Chapter 413 The Emperor's Children Part 2
Meanwhile, at the capital city of the Dominion of Canada, Quebec, it was ten o'clock in the morning. Daphne Bonaparte was preparing for her first significant meeting with her advisor. The room was quiet, the only sound being the occasional tap of Daphne's fingers on the table as she waited.
Moments later, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Daphne spoke softly, and the door opened. Her advisor, a middle-aged man, named Hamelin Sault, with a serious demeanor, entered the room.
"Good morning, Your Imperial Highness. The reason why I call this urgent meeting is because there is a developing report in the European continent."
"What is it?" Daphne asked curiously.
"Her Imperial Majesty, Ciela Bonaparte, has formally declared war on the Russian and the Ottoman Empire," Sault revealed with a grave expression.
Daphne hummed aloud, acknowledging the report. "Well, Canada is part of the French Empire. If France is engaging in war with another nation, French dominions, and colonies, including Canada, will be expected to support the effort," she stated, her voice steady but thoughtful.
Sault nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Your Imperial Highness. But the problem is Canada only has five thousand soldiers in active service and they are scattered throughout the dominion. We can't support France militarily."
Sault couldn't be more correct. Since there was no threat to Canada's territorial integrity as its neighbor, New France, was also part of the French Empire. There was no need for a huge army other than a peacekeeping force.
"But we can support them in terms of supply," Daphne said. "We will provide France with raw materials, food, and other essential supplies. It's the best course of action given our limited military capacity."
Sault nodded, jotting down notes. "Indeed, Your Imperial Highness. We can leverage our natural resources and agricultural strength. However, this will require reallocating some of our domestic resources, and it might impact our economy."
Daphne acknowledged the potential consequences with a nod. "We must balance our support for France with the needs of our citizens. I want a detailed plan on how we can manage these resources efficiently without causing undue strain at home."
"Understood," Sault replied. "I'll convene a team to work on this immediately. We'll consider all aspects, including logistics, economic impact, and potential responses from other international entities."
"Keep me updated," Daphne instructed.
As Sault left her room, Daphne sighed. "Father, it's not even half a year since I began to rule a dominion, and yet you've already embroiled us in a global conflict."
She murmured to herself. She stared out the window, contemplating the challenges ahead. She would prefer if France were to emerge victorious in this conflict, which she confidently believes due to its military strength and state-of-the-art technologies. But if the opposite were to happen, she might lose this territory as part of the treaty the parties may sign.
She clapped her cheeks. "No, that's impossible. The French Empire is the best," she reassured herself, trying to shake off the doubts.
Then she heard hurried footsteps coming towards her office. The door swung open and Hamelin Sault re-entered, his usual composure replaced by a sense of urgency.
"Your Imperial Highness, I apologize for the sudden intrusion," Sault began, slightly out of breath.
Daphne raised an eyebrow, a signal for him to continue. "What's the matter, Sault?"
Sault took a moment to collect his thoughts. "It's about the Spanish Empire. They have just declared war on the Russian and Ottoman Empire."
"Spain too? So brother Tristan is also getting into action. What about Italy? Has there been any news about my sister Aveline joining the war?"
"There's no official statement from Italy yet, Your Highness. However, given the current alliances and political climate, it wouldn't be surprising if they soon follow suit."
Daphne nodded, her smile widening slightly. "This just increased the odds of the French coalition winning against the Russian and Ottoman Empires," she mused. "The combined forces of France, Spain, and potentially Italy would be formidable."
"Yes, Your Highness," Sault agreed. "But we must also consider the possibility of other nations joining the opposition, which could escalate the conflict further."
"Opposition?" Daphne tilted her head to the side, confused. "Who would dare stand against the might of the French Empire and her allies?"
"I apologize Your Imperial Highness. Now that I think about it, there's none that could realistically pose a significant challenge to the combined might of the French Empire and her allies," Sault said, recalibrating his earlier statement.
"Well, there is one," Daphne said. "I believe it's Austria. They hated our empire for taking lands off them. They might join our enemies."
"I doubt that, Your Imperial Majesty. Because if they join the Russians, they might lose even more territory," Sault reasoned. "Austria might remain neutral to avoid further losses. Or possibly join the coalition."
Daphne considered this perspective. "True, that would be the logical choice for them. Well, I think that's all. Keep me updated again."
"Of course, Your Imperial Highness," Sault responded with a nod. "I'll make sure you're informed of any significant changes or developments."
***
At the capital city of the Kingdom of Italy. Aveline Bonaparte was at her office, doing her constitutional role as the Queen of Italy, a title given to her by her father, Napoleon Bonaparte.
While sifting through some documents, her advisor, Ferdinando Marescalchi, entered her office.
"Oh, Ferdinando, what brings you here?" Aveline asked, looking up from her documents with an inquisitive expression.
Ferdinando adjusted his glasses before speaking. "Your Majesty, there's been a significant development. The Spanish and French Empire has declared war on the Russian and Ottoman Empire."
"Wait…my father did?" Aveline asked, shocked at the news.
"Well, it was Her Imperial Majesty who formally announced the declaration of war."
"So it is my mother," Aveline muttered. "Given the circumstances that Italy and France have a close relationship, there's no doubt we'll be expected to take a stance soon."
Ferdinando nodded, "Exactly, Your Majesty. There's pressure for Italy to either support the French-led coalition or remain neutral. But I think it's best that we join the war on the French side."
"Of course that's obvious. I will draft a speech for my declaration of war to the Empire of Russia and Ottoman."
***
At the Kingdom of Germany, in Berlin.
Francis wore his trench coat as he walked down the hallway of the Sanssouci Palace. Trailing behind him was his fiance, Charlotte.
"We are heading for Bavaria to urge the King of Germany to declare war on Russia and the Ottman," Francis said. "This is an opportunity for France to grow even longer and stronger."
"I'll help you," Charlotte said.
"Thank you."
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel