The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 219

Chapter 219: A Swift and Decisive Battle

The officers watched in confusion as the luxurious conference table was removed and replaced with a plain wooden one.

Joseph gestured to the room, adorned with intricate geometric patterns on the columns and ceiling, and tapestries hanging from the walls. He addressed the group:

"I hope all future military meetings will be conducted in the army's tents. Please remember, our mission is to wage war and to win it. Everything you do and everything around you must be related to the war effort. Leave the enjoyment and grandeur for when we've won the war and returned to Paris."

Throughout the European armies, a noble and indulgent culture prevailed. Even amidst the smoke-filled frontlines, there were balls and banquets, and some commanders even brought their mistresses into battle.

The Crown Prince’s Guard was already relatively restrained in comparison, but remnants of such habits still lingered. Joseph needed to remind them constantly, in small, daily ways, to completely eradicate these detrimental practices.

This was not only to keep the officers focused on combat but also to erase the barriers between soldiers and officers, earning the soldiers' wholehearted trust and admiration for their superiors.

The officers from the Paris Police Academy were not surprised at all by Joseph's demands—they had been trained this way from the start.

The ones struggling most to adapt were the men from the Moulin Corps, but even they bowed and responded loudly after Berthier and the police academy officers:
"Yes, Your Highness!"

Immediately, a dozen senior officers brought simple wooden chairs and sat around the sand table in the center of the room.

The sand table, overseen by Europe's top cartographic master, Berthier, was incredibly detailed and accurate.

Joseph nodded to Berthier, then seated himself on the farthest edge—aware of his own limitations. He had undergone less than a year of crash-course military training at the Paris Police Academy. In actual combat command, experts like Berthier were indispensable. Joseph's presence here was primarily to boost morale and maintain unity among the officers of diverse backgrounds.

Berthier stood at the forefront, first summarizing the situation in Algiers, then continued:
"According to intelligence, it is clear that the British and the Ottomans are behind this incident. Their objective isn’t merely to restore the rule of the Janissaries. They aim to drive us out of Tunisia while our position here is still unstable." He scanned the room with a serious expression.
"The overall situation is extremely unfavorable to us. Firstly, the Algerians began their war preparations at least six days ago. We are significantly behind in this regard.

"Secondly, their forces number 23,000, while we have only 7,000 soldiers here. Even with the local Jemila Corps, we can muster a maximum of 12,000. Our manpower remains at a disadvantage. Moreover, as you all know, the combat effectiveness of local troops cannot be relied upon."

The officers nodded slightly in agreement. After capturing Tunis, many local tribal forces disbanded on the spot. These were farmers who could loot the wealth of the Janissaries but returned home once the battle was over. Now, only 15,000 troops remained, many of whom were scattered to maintain order across Tunisia.

"As for the enemy's combat capabilities," Berthier continued, "the Albanian mercenaries are a core strength relied upon by the Ottomans. While those here in Algiers may not match the Ottoman elite, and include some Bosnians, they are not to be underestimated."

He signaled to the guards at the door.
"When it comes to the strength of the Algerian Janissaries, these officers from the Tunisian Janissaries know best. Bring them in."

The soldiers immediately escorted three Tunisian Janissary officers into the conference room.

Berthier looked at them and asked:
"In your view, how does the Algerian Janissary Corps compare to yours in combat strength?"

The eldest of the officers nervously scanned the room before cautiously replying:
"Pasha, they are far stronger than us. They regularly recruit from Anatolia and maintain five days of drills each week."

Another officer added:
"Some of their weapons are even more advanced than those of the Sultan's troops."

Hearing this, the French officers grew visibly serious. It was clear this opponent would not be as easily defeated as the Tunisian Janissaries.

Joseph, however, was unsurprised—Algiers was much larger than Tunis, with three competing powers vying for control. If its Janissaries were not formidable, they would have long been devoured by the other factions.

"This will likely be a difficult battle," he remarked.

Moulin Corps commander André ordered the Tunisian officers removed, then pointed to the Majerda River northwest of Tunis on the map:
"With our disadvantage in manpower, our best course of action is to establish a defensive line along the river. The enemy’s target must be Tunis. As long as we hold here, they cannot win."

The Majerda River runs from northeast to southwest across Tunisia, with the Atlas Mountains and Tunis Mountain rising to the south. To capture Tunis, the enemy would have to cross the river.

A defense along the river was indeed the safest strategy.

Several officers nodded in agreement after André spoke.

Berthier, however, frowned slightly.
"But Bizerte and the northern side of Kairouan are on the northern bank of the Majerda. By defending the river, we would be effectively handing those areas to the enemy."

The officers turned to him.
"What is your suggestion?"

Berthier tapped a spot west of Bizerte.
"To enter Tunisia from Annaba, they must pass between Lake Ichkeul and Lake Bizerte—through Ferryville. We should intercept them there!"

André frowned.
"But, Colonel, that is an open plain. If we choose this spot, we will have to face an enemy several times our size head-on."

His tone implied he had already discounted the Jemila forces.

A police academy officer immediately responded:
"Only by doing so can we secure Bizerte."

The officer beside him nodded.
"If we lose Bizerte, the remaining Tunisian Janissaries will gain confidence and cause us more trouble."

A dissenting officer countered loudly:
"Have you considered that fighting on an open plain leaves us no opportunity for retreat if the situation turns unfavorable?"

The academy officer refused to back down:
"If the enemy overruns Bizerte, the area will suffer heavy damage. If we fail to demonstrate our ability to protect Tunisia, the local population's newly established trust in us will evaporate."

"Perhaps we should request reinforcements from Paris," someone suggested.

"That could take one to two months—or longer. Who knows how the situation might change in the meantime?"

"Besides, the treasury might not permit a larger deployment."

"Then defending the Majerda River is still the most viable option."

"I believe we should attempt a defense at Ferryville!"

The debate between the two sides grew increasingly heated. Neither side could persuade the other.

At that moment, Joseph suddenly stood up and interrupted the two sides locked in their heated debate. "I’d like to know, where are our logistical supplies coming from?"

Berthier immediately replied, "Your Highness, they are primarily gathered by Mr. Agadon and the local trade guilds. A smaller portion is transported by our fleet from Corsica."

"And what about transportation to the front lines?"

"The local army can handle that. We’ll assign a battalion to supervise."

Joseph frowned deeply. "Gentlemen, if I may be frank, we probably have only one option, and that is a swift and decisive campaign.

"Tunis lacks an effectively functioning government at the moment. The collection of grain and other supplies could face disruptions at any time. Furthermore, the Janissary remnants will undoubtedly do everything in their power to sabotage our supply lines.

"If this devolves into a prolonged war, our logistics will doom us."

Berthier’s face lit up with understanding. "Your Highness’s concerns are entirely valid. In that case, let us commit to fortifying Ferryville."

Joseph, however, hesitated. "If my guess is correct, the Algerians will also prepare to confront us there."

"That’s very likely, Your Highness," Berthier acknowledged.

"In that case, our numerical disadvantage will cause us significant losses." Joseph shook his head slightly. The Guard Corps was a painstakingly assembled force, and he couldn’t afford to see it depleted in North Africa.

André hesitated before speaking, "Your Highness, does this mean you agree with my suggestion?"

"No." Joseph waved a hand dismissively, then stared at the border area between Algiers and Tunis on the map for a moment. Suddenly, a smile appeared on his face. "We must catch the enemy off guard. For example, by striking them at Annaba!"

Annaba was the easternmost province of Algiers. The officers in the room exchanged uncertain glances.

...

Paris

Petit Trianon Palace

Queen Marie had almost forgotten her usual decorum. Clenching her fists, she raised her voice at Brienne before her.
"Are you saying that the troops bound for North Africa have not yet departed?!"

"I'm afraid so, Your Majesty," Brienne replied with his head lowered. "You are aware of the current financial situation. The 4 million livres required by Marquis Saint-Véran cannot be immediately disbursed..."

He quickly added, "The funds are ready, but because of the large sum involved, the Royal Bank intends to issue paper currency. However, the army insists on being paid in silver coins. Converting the funds will take some time."

The Queen took a deep breath, clearly suppressing her anger. "It’s been five days, and they haven’t left the camp. The Algerians could harm Joseph at any moment!"

Brienne cautiously responded, "Your Majesty, large-scale troop mobilizations require significant preparation time. The Algerians likely haven’t left their borders yet either."

Through gritted teeth, Queen Marie spat out her next words.
"Tell Marquis de Saint-Priest that Marquis Saint-Véran’s forces must arrive in Tunis before the Algerians do. I will be most grateful for his tireless efforts."

...

Algiers

Eastern Annaba

A column of over 10,000 troops, fully equipped in Ottoman military attire, was advancing slowly.

At the center of the formation, the commander of the Algerian intervention force, Kehler, studied a piece of intelligence he had just received. A smug smile spread across his face as he tossed the paper to his adjutant, his deputy.
"The British have clearly overestimated the French army. Four days ago, they were still resupplying in Tunis, so they’re probably only setting out now."

This information, sent by the Janissary remnants within Tunis, was deemed highly reliable.

The adjutant reviewed the report and remarked,
"General, judging by their movements, they are likely preparing to establish defensive lines near the Majerda River."

"You mean it won’t be easy to attack them there?" Kehler snorted. "It doesn’t matter. The British are paying us, so it makes no difference how long the war lasts. Bizerte is immensely wealthy. In the meantime, we’ll have enough time to haul its riches back to Mitidja."

On Kehler’s other side, a tall officer wore a solemn expression.
"General, according to reconnaissance two days ago, it appears the Tunisians are preparing to cross the Majerda River north of Kairouan. They may be planning to confront us in Bizerte."

"Their ragtag mob doesn’t know how to fight," the adjutant sneered dismissively. "On the plains of Bizerte, we’ll crush them with ease. It’s no surprise the Tunisian Janissaries were defeated by such rabble."

Kehler, however, issued a cautious order.
"Be mindful of ambushes by the Tunisians. Double the number of scouts and locate the main force of the Tunisian rebels as soon as possible."

The tall officer turned to Kehler, puzzled.
"General, I find it strange. Why haven’t the rebels joined forces with the French? Separately, neither can effectively engage us."

Kehler corrected him,
"Even combined, they lack the ability to face us. Those rebels were farmers just months ago—they probably can’t even form ranks properly. I suspect the French want to avoid excessive losses against us and have opted for a defensive stance along the river."

The tall officer asked again,
"Could the French be waiting for reinforcements?"

"The British claim that France’s financial situation won’t allow a large-scale troop increase. They also promised additional support if France does deploy reinforcements."

As Kehler spoke, a scout rode toward them at a gallop, reining in his horse some distance away before shouting,
"Report, General! The Albanians have sent word that their scouts have spotted Tunisians near Nafta!"

Nafta lay in the far eastern region of Annaba, nearly beyond the Algerian border. The Albanian mercenaries, serving as the vanguard, had reached the area.

Kehler squinted thoughtfully before concluding decisively,
"It’s likely a tribal force from Bizerte scouting our movements. Instruct Semiz to increase reconnaissance and keep advancing."

Semiz was the Janissary officer commanding the Albanian mercenaries.

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