December 24th, 1800. In the Palace of Versailles. Two o'clock in the afternoon.
"The Minister of War!" Beaumont's voice boomed, causing Napoleon to sit up straighter in his seat.
"Let him in," Napoleon commanded.
The heavy oaken door swung open, and Berthier, the Minister of War, stepped into the room. He greeted Napoleon with a respectful nod.
"Your Excellency," Berthier said, getting straight to the point, "I bring the latest updates from our eastern borders."
Napoleon motioned for Berthier to approach the desk, where the documents were placed. He leaned forward, ready to examine the reports.
"Yesterday, Archduke Charles approached General Moreau, who was occupying the city of Melk. And there, Archduke Charles has requested an armistice, and General Moreau, as per your orders, accepted the offer," Berthier explained, handing over the official documents for Napoleon to review.
Napoleon took the papers and scanned them attentively. The news of the armistice request both intrigued and pleased him. It was, after all, the pivotal moment in the war of the second coalition. With the Austrians signing the armistice, France knocked out its main threat.
"Where is the record of casualties?" Napoleon asked, looking over the documents that Berthier presented.
"The reports on casualties are included in the annex, Your Excellency," Berthier replied, pointing to a separate section of the documents.
Napoleon turned to the annex and read through the detailed accounts of the losses on both sides. The Army of the Rhine, under the command of General Moreau, had a total force of 53,595, while the Austrian-Bavarian Army, under the command of Archduke John, numbered 60,261. The French total losses amounted to 2,500 dead or wounded and the loss of 1 gun. On the other hand, the Austrian losses were staggering, with 46,130 infantry, 14,131 cavalry, and 214 guns falling into their enemy's hands.
"This is astonishing," Napoleon exclaimed.
"It seems that General Moreau rivals you," Berthier commented. "But your victory in Marengo is far more superior as we only suffered two hundred losses while the Austrians at the thousand. Still, one can't deny General Moreau's brilliance in the battle of Hohenlinden."
"I'm not denying it," Napoleon replied. "General Moreau has indeed redeemed himself after his brief setback when he was in command of the Army of Italy. I should reward him for his exceptional performance. Anyway, do you have anything else to report?"
Berthier nodded, acknowledging Napoleon's praise for General Moreau. "Yes, Your Excellency," he continued. "There is another matter of significance. With the armistice in effect, our forces have been securing key positions along the eastern borders, ensuring that the Austrians abide by the terms of the agreement."
Napoleon leaned in, attentive to the information. "Tell me more," he urged.
"As part of the armistice conditions, the Austrian-Bavarian forces are required to withdraw their troops from certain territories within the region," Berthier explained. "Our scouts have been monitoring their movements closely, and I can confirm that they are adhering to the terms so far."
"What about in Northern Italy?" Napoleon asked. "I heard that there are skirmishes there?"
"General Guillaume Brune is marching towards Mincio River to push out the Austrian General Heinrich von Bellegarde."
"Good, let's just hope that General Brune achieves victory," Napoleon said, though he already knew the outcome with certainty. General Brune's triumph in the Battle of Pozzolo was inevitable, leading to the signing of an armistice that would mark the end of the war in Northern Italy—essentially driving the final nail into the coffin."
"There is a huge possibility that General Brune would win the battle against Bellegarde. They have a significant advantage in numbers. According to the report, the Austrian forces stationed in Northern Italy number around 50,000," Berthier said, providing further details. "Maybe it's time for you, Your Excellency, to think of the concessions that would be made in the upcoming peace treaty with the Austrians."
"I couldn't agree more," Napoleon concurred. "I'll have my Minister of Foreign Affairs counsel me on the potential concessions."
"Very well," Berthier said with a bow of his head. "That's all for now, Your Excellency. I will leave you to your deliberations."
"Thank you, Berthier. Your updates have been most valuable," Napoleon acknowledged.
As Berthier exited the room, Napoleon leaned back in his seat, deep in thought. So far, despite Napoleon having made many choices that altered history itself, events seemed to be heading in a familiar direction. France would defeat Austria and then shift its attention to Great Britain, which, by far, had been the most significant nuisance to him. If not for the English Channel, just like in real history, he too would have had a chance to defeat the British.
Well, the good thing is that Horatio Nelson is dead thanks to Ciela. Without him, Napoleon is confident they can invade Great Britain using the combined naval forces of the Spanish Empire, the Kingdom of Denmark–Norway, and the Republic of France.
But for it to work, Napoleon would have to draw up a comprehensive and detailed plan. Even without Nelson, the British still have the largest and strongest naval force in the world, and their defenses are not to be underestimated.
"I'll probably work on it next year," Napoleon muttered under his breath and then leaned forward to finish up the work he had left prior to Beaumont's arrival.
Just as he grabbed the pen, he heard a soft footstep approaching from the front. He looked up to see his wife, Ciela, entering the room.
"Oh, it's my beautiful wife," Napoleon grinned. "What can I do for you?"
"I just saw Berthier leaving the palace, may I know what the two of you just talked about?"
"Hmm…let's see, he informed me that the Austrians are losing and that peace is imminent between our nation."
"That's great to hear," Ciela said, smiling warmly. "Darling, we are going to the opera later to celebrate Christmas eve with the children right?"
"Of course," Napoleon confirmed.
"But what about the royalists, it's worrying me," Ciela said and offered. "Do you want me to take care of them?"
Napoleon shook his head. "I'll speak with Fouche regarding the royalist who would dare try and harm my family. So you don't have to return back to the life you just left. Didn't I promise that I will protect you and our children at all costs?"
Ciela simply nodded.
"Then rest easy, my darling. When it comes to the safety of my family, I will never be complacent."
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