The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Starting as a Minor Official

Early the next morning...

The Paris Municipal Commissioner, Lefebvre, greeted the Chamber of Commerce President with a jolly wave, his chubby face wobbling as he spoke a few pleasantries before getting straight to the point:
"By the way, what are your thoughts on the Crown Prince’s resolution of yesterday’s case?"

Fresselles sighed in amazement. "The Crown Prince’s brilliance is simply astonishing. I look forward to the day he leads France."

"Who wouldn’t agree?" Lefebvre chuckled. "After some careful thought, I believe His Highness is more than capable of serving as a Police Commissioner."

After much persuasion, Fresselles was convinced. Since the Crown Prince himself wanted a role in the police department, they might as well make it a favor.

Meanwhile, Joseph had just stepped into the city hall when the plump mayor greeted him with an ingratiating smile.

"Your Highness, the Police Commissioner for the Saint-Antoine District, old Similion, has taken a long sick leave. Would you be interested in the position?"

"Saint-Antoine District?" Fresselles froze for a moment and leaned close to Lefebvre to whisper, "Why didn’t you mention it was there? That place is too chaotic! What if something happens to His Highness...?"

Lefebvre interrupted in a hushed tone, "The Crown Prince won’t be patrolling the streets. He’ll be fine."

Fresselles still wanted to protest, but the plump mayor stepped in front of him, cutting him off. "Your Highness, Similion left behind an experienced team. You have nothing to worry about."

Joseph, somewhat surprised at their quick change in stance, quickly agreed. "Alright, I’ll take the position."

From his understanding yesterday, the Police Commissioner oversaw an entire district’s law enforcement, just below the Chief of Police. It was unlikely that city hall would allow him to serve as Chief of Police due to his young age.

Lefebvre, thrilled, showered the Crown Prince with praise and personally escorted him to the police department, ensuring the appointment papers were signed before leaving with satisfaction.

Without wasting any time, Joseph, under the personal escort of Police Chief Guizot and his team, rode to the Saint-Antoine District to assume his duties.

The carriage took over an hour to enter the district, and the surroundings became increasingly dilapidated.

The residents passed by with vacant expressions, makeshift shacks teetering on the verge of collapse emitted foul odors, and homeless individuals slumped against walls. Most shops were closed, and street vendors were sparse. Only the occasional streetwalkers, clad in cheap clothing, added a semblance of life to the area.

Not long into their journey, Joseph spotted several groups collecting protection fees. Later, they passed two gangs brawling in the streets, blood splattered everywhere. Passersby hurriedly looked away and fled, yet not a single police officer appeared.

Guizot, seemingly accustomed to the scene, cheerfully chatted about an upcoming masquerade ball, even encouraging the Crown Prince to attend one next month.

Joseph mused inwardly: No wonder this was the first place to erupt during the French Revolution. Anyone living in such abject poverty for years would harbor seething resentment, ready to explode with astonishing destructive power.

He sighed deeply, concluding that his decision to come to the Saint-Antoine District was indeed the right one.

After another half hour, the carriage stopped in front of a small courtyard enclosed by uneven wooden planks. Inside stood a decrepit building devoid of any signage.

Guizot eagerly gestured outside the carriage. "Your Highness, this is the Saint-Antoine District police station."

A police officer outside saw the carriage and, realizing it carried the Chief of Police, rushed inside to report. Moments later, a group of police officials hurried out to greet them.

Guizot bowed to Joseph and turned to the assembled crowd, clearing his throat. He announced loudly, "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, has graced us with his presence. From now on, he will serve as the Police Commissioner here." An assistant immediately presented the appointment papers.

The staff of the Saint-Antoine District police station were stunned, struggling to process the situation: Why had such a high-ranking figure come to this small, troubled area? And wasn’t the Crown Prince only 13 years old? Good heavens, how could a 13-year-old manage as Police Commissioner? The station was bound to descend into chaos...

After a long silence, a gaunt, tall man with sunken eyes stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, your arrival brings immense honor to our humble station! I, Bonnot, Assistant Police Commissioner, on behalf of everyone here, extend our warmest welcome."

He then introduced the others beside him. "Your Highness, this is Magoni, Security Inspector of Team Two, and this is the Security Inspector of Team Three..."

The security inspectors hastily stepped forward to bow, and Joseph greeted each of them with a smile. From the city hall records, he had learned that the Assistant Police Commissioner was the station’s second-in-command, while Security Inspectors directed officers on patrol and response operations. Typically, they commanded over ten subordinates, making them middle-ranking officers.

Surrounded by Bonnot and the others, Joseph entered the station. Magoni quickened his pace to approach Joseph, his face brimming with admiration. "Your Highness, I heard from Cesar that you solved a murder case in just over ten minutes yesterday! It’s humbling for us, who have been in law enforcement for over a decade!"

Joseph hadn’t expected word to spread so quickly to the Saint-Antoine District. He modestly brushed it off.

Inside the shabby station building, Joseph noticed a crowd of police officers trailing closely behind. Frowning, he instructed them to return to their duties, sending even Guizot away.

Finally, the surroundings quieted. Bonnot led Joseph to the Police Commissioner’s office. Joseph glanced around before seating himself at the large oak desk.

Bonnot, smiling obsequiously, asked, "Your Highness, would you like tea or hot cocoa? I can also arrange for dinner right away."

"Thank you, but that won’t be necessary." Joseph waved him off. "Please bring me all files regarding the district, cases, and personnel."

Bonnot was taken aback, assuming the Crown Prince was here for leisure. He hadn’t expected such seriousness!

The files arrived swiftly. Joseph skimmed through only a few pages before furrowing his brow. In the previous month alone, the Saint-Antoine District reported 28 murders, 63 robberies, and 220 thefts.

And this was out of a population of only 80,000!

These figures didn’t even include unreported crimes. The situation was far worse than he had imagined.

He picked up the personnel records next. The Saint-Antoine District had 181 police officers in total, of whom 120 had purchased their positions. Only 61 had entered the force through recruitment or inheritance.

The district also relied on civilian patrol groups, numbering over 200, but they worked on a volunteer basis, lacked enforcement authority, and wielded only rudimentary weapons. They could scare off criminals but rarely made arrests.

Thus, the truly capable officers numbered around 60.

Joseph recalled documentaries he had seen, noting that Parisian police of this era often engaged in extortion, targeting anyone from vendors to victims. As for crime prevention? That was secondary; recovering the money spent on purchasing their positions came first.

Realizing the challenges ahead, Joseph sighed and resolved to tackle them one by one...

Table of content - Next Chapter >>>