Chapter 343 Prelude to Shock and Awe
Eight o'clock in the evening. July 9th, 1821.
Francis was alone in his room, studying the historical map of Edo with intense scrutiny. It was the most recent map available, yet Francis was well aware of its limitations and outdated content. He had ordered a seaplane to conduct aerial reconnaissance to capture updated images of Edo, aiming to identify and target key infrastructures that, when struck, would paralyze the city. Until the seaplane completed its mission, he had to make do with the outdated resources at his disposal.
The map was spread across the table, anchored by brass paperweights at each corner. Francis's gaze wandered over the intricate lines and notations, his mind working rigorously to construct a mental image of the city's layout and key defense structures. He examined the distinct districts of Edo, the placement of castle walls, and moats, and the distribution of samurai residences. Each element was a piece of the puzzle, fitting together to form a comprehensive view of the city's defenses.
Francis made notes, marking potential targets and weaknesses in Edo's defense. He studied the topographical contours of the land, noting how natural barriers like mountains and rivers could be used to his advantage or present obstacles to his forces.
He noted the locations of the daimyos' residences, temples, and other significant structures. The pattern of the streets, the narrow alleys, and open spaces – each could serve a strategic purpose. In a warfare that could potentially involve both ground forces and artillery, understanding the urban layout was critical.
Francis was a man of science and strategy. While the honor and traditions deeply embedded in Japanese culture were respected, he understood that victory in war was rooted in the practical application of technology, strategy, and intelligence, just like how his father displayed during his campaigns in the First, Second, and Third wars of the coalition.
The integration of traditional military strategy with advanced technology defined the essence of modern warfare, and Francis intended to leverage every available resource.
As he pondered the geographical features and urban structure of Edo, there was a knock on the door.
Francis lifted his gaze from the map, his thoughts momentarily disrupted.
"Enter."
The door opened slowly, and a figure stepped into the room. It was Daphne, his little sister.
Francis sighed, thinking that it was Admiral de Richebourg or Captain Waldeck.
"Brother, I heard from Admiral de Richebourgh that you are going to war with Japan. Shouldn't we inform Paris of this development?"
"It doesn't matter," Francis said. "I'm sure Father would understand what I'm doing. We are doing this for the sake of France. The future market is in Asia as they have a high population, higher than all of Europe combined. Besides, it's going to end in a day. The Japanese would recognize the gap in technology and military power and they'll surrender."
Daphne looked at the map on the table. "Aren't you taking everything a bit too fast?"
"What do you mean by that?" Francis asked, tilting his head to the side.
"I know that you and brother Tristan are competing for who is the best son of our father. Last I heard he was making his way to the Qing Dynasty and abolishing the trade policy the Chinese imposed. I believe it's the Canton system?"
Francis leaned back, his chair creaking under the shift of weight. Daphne's astuteness was a constant, sometimes unnerving, characteristic of hers. She had an uncanny ability to cut through the veneer of the external proceedings and touch the underlying currents. His rivalry with Tristan was an unspoken affair, buried under the grandeur of their familial lineage and the exigencies of their imperial ambitions.
"Yes, the Canton System," Francis responded curtly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "But what Tristan is undertaking in China has little bearing on our actions here in Japan. The contexts are disparate, Daphne."
"But for me, the Qing Dynasty is better than Japan. It's rich and has a higher population."
"That's true, which is why I'm also eyeing on China."
"Oh don't tell me we are going to make a stop in China. We are going to be late to Paris," Daphne said concernedly.
Francis chuckled and shook his head. "No, I don't think Tristan would make such a move when the reunion is approaching. But yeah, I have to be the first to China, not Tristan."
Daphne giggled.
"What are you giggling at?" Francis demanded gently.
"Because it's funny seeing you being so worried about your little brother," Daphne responded with a smile. Francis raised an eyebrow but didn't retort. The silence, albeit brief, allowed the weight of Daphne's earlier statements to settle.
Tristan is a formidable rival. He may be seven years older than Tristan but he possessed intellect rivaling his. He still remembered the words he said to him.
"You're only the Crown Prince of the Empire of France because you were born first. Imagine if I was born first, our situation would have been reversed."
From that day, Francis swore that he would prove Tristan wrong, that his claim to the throne and his future reign weren't mere accidents of birth, but were deserved and earned. Each conquest, every successful negotiation, and the expansion of French territory and influence under his command were testaments to his capability.
"You have to leave me alone for a while, Daphne. Stay in your room and do whatever you want. I'll end this in a day and after we have signed the treaty with Japan, we'll leave immediately."
"That's a deal then," Daphne let out a short laugh, then added, "But remember to not get too caught up in this race with Tristan. Father wouldn't want his sons warring against each other, metaphorically or otherwise."
***
Another three hours have passed and Francis is on the bridge deck of the IFNS Napoleon.
He was standing in front of a table, where the latest aerial image from the seaplanes lay spread out, offering a more current and detailed layout of Edo compared to the historical map he had been examining earlier. There was little to no difference, suggesting that the city is stagnating.
Around the table standing was Captain Waldeck and Admiral de Richebourg.
"Report," Francis ordered.
"The Japanese are fortifying their positions along the shores," Captain Waldeck began. "Japanese junks and samurais are being mobilized. They also have division-sized personnel armed with century-old muskets. Their forces are pitiful and a single salvo from our fleet would destroy the city."
"Not only destroy, but burn," Admiral de Richebourgh said. "The houses are made of wood and are adjacent to each other, a perfect setting for an inferno."
"You misunderstood me gentlemen, I do not wish to flatten or burn the cities completely. That would achieve the opposite desired effect of what we want from Japan. Remember our goals, opening Japan for trade. Here's what we are going to do. We are going to sink all the Japanese junks around our fleet, and a single salvo from the IFNS Napoleon on their shores. That should scare them enough. After we sink all of their warships, we will task our Amphibious Assault Ship to send a team ashore to secure a landing zone. We'll push inland until we reach this place…"
Francis paused as he pressed his finger on the map.
"What is that?" Captain Waldeck inquired.
"That's the Edo Castle," Francis revealed. "It houses the Shogun, who is the de-facto ruler of Japan. By capturing the Edo Castle, we gain control over the Shogun and effectively, Japan. We will begin the operation tomorrow morning at seven o'clock. That would be all."
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