Napoleon in 1812

20. There is no sun rising forever - 2

"...You did it after all."

Frangois Carnot sighed as he watched the situation in the very chaotic central hall. The second son of a small family, a native of a Corsican village, became the Emperor of Europe's hegemonic country with his own abilities and established absolute power.

The great Emperor, who seemed to conquer Europe, had now half-declared that he would step down from his throne. Around the middle of the Strasbourg talks.

This ripple effect would remain for a while, covering not only the previous issues but also the inevitable huge trend surrounding Europe. As a result, the rapidly changing trend of the European situation would be so intense that even Carnot could not predict it.

'But it cannot be denied that this moment is the best time to declare that he will step down from the throne.'

Carnot was one of the people who had a good grasp of Napoleon's true nature, although he wrapped his speech in pure words, calling it a grand act to protect the principles, beliefs, and foundations of the revolution.

The Emperor of the French Empire was moderate, simple and enterprising, and a deauthoritarian person who did not fit in with the position of Emperor.

However, when the decisive moment came, he was also a man of mercilessness and cruelty who could do anything, regardless of means, for the victory and supremacy of his country. Because Carnot knew him well, he was able to figure out what Napoleon aimed at making this surprise declaration.

What was currently sweeping Europe was a 'Napoleon craze'. Attention and support for the Strasbourg talks, the Union that would govern Europe, and Napoleon, who led all this, reached its peak.

This succeeded in burying all the numerous evils and ugliness he had accumulated in conquering Europe in the past.

His name was called and resonating in all Europe except the Iberian Peninsula, England, Russia, Sweden, and the Balkans.

Napoleon intended to double this heat even more. The plan was to make the atmosphere more fanatical to create an optimal peak, and then engrave the strongest impression and imprint on Europeans at that very moment.

Although they had enjoyed the sweet dreams of peace in recent years, there were French who had fought nonstop for more than 20 years before that. Their fatigue from the war did not completely disappear, and they were looking at the war clouds between England and France with anxious eyes.

How long would it last if war broke out again? This uneasy psychology inherent in them, thinking how much blood they, or their families and friends, would shed during the war, Napoleon overturned it with a single speech.

The war, which would be declared under the title of the Emperor's last trial, would turn all French people into fanatic warriors. They were willing to give their bodies and souls and fight for the last moment of their Emperor.

"You're wrapping yourself up until the end. And in the most sneaky and holy way. It's... just like you, Your Majesty the Great Emperor."

Although he had been criticizing him carelessly, Carnot applauded in awe at his monarch who exceeded his expectations every time.

In the middle of the Strasbourg talks, the thoughts and feelings that Napoleon Bonaparte revealed were only a few really short words in his entire speech, and he did not even promise to step down from the throne (as many interpretations were possible).

However, that alone was enough to turn the whole of Europe upside down. Furious citizens rushed out into the streets and were venting out all kinds of reactions.

Even celebrities had fierce debates, and all countries in Europe were rushing to discuss this matter. Napoleon, the one who caused all this, was meeting someone in a very quiet place in the meantime.

Jewel-like blue eyes, nicely grown sideburns and a stylish outfit symbolized the wealthy Eugene de Beauharnais, Viceroy of the Kingdom of Italy.

In the world where Napoleon came from, Eugene had lived his life as a trainee, staff, and aide, and later made his debut in Paris politics. But now Eugene was facing Napoleon as his adopted son and the most reliable king. As Eugene brought a teacup to his mouth, he exclaimed.

"The flavor of this tea is really incredible. It's more fragrant, enchanting, and softer than any other beverage I have ever drunk. Could you please tell me more about it, Your Majesty?"

"As expected, I thought you would like this tea, too. It's called Earl Grey. As you can see from its name, it comes from England."

Europe's pride was to have the best culture, technology, and innovation in the world, but in some areas it had fallen behind other continents, especially China. The best example of this was tea.

The British, who loved tea so much that they had tea time several times a day, were very ashamed of it. At the same time, however, they had accepted and actively improved Chinese tea manufacturing methods and technologies for themselves. Earl Grey tea was the product of that effort.

Another interesting fact was that the name 'Grey' in 'Earl Grey' was taken from the family of Charles Grey, the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

"Indian black tea leaves, Sri Lankan black tea leaves, and bergamot (a hybrid of bitter orange and lemon) are blended and brewed in a way that mimics expensive Chinese teas. It is an object that is currently gaining sensational popularity in the British aristocratic society. We also paid high patent fees to obtain it. Judging from your reaction, it seems that it is worth its price."

Eugene nodded at Napoleon's explanation and soon asked with a strange look.

"Do you really need to pay them patent fees for this product? The Empire and Britain are probably heading for war. In addition, isn't the Grey family the second biggest enemy of the Empire after the Hanover dynasty (the British royal family)?"

"That's right. But that's precisely why we imported it at such a price. You are a brilliant person, so please think carefully about it."

Napoleon smiled suspiciously at Eugene, who still had a puzzled face. There had already been several precedents for France to infringe and extort British property rights.

The mechanical revolution played a key role in France's current economic development and revival, and most of the technologies and innovations needed for it had been stolen from Britain.

Through this, it was possible to establish a mass production system in various industries, including textiles, and France was able to take away a significant portion of the European market occupied by the United Kingdom. This was the biggest reason why the British were grinding their teeth and preparing for war.

Considering the current relationship between France and Britain, it would not change much to steal one more patent.

Therefore, the fact that France paid a considerable price to purchase the patent for Earl Grey's tea to the British Prime Minister Charles Grey had a special and insidious meaning.

'This will lead to British people doubting whether there was a secret deal between me and Charles Grey. It will be said that I tried to fund Charles Grey's politic.'

Of course, unless they were fools, they would not conclude that their Prime Minister was a traitor only for this one thing.

However, it was clear that it was something that could be used to politically attack Charles Grey. There was no way that the wild dogs of the Tory Party, who were grinding their teeth against him, would leave alone the Whig Prime Minister, who had financially benefited from Britain's greatest enemy.

It was one of the doctrines of basic strategy to cause internal conflict in enemies prior to war. Napoleon only made a very small move, stabbing the chronic weaknesses of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

"I thought a lot after hearing Your Majesty's speech. The ideal Your Majesty has dreamed of is too profound and vast for someone like me to even dare to imagine its end."

"I am not a saint in any doctrine or myth, and such excessive praise is rather shameful."

Napoleon smiled and drank Earl Grey tea, and Eugene looked down, fiddling with his fingers. There was a moment of silence between the two.

Historically, the father and the adopted son had a very close relationship, but Napoleon and Eugene were currently using honorifics suitable for each other's external positions. The reason why it became this awkward relationship...

"Josephine de Beauharnais , her death changed a lot.'

In 1814, about four years ago, Josephine died of pneumonia. She was the one that Nabot had loved so much in the past. However, Napoleon, who took over his body, was not Nabot, and he had already a new family.

He had received letters from Eugene and Hortense (Eugene's sister and Napoleon's stepdaughter) that Josephine's death was imminent, but Napoleon did not go. After much consideration, he did not even read Josephine's last letter. He had no feelings for her, and it was an act to respect his current wife, Marie-Louise.

Josephine was said to have died crying Napoleon's name. Hortense had felt a great sense of betrayal and anger toward his cold-hearted and cruel adoptive father, and she had not talked to him since then.

Eugene understood his stepfather's difficult position, but their relationship did not return to how friendly it used to be. Honestly, Napoleon was a little uncomfortable with him.

"Your Majesty."

"Say it."

"Will you really step down from the throne?"

What was this? Napoleon raised one eyebrow.

"Nothing has been decided yet. But I don't want to hide the fact that I'm willing to."

"Your Majesty has really changed a lot."

At Eugene's words, Napoleon drank some Earl Grey tea before replying.

"I always hear that..."

"Yes, I was going to say what I've always said at first. But... You have really changed a lot. It's like you have become a completely different person."

Only then did Napoleon put down his teacup and looked at Eugene. His adopted son looked very confused. Napoleon opened his mouth.

"Eugene."

"Except for my late mother, I think that I'm the one who knows my father the best. The father I knew would never put down his power or his crown himself. Why... What's wrong with you?"

"You saw me and called me a hero with Achilles' bravery and Hector's military power. Yes, I have changed. I even put the wisdom of Odysseus in my hands to protect France, my country, which could not escape destruction at this rate. The result is the Napoleon you see today."

It was already time for the Strasbourg talks to resume. Napoleon got up from his seat.

"I'm only thinking about the future of France right now. Everything else is just secondary factors for this ultimate purpose."

"If the people of the Empire still desperately want you... then, will you remain the Emperor?"

Napoleon did not answer this.

"The moment I declare that I will throw my golden laurel, my family and relatives, who are faithful to their desires, will certainly go into action. Even the greedy Marshals of the Empire will not sit still. I hope that the Viceroy will take good care of their surveillance."

He then left the room.

"Are you really the Napoleon Bonaparte that I know?..."

Listening to Eugene's murmur, Napoleon sighed quietly. Perhaps the reason why he did not meet Josephine at the end was because he did not have such confidence in himself... In this remote world, Napoleon felt a little stuffy.

"His Majesty the Emperor of France could not tolerate even this stain on the last remaining part of his reign. It is his last journey to remain truly complete and closest to God."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a writer of the times, and his party were also among the crowd of celebrities who were looking at Napoleon as they entered the Rohan Palace for the last meeting.

Those who had originally been close to him and celebrities who became close to him in Strasbourg smiled and nodded in agreement with his words.

"The young man from Corsica became a general by making numerous achievements with his talents. However, the trials of his country continued, and in the end, the young man defiled the spirit of revolution for his country in crisis and ascended to the throne himself. Everyone pointed fingers at him, saying that he betrayed his ideals, but the Emperor did not stop. When the last obstacles were overcome and the country regained stability, the Emperor abandoned all pleasures, glory, and dignity to keep his past pledges and ideologies. In doing so, the Emperor became an immortal hero."

Julian Ursyn Niemcewicz, the great Polish writer and playwright, laid out these long sentences in one breath. John Dalton and Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi applauded quietly.

In particular, the chemist Dalton's homeland was England, but he liked Napoleon a hundred times more than George IV, who was authoritative, stupid and was not responsible for his politics.

"Some people did not come to Strasbourg even though they were invited. I'm sure that they will be recorded as idiots who missed the most special and glorious moment of their lives."

The celebrities who criticized Napoleon and burnt their invitations, saying that he was misleading others by spreading plausible idealism, missed this historic scene due to their narrow doubts and distrust.

Did they not resemble the Hebrews who missed the opportunity to become the Lord's subjects because they did not believe in Moses? There was no one to disagree with Antonio Canova's words.

And next to him, Beethoven and Schubert were standing side by side affectionately, as if they were an old teacher and his student.

Beethoven was able to make a brighter face than ever in the greatness and holiness of the owner of 'Eroica Buonaparte'.

It was a beautiful day to mark the end of the Strasbourg talks.

TL notes

Here's a painting of the Tsar Alexander I meeting the Beauharnais family, by Hector Viger. The Tsar is on the left, Hortense is sitting with her two youngest sons (Napoleon-Louis Bonaparte and Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, who would later become Napoleon III), Eugene is behind them and Josephine is on the right.