"So, the British didn't accept our terms, huh?" Napoleon mused, his eyes scanning the paper that Talleyrand had handed to him.
"As expected, Your Excellency. There's no way the British are going to accept the terms you've demanded," Talleyrand replied, his tone carrying an air of certainty. "It appears that only one course of action remains."
"Indeed," Napoleon responded, his expression turning resolute. "We shall have to meet them with force."
"Shall I summon the Minister of War for you?" Talleyrand inquired, already moving to comply.
"Yes, and also prepare a message for dispatch to the member-states of our alliance," Napoleon instructed, his mind already formulating the words he wished to convey.
Talleyrand retrieved a pen and paper, poised to take down the message. "Of course, Your Excellency. What would you like the message to convey?"
Napoleon leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon beyond the grand windows of his office. "Begin the message with, 'This is the First Consul of France.' Then continue with these words: 'The British government has regrettably chosen to reject the terms proposed for the establishment of peace and amity between our two nations.'"
Talleyrand's pen danced across the paper as he transcribed Napoleon's words. "Go on, Your Excellency."
Napoleon's voice took on a firmer tone as he continued, "I am now calling upon the defense forces of your sovereign nation to be prepared. The British, having shown their unwillingness to seek a peaceful resolution, are likely to resort to aggressive actions. It is imperative that we stand united and vigilant to protect our shores and preserve the sovereignty of our alliance."
Talleyrand nodded, his hand moving swiftly to capture Napoleon's sentiment on paper. "And how shall we conclude the message, Your Excellency?"
"Conclude with the assurance that our alliance is bound by the principles of solidarity and mutual defense. This act of aggression by the British will not go unanswered, and we shall meet their actions with the full force of our combined might," Napoleon declared.
Talleyrand completed the writing, "It is done, Your Excellency. I shall send a telegraph to their respective legations right away."
Napoleon's gaze shifted from the window to the completed message before him.
"Thank you, Talleyrand," Napoleon said. "I will wait for the Minister of War, Berthier, to arrive."
Talleyrand nodded in acknowledgment. "Of course, Your Excellency. If there is anything else you require, please do not hesitate to inform me."
With one final bow, Talleyrand left his office, leaving Napoleon alone. He propped up his chin with his hand, his mind deep in thought. He had been waiting for this moment when the British would refuse the terms offered to them.
He began wondering what he'd do should the alliance defeat the United Kingdom. Should he take her colonies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South America, and Africa? After all, he did warn the British that the terms would be much harsher
than those initially proposed. He knew that a decisive victory would give France and its allies significant leverage in the negotiations that would follow.
Should he do that, that would mean the French Republic becoming a global superpower, in paper, of course, the French don't have a sufficient navy to maintain control over such distant territories. But perhaps he could use the acquired colonies as bargaining chips in future negotiations, solidifying France's dominance in Europe and expanding its influence across the globe.
Lost in his thoughts, Napoleon's gaze lingered on the globe resting atop his desk. He spun it gently with his fingertips, watching as the continents rotated under his touch. The world was vast, its possibilities limitless, and as he contemplated the potential outcomes of the impending conflict, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
He envisioned a future where the French Republic would be actively engaged in expanding its territories across every continent, particularly focusing on the continent closest to it—Africa. His campaign in Egypt had already brought France into the vast northern territory of Africa, and he foresaw a deeper penetration into the continent, solidifying French influence, and control over crucial regions. The acquisition of colonies in Africa could furnish invaluable resources necessary for industrialization and modernization, particularly in regions like South Africa with its abundant coal reserves. These colonies would also provide a substantial workforce for his construction projects in France, establish new trade routes, and secure strategic footholds that would significantly enhance France's global power.
Of course, he would not stop there. South America was a treasure trove for minerals, such as copper, iron, and nickel. Australia was rich in bauxite, a crucial resource for aluminum production, and its vast landscapes held promise for agriculture and settlement. While India's potential for trade and raw materials was too valuable to overlook.
Napoleon grinned at the prospect of his grand vision coming to fruition. He imagined the map of the world colored with French territories. The thought of France standing as the preeminent global power fueled his determination even further.
While engrossed in that thought, his children entered his office, accompanied by their personal caretaker, Audrey.
"Papa!" Aveline exclaimed.
"Your Excellency, I apologize for suddenly intruding on your workplace," Audrey said. "Lady Aveline just ran off."
"It's fine," Napoleon said. "Is Beaumont not outside?"
"I didn't see him standing by the door, Your Excellency, he must have taken care of some other thing," Audrey replied.
"Is that so?" Napoleon hummed as his gaze flickered to his children. "Very well, you can wait outside while I talk to my children here, Audrey," Napoleon said with a nod.
Audrey bowed respectfully and exited the room, leaving Napoleon alone with his children—Francis and Aveline.
"So, what's the purpose of you coming here?" Napoleon asked.
"Well, Father, Aveline is asking if we could go outside and go shopping with her friends," Francis said.
"Please, papa!" Aveline chimed in. "This is our first time coming out together."
"You are also coming with them, Francis?" Napoleon asked Francis.
"Uhm…yes…" Francis confirmed softly.
Napoleon sighed inwardly. This is going to be a problem, just why is that Francis has no male friends? Didn't he meet one at the birthday party of Louis's daughter? Well, not that he opposed the idea of Francis getting friendly with the ladies of his age. As a father, he wanted his son to experience a well-rounded upbringing and develop connections that would serve him in both personal and political spheres.
He looked at his children, their hopeful faces filled with anticipation, and he couldn't deny them this simple request. After all, ever since he told the Russian Emperor that there is a plot of assassination, things had gotten busier.
"Very well," he said with a resigned smile. "You may go. I'll appoint a security team to accompany you for your safety."
Aveline clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay! Thank you, Papa!"
With that, they left, leaving him once again alone in his office.
Two hours later, Beaumont entered his office.
"Your Excellency, the Minister of War!"
Upon his announcement, Berthier entered his office.
"Your Excellency, I have arrived," Berthier said.
"Take a seat, Berthier. Today is going to be a long day for both of us."
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