of La Marche is an area corresponding to the modern French department of Creuse.
The title of Count of La Marche was currently merged with the French throne, but Louis XV was saying that he would hand over that position to me.

It is obvious, but the difference between a nobleman with vast estates and a nobleman without is enormous.

I currently had funds no less than any nobleman, but the only flaw was that I did not yet have a proper estate.

In this situation, gaining the County of La Marche would be like giving wings to a tiger.

No matter how much I thought about it, this was a problem with an answer determined from the beginning.

I bowed my head and shouted in a voice filled with emotion.

“I will do my best to live up to Your Majesty’s expectations!”

“Yes, yes. Use some strength this time too. Count of La Marche.”

“Yes. Please trust me and leave it to me.”

As I was appropriately matching Louis XV’s joke, I suddenly remembered an important fact that I had forgotten.

Come to think of it, there was one more problem to deal with.

In some ways, this was the most important problem.

What should I say to Marie?

※※※

I tried to think of what kind of excuse to make, but in the end, there was only one action I had to take.

“I’m sorry! I think I have to go on another long-distance business trip after all!”

Marie Antoinette, this Christian is kneeling like this.

Please forgive me just once.

When I begged with my hands together, Marie let out a dumbfounded laugh and rubbed her eyes.

“If I remember correctly, I think someone in front of me said that they would always be by my side because they have a lot of time now.”

“I’m sorry. There’s no excuse.”

“In the end, you only say sweet things and don’t put anything into practice.”

“I deserve to be cursed.”

Marie seemed to be really upset this time.

Honestly, it’s natural.

Who would like it if their husband left their wife alone in their first year of marriage?

I’m doing something that I deserve to be cursed for.

“No, I can generously overlook you going to the Vatican, but you’re going to cross the Atlantic and go to the New World? It will take at least a month to get there, so it will take two months just to go back and forth. If things take longer there, the year may change.”

“…”

“So, I may be in a situation where I have to spend my first year of marriage alone, away from my husband.”

“Shall I… tell His Majesty that I can’t go?”

Marie, who was glaring at me, who had become completely shrunken, sighed and shook her head.

“Okay. I’m not stupid. I heard that you decided to receive the title of Count of La Marche on the condition that you accept this mission? If I stop you from going here, I’ll be the dumbest wife in the world. However, there is one condition. If you grant this, I will gladly agree to go to the New World.”

“Tell me anything, I’ll grant it.”

If she makes concessions to this extent, I will have to give her corresponding compensation.

I am naturally prepared to grant any unreasonable request.

But unexpectedly, Marie did not open her mouth immediately.

After glancing at my expression for a long time, she finally declared in a determined voice.

“I’m going too. To the New World.”