Reincarnated as Napoleon

Chapter 194 Napoleon's Decision To Make France The Center Of European Affairs

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As Napoleon immersed himself in his tasks after the conversation with his Minister of War, Berthier, his tranquility was interrupted by the entrance of Beaumont. The mere prospect of dealing with yet another person seeking his attention seemed to weigh on Beaumont, a sentiment he couldn't conceal.

"Who is disturbing me now, Beaumont?" Napoleon inquired, his eyes remaining fixed on the document he was engrossed in.

"Your Excellency, it is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Talleyrand," Beaumont informed him, maintaining a formal tone.

"Talleyrand, Talleyrand," Napoleon repeated the name as he recalled the last time he had engaged with his Minister of Foreign Affairs. It had been a considerable stretch since their last interaction. "Fine, allow him to come in."

Beaumont nodded, stepping aside to allow Talleyrand to enter the room. The Minister of Foreign Affairs walked in, his cane in hand and a composed demeanor that matched his reputation for diplomacy and cunning. 

"Your Excellency," Talleyrand greeted with a courteous nod, acknowledging Napoleon's presence.

Napoleon finally shifted his attention from the document to Talleyrand. "Talleyrand, what brings you here today?" 

???d?s??vel.c?m Talleyrand cleared his throat slightly, "I come bearing news regarding our diplomatic efforts with our colony, the Saint-Domingue. Toussaint Louverture has accepted your invitation and will arrive in two months."

"One month huh?" Napoleon mused. "That's understandable given the distance between Saint-Domingue and France. I assume that our letter of invitation took one month to get there?"

Talleyrand inclined his head in agreement. "Indeed, Your Excellency. The correspondence took its due time to traverse the distance. We received confirmation of Toussaint Louverture's acceptance, and preparations are underway for his arrival." 

"Hmm…" Napoleon hummed as he looked at Talleyrand. "Talleyrand, aren't you getting tired standing there? Come here and take a seat." 

Talleyrand's posture eased subtly as he complied with Napoleon's invitation, making his way to a nearby chair and taking a seat. His expression remained composed, attentive to the proceedings. 

"Now that you are here, Talleyrand, I have something to talk with you about," Napoleon began.

"Oh...what is it, Your Excellency?" Talleyrand asked curiously. 

"We kicked the Austrians out of the coalition, and I believe it's time that we consolidate our power in Europe. Starting by getting friendly with the neutral nations. I'm sure you are familiar with the Second League of Armed Neutrality?" 

"Indeed, Your Excellency," Talleyrand responded. "The Second League of Armed Neutrality is a coalition of neutral countries consisting of Russia, Prussia, Denmark-Norway, and Sweden. Its primary aim was to protect their maritime rights and trade interests during times of naval conflict. By banding together, these nations sought to assert their neutrality and safeguard their merchant vessels from seizure or interference by warring parties. More like a party, because it's the United Kingdom who are interfering with their trades."

Napoleon nodded. "Precisely. These neutral nations can be valuable allies if we can foster positive relations with them. Our recent victory over Austria gives us a stronger position to negotiate from."

Talleyrand's brows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. "So, you are suggesting that we approach these neutral nations with the intention of forming alliances or agreements?"

"Yes, is it possible that we can get the ambassadors from each of these neutral countries to visit Versailles?" 

"We can do that, Your Excellency," Talleyrand confirmed.

"Good, I want to meet them next week," Napoleon stated firmly.

Talleyrand nodded in understanding. "I will immediately send out the invitations and make the necessary arrangements for the ambassadors' visit."

Napoleon leaned back in his chair, his gaze focused on the documents scattered across his desk.

"We have the opportunity to shape the political landscape of Europe. These neutral nations can provide us with the leverage we need to counterbalance the influence of the United Kingdom. They had been controlling our enemies since the war of the first coalition, funding them to fight France, and overthrow the Republic." 

He fell silent after that. Napoleon's plan hinged on the success of the alliance with the neutral countries. The Second League of Armed Neutrality, proposed by the Russian Empire under Paul I, aimed to safeguard neutral shipping from the Royal Navy's wartime policy of unrestricted searches for French contraband. This policy was designed to disrupt military supplies and trade to the First French Republic, which is hurting not only the economy of the French Republic but those neutral countries. 

In real history, the foundation of the alliance began to weaken after the assassination of Paul I, the Russian Emperor who initiated the coalition among neutral nations. The Battle of Copenhagen marked the final blow that sealed its fate. Paul I is someone Napoleon would have aimed to establish a cordial relationship with, sharing their common objectives of modernizing their respective states through radical reforms. Nevertheless, executing these reforms in Russia encountered opposition from the royal court, nobility, and military leaders, eventually leading to his assassination. Speaking of his assassination, Paul I had a mere 39 days left to live. To ensure the alliance's survival, Napoleon would have to intervene by providing Paul I with a list of conspirators planning his assassination.

However, saving Paul I could have consequences in the long run, given his radical nature. If Paul I were to adopt the reforms he witnessed in France, the Russian Empire might become strong enough to rival France. Nevertheless, assisting Paul I comes with its benefits, including a lasting alliance between France and Russia. If that were to occur, it would certainly make the United Kingdom uneasy, tipping the balance of power where France dictates the terms. 

He paused, taking a moment to weigh his options: should he intervene to prevent Paul I's assassination or allow events to take their course? After a thorough evaluation of the pros and cons, he chose to step in and save Paul I. Napoleon's confidence remained resolute; even in the scenario of Russia's modernization mirroring that of France, he maintained the belief that France would ultimately come out on top. Besides, Paul, I was crucial to the success of the League of Armed Neutrality, an alliance that aligned with France's best interests. Letting Paul I perish would be a grave oversight, given the alliance's significance to France's objectives.

With his decision made, Napoleon turned his attention back to Talleyrand. "Talleyrand, can we extend an invitation to the Russian Empire to visit France?"

Talleyrand's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, though he swiftly regained his composure. "The Russian Emperor, Your Excellency? It's feasible, but might I inquire about the reason behind this?"

"He's the one who initiated this alliance, isn't he? I want to personally express my gratitude. Of course, we should still extend an invitation to the Russian Ambassador."

"I can make the arrangements, Your Excellency. However, I must advise that the Russian Emperor's visit is not guaranteed. Diplomatic protocols and schedules could impact his availability." 

"It's okay, just send him an invitation."

"Very well, Your Excellency.  I will promptly work on it."