I Became A Genius Of The French Royal Family [EN]: Chapter 94

Surprise Gift

The meeting regarding the dispatch of troops naturally didn’t conclude in a single day.

Meetings were held at least once a day, and regardless of the talks between Franklin and me, the nobles also engaged in fierce discussions among themselves.

Although the dispatch of troops had already been decided, there was a prevailing sentiment that they should be promised the maximum amount of vested interests.

“Has the review of the proposal I made last time been completed? I think an agreement should be reached soon.”

Unlike my relaxed attitude, Franklin avoided my gaze as if he was in trouble.

“Actually, it’s difficult to estimate the reparations when the war isn’t even over. I think it would be better to discuss this part after the war is over.”

“That won’t do. You’ve been staying in France for a few days, so you should have seen the atmosphere here, right? Among the nobles, there are still many who question why we have to intervene in the war in the New World and shed blood. So, shouldn’t there be visible benefits to persuade them?”

“But if the war ends, France can regain almost all the colonies that England has in the New World, can’t it?”

As Franklin said, it is common for individual countries to sign reparations treaties separately after the war is over.

Notifying them that they will take a certain percentage of the total amount of reparations in this way is bound to cause complaints.

However, on the other hand, France was in a position to dispatch troops while bearing huge losses in this war.

The claim from this side to provide financial benefits was not entirely absurd.

“Of course, it’s true that we’re taking Nouvelle-France [New France, the area of North America colonized by France]. But when viewed coldly, isn’t it also true that we can’t predict how much benefit this will bring?”

“The territory of Nouvelle-France is vast. I am confident that it will become a land of opportunity that can bring huge benefits to France in the future.”

“Is that really the case? The records of when we occupied that land are still 남아 있는데 [remaining], and it seems there are quite a few areas with dense thickets and giant mountain ranges. The vast lake in the north looks attractive, but it seems difficult for people to settle there due to the cold climate. Do you really think this place is as valuable as the land currently occupied by the United States?”

Of course, I can say yes a hundred times.

But at this point, who can confidently answer this question?

Especially in such an official setting, even a small slip of the tongue can be caught later, so you have to be careful.

“Unfortunately, managing Nouvelle-France is a kind of gamble for us. What if we work hard to reclaim it, but it turns out to be barren land that can’t be 답이 나오지 않을만큼 [answered]? What if it’s a desolate place with no resources to be found? As a member of the royal family, I have no choice but to assume this worst-case scenario. I hope you understand this point.”

“Yes. I agree with Your Highness’s opinion. Nouvelle-France and mainland France are too far apart, so we won’t be able to receive support from the home country right away, and if management fails, only huge losses will accumulate.”

“That’s right. War is already a kind of gamble, so we can’t put everything on the optimistic hope that we’ll hit the jackpot with colonial management. So, we’re trying to make a financial profit so that we don’t lose out even in the worst case. Demanding mining or reclamation rights from the United States would be the most realistic demand, but wouldn’t that put too much burden on that side?”

If someone who knows the truth sees it, it’s an outrageous statement, but since no one except me knows that I’m pulling off a huge scam.

From the surface, my words were irrefutable.

“But even so, 90% of the reparations is too much. No matter how we calculate it, the United States will inevitably suffer losses.”

“Wouldn’t it be a benefit just to successfully achieve independence?”

“…That’s true, but the federal government is already heavily in debt because of the war. We are raising funds through war bonds, so we have to repay them when the war is over, but if France takes most of the reparations…”

“Then let the United States make a suggestion. What factors other than money can France benefit from?”

Franklin took out several documents as if he had been waiting for this question.

“We have reviewed it in our own way. First of all, we can’t give you 90% of the reparations, but if we can fill only the amount we need, we will concede the remaining difference to France. In addition, we can support the manpower and resources needed for colonial reclamation at a reasonable price.”

“Hmm…”

“Also, if you develop the New World, conflicts with the Indians will inevitably arise. We have accumulated a lot of experience with the Indians. We will establish a mutual defense system and dispatch talented people with rich experience.”

He is indeed an excellent person.

He accurately reads what we want and offers a compromise.

In fact, this alone is a one-sided benefit for us, but we can’t rest assured with that alone.

Considering the extraordinary things that the United States did in the original history, we need to put one more shackle on it.

“It’s a good suggestion, but it’s still true that we have to take the risk of developing Nouvelle-France.”

“That’s true, but considering the vast territory of Nouvelle-France, there must be some usable land.”

“I agree with that point. However, I would like to prepare some safety devices regarding that point.”

“Safety devices?”

“Yes. For example, let’s assume that we worked hard to develop Nouvelle-France, but it ended up being a complete bust. On the other hand, the United States continued to discover abundant resources. Then, naturally, a disgruntled public opinion would explode in France, right?”

Franklin slowly nodded his head.

If such a situation really happened, it would be 도둑놈 심보 [acting like a thief] to hope that the atmosphere would not be harsh.

“Conversely, what if our territory of Nouvelle-France turned out to be an unimaginably golden land? What kind of opinion would come out from the United States? Would it really end with a sincere congratulations?”

“…I don’t think so.”

“As long as the territories are attached, we should think that these disputes can arise at any time. So let’s make it clear here.”

In fact, from the beginning, it was enough to break even with reparations.

The reason why I called 90% was to draw aggro in a way that the other party could not accept, and then accept the proposal I really wanted.

“Nouvelle-France and the United States of America shall respect each other’s territories and establish an organization to peacefully resolve disputes. If necessary, we may add a process of listening to the opinions of third countries.”

“We have no complaints about that at all.”

Logically, from the current stage, this would seem like a beneficial treaty for the United States.

Even Franklin, who is representing the United States now, cannot even imagine how much power the United States will have in the future.

“Good. I hope that this agreement will ensure that the friendship between the United States and France will last forever. But are you planning to return to the United States right away? Or are you going to rest here a little longer?”

“I also want to take a break, but I have to get cooperation from other countries besides France. I have to move 부지런히 [diligently].”

“There’s no need for that. We’ve already finished talking with many countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, India, and Russia.”

“Yes?”

Franklin, who had signed the agreement, raised his head with a puzzled look.

“As soon as we dispatch troops, all of France’s allies will declare war on England. So you don’t have to go to other places to ask for support.”

“…”

Franklin’s mouth dropped open at the unexpected development.

And soon, his eyes were filled with 허탈한 기색 [a sense of emptiness] as he realized all the circumstances.

To have finished all these preparations means that all the work has already been completed in advance.

Franklin stared at my face, which had been 운운하던 [mentioning] that this war was a huge gamble, with a dumbfounded look.

However, the agreement had already been signed, and even if you looked at it, it was not something that would be detrimental to the United States.

In the end, he had no choice but to nod his head 허탈하게 [in a daze] at my words to rest in Paris until the preparations were completed.

※※※

Tuileries Palace, the Hall of Peace, which is the object of everyone’s envy and admiration in Paris today.

“So, Mr. Franklin is going to stay in Paris?”

I spent some time with Marie for the first time in a long time, listening to her story.

“That’s right. Because he has fulfilled all the purposes of coming as a diplomat.”

“I heard that he is one of the most outstanding intellectuals in the United States? I would like to meet him if I have the opportunity.”

“I think he would welcome that too. I’ll arrange a meeting.”

Marie smiled brightly.

She picked up a piece of paper on the table and showed it to me.

“You saw this too, right? The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. Is it true that Mr. Franklin did the 기초 작업 [basic work]?”

“Yes. And Thomas Jefferson, whom we met in the New World last time, also participated. But did you like it? I think there are some phrases that the royal family wouldn’t like.”

The Declaration of Independence is strongly based on natural law ideology.

Immediately in Chapter 2, there is a phrase that all people are created equal by God, and that people created governments to secure these rights.

There is also a phrase that if the government denies these rights, citizens can reform or destroy the government at any time.

In addition to this, there were quite a few ideas that could only be frowned upon in a country that pursues absolute monarchy.

It was a little surprising that Marie looked at such a document with interest.

“I’ve felt a lot lately too. I’m studying hard in my own way.”

She turned her gaze away, 꾸물거리면서 [hesitantly] as if she was a little shy.

When I looked at where her eyes were pointing, there were thick books piled up in one corner.

“Have you read all of those?”

“Yes. I’ve talked to several noble ladies, and there are many who say that even women should have a certain level of education and knowledge. And if I don’t know too much, it will naturally smear your face.”

“You don’t have to do that much just for me…”

“Of course, it’s not just for you, it’s also for me. I’ve been feeling the desire for knowledge since I went to the New World before. When I met Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson at that time, I could only say things that appealed to emotions. So this time, I want to talk to Mr. Franklin.”

I wonder if she wants to check how much her knowledge has improved after studying hard.

“Still, the United States has a fundamentally different political system from France or the Holy Roman Empire. If you talk about it for nothing, you may only become confused.”

“Then I’ll ask you at that time. Is that okay?”

Of course, that’s what I wanted.

I readily nodded my head.

“But you have a tight schedule, so you need to check in advance to adjust the time…”

As I continued to speak, I blinked my eyes without saying a word as I checked Marie’s schedule for this week.

That’s strange… Marie didn’t originally have a schedule packed from morning to evening.

What kind of change has happened in the meantime that I haven’t been able to pay attention to because I’ve been so busy lately.

Given Marie’s personality, she wouldn’t suddenly cancel her schedule because she was 귀찮아졌다고 [annoyed].

Then, is there something wrong with her health?

Marie immediately waved her hand and smiled 배시시 [brightly] as if she had noticed my worried gaze.

“That’s not it. I guess you really don’t know. Everyone must have kept my request to keep it a secret.”

“Secret? Did you cancel all your schedules and prepare some surprise event?”

“Well~ it might be a surprise event.”

Marie narrowed the distance with me slightly with an expression I had never seen before.

For some reason, she seemed 의기양양해 [triumphant], and she seemed to be trying to suppress something that was 벅차오르는 [welling up].

“…Am I supposed to guess what it is?”

“Well, I was originally going to watch when you noticed. But suddenly a big event like the war broke out, so I thought you wouldn’t have time, so I’ll tell you in advance.”

What on earth is going on that she’s taking so long?

Marie cleared her throat once and stretched out her shoulders.

“You know, Christian.”

She slowly took my hand and put it on her stomach.

“Congratulations on becoming a father.”

“…?”

I just stared at Marie with my eyes wide open, wondering what this meant.

Soon, I understood her words and stared blankly at my hand touching Marie’s stomach.

The feeling of body temperature meeting body temperature was completely different from usual.

“Are you… pregnant?”

“Yes.”

As if enjoying my half-spirited reaction, she smiled 생글생글 [radiantly] and stared at my eyes.