The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 284

Chapter 284: Following the Strong

Joseph displayed a contented smile. With this, they had effectively secured Napoleon's presence. As for his loyalty... Napoleon was merely twenty years old now, leaving plenty of time and opportunity to cultivate genuine bonds.

He entered the Chief of General Staff's office with Berthier and the others, took his seat at the head of the table, and gestured to everyone. "Please, take your seats."

"I have already reviewed the reports submitted earlier by the General Staff. Your work has been outstanding, achieving remarkable progress in such a short time to get things running smoothly."

Of course, much of the credit went to Berthier.

If his skill at commanding armies on the battlefield could be rated 70 out of 100, then his ability as an assistant in staff operations would undoubtedly score a perfect 100—not because he couldn't exceed it, but because the scale went no higher. In this field, he was without a doubt France's most exceptional talent!

Berthier and the officers immediately stood and declared in unison, "It is our honor to serve His Majesty, the King!"

Joseph motioned for them to sit and continued, "Apart from the fundamental tasks of recruitment and training, there are numerous other matters that will demand the General Staff's attention in the coming days.

"First, we will implement an 'Army Combat Readiness Assessment.'

"Every corps will participate, and any unit that meets the standards will earn the 'Royal' designation. Officers who perform exceptionally in the assessment will also receive promotions."

Berthier expressed surprise. "Your Highness, isn't this reward a bit excessive? I mean, it's just an assessment..."

Joseph shook his head with a smile. "No. Once you learn the standards, you will find the rewards very reasonable."

"And those standards are?" Berthier asked.

"They are based on the routine training criteria of the Royal Guard but slightly elevated. Any corps that meets them will pass."

Upon hearing this, Berthier couldn't help but smile knowingly. Across all of France, apart from the Royal Guard—even if one included elite units like the Swiss Guard—who else could complete a five-kilometer run in 22 minutes while carrying an 18-pound load? And that wasn't even considering additional tests such as marksmanship, formations, obstacle courses, and tactical cooperation. Some older units wouldn't even recognize these training concepts!

A staff officer recently promoted from the Royal Guard hesitated and asked, "Your Highness, if no corps can pass the assessment, then what is its purpose?"

"Excellent question," Joseph said, casting an approving glance at the officer. "Indeed, after the assessment, many will claim, 'No one can meet these standards.' At that point, the Royal Guard will step forward to shatter their confidence and demonstrate what true elites look like."

Berthier and the others exchanged awkward glances. The Crown Prince was ruthless—this would ensure that soldiers from other corps would live perpetually under the shadow of the Royal Guard.

Joseph smiled again. "Remember, after the assessment, distribute application forms to the participating corps."

Berthier was puzzled. "Application forms?"

"Yes, to join the Royal Guard. Be sure to enforce strict evaluations—only those with talent and courage. No dead weight will be allowed in the Royal Guard!"

"Understood, Your Highness!"

Joseph knew full well that this single demonstration wouldn't be enough to win over the aristocratic officers entirely. At best, it would leave a deep impression.

Ultimately, to earn their unwavering respect, the Royal Guard would need to achieve extraordinary results on the battlefield.

The earlier campaign in Tunis was against North African forces that were outdated in equipment, training, and leadership. The subsequent clash with Montcalm's Corps involved strategic manipulation, which would not impress the proud French noble officers.

It would take a decisive and overwhelming victory against a true European force to fully showcase the Royal Guard's formidable prowess.

Soldiers inherently revere the strong. As long as one proves their strength, others will naturally follow.

Just like Napoleon—whether as a republican or an emperor, from nobles to commoners, people followed him without hesitation. Even in exile, a single word from him could rally countless soldiers to his side.

After further discussion with the staff regarding the specifics of the combat readiness assessment, Joseph shifted the topic. "Next, let's address the situation in the Far East."

"Have you received any updates about a conflict between the Kingdom of Mysore, the Dutch, and the Principality of Travancore in India?"

Berthier and the others exchanged uncertain looks. A staff officer quickly left the room, returning shortly with a document.

The staff passed the report around and then turned to the Crown Prince, visibly surprised.

The report, sent two days earlier from Pondicherry, mentioned potential conflict in southwestern India involving the Dutch. However, it provided no details.

Yet the Crown Prince seemed to know everything about the matter. Did the Intelligence Bureau already have operations in the Far East?

Joseph, of course, would not explain, nor could he. The Intelligence Bureau had barely established itself in North Africa and was just beginning to infiltrate the Americas. As for the Far East, that was entirely out of reach for now.

At present, intelligence about the Far East came from merchants and diplomats, and it was often vague and incomplete.

Only he, with his unique insights, could fully grasp the situation.

Joseph glanced at the military intelligence report and briefed the staff on Mysore's position. "The conflict began when the Prince of Travancore purchased two fortresses located on Mysore's territory.

"Tipu Sultan of Mysore is a resolute leader. He will not tolerate a hostile principality driving stakes so close to his borders. It is highly likely that he will declare war on Travancore."

One officer pondered aloud, "Travancore holds our interests. Perhaps we should support it."

Joseph shook his head. "On the contrary, Major.

"Travancore is no match for Mysore and will inevitably seek aid from the British.

"The British, for their part, have long viewed Mysore as a thorn in their side. It is the only kingdom in India that has not submitted to them. They will undoubtedly seize this opportunity to attack Mysore."

He surveyed the room. "Our interests in Travancore are insignificant. In fact, we have no substantial stakes across the Far East.

"Therefore, our objective should be to ensure the British expend as much as possible in the region.

"In other words, we will support Mysore."

The staff exchanged glances and slowly nodded in agreement.

Berthier, however, hesitated. "Your Highness, if we send troops, it might provoke an all-out war with Britain."

Joseph nodded. "Which is why we must remain as inconspicuous as possible.

"Primarily, we will supply Mysore with weapons and equipment—avoiding French-made arms where possible—and deploy officers. As for soldiers, we can select a small number of Tunisians. They share the same religious beliefs as Mysore's people."

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