Napoleon in 1812
Chapter 110:

19. EuropeanSummit – 7

Thesmallstates of the Confederation of the Rhine wantedtobeguaranteed safetywithin the fence of the‘Union’. Mid-sized countries such as Denmark, Bavaria, and Saxonywere forcedtofollow under French pressure. And there wereotherpro-France countriesand satellite statesofthe French Empire.

TheStrasbourg talks, ofcourse, hadtobeled by France. Itwas overwhelming from the numberofcountries supportingit.

However, Austria and Prussia opposedit, as wellassome small countriesofthe Confederationthat appeared to have decidedtojoin them.

They bothered Frenchofficials by persistently arguing on the main agenda. Despite thefar greaternumber of French supporters, theatmosphere of thetalkswas shaking.

Perhaps the pro-French side’s solidarity was loose… butNapoleonthought that it was more due to stupidity.

“The mostimportant thing in forminga military control networkistoestablish aquickand intuitive command and defense system. Inthe event of awar, theUnionshould be abletoquickly deploytroops to the conflict zone.

Furthermore, I thinkitisnecessary to simplify the proceduretosharemajormilitaryroadsbetween memberstates and to be allowed to use defense facilitiessuch as fortresses, ports, and simple warehouses. Of course, the price forthis will havetobepaid after thewar is over.”

The man talking was Louis Nicolas Davout, who was given thepositionofmilitaryadvisor to thefounded union. Inshort, it meant thatifa warbrokeout, themember states would receive mutual military passage rights from the beginningsothat they could supporteach other immediately.

If the memberstates belonging to theUnionagreed withthis, then they would not need to obtain permission fromeach other whenever they crossedthe border.

If theycoulduse the road networkand movequickly to thebattlefield, thatwouldbeenough. In order to proceed smoothly withthe upcoming war against Russia andSweden, Francehad to secure this right to passinadvance.

“Grant military passage rights? What country allows foreign troops to cross itsborder withouta singlerequest!? Prussiahas no intention of acceptingthis!”

“The marshalmust know better howimportant speed is in military operations…”

“Speed! Of course, it’s important! However, the Frenchofficials needtothinkaboutthe wisesaying of KingOtto theGreatthat urgentwork cannotbeanexcuse for tyranny! I’ll ask younow. Is that really required?”

Blücher, Prussia’s ‘Marshal Forwards’, who always opposed France, shouted while hitting the table.

He was fiery andreckless, so if the Frenchused this well, theycouldreduce Prussia’s speaking ability. However, theproblem wasthe French side’sresponse.

“Then, should we staystillwhen alliedmember states areattacked? Whata foolish question!”

“What? Areyou donetalking nonsense?”

“You don’t havetospeaklike a coward. I won’t tell you to fight after youreturn home, so don’t waste our time. Allyou havetodoisgive theway for theimperialarmy to move forward.”

Muratwas crushing Prussiawith an arrogant expression. Because of this, Blücher and other Prussian officialsgot angry and even pro-Frenchcountries shook their heads.

“In order for theEmpire’stroops to quicklyadvance to thebattlefields, they needthe supportand helpofthe member states. I will make surethat therequisitionisassmallaspossible, so I approve it first…”

Jérôme Bonaparte, the KingofWestphalia, said thingsheshould not have said. In thisera, local requisition wasessential becauseitwas difficult to supplythe troops only withwhat they broughtfrom their home country.

If warbrokeout withRussia, several cities andcountries betweenFrance and Russiawouldbecome victimsofthis local requisition to supplythe French army.

His brotherwas showinga curious talent to bring outuncomfortable truthstothe strugglingmember states. Napoleonslightlyrubbed his forehead with atiredlook.

The PolishKing, Józef I, and theViceroy of theKingdom of Italy, Eugène, had helped with proper conversationmethods, but theywere cutoff by these two idiotswho blewthe talks away. How baddid theydofor Carnot, who always kept apokerface, tostareatthem with an annoyedgaze?

“I knowthis is to protect the safetyofthe Union and strengthen solidarity. However, if the demandisexcessive, it will rather harm the sovereignty andfreedom of memberstates. A coalition hasbeen formed, but each member state needs time to build trust.”

It was thewordsofHardenberg, Prussia’s ForeignMinister, who calmeddown theheated atmosphere. He gathered supportfrom memberstates by saying in a softvoicethat theissuewas hasty.

‘At first, strongly opposeand takethe lead, provokethe other side, and then persuade the othersbymoderating your arguments anddelayingthe decision… You came up witha good strategy.’

Indeed, opinionsbegantodiverge among pro-France member states. Evenifsafety and solidarity wereimportant, didthey have to do this? A voicecame outinthe midst of their murmurs.

“…Then we will takea littlemore time to think about this.”

Carnot noticedthat thediscussion would be disadvantageoustothe French side if it continued like this, so he withdrew first and thediscussion on this subjectended.

ThePrussianofficials werehiding their happy faces, andBlücheropenly looked delighted. The faces of theAustrianofficials werenot darkeither.

“Is there somekind of deal betweenthe two countries?”

“I’m thinking thesame. But morethan that… I thinkweneed to control our alliesmore than our enemies.”

It was also refreshingtosee Carnot as angry as he waswhen Napoleon forcibly brought him in.

“Then, discussing it furtherwon’tbringmuch profit.”

Ofcourse, even in thissituation, if thesubject waspushed withstrengthand authority, France could create thepicture that it wanted. Nomatter how much the participating countries tried to protect their own interests, theywouldbow in front of ‘substantial threats’.

However, if thathappened, the atmosphere of the talks that had been prepared at bestwouldfade. Therewouldbescratches on France’s reputation.

Napoleon, whosepurpose wastomake Strasbourg’stalkslook fair, could notimpose suchcoercion.

‘Asexpected, there’snothing like aconspiracy at times like this.’

Hefelt like he had becomea boywho touchedsomething forbidden because he could not resistthe devil’stemptation. Therewas definitelynoneed to go a longway whenhewas busy.

===

“As I said before, the FrenchEmpire willbeselectedasthe new chair country of the Union.”

It wastime to rank the membercountries, theeventthat would mark the endoftoday’s meeting. No onecouldpredict howlong it would take for a rankwithin the Union to changeonce it wasdecided.

Maybe it would staysemi-permanently. Except for a few countries, for which onecouldguesswhat grade andpositionthey would receive, allthe others were impatient to know. Upon receiving a signal from Franz I, Metternichshouted as if he hadbeen waiting for this moment.

“First of all, please disclose thecriteriafor the ratings calculatedbythe French Empirehere. Only then willthe member statesbeconvinced whenthey receive their ranks.”

“As I saidbefore, it’s the role of the chair country…”

“No, that’snot whatI meant. Setting standardsitself is certainly therole of thechaircountry. But member statesdeserve to know at least whatthesestandards are.”

Metternich’swordsworked again thistime. Itwas onlynatural. How manycountries could listen to evaluations without evenknowing thecriteriaand accept them smoothly?

Itwas alsoa matterdirectlyrelated to thenationalinterest. Thiswas abletoweavethe entire conference room, including pro-France countries, into a softconsensus.

Ifthe creation of the Union itselfcouldnot be prevented, then they should gnaw at the influenceand reputationofFrance within theUnionlittle by little. Underthis goal, Metternich and theofficials of Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairshad moved and their efforts werecertainly paying off. Theytriedhard to hide their smiles.

As soonasthe commotion wasabouttostartagain, the sound of five claps in the room calmed it down. People’s attentionfocused on theperson sittinginthe middle of theconference hall.

“The scheduledclosing time has passed. Let’s finish today’s meetinghere andmake a new appointment in twodays. It’s good to devote yourself to your country, but because you arerepresenting yourcountry, taking careofyourselfisanother form of patriotism. Let’s stayinfull conditionduring the talks by filling up our stomachs andresting fora bit. Strasbourgtalksare not over after onlytoday.”

NapoleonBonaparte calmed down the memberstates in aheavyand powerful voice, sayingthat there wasnothing urgentand thattherewas plenty of time to discuss. It was thefirsttime that the FrenchEmperor spoke up, ashehad not said muchduring the dayexcept for theintroduction of the talks.

At thatmomentary impact, Metternich stopped breathing andlooked at him without evenrealizing it. Those short words changed the atmosphere of the conference hallatonce.

‘As I thoughtbefore… He has changed alot. Or maybe he is only revealing nowhis truenature.’

Thatwas naturalcharisma. The blood that could dominate and rule others, orshould, wasflowing in Napoleon’s veins.

Metternich, who was looking at the FrenchEmperor carefullyand witha wary look, still decidedtocelebrate today’sachievements.

‘Blocking the granting of military passage rights is a great achievement. With it, it would be more difficult forAustria andPrussia to develop their strength in the dark.’

Metternichglanced at Prussian figures who hadsecretlycooperated with him, and to variouscountries in the Confederation of the Rhine, whichhad secret ties connected to France. First, he wona small victory in the Western War.

===

“…Johannes, there’sstillnoresponse?”

“Yes. It’s been along time since the closing of the meeting, butthat damn gatedoesn’t seem to open.”

“Thencome down frommyshoulders for a second… I think my backisgoingtobreak.”

“Holdon… Crap, Zaite! Get your balancestraight!”

“Comedown first, and thenwe’lltalk!”

Numerous reportersinthe square outside the Rohan Palaceburstinto laughter at theridiculous appearance of ayoungman staggeringwith another young man struggling on his shoulders.

“Youngpeople are very passionate! There was a timewhen I was like that, too. Ofcourse, I’ve never had thestrange idea of gettingsomeone on topofmyshoulders. Even if you trysohard, you won’t be abletoget an exclusive intervieworcontent that you cancover!”

“Hahahaha!”

At their words, Johannes andZaite’s expressions were badly crumpled.

“Whatthe heck… Thesebastardsare totallylaughingatus.”

“Ugh… I’mtired!…”

Johanneswas ajournalist working for a small newspaper in Frankfurt, and Zaite wasa trainee reporter. Thetwo, whowere also old friends in the same neighborhood, came to Strasbourg on behalf of a retiredreporterwho suffered froma chronic illness.

Naturally, it was to cover theStrasbourg talks to which Europewas currently payingthe mostattention. Theenthusiasm forthe coverage was very hot.

As manyas700 reporters gathered andwaited in the squareoutside theRohanPalace alone, anditwas hardtocountthe crowd, local residents, and students.

According to data released by the FrenchMinistryofthe Interior, theend timeofthe meetingwas 6 p.m. However, even though it waspast 7 p.m. now, thebell wasnot ringingtoannouncethe closure.

That was whyJohannestriedtofind outwhat wasgoingoninthe palace over the fence.

“Because of you, we’vebecome complete fools.”

“Shut up, idiot.”

Zaite’s grumbling entered one of Johannes’ ears andflowed out of theother, as he looked at thescenery of theplazaoutside thequietpalace. As thedoor of thedetachedpalace did notopen even after the promised time had passed, the tension among reporters slightly eased.

The closerand moreeye-catching theywere to theobject to be covered, the betterthey could observe their expressions and actions. If they werelucky, theymightget achance to ask questions. If theydid well, theywouldget agood place, right?… Johannes thoughtso. It was then.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

Thebell rang. It meant that the talks hadended. As soonasheheardthe bell, Johannes ran towardthe gateatfull speed, throwingaway Zaite, the traineereporterand his hometown friend. Other reporters rushedin, but youth wasalso usefulfor this.

“Hahaha, passion and unusual ideas makea difference! Thejuniors were greatlyenlightenedbythe advice of theseniors.”

“Gasp!… Haa!… Gasp!…”

“Huh!… Damnit!…”

Johannes, who reached the front of thegate blocked by palace guards, proudlysaid so. The reporters wholaughed at himbefore onlyspit outswearwordswhilecatchingtheirbreath. They could see theexpressionsofthoseleaving thegate through the gardens of the Rohan Palace.

Johannes, who was at theforefront of the reporters, caught peoplefrom Austria and Prussia smiling. However, it was difficulttotell whowere thewinner and loser because the faces of Frenchforeign officials, who were expected to haveconfronted them, were alsobright.

“It’sthe first day of thehistoricStrasbourg talks. What discussions didyou havethere!?”

“What was thepositionofmajorcountries on permanent peace andcommon development in Europe??”

“Did HisMajesty theEmperor of Francedeclare a complete end to thewar?”

The answers of the participantsinthe talks answering thepouring questionsfrom reporterswere businesslike. Since it was thefirstday of the meeting, he thought thatheshould behave carefully… But not a chance. Hehad comeall the wayhere! Johannesshouted loudlyfrom theforefront of the reporters. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴøᴠel Fɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

“It’s a meetingtoachieve a noble goal, but theprocess of reaching it must not have beeneasy! That’s whatI’m asking you! Haveyou achieved to integrate theconflictinggoalsofyour country’snationalinterests and Europe’s commonvalues?”

Unpleasanteyes pouredout fromthe other reporters, but Johannes kepthis headstraight. Now, ashewas ready to write downany answershewouldhear, a pleased laugh was heard. The reporters whosaw who waslaughingheld their breath.

“Hahahaha! You know how to aska very pleasant question.”

Except under special circumstances, the giantsdid not deal directly withreporters. AndKlemens vonMetternich wasdefinitely a giant in Europe. Then he replied directly withoutlosing his smile.

“We have sympathized withthe ideals of Franceinmany ways, andifthe processis‘reasonable’, we arewilling to work together. Protecting one’s national interests is only one of many purposes, andI guaranteethat it will not play an active role as amajorissue. The newly formedUnionwill followthe pastEuropeantraditions. Please lookforward to fair justice, which is not dominatedbyonly ‘one country’.”

Johannes’ eyes shined. France lost… This wasa scoop!

===

So far, Austriahad beenrepeatedly beatenbyFrance. It wasa history of humiliation withwar defeats, manyterritorieslost, and the country constantlyswayed on the French-led board.

Austria succeededinachieving asmallvictory (althoughitwas adiplomatic achievement) for the first time in decades.

Since theEmperor Franz I praisedMetternich andotherforeign officialsina slightly encouraging way, Austrian people whoknew what thismeantwouldfeel a deepsenseofpride. It was a verymeaningful victory and success for Metternich himself.

Howmuch it made him feel better. Heeven smiledand answered questions from unknownnewspaper reporters to whom he would normally not have talked. But Metternichknew betterthan anyoneelse that thiswas not a complete victory.

Napoleon andFrance would surely launcha counterattack, anditwas urgent to come up witha strategy to prepare for this. What would theyargueaboutinthe second meeting in two days? What should be prepared to respond?

Metternich, who did notshow up at thepartyand onlyworked withthe other Austrian officials, was secretly called by theFrench Ministry of ForeignAffairs 12 hours beforethe second meeting. Metternich feltthat thecontact wasunusual, and decidedtomeet them in person.

“What do you think they’re lookingfor?”

“I’msure they wantustobehave obedientlyinthe upcoming talks. That was to be expected. But we willtake care of the national interestsofthe Austrian Empire as much as possible.”

“I willonly trust theForeign Minister.”

Metternich received words of encouragementand trust fromFranzI, and wentout to meethis opponent withhis attendantswith full confidence. And then, he meta personhehad never evendreamed of seeingthere.

“It’s been areally longtime, Marquis. How haveyou been?”

Talleyrand-Périgord. Metternich’s face hardened as he faced his formercomrade whohad asoft smile. Asexpected, diplomacy wasAustria’s strength!…

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