I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 63

Marie agreed to the suggestion of going to drink American beer without a second thought.

“Is that the beer? The alcohol made from barley?”

Marie’s eyes sparkled like a child’s at the mention of tasting an unknown food.

Jefferson scratched his head, seemingly surprised by the more enthusiastic than expected reaction.

“Has the Countess never tasted beer before?”

“No. In the palace… I mean, where I live, there aren’t many opportunities to taste beer.”

“I see. It seems beer isn’t very common among French nobles. I’ve heard most of them enjoy wine.”

“I see. It’s unique, but I think it will suit your taste.”

Jefferson nodded casually.

Honestly, who would think that someone born and raised in the Habsburg palace had never even tasted beer?

They would probably just think she was raised very preciously and move on.

When Marie, Deon, Jefferson, and I arrived at the brewery, a middle-aged man who appeared to be the owner came out to greet us.

“You’ve arrived. I’ve been waiting for you, Jefferson.”

“It’s been a while. Did you receive the letter I sent?”

“Of course. A slave ran like fire to deliver it. Is the person next to you Count Lamarche?”

Samuel Adams looked a bit stern, just like in the portraits.

I guess it’s not strange, considering that most Harvard graduates at the time had this image.

I stepped forward and extended my hand before Jefferson could introduce me.

“I am Zinedine Henri, Count of Lamarche. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re fluent in English. No, if you’re a French nobleman, you’d naturally be fluent in Latin or English. My apologies.”

“It’s alright. But I thought breweries were just places where they made alcohol, but the atmosphere is a bit different from what I expected.”

Looking around, this place felt more like a pub than a brewery.

In the small building, people were already chatting and drinking in various spots.

Marie couldn’t take her eyes off the unfamiliar sight, as if fascinated.

“It seems the Count and his wife haven’t been to this type of bar before.”

“I know about them. I think you’ve taken inspiration from the pubs that are slowly becoming popular in England. Deon here has also been in England for a long time, so she’s probably seen them.”

“Yes. I remember going to drink occasionally when I was in England. I miss it.”

“Oh, even noble ladies frequent pubs in England? Then how does this place compare to the pubs in the homeland? Should we make further improvements so that women can come comfortably?”

Adams showed great interest in Deon, who had stayed in England for a long time.

Of course, Deon went to the pub not as a noble lady but as a man… it’s best not to say unnecessary things.

“It seems fine. And honestly, a pub is all about the taste of the beer.”

“How magnanimous. It seems even more charming when a beautiful woman like you says that.”

What exactly is standing out?

I’m the only one here who knows that something is strange about the conversation going on before my eyes.

I did my best to manage my expression and tried to change the subject.

“By the way, are we going to continue the conversation here? It’s noisy and there are so many people, it seems distracting.”

“That’s why it’s even better for camouflage. If we go to a secluded spot here, we’ll be isolated from the surroundings and the sound won’t be heard well.”

Adams said that and led us to a spot located behind the pub’s counter.

Certainly, it was a good place where you couldn’t see this side from the outside due to the angle, and the sound was somewhat blocked.

Perhaps they had prepared a place to use for this purpose since they built the building.

“Then let’s have our discussion here. Madam, it seems like you’ll have to wait here for a bit, is that alright?”

“Of course. I see they sell simple foods, so I’ll talk to Deon while having what the people here eat.”

Just by looking at her expression and eyes, I could tell how much Marie was enjoying the situation.

It was fortunate, but it was unexpected that she accepted this messy atmosphere so easily.

Could it be that her recent interactions with the citizens and growing interest in the lives of ordinary people have had an impact?

Whatever the reason, this is a positive thing and not a problem.

Marie carefully picked up the beer glass in front of her and looked around.

She was trying to taste it seriously, but she looked like a girl who had received a new doll, which made me laugh.

Finally, she cautiously took a sip of the beer and smacked her lips with a strange expression.

“How is it? The taste of your first beer.”

“It’s completely different from wine. It definitely lacks depth, but… it certainly has its own unique character. I’ll have to drink a little more.”

With that said, she lifted the beer glass like a wine glass and slowly brought it to her lips.

Her elegant posture, which didn’t fit in with this place, looked cute in reverse, and Adams and Jefferson also had satisfied smiles on their faces.

I naturally passed her and pretended to go to Adams and Jefferson, whispering softly to Deon, who was sitting next to her.

“Keep an eye on our conversation while talking to Marie. You’ll have to report to His Majesty as well.”

Deon took a sip of beer and nodded very slightly.

“Leave it to me. I’ll tell the Madam interesting stories I experienced while living in England as a snack.”

She’s been working as a spy for a long time, so this is nothing to her.

I left behind Marie’s excited voice and sat facing Adams and Jefferson.

“Then shall we begin the serious discussion now?”

Adams placed a glass of beer on everyone’s seat.

To be honest, 18th-century beer was naturally less tasty than beer brewed with modern technology.

Whether it’s the deep taste of ale or the refreshing taste of lager, everything feels less than what you can buy at a convenience store.

But drinking while feeling the local atmosphere like this has its own charm.

“Not bad.”

“That’s right. Even if it’s not a high-end alcohol, isn’t the life of the common people melted into a glass of beer like this?”

Adams smiled cheerfully, unlike his stern impression, and continued, clinking glasses.

“I heard that the Count is very interested in the North American colonies.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“Then have you ever thought about the independence of the colonies?”

“Adams, that’s······!”

Jefferson distorted his face as if it was an unagreed story.

Adams waved his hand as if it was okay.

“The Count has already noticed everything just by talking to you. There’s no reason to come all the way here and keep talking in circles with the same story. It’s a waste of time for both of us.”

“Still, isn’t it too hasty? What if France has other ideas······.”

“In most cases, the enemy of an enemy becomes a friend. Isn’t that what you wrote in your letter?”

Jefferson closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead at the very direct way of speaking.

However, I was convinced that Adams wasn’t just leaking these words without thinking.

Because the person in front of me is none other than the famous Samuel Adams.

The modern evaluation of this man is largely divided into two categories.

From the theory that he is a great revolutionary who was the main player in the War of Independence and the leader of the independence faction, to the claim that he is just an evil instigator who incited rioters.

The fact that the evaluations are so extreme means that the subject of the evaluation has some degree of ambivalence.

In fact, a revolutionary can be said to be an instigator if you turn it over, and Adams actually did a lot of political agitation while leading the independence faction.

He is a person who is good at stimulating people’s primal emotions.

It would be forbidden to be careless thinking that he is a simple person.

I pretended not to know and played along with his words.

“Do the colonies want independence from England?”

“Aren’t you already guessing? We both have similar goals, so let’s talk honestly.”

“Well… that’s a very dangerous topic.”

“The risk is much greater for us. If the Count reports this story to England right now, we’ll all be dragged away. What better way to build trust than this?”

Is this a way to attract the other person by deliberately exposing their weaknesses?

He says that, but he can’t use this method unless he’s sure that the other person will take his side.

Besides, if I don’t become one side, he must have thought of a way to deal with it.

It’s best not to be on bad terms with this type of person.

“I didn’t know you would trust me so much. It’s certainly as Mr. Adams said. This won’t be the official opinion of the French royal family, but if it’s okay with my personal opinion, I’ll get along with you.”

“That’s enough. What the Count hears and sees here will surely flow into the French royal family.”

“Then shall I answer the first question? I naturally believe that the 13 North American colonies should be independent from England.”

“That’s right. Wouldn’t that be beneficial to France too?”

Jefferson frowned slightly at Adams’ blatant remark.

“Adams, that kind of speech is rude to the Count.”

Before Adams could argue, this time I shook my head with a good-natured laugh.

“It’s okay. This level of intensity is perfect for a drinking party. That way, the story progresses quickly.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“First of all, from France’s point of view, it is inevitable to welcome the independence of the colonies. If England continues to occupy this land and expand its power, the gap in power between the two countries will only increase over time.”

“That’s what the Count said. And if France supports our independence, it will be much easier to create an independent public opinion on this side. If we join forces with our allies and wage a diplomatic war, independence may be possible without bloodshed.”

No, that’s not it.

Who would be so foolish as to only do good for others while suffering losses?

“That will be difficult. Considering the value of the colonies to England, they will never let go easily. Bloodshed is inevitable. Besides, if the colonies take such a way of relying on other countries, their will for independence will inevitably be questioned.”

“That’s… certainly true.”

“It is impossible to persuade other countries unless they are prepared to shed blood themselves. If you take the form of trying to get carried away, I will immediately advise His Majesty not to get involved. And considering the diplomatic relations after independence, that side will be more helpful.”

“…The Count is right. Our independence will inevitably be swayed even after independence if we do not play a leading role.”

That independence must be achieved through one’s own strength was a truth that was true in any era.

Of course, in this case, it was just an excuse to save France’s national power as much as possible and gain additional benefits, but it was surprisingly effective.

Adams strongly agreed with the word self-reliance, and Jefferson seemed somewhat impressed.

“Considering the future of the colonies, I am becoming more and more confident in my decision to work with the Count.”

“Yes… well, we are different from England. We want to maintain friendly relations with the colonists in the future.”

“Even if a situation arises where we have to engage in armed conflict with England, people will be able to unite without fear if France takes our side.”

Adams nodded and took Jefferson’s words.

“The most important thing for the independence faction was to create a realistic bulwark to lean on. To be honest, I was in a daze, but at this time I learned about the existence of the Count from France. Moreover, Jefferson’s guarantee that he has the insight to see through the political situation of the colonies has been added. I am even beginning to think that I am seeing the scene where God is working for the independence of the colonies.”

As Adams said, it is true that the current situation is falling into place so eerily.

Of course, it’s because I came at just the right time, but others can’t help but think of this as the guidance of heaven.

Logically, it is in the realm of delusion to think that France across the Atlantic Ocean would know the details of the 13 colonies.

“But now we are not in a situation to discuss specific negotiations or treaties. I am just a count and not in a position to represent France, and you cannot yet be said to be representing the 13 colonies.”

“That’s right. But we have many comrades who share our goals. It is we who will lead the independence of the colonies, and if our demands are conveyed to France through the Count, it may take on a kind of agreement.”

“I agree with that part too. The people who will be the central figures in this colony in the future will surely be the independence faction and people like Mr. Washington. So I will make France’s position clear here.”
The major premise that I had firmly laid down from the moment I decided to use the American Revolutionary War as a stepping stone for my flight.

I don’t have the slightest intention of repeating the mistakes France made in the original history.

“If the colonies really have the potential to stand up to England and become independent, French public opinion will naturally flow in the direction of supporting you. But war is also destined to flow with the logic of capital in this era. If there is not enough profit for this side to intervene, France will not move. Conversely, if you promise a clear reward, the opposite will happen.”

“The clear benefit of curbing England’s long-term growth······.”

“It doesn’t make sense to endure the immediate losses with such a vague future. Politicians may move with such calculations, but those who actually shed blood will not be convinced.”

In fact, at the time of the American Revolutionary War, France had not yet recovered from the damage caused by the previous war.

Since they spent a lot of money here again, even if the entire kingdom could withstand it, the royal family’s finances had no choice but to suffer enormous damage.

No matter how important it is to give England a big and beautiful middle finger, I can’t cut my flesh to feed someone else’s belly.

Adams and Jefferson did not make any particular objections to this.

It was just that Adams put a word of excuse in a slightly cramped tone.

“We would like to promise you rights, but as you said earlier, we are not yet in a position to promise anything.”

“I’m not saying to spit something out right now. As I said earlier, if you will soon become the center of uniting the colonies into one, I want you to keep this in mind from now on. Coexistence and co-prosperity. Shouldn’t we be able to achieve true harmony by moving forward in a form where everyone benefits and prospers?”

“…The Count is right. Let’s work together to walk the path of liberation to cut off England’s oppression. Hahaha.”

Adams awkwardly laughed as he refilled the empty glass with beer.

※※※

It was already dark when I left Samuel Adams’ pub.

Marie and I got on the carriage returning to Mount Vernon.

Jefferson said he had more to talk about with Adams and stayed at the pub.

“Did the story end well? The atmosphere seemed good as I could hear laughter.”

As soon as the carriage moved forward, Marie sat close to me and asked.

Her face was flushed as if she was drunk, and she was subtly sticking to me, which was different from usual, so the stimulation was tremendous.

“Did you hear us talking from there?”

“No~ I couldn’t hear the details well. But I heard Mr. Adams say something like let’s overthrow the oppressor England at the end.”

“Hmm… it was a statement that could have been dangerous if others had heard it, so I guess his voice was loud. I’ll have to tell him to be more careful next time.”

“But you know. Isn’t it strange?”

Marie pointed to the brewery that was moving away from her sight with a strangely sullen expression.

“Was the beer taste strange?”

“No~! It’s not like that. It’s funny when you think about it. Mr. Adams was using slaves at the brewery. He clearly said that the clothes were well-ironed and the salary was good, but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s taking advantage of the slave system. But can he express England as an oppressor?”

She’s stabbing a surprisingly sharp part.

Could it be that what she had been building up in her mind had burst out at once with the help of alcohol?

“Still, Adams is probably one of the most moderate in dealing with slaves. At least he will refute that himself,”

“In that case, isn’t this place one of the most moderately treated colonies among the colonies England has? Rather, England is better. They at least don’t treat colonists as slaves.”

Considering the Indian wars and conflicts over slavery that would take place in the United States in the future, Marie’s point was a valid criticism.

“Madam, just in case, it’s just a word, but it’s best not to say such things in front of the colonists. Originally, people react aggressively when they are hit with facts that cannot be refuted.”

“I know. I’m not that clueless either. But I just felt like picking a fight.”

“I can’t understand it yet, but that’s what politics is all about. You have to be able to calmly repeat your claims while saying things that completely contradict what you said, and shake hands with people who were enemies until yesterday. A politician is someone who can endure such contradictions without any problems.”

“Mr. Washington and Mr. Jefferson didn’t feel like that.”

“The two haven’t fully immersed themselves in politics yet. From that point of view, Adams is definitely a person who fits the mold of a politician much better.”

While appeasing Marie, who was grumbling about what that was, I leaned back on the back of the carriage.

Although we have revealed some of our inner thoughts to each other, it cannot be said that a complete relationship of trust has been formed.

The other side will now be racking their brains to figure out how to use me more effectively, and that’s no different on my side.

There will be a series of more headaches in the future, but whatever it is, it will be a good thing for this side.

Because it is already decided who will be the last one to laugh.