Meanwhile, on the other side of the English Channel, at Boulogne.
The troops from all camps had been arriving at Boulogne, filling the city with tens of thousands of people, making it the largest assembly of soldiers and sailors the city had ever seen. The streets were a cacophony of voices, the clattering of equipment, and the rhythmic march of boots against cobblestones. Battle standards and flags representing the Army of France fluttered in the breeze.
In the heart of the bustling activity, Napoleon Bonaparte, stood atop a makeshift podium, overseeing the preparations with a keen eye.
Despite the absence of concrete updates regarding the situation in the English Channel, his knowledge remained confined to the fact that the Franco-Spanish Fleet was locked in a confrontation with the British English Channel Fleet. Nevertheless, he recognized the imperative to ready himself and his troops.
So that when the Franco-Spanish fleet was to inform him that they had defeated the English Channel Fleet, then he could issue a rapid deployment, where troops would board their respective ships.
Speaking of ships, varying classes of ships that were built from the port of Batavian Republic have arrived with no logistical challenge, probably because the British were busy blocking off the Russian fleet at the Baltic Sea.
In real history, those ships constructed from the Batavian Republic were intercepted by the British Fleet, but since Russia is in league with France, it didn't happen.
"Your Excellency."
Napoleon threw a cursory glance at the person who called him, it was Berthier. It seems that the news he had been waiting for has finally arrived.
"What is it, Berthier?" Napoleon asked, still anticipating that it would be about the battle in the English Channel.
"It's about our fleet in the English Channel," Berthier revealed.
His guess was right. Now, the moment of truth. If their fleet emerged triumphant, then the path to invasion would clear, and the prospect of imposing their terms upon Great Britain would become a tangible reality. However, a different outcome would demand a strategic pause, prompting considerations of alternatives—perhaps channeling resources into naval enhancement, pursuing interests in North America, or awaiting the arrival of the Russian Fleet, bound by their alliance.
Doing so would give the British enough time for them to fortify their defenses such as fortifying the Royal Military Canal and probably construct weapons based on France's modern rifle. He couldn't underestimate the ingenuity of the people of this era.
But if the Franco-Spanish won the battle, then it's all in, invade Great Britain and force them to make a concession favorable to the French.
"Share the news, Berthier," Napoleon urged.
"Our fleet in the English Channel has emerged victorious," Berthier announced,
Napoleon's chest swelled with relief. The die had been cast, and destiny beckoned. With a nod of acknowledgment, he turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the English coast could be seen.
The clatter of preparations continued around him, the tens of thousands of soldiers and sailors, the bustling city of Boulogne—every element converged to this pivotal moment.
"The Goddess of Fate has smiled upon us, Berthier," Napoleon said.
"Goddess of Fate?" Berthier tilted his head, a quizzical expression touching his features.
Napoleon's lips curved into a wry smile, realizing he had inadvertently shared his private musings aloud.
"Never mind that, Berthier," he said, his laughter resonating with a touch of mirth. "Did you disseminate this news to anyone else?"
"The Generals are already aware of the situation, Your Excellency," Berthier replied and continued. "However, the majority of our soldiers have yet to be informed. Would you like to make a formal announcement and confirm the news?"
"You know my preferences, Berthier. Do I really have to answer that question?"
Berthier offered a nod of understanding. "I will gather everyone before you, Your Excellency."
After saying that, Berthier began making preparations for Napoleon's speech, ordering his aides-de-camp to speak with every officer and regimental leader to assemble the troops in an organized formation. The word spread like wildfire, reaching every man and as time flew by, those soldiers were congregating in front of the makeshift podium where Napoleon stood.
As the soldiers formed ranks in the open square, their expressions mirrored a range of emotions—curiosity, hope, and anticipation. It took them almost an hour to assemble in the center and once everyone had settled in their place, Napoleon began.
"Army of France! I stand here before you to announce an important victory that has been achieved by our brave comrades at sea!" Napoleon's voice rang out with authority, carrying to the farthest corners of the square.
"Our Franco-Spanish fleet has emerged victorious in the English Channel!" he declared, his words punctuated by a collective cheer that surged through the ranks.
Napoleon's eyes scanned the sea of faces before him, the expressions of triumph and resolve mirrored in each soldier's gaze.
"Today, we stand at the precipice of history," Napoleon continued. "Our path to the shores of Great Britain is open, and the time has come for us to seize our destiny. It's time for us to end the tyranny of Great Britain who did nothing but bring conflict to our continent, swaying our neighbors into fighting us! We have endured their blockades, their aggression, and their attempts to stifle our progress. But today, the tides have turned, and we have shown the world that we are a force to be reckoned with!"
The soldiers roared in agreement.
"But, let me remind you that the crossing of the channel won't be an easy challenge. The British are going to everything in their power to prevent us from setting foot on their shores and ending their hegemony over Europe," Napoleon's voice grew firmer.
"They will fight with desperation, for they know that our success means the dawn of a new era, an era where the British's voice would no longer hold weight and power. France will become the new leader of European affairs.
"So we shall cross the channel, not as aggressors, but as liberators. We shall show them that a united France cannot be suppressed and that their attempts to subjugate us have failed. Army of France! Board your respective ships! Prepare for the journey that will reshape the course of history! Vive la République! Vive la France!"
Ending his speech with resounding passion, the soldiers cheered and chanted.
"Vive la République! Vive la France!"
Berthier, standing nearby, approached Napoleon with a satisfied smile. "Your words have ignited a fire within them, Your Excellency."
"Yes, for this is going to be the bloodiest battle of their lives," Napoleon replied,
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