November 30th, 1800. En route in a carriage through the capital city of the Austrian Empire, Vienna.
Napoleon sat inside the carriage, peering out of the window at the busy streets of Vienna. Despite the ongoing war between Austria and France, the city appeared to be going about its daily affairs in a state of relative calm.
"Your Excellency," General Bessierres called from across the carriage.
Napoleon turned his gaze towards Bessierres, waiting for him to explain the reason for his interruption.
"We are arriving at Hofburg Palace soon," Bessierres informed him.
Napoleon nodded in acknowledgment before returning his attention to the passing scenery outside the window.
Bessierres let out a sigh of concern. "Your Excellency, I still believe that meeting with King Louis in Vienna is risky. What if they are planning to trap us?"
Napoleon shrugged nonchalantly. "I doubt they would take such a foolish risk," he replied casually. "If they did attempt something like that, it would only worsen the situation for the one who invited me here."
The man who extended the invitation to Vienna was none other than King Louis the Sixteenth. There was a chance that King Louis might ask Napoleon to help him reclaim the throne, an idea which Napoleon vehemently opposed. France had moved on from the monarchy, and restoring it was not on his agenda, regardless of the few remaining royalists who still clung to the old regime.
But despite his confidence, Napoleon couldn't ignore the concerns expressed not only by Bessierres but also by his ministers and generals. They were wary of the meeting, fearing it might be a trap to capture the French leader or an attempt to manipulate him into supporting the restoration of the monarchy.
But Napoleon was firmly convinced that the Austrians wouldn't do it. The reason is that they think of the French Republic like a village idiot. One that lacks class and dignity. Austrians and other European monarchs hold themselves in high regard, and they wouldn't stoop to such a blatant act of treachery.
As the carriage pulled up to the grand entrance of Hofburg Palace, Napoleon took a deep breath, preparing himself for the meeting ahead. Stepping out with his entourage, he craned his neck up, mesmerized momentarily by the facade of the Hofburg Palace. It was beautiful.
"Your Excellency!"
Napoleon turned his head to the side, where he saw Talleyrand walking towards him.
"Are you ready to meet the former king of France in the Palace where the Emperor of Austria resides?" Talleyrand asked.
Napoleon nodded his head. "I am."
Moments later, a palace staff of the Hofburg Palace exited the door, causing a reaction from Napoleon's elite guards who immediately formed a protective line around him.
The staff was taken aback by their defensive stance but Napoleon waved his hand, standing them down.
"Apologies for that," Napoleon said, smiling. "Would you be the person who will escort us to King Louis?"
The palace staff member, a distinguished-looking gentleman, bowed respectfully to Napoleon. "Indeed, Premier First Consul," he replied. "I am Count von Sch?nfeld, the chief chamberlain of the Hofburg Palace. I will lead you to King Louis' chambers."
Napoleon nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating the courteous manner of Count von Sch?nfeld.
"Lead the way," he said, motioning for his entourage to follow.
As they traversed the opulent halls of the palace, Napoleon couldn't help but marvel at its grandeur. The intricate artwork, the ornate decorations, gilded ceilings, and the walls, it's like the Palace of Versailles. Though if he were to compare which one is best, it would be Versailles.
Moments after, they arrived at King Louis' chambers, and Count von Sch?nfeld announced their presence to the former monarch. The doors opened, and Napoleon entered the room with a calm and composed demeanor.
King Louis stood before him, looking regal and dignified in his attire. There was a moment of silence as their eyes met, both men sizing each other up. Then, King Louis extended his hand in greeting.
"Premier First Consul, I am honored to welcome you to Vienna," King Louis said graciously.
Napoleon tilted his head to the side, slightly weirded out by the King's polite behavior.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Napoleon said.
"Please, don't call me by that title," Louis chuckled, though the tone was tinged with melancholy. "I no longer hold the throne. You may call me Capet."
Napoleon nodded respectfully. "Very well, Capet," he said. "So, I have to admit, your invitation has brought trepidation among my staff. Some said that this is the Austrian plan of trapping me here."
"Really? Well, that's understandable. If I were in your shoes, I would think the same thing. But rest assured, His Imperial Majesty, Francis the Second has promised me it."
"So, may I know why you invited me here, Capet? Because you omitted it in your letter."
"Of course, but first, please take a seat."
Napoleon took a seat as invited, and Capet settled into a chair across from him.
"I must admit, Capet," Napoleon began, "your invitation piqued my curiosity. As I have mentioned just now, you did not specify the reason for our meeting in your letter. It left me wondering about your intentions."
Capet nodded understandingly. "I apologize for the lack of details," he said. "I wanted to discuss matters of importance in person. But before that, I want to confirm something. I believe we have met each other right? The time when you demonstrated your ingenious invention? What is it called again? Ah! The steam engine."
"That is absolutely correct, Capet, clear as day. You even offered me a title to which I refused," Napoleon laughed softly.
Capet chuckled, and then his expression turned serious. "So, as for your question…why I invited you here. It's simple, I want your cooperation."
Napoleon's curiosity was further piqued by Capet's request for cooperation. He leaned forward, attentive to what the former king had to say. "Cooperation in what matter, Capet?" he inquired.
Capet took a moment to compose his thoughts before responding. "As you know, Europe has been plagued by wars and conflicts for decades," he began. "And the reason for that is because of the revolution in France. In order to bring that peace back to Europe, a solution was suggested by the coalition powers. A return of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne of France."
Napoleon leaned back in his chair and steepled his hand. Just as everyone expected. He cleared his throat and began.
"Capet, I must be clear in my response. I cannot and will not support the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty in France. The monarchy is a thing of the past, and the French people have spoken through the revolution. It is not in the best interest of France or Europe to revert to the old ways of governance."
"Why?" Capet asked.
"Because a lot of blood has been spilled to bring about the changes we have seen in France," Napoleon replied firmly. "The revolution was a turning point for our nation, a moment when the people rose up against oppression and fought for their rights and liberty. It marked the beginning of a new era, and it would be a grave mistake to undo all that progress by restoring the monarchy."
"But we wouldn't revert everything," Capet interrupted earnestly. "Please, hear me out, Premier First Consul. The proposition I bring is not about undoing all the progress. It is about finding a compromise. It would resemble the system of nine years ago – a constitutional monarchy. I would serve as the figurehead, while you, the First Consul, remain the head of state, retaining your power and administration. Moreover, both Austria and Great Britain agreed that if you chose to support the restoration, it would lead to peace, and the war would finally come to an end. You will have nothing to lose."
"So you are implying that if I don't accept your proposal, the war would rage on?" Napoleon questioned, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Capet nodded solemnly. "Yes, that is a possibility. The coalition forces are determined to see the Bourbon dynasty restored, and if they perceive any resistance from France, they might continue the war until their goal is achieved."
Napoleon hummed in thought. "Well, Capet, I hate to say this but the answer will remain the same."
"Why?!" Capet lost his composure but quickly composed himself.
"My decision is based on one crucial factor," Napoleon replied, his expression serious. "Firstly, I have received reports of a general consensus among the French people regarding the return of the monarchy. The majority of them have expressed their strong opposition to the idea. They are passionate about the progress we have made, and they harbor resentment towards you for abandoning the country during its darkest hours. The wounds of the past are still fresh in their minds, and the return of the monarchy would only exacerbate their grievances."
Napoleon conducted a survey three days before this meeting, and that was the answer. It was not rigged, it was the majority's decision.
Capet's confusion deepened, and a mix of disappointment and frustration clouded his face.
"But the coalition promised peace if I were restored to the throne," he protested. "Are you willing to sacrifice the chance of peace for the sake of the people's sentiments?"
"Yes, as it is the will of the people," Napoleon answered. "Just let go of the idea of restoration, Capet. There will be no return of the King under my rule."
Capet sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with defeat. He had hoped that Napoleon might see reason, but it was clear that the First Consul's conviction was unyielding.
"I see…so you have made your decision huh? In that case, may I ask you one last thing, Premier First Consul?"
"What is it?"
"What is the reason why you oppose the restoration? All I hear from you is 'it is the decision of the people' but what about you?"
"Do you really want me to answer that question?"
"Yes," Capet said.
"Well, let me put it this way: once a person gains power, it becomes incredibly difficult to let go of it," Napoleon explained.
"So just like your predecessors huh?" Capet scoffed softly. "You see me as a threat to your rule, and you are doing everything it takes to prevent it. I know what it is, and I know how it will end."
"I'm not like my predecessors. Compared to them, I have a clear vision for France, and restoring the monarchy is not part of that vision," Napoleon said assertively. "And to correct you on one thing, I don't see you as a threat; I see you as a nuisance."
With a calm demeanor, Napoleon rose to his feet, a signal that the meeting had come to an end.
"I believe you have your answer, Capet. We will be returning to France. I can't remain inside an enemy country for too long."
Capet looked frustrated. "You will regret this, Napoleon. There will be no other offers like this for you in the future. Once the coalition has defeated France, I swear we will put you all in exile."
"Well, that is if the coalition can win against us," Napoleon replied smugly.
***
Two hours later, in Emperor Francis II's office.
"So they didn't accept the proposal huh?" Francis II said. "That's a shame."
"Are you going to continue the war with France?" Capet asked.
"There's no other choice, Louis. If we can't negotiate, then we must impose our will through force."
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