The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 56

Chapter 56: Fouché’s Wandering Half-Life, Hoping for a Wise Master

Prosper nodded. “This mission is extremely important, so there will certainly be generous rewards.”

The monk suddenly lowered his head. Just as Prosper was about to ask, the monk looked up quickly, a hint of excitement in his voice. “My lord, I’ve thought about it carefully. Simply poisoning their food isn’t reliable. What if someone eats late, for example? Oh, right—could I request some funding?”

“Certainly. How much do you need?”

“Twenty livres.” The monk clasped his fingers tightly as if holding onto something vital. “I’ll make up an excuse, like celebrating my birthday. They don’t remember my birthday anyway. I’ll host a small gathering, buy some good wine, and poison the food and drink in advance. This way, I can ensure everyone consumes it simultaneously...

“Additionally, I could invite you to attend, claiming you’re my relatives. If anyone isn’t fatally poisoned and tries to destroy the intelligence before dying, you could immediately finish them off!”

Joseph shook his head at first, then nodded as he pushed the door open. “It’s him. Fouché is the one I’m looking for.”

Eymond followed him inside and explained to the astonished Fouché that it was just a joke and there were no foreign spies.

Joseph sat down opposite the monk, glanced at his expression, and said, “Monsieur Fouché, you seem somewhat disappointed?”

“No, not at all…”

Joseph got straight to the point. “If you were to establish an intelligence agency as quickly as possible, how would you proceed?”

Fouché raised his eyes to glance briefly at the young man before him, then quickly looked away, rubbing his hands together. “May I ask how much funding I would have?”

Joseph thought for a moment. “Five hundred thousand livres. More, if necessary.”

A flicker of indescribable brilliance appeared in Fouché’s eyes. He nodded. “Five hundred thousand… The most efficient method would be to recruit those who previously worked as secret police—or rather, the royal police.”

“Are there many such individuals?”

“Yes.” Fouché responded immediately. “During the reign of the former king, the royal police force was vast, with their presence felt all over Paris. The current king, perhaps to reduce expenses, has dismissed more than half of them. These individuals are experienced and can get to work almost immediately.”

Joseph frowned slightly. “Those dismissed from the royal police are likely less capable, aren’t they?”

Fouché chuckled. “You may not know, but the royal police’s retention decisions were not based on ability. It was all about connections and money. In fact, those dismissed are often the truly competent ones, as they spent their time gathering intelligence rather than currying favor.

“Besides these individuals, I can also recruit from universities, even military academies. These people are intelligent, have had contact with high society, and with a little training, could become qualified spies.

“And there’s also the post office…”

Joseph nodded quietly. Fouché was indeed exceptionally gifted in intelligence matters, and the Crown Prince had sharp eyes to recognize this talent.

Curious, he asked, “You’re a monk. How do you know so much about the royal police, universities, and the post office?”

“By observing, listening, and thinking,” Fouché replied, glancing again at Joseph. “I must ensure I know as much as possible—about the royal police, nobility, clergy, schools, the wealthy, the poor, even thieves. I won’t always be confined to this monastery; one day, this knowledge will prove useful.”

“Excellent.” Joseph nodded. “Then, one last question: Are you willing to work for me and oversee an intelligence agency?”

Fouché’s pupils dilated suddenly. He rubbed his hands nervously. “If I’m not mistaken, you must be the Crown Prince, Your Highness?”

Joseph nodded. A future head of intelligence who couldn’t deduce even this would indeed be disappointing.

Fouché immediately stood and bowed eagerly. “Your Highness, I am willing to be your most loyal servant.”

Joseph nodded, though inwardly he found the phrase “loyal servant” rather amusing—Fouché was like a vulture, diving for any scrap of opportunity. While undeniably talented, loyalty was not his strong suit.

Historically, Fouché had betrayed the National Assembly for the Jacobins, the Jacobins for Napoleon, Napoleon for Louis XVIII, and Louis XVIII for the restored Napoleon...

Joseph’s confidence in using him now stemmed from the certainty that no one else could currently offer him a better deal, ensuring his loyalty for the time being.

Moreover, his expertise was essential for building the intelligence agency’s framework. Once the agency was established, replacing him would be an option.

Even a villain has their uses.

“Then let’s head straight to see your new office,” Joseph said, rising.

Fouché hesitated briefly, then cautiously asked, “Your Highness, may I confirm that the five hundred thousand livres you mentioned earlier is real?”

“As long as you demonstrate the capability to satisfy me, multiple installments of five hundred thousand are entirely possible.”

Joseph understood that intelligence work was inherently expensive. He wasn’t concerned about Fouché embezzling funds—minor corruption could even make him easier to control. Besides, he intended to establish another department later, specifically to monitor official corruption.

The group left the monastery and traveled by carriage to a sprawling estate in the western suburbs of Paris.

Joseph had purchased the property over ten days ago. Being outside the city center, the price was reasonable, and its proximity to Versailles made it ideal. This estate would serve as the intelligence agency’s headquarters.

In the grand hall on the villa’s first floor, a large conference table was already set up. Fouché, Prosper, and seven other spies who had already arrived in Paris sat neatly around it.

Joseph scanned the group and announced, “This intelligence agency will operate under the Police Bureau, known as the Police Bureau Intelligence Division. However, it will not report to the bureau—it will report directly to me.”

He turned to Fouché. “For now, Fouché will serve as the division’s director.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you for your trust.” Still clad in his clerical robes, Fouché rose and bowed, looking slightly awkward.

To be honest, he still couldn’t quite grasp why the Crown Prince had entrusted him with such a significant role so quickly. Everything felt like a dream—yesterday, he had prayed for a chance to rise, and today, the Crown Prince himself had sought him out...

Suddenly, he thought of a possibility: the Crown Prince must have been observing him in ways he hadn’t noticed for a long time!

This realization brought him a sense of relief. Surely, the “Son of God” possessed divine foresight...

Joseph continued, “Captain Prosper, you will command the action team and oversee operations.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“Captain Contant,” Joseph addressed another senior spy, “you will be responsible for training intelligence personnel. From now on, you’ll spend at least two days a week at the Paris Police Academy, teaching intelligence courses. Additionally, you may directly recruit talented students from the academy for the division.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“As for other personnel assignments, including those who have yet to arrive in Paris,” Joseph gestured to Fouché, “the director will handle them all.”

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