The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 148

Chapter 148: The Diplomatic Professionalism

The Minister of the Navy paused for a moment, then realized that the naval base the Crown Prince referred to was in areas like Algiers and Tunis, where the Barbary pirates were entrenched.

"But, the influence that can be exerted in the Barbary Sea region on the Ottomans is limited; it would still be better to focus on the Gulf of Surt..."

Joseph, noticing he was about to continue pressing the point, subtly gave Brienne a look. The latter immediately cleared his throat and said, "Marquis de Castries, as you know, our finances are very tight, so no additional funds have been allocated for this operation."

No additional funds? Upon hearing this, the Minister of the Navy immediately backed down, muttering, "But even demonstrating power near the Barbary Sea requires funding."

Joseph smiled and replied, "Therefore, we need to involve the Americans and the Spanish in a joint operation."

Queen Marie looked at her son with curiosity. "Joseph, why do you need the Americans and the Spaniards?"

"Because the Americans can provide the funding," Joseph explained. "Their merchant ships in the Mediterranean are frequently attacked by the Ottoman Navy. We can get them to provide 600,000 livres to help protect the merchant ships."

"Oh, and since it will be a joint operation, the Americans will also need some proper warships. I'm sure they'd be willing to buy two of our old frigates."

At this time, the United States was far from the global power it would later become. It had only just gained independence, was deeply impoverished, and had almost no navy. Selling them two old French frigates would make them their main warships.

The Queen nodded, "And what about the Spaniards?"

"They can supply the warships. The Barbary Sea has a significant amount of Spanish interests. They are even more eager than we are to expel the Ottoman forces from there."

Brienne seized the moment to agree, "Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince’s proposal is very feasible."

Queen Marie nodded with approval. The Americans would pay, the Spaniards would contribute military force, and France would gain benefits from Russia. Was there anything more profitable than this?

She turned to Brienne, "Archbishop Brienne, please develop a detailed plan for the joint operation with Russia to confront the Ottomans, and for actions in the Mediterranean. Submit it to me as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Majesty. In fact, the relevant plans have already been prepared." Brienne placed a thick stack of documents before the Queen.

"Oh, your efficiency is truly remarkable."

"Thank you for your praise." Brienne smiled and continued, "I plan to send Viscount Leonidas as His Majesty’s representative to Russia. If Empress Catherine offers acceptable terms, we may even agree to declare war on the Ottomans."

Just as Queen Marie was about to nod, the Foreign Minister, Viren, furrowed his brow and said, "Archbishop Brienne, I was the one who brought back the letter from Empress Catherine last time. Why is it necessary to send Viscount Leonidas this time?"

Brienne thought to himself, Of course, to prevent this diplomatic credit from going to your hands.

However, he spoke earnestly, "Count Viren, there are other, more important matters for you to handle."

"Oh? What could be more important right now than the mission to Russia?"

"You will represent the King of France and travel to Constantinople."

Constantinople was the Ottoman capital, also known later as Istanbul. However, "Constantinople" was the name preferred by Catholic countries, since it was the name given by the Romans before the Ottomans took control and renamed it.

Viren was taken aback. "Why go to Constantinople?"

"This is very important." Brienne said solemnly, "We must do everything we can to prevent the Ottomans from turning their focus towards the Mediterranean."

"So, you must go to convey to Sultan Hamid I that we are here to protect the freedom of trade in the Mediterranean and to combat the Barbary pirates."

Several ministers in the room silently chuckled to themselves. Only moments ago, they were fervently talking about combating the "Ottoman Navy," and now the plan had conveniently turned into "fighting the Barbary pirates."

Viren immediately realized this was a trap. At this point, the Ottomans had no time to "shift their focus to the Mediterranean"—wasn’t Russia putting enough pressure on them on the northern front?

But what else could he say? If he refused, it would give Brienne the perfect excuse to have him dismissed.

At that moment, Duke of Orleans, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up, "Archbishop Brienne, if we are to ally with Russia, it will certainly anger the Ottomans. Sending Count Viren to Constantinople now might not be very safe."

The Ottomans had detained or even executed Catholic envoys for various reasons in the past, and the reverse was also often true.

Joseph immediately turned to Count Viren and said seriously, "Count Viren, this is the moment to demonstrate your professionalism as a diplomat!"

Viren felt a surge of frustration but had no choice but to grimly nod, "I will complete the diplomatic mission."

Brienne continued discussing the details of the operation in the Barbary Sea. After Queen Marie signed the plan, he smiled and pulled out another document, "Now, we need to discuss the proposal on the Crown Prince's suggestion for establishing reserve granaries in major cities."

Joseph suddenly remembered something and turned to Viren, "Count Viren, once you arrive in Constantinople, make sure to immediately notify the French Ambassador to the Ottomans. Have him and the embassy staff return to France as soon as possible."

"Ah?"

"We may declare war on the Ottomans, and if that happens, they will be in great danger."

Viren’s face turned pale—after all that, you do realize it’s dangerous there! Why didn’t you mention that the Ambassador should also demonstrate 'diplomatic professionalism'? Only I need to show professionalism, right?!

Through clenched teeth, he muttered, "Fine, I will remind them."

The discussion then moved to the proposal regarding food reserves. Since everyone’s interests were more aligned here, the proposal was passed smoothly.

Joseph also secured an additional special grant of 3 million livres to purchase food. This was the maximum amount the French treasury could afford at the moment.

The cabinet meeting concluded, and all the ministers left satisfied, except for Viren and Duke of Orleans, who wore grim expressions.

As Joseph walked out of the golden doors, he remembered that he had received a message from Fresselles this morning, informing him that the preparations for the Paris Fashion Week were complete. He decided to visit the Tuileries Palace to see the progress.

As he turned the corner of the long corridor, he suddenly felt as if a pair of sorrowful eyes were watching him.

He quickly turned around and saw two princesses from Sicily bowing their heads and silently curtsying.

What was going on with these young ladies?

Joseph suddenly smacked his forehead—he had promised to show her around Paris, but in the midst of everything, he had completely forgotten...

He hurried over, placed a hand on his chest in greeting, and smiled, "Beautiful Princess, I wonder if I might have the honor of touring Paris with you?"

The sorrow in Princess Maria’s eyes instantly vanished, and she smiled like a blooming flower, nodding repeatedly, "Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness. I would be delighted!"

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