Chapter 266 Arriving in Madrid
Meanwhile, the same day,? in the capital city of the Kingdom of Spain, Manuel Godoy, the Prime Minister, marched resolutely towards the King's Office.
Upon entering the King's Office, he found King Charles IV reclining idly in his chair, a look of indifference on his face. Godoy cleared his throat to get the king's attention.
"Your Majesty," Godoy began, "I have urgent matters to discuss regarding the state of our nation."
Charles IV, uninterested, yawned and lazily propped himself up in his chair. "Can't it wait, Godoy? I was just about to take a nap."
Godoy sighed inwardly, but he couldn't afford to let the king's indolence deter him. "I'm afraid it cannot wait, Your Majesty. The situation in Spain is deteriorating rapidly, and we must address these issues promptly."
The king reluctantly straightened in his chair. "Very well, Godoy. What is it that's so pressing?"
Godoy began to outline the various problems plaguing Spain – the discontent among the people, the dire state of the economy, and the need for industrialization and political reforms. He stressed the urgency of taking action to prevent a potential uprising.
Charles IV listened with a half-hearted interest, occasionally nodding as if he understood the gravity of the situation. However, it was clear that his mind was more focused on leisurely pursuits than the affairs of the kingdom.
As Godoy continued, he couldn't help but feel frustrated by the king's lack of engagement. This was a critical moment in Spain's history, and the monarch's indifference was a significant obstacle to progress.
"Your Majesty," Godoy concluded, "we must make some tough decisions and implement reforms to stabilize our nation. Your leadership is vital in these troubled times. Especially when France is getting stronger every day."
"But isn't France our ally? Why should we care about them?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, France is indeed our ally, but under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte, France's ambitions are expanding rapidly. Their influence extends far and wide, and we must be cautious. If we do not take steps to strengthen our own position and address our internal issues, we risk becoming pawns in France's larger game."
Godoy was met with silence, having to go through all of this is making him frustrated. If only such reforms don't need the King's assent. Godoy's frustration simmered beneath the surface, but he maintained his composure. Maybe it's time that he brings that topic up.
"Your Majesty, you know of Duke Alfonso de Castellano right?"
"The Industrial Magnate and Advisor to the Crown," Charles IV said with a long sigh. "What about him?"
"Well, Your Majesty, his influence in the court and to the public of Spain is increasing by the day. What's more, you won't believe this other information."
"What is it?"
"Do you know that his long-lost daughter is the wife of the First Consul of the French Republic?"
The moment Godoy revealed this information, Charles IV's expression shifted from indifference to a look of genuine concern. He leaned forward, suddenly engaged in the conversation. "What did you say, Godoy Alfonso's daughter, is married to the First Consul of the French Republic?"
Godoy nodded gravely. "Yes, Your Majesty, it's true. This marriage creates a direct link between one of the most influential figures in our court and the highest echelons of French power. It's a potential threat to our sovereignty. Not only that, the French First Consul is on their way to meet him."
Charles IV's concern deepened upon hearing that the French First Consul was en route to meet with Duke Alfonso de Castellano, the industrial magnate with close ties to the Spanish court.
"What should we do, Godoy?" the king asked a sense of urgency in his voice that had been absent earlier.
"We first need to figure out why they are meeting in the first place," Godoy proposed. "We'll discuss the next step once we learn of his intent."
***
October 10th, 1801, at the main railway station of Madrid, a steam locomotive hissed and chugged as it came to a stop. The train had carried the First Consul of the French Republic, Napoleon Bonaparte, and his family to the heart of Spain's capital.
Napoleon, accompanied by his wife Ciela and their entourage, stepped off the train onto the bustling platform. Francis, Aveline, and Isabella followed behind.
The arrival of the French leader had drawn considerable attention. A small crowd had gathered, both out of curiosity and anticipation of what his visit might entail. This is to be expected as Napoleon had sent a letter to the Duke of Castellano about his plan of making a visit. The government's postal office must have read that letter and informed them and made it public.
"That's a private letter for you," Napoleon grinned inwardly.
The Elite Consular Guards stood ready for any action required to secure Napoleon's safety. As the First Consul took in the sights and sounds of Madrid, he noticed a person approaching them.
"Hey stop!" One of the Elite Consular Guards ordered, aiming his bolt-action rifle at the person approaching.
"Relax, I'm the Kingdom of Spain Prime Minister," Manuel Godoy raised his hands in a gesture of non-hostility, his official attire clearly identifying him as the Prime Minister of Spain. The Elite Consular Guard who had aimed his rifle lowered it, and the tension eased.
Napoleon acknowledged Godoy with a nod, his expression calm and composed. "Prime Minister Godoy, I did not expect you to make an appearance before me."
Manuel chuckled. "It's only customary for my job to greet the head of state of a foreign country."
"But I didn't inform you that I would be visiting Madrid," Napoleon said.
"We have read your letter, and it's clear that you are here to meet with the Duke of Castellano," Godoy continued. "However, there are certain diplomatic protocols that must be observed before such a meeting can take place."
Napoleon regarded Godoy with a measured expression. "There's no such thing as protocol."
"There is one, Your Excellency. The first one is meeting the King of Spain."
"I have no interest in meeting the King of Spain, I am here simply to visit my wife's father and get to know about him. This is a private visit, not a diplomatic one."
The tension between the two grew tense with Napoleon narrowing his eyes slightly.
"Prime Minister, I've stated my purpose in Spain, and I have no intention of deviating from it. My visit is a personal matter, and I do not see the necessity of engaging in formal diplomatic procedures. I came here to meet the Duke of Castellano, not engage in political posturing," Napoleon reiterated. "So step out of the way before my patience wears thin."
"Is that how you talk to an ally, Your Excellency?" Godoy growled softly as if ready to challenge Napoleon.
"There's no such thing as a perpetual ally, Prime Minister, only alliances that serve the interests of the moment," Napoleon replied with a steely resolve.
Before it could get intense, a man shouted from behind.
"Enough!"
Napoleon and Godoy flickered their gaze towards the source of the sound. It wasn't the King of Spain, it was someone else. He was dressed in a finely tailored suit, his beard trimmed meticulously, and his piercing eyes held a blend of authority and wisdom.
"Duke Alfonso…" Manuel uttered.
"Mr. Prime Minister, those are my guests. Stop interfering." Duke Alfonso de Castellano's voice cut through the tension like a blade. His authoritative tone left no room for dispute.
"Father…" Ciela and Isabella intoned together softly.
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