Chapter 297 One Last Job
Following the Pope's counsel, Napoleon and Ciela undertook their second wedding ceremony at Notre Dame the following month, officially sealing their marital commitment.
The day after their remarriage, Francis and Aveline had their first communion and were baptized by the pope, the day after their first communion and baptismal, Tristan got his own baptismal.
With those ceremonies, the future royal family of the Empire of France was now officially recognized within the bosom of the Church. There is only one thing left for them to do, which is the crowning ceremony of Napoleon Bonaparte.
***
In the months leading up to the grand event, preparations for Napoleon's coronation as Emperor of France were in full swing. The Republic of France had extended invitations to the various royal families of Europe, a gesture aimed at fostering unity and cooperation on the continent.
However, the response from some quarters was far from warm. Prussia and Austria, two of Europe's powerful nations, declined the invitation.
The reason for their refusal was simple and deeply rooted in the old European order. They could not accept a man who had risen from humble origins within minor nobility to ascend to the highest throne in France. Napoleon Bonaparte's meteoric ascent challenged the traditional dynastic structures of Europe, where birthright and pedigree determined one's claim to power.
In the grand salons of Vienna and Berlin, whispers of disdain circulated among the aristocrats. They questioned the legitimacy of a self-made Emperor, doubting his right to rule over a nation that had long been governed by monarchs born into their roles. The French Revolution had upended centuries of tradition, and Napoleon's rise was seen as an affront to the status quo.
The Russian Empire also didn't accept the invitation from Napoleon, despite the two countries being an ally. Tsar Paul I believed that Napoleon should only remain the First Consul, not an Emperor. Tsar Paul I doesn't see himself as equal to Napoleon. He may have saved his life but his dignity and reputation are more important than attending the coronation of a man he considered an upstart.
The Kingdom of Great Britain obviously rejected the invitation. After their defeat by France in the Battle of the English Channel and London, stripping them of their colonies overseas, they grew bitter and hostile towards Napoleon.
Denmark, and Norway, not wanting to offend Prussia and Russia decided to align themselves with the stance of their neighbors and respectfully declined the invitation as well.
As the denials poured in from these influential nations, Napoleon could simply sigh.
"So even after defeating the British, the Austrians conquered North Africa and the Middle East. I am still not regarded as their equals…" Napoleon muttered under his breath as he rapped his fingers atop his desk. "It seems that I have to prove to them that I'm worthy and equal to them—No. Not equal, but higher than them."
"Don't let them get to you, Your Excellency. It's only natural for them to accept the invitation," Talleyrand said.
"Let them get to me?" Napoleon scoffed softly. "I don't think so, Talleyrand. I don't think so…"
"Well, if you want good news, the President of the Republic of Ireland, the United States of America, and the Regent of Kingdom of Spain has sent word that they will attend the coronation," Talleyrand informed.
"A fledgling nation attending the ceremony of a fledgling Empire, how ironic," Napoleon remarked, a wry smile dancing at the corners of his lips. He leaned back in his ornate chair and stared at the ceiling. "Any other news on the European front?"
"There is one," Talleyrand confirmed. "The Duke of Zweibrücken, Maximilian, told me in writing that the Kingdom of Prussia is planning to unify the German-speaking states. The Austrians also expressed their desire for the idea. The state of Bavaria was invited to explore the possibility."
Napoleon rubbed the bridge of his nose, contemplating the implications of this news. The prospect of a unified German-speaking state, led by Prussia and supported by Austria, posed both challenges to France. Not only they will have a powerful neighbor, but hostile to France.
"We can't let that happen," Napoleon simply replied. "Not on my watch. If I want to unify Germany, it should be our puppet."
"Fortunately, Your Excellency, the state of Bavaria has declined the proposition, and in fact seeking an alliance with you. They believed that allying with France was the only way of protecting their interest."
Napoleon bit his lower lip and leaned forward. "Talleyrand, I have this idea of unifying Germany but led by Bavaria.? I have seen the industrialization progress of the Russian Empire. Tsar Paul I shifted his domestic policy, turning Russia from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. If we can have a unified Germany in central Europe, it could serve as a buffer state."
Talleyrand deeply contemplated the idea Napoleon had presented. Moments passed, he spoke. "Your Excellency, should you do that, we will be at war with Austria and Prussia. Unifying German states under the leadership of Bavaria would mean the German states must secede from the Holy Roman Empire. Austria won't let that happen. As for the Prussians, since they wanted to unify the German states under their leadership, there was a conflict of interest. The Russians and the British might join too. It will be a War of the Third Coalition."
Napoleon clapped his hands and slapped the table. "That's a perfect opportunity to prove France once more in Europe. That we are the strongest. Their refusal to attend my coronation is an insult to me. If I can defeat them in another coalition, so be it."
Hearing Napoleon's words of conviction, Talleyrand leaned forward.
"I remember you saying that you don't want another war, Your Excellency. I believe the reason is your family. Why the sudden change of heart?"
Napoleon leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the map of Europe hanging on the wall. He took a deep breath, his thoughts straying briefly to his family, especially Ciela and their children.
"You are right, Talleyrand. I have always sought to avoid another devastating conflict for the sake of my family, for their safety and happiness. But I have also come to realize that my vision for France won't be realized if I were to take a lenient stance against European powers. They don't respect us. Even though we have won in the first and second coalition, they still see us as a village idiot," Napoleon explained.
"So you are provoking a war in order to gain their respect and elevate France's status on the European stage?" Talleyrand inquired, seeking to clarify Napoleon's intentions.
"If I beat the coalition again, Talleyrand, what do you think will happen?" Napoleon asked.
Talleyrand was speechless, but he understood Napoleon's point.
"How will you provoke a war," Talleyrand asked.
"By openly declaring that we will help Bavaria unify the German states under their leadership," Napoleon revealed. "We do that, we have another war of coalition. And I predict, this is going to be the last. Of course, we are going to do it after my coronation."
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