Napoleon and Talleyrand arrived at the room where the Duke of Zweibrücken was staying.
There were two guards standing on either side of the door, who promptly presented arms and saluted to the Emperor.
Talleyrand stepped forward and knocked on the door.
"Come in," a voice called from within.
Talleyrand opened the door, and Napoleon, with his coronation mantle still draped over him, entered the room.
The Duke of Zweibrücken, Maximilian, was seated on a sofa. Upon seeing the Emperor, he stood up immediately and bowed.
"Your Majesty," Maximilian greeted reverently.
Napoleon scanned the man, he seemed to be in his late fifties, with grayish hair that clung to his scalp, almost bald in the front. Just like any other aristocrat, he wore a finely tailored coat of dark blue, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that denoted his status and nobility.
"Duke Maximilian," Napoleon acknowledged with a nod. "You may raise your head."
Maximilian, following the Emperor's directive, lifted his head and met Napoleon's gaze with a respectful expression.
"We shall keep this exchange succinct, for our dinner approaches. I have been informed by Talleyrand of a missive from the Prussian government concerning the consolidation of the German states. Is this accurate?"
Maximilian nodded. "That's correct. But I rejected it."
"May I ask why?"
"Bavaria boasts a Catholic majority, while Prussia leans toward Protestantism and liberalism. I deemed it in the best interests of Bavaria to remain independent and retain our cultural and religious identity," Maximilian explained. "Not to mention the Austrians are planning to do the same, though I don't know how that would work as Austria is made up of many minorities."
"You are correct on one thing, Maximilian, in the issue of religion. However, in this ever-changing world, such a position could potentially render Bavaria vulnerable. Austria, Prussia, and Russia are rapidly advancing through industrialization and modernization. A smaller state such as Bavaria may find itself at a disadvantage should it choose to remain isolated, while these larger powers continue to expand their influence."
"So what do you have in mind, Your Majesty? I am committed to signing an alliance with you," Maximilian said.
"And I am willing to sign that alliance on one condition," Napoleon pauses for dramatic effect. "Instead of Prussia or Austria, I want Bavaria to unify the German states."
"Unify the German states under Bavarian leadership?" Maximilian repeated. "Your Majesty, it is an audacious idea. The complexities of such a task, the diverse interests of the German states... It would be a monumental undertaking."
"I know, but in your current state, you don't have yet to offer to France. In fact, signing an alliance with you would drag France into conflict with the Prussians and Austrians. It's a bad deal from the start. So in order to make this alliance worth it, you are to convince the other German states of the viability and benefits of Bavarian leadership in a unified Germany," Napoleon continued, his gaze unwavering. "This would create a powerful and stable ally for France in the heart of Europe."
"We are aware of the differences of cultures and interests, but let us deal with it," Talleyrand chimed. "We will come up with an effective charter that respects the sovereignty of each German state while fostering cooperation and unity. You can trust the French on it."
Maximilian pondered deeply for a moment, considering the offer. Seconds later, he spoke. "If I were to accept this, it would mean war with the Austrians and the Prussians."
"War is the fastest way of creating a unified Germany," Napoleon mused.
Maximilian tilted his head to the side. "Wait—does that mean you are willing to go to war with the Austrians and Prussians?"
Napoleon and Talleyrand nodded their heads, indicating their willingness to entertain the idea of conflict if necessary.
Napoleon spoke with a calculated resolve. "We have never shied away from war when it serves our interests. Do you not?"
Maximilian contemplated again. Currently, France has the strongest military and navy in the world. The Austrians were defeated two times by France but for Prussia? It's been long since Prussia saw battle, and during the Revolutionary Wars, they lost. Joining France seemed to be a good choice but he knew that things can get unpredictable. Like what if France lost the war, that would mean ceding territories to the victorious allied forces.
"This offer of ours is a take it or leave it kind. You either stand with us or against us," Napoleon stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity. "We are prepared to support you in this endeavor. But we require your unwavering commitment to the cause."
Maximilian weighed the potential risks and rewards once more. He understood that this alliance with France was a pivotal moment in Bavaria's history, one that could elevate his state to new heights or plunge it into uncertainty and conflict. Yet, the promise of a united Germany under Bavarian leadership held a powerful allure.
With a resolute expression, Maximilian extended his hand towards Napoleon. "Very well, Your Majesty. I accept your offer and commit Bavaria to this alliance. Where do I start?"
"You can start by securing a partnership with King Frederick I of Württemberg. Once the Austrians or Prussians got news of the planned unification, that's where it will start," Napoleon revealed as he shook his hand.
"It's going to be the War of the Third Coalition," Talleyrand added. "Our goal is simple: we start a war, we win it, and the Austrians dissolve the Holy Roman Empire, and with it, the whole German states, except for Prussia of course."
"King Frederick I of Württemberg, would he even agree to participate in this?" Maximilian asked concernedly.
"Oh, King Frederick of Württemberg. He was an elector because I made him an elector. A word from me would be more than enough to persuade him," Napoleon replied with confidence."
"Okay, I'm all in."
"Great, join us for dinner," Napoleon invited.
***
A week later, in continental Europe, the news headlines were still dominated by France turning into an Empire with Napoleon as its Emperor.
In the Sanssouci Palace, King Frederick William III was reading that newspaper.
"It's been a week and I still can't get over it!" Frederick cussed, his nose flaring with frustration. He crumpled the newspaper in his hand and tossed it aside, where it landed on a table cluttered with maps and documents.
Suddenly, someone entered the door. King William jolted in his seat.
"Ferdinand von Bismarck! You can't just enter my office without knocking!" King Frederick William III exclaimed, visibly irritated by the unannounced intrusion.
Ferdinand von Bismarck, a close advisor to the King, wore an expression of urgency as he approached the monarch. "My apologies, Your Majesty, but I bring news that cannot wait."
The King leaned forward, his annoyance momentarily forgotten. "Speak, Bismarck. What news do you bring?"
Bismarck wasted no time. "The Empire of France has signed an alliance with the Electorate of Bavaria. The Electorate of Bavaria unified with the Duchy of Württemberg."
"So?"
Bismarck frowned after hearing that flippant reply. "Uhm—Your Majesty, the Electorate of Bavaria is on the path of uniting the German states under their leadership. We can't let that happen. We have to put our feet down. I have already informed the council and they are demanding war."
"But isn't France the strongest military nation in Europe? You advised me to modernize first."
"I did say that Your Majesty, but France is not that yet an all-powerful nation. We already reverse-engineered their bolt-action rifle, the Austrians and the Russians as well. This is a great opportunity for us to attack France."
"Alone?"
"No not alone, I have spoken with an Austrian diplomat and they share the same concern. I'm also convincing Russia to join the alliance and bring an end to France's domination."
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