Make France Great Again-Chapter 205 War and Peace

The polite refusal of Austrian Envoy Baron Hubert did not satisfy the envoy of the Russian Empire. Instead, the Russian envoy persistently urged Baron Hubert to express his opinion.

"Baron, for you personally! You will support the Russian Empire, won’t you!" The Russian envoy glanced disdainfully at Jerome Bonaparte at the forefront of the viewing platform and said, "A clown like this, even if dressed in the attire of nobility, is doomed never to stand with us! Just watch! He will turn all of Europe into chaos, just like his uncle!"

Although the Russian envoy had tried to lower his voice, his rough voice from the Lindong Region and his poor French still carried over to the ear of the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Luyis, not far away.

Mr. Luyis frowned and watched the Russian envoy and the Austrian envoy beside him. He slowly parted the crowd, attempting to sidle over to the Russian envoy in a manner akin to an ant moving house.

Baron Hubert noticed Mr. Luyis’ actions. To prevent Mr. Luyis’ misunderstanding, which could lead to an unnecessary diplomatic dispute, he used a standard diplomatic tone to say, "The Austrian Empire loves peace! We also believe that President Jerome Bonaparte and the French Republic equally love peace! Peace is the main theme of development. We cannot deny President Jerome Bonaparte’s love for peace because of the past Emperor."

"Oh, please!" The Russian envoy replied flippantly, clearly not believing that Jerome Bonaparte was someone who loved peace.

Just as the Russian envoy attempted to further coax Austrian Envoy Baron Hubert into saying something beyond a diplomat’s capacity, Mr. Luyis’ voice came from behind the Russian envoy: "Sir Envoy, wasn’t it taught in your country’s schools that discussing others behind their backs is impolite?"

"Umm..." The Russian envoy showed an awkward expression.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than having your criticism overheard by the target of your criticism and being caught red-handed.

The envoys from various countries around also remained silent, adopting a posture of watching a show.

Seeing that the Russian envoy did not respond, Mr. Luyis continued on his own: "Is it that, when you were young, Sir Envoy, you did not receive strict family education? Or did your father lack the funds to hire an excellent teacher to instruct you on matters of etiquette... Oh! That would be truly unfortunate..."

Then, Mr. Luyis turned with a smile to look at the British envoy: "I can’t imagine why Tsar Nicholas would appoint someone who doesn’t understand etiquette to serve as an envoy for his country. Does he not realize that a rude envoy might jeopardize a country’s diplomatic relations?

Or is it perhaps in a Despot Empire, one only needs to be adept at sycophancy to earn the position of envoy?"

Due to the "Quasi-Free Alliance" agreement discussed previously between Britain and France, the British envoy, who was diplomatically leaning toward the French Republic, nodded in support with a smile.

Subjected to Mr. Luyis’ relentless barrage, the face of the Russian envoy showed anger as he glanced at the other envoys who were enjoying the spectacle. He lowered his voice to respond: "Mr. Luyis, as a nobleman, don’t you find it disrespectful to treat another noble with such an attitude?"

Mr. Luyis unhurriedly responded: "If it were a private matter, I would gladly apologize for my rudeness. But just now, you insulted my country. My father once told me that an excellent noble should first be an outstanding patriot. Your words hurt my country and our feelings!"

"Sir, I merely made a playful remark. Is that really considered hurtful? If that counts as harm, then what about Napoleon Bonaparte’s jest back then..." The Russian envoy attempted to confuse the issue, hoping to drag all the envoys from the German Region down with him.

Because the playful remark "You all should marry German women" by Emperor Napoleon in the past also inflicted great humiliation upon the German people.

Especially the Kingdom of Prussia.

The Prussian envoy, standing behind the Russian envoy, also displayed an awkward expression after hearing the wide-ranging AOE damage inflicted by the Russian envoy.

To the Kingdom of Prussia, that period of history was extremely humiliating.

To completely erase the shame, the Kingdom of Prussia needed to enter Paris honorably like the Russian Empire, preferably staging a coronation at the Palace of Versailles in the suburbs near Paris.

Historically, the Kingdom of Prussia indeed managed to erase its disgrace and made France a complete laughingstock.

People a hundred years later would ridicule France as Europeans once mocked Prussia.

Unfortunately, this world no longer offers them the chance to erase the disgrace; the shame will forever accompany the Kingdom of Prussia.

"Sir Envoy, His Majesty the Emperor has already paid the price for his actions. Does the Russian Empire also have the capability to shoulder the consequences of angering all of France? The French Republic’s eager desire to engage with all European countries to maintain peace might cool due to Mr. Envoy’s unintentional mistake." Mr. Luyis maintained his aggressive stance.

Having entered Jerome Bonaparte’s core strategic circle, Mr. Luyis already understood that the French Republic (or rather the French Empire) and the Russian Empire were inevitably headed for a war. He was not afraid that provoking the Russian Empire would risk a diplomatic break.

Diplomacy is inherently an activity of balancing toughness and gentleness; an appropriate show of strength can earn the respect of other countries.

The Russian envoy was clearly intimidated by Mr. Luyis’ aggressive attitude.

Although he had just been urging the Austrian Empire to take a stand, when it comes to the Russian Empire taking a stand, he still has no authority to completely replace Tsar Nicholas I in declaring war on the French Republic.

Not to mention him, even the Russian Empire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Neselrode is similarly unable to represent the Russian Empire.

The only one who can represent the Russian Empire to declare war externally is Tsar Nicholas I, the "Little Father" of the entire Russian nation, residing in Tsarskoye Selo near St. Petersburg.

The envoy of the Russian Empire forced a smile, saying: "The heart for passionate communication will not cool down due to a few idle remarks! The Russian Empire welcomes every friend who sincerely treats them!"

"Friend?" De Luyis continued to mock: "If being a friend of the Russian Empire means enduring unfounded ridicule and insult, then we would rather refuse!"

Following that, De Luyis scanned the surrounding diplomatic envoys with heartfelt words: "Every friend who sincerely treats France, France will reciprocate with sincerity! We welcome the King and Queen of your country to visit France to witness firsthand the France governed by His Excellency the President. I believe they will certainly dispel their prejudices against France and fall in love with it!"

"I also believe the French Republic will become a peace-loving country!" The British envoy, who had remained silent, now stood on De Luyis’s side and "revealed" a piece of information: "Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are considering visiting the French Republic soon!"

The envoys from various countries present were all shocked by the news revealed by the British envoy—Queen Victoria and Prince Albert represent the face of Britain. If they visit the French Republic, does it imply that the United Kingdom intends to fully ally with the French Republic?

The envoys from the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia showed serious expressions.

Once the Kingdom of Britain allies with the French Republic, what will happen to the German Region?

The cooperation between the Kingdom of Britain and the French Republic is not as simple as one plus one equals two.

"In any case, the Russian Empire welcomes the French Republic to integrate into the European family and contribute to the peace of Europe!"

The Russian envoy had no choice but to change the subject with a stiff smile, internally calculating whether to inform St. Petersburg of this news.

"The French Republic will welcome the Queen and King’s Consort with the utmost enthusiasm!" De Luyis knew the so-called visit by the British envoy was just a gesture to bolster France’s prestige.

Without definitive information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all so-called "near future" and "consideration" can be regarded as distant matters.

"Gentlemen, President Jerome is about to speak!" De Luyis decided to end the unpleasant moment, pointing to Jerome Bonaparte in front of the reviewing stand.

At this moment, Jerome Bonaparte waved his hand, and the parade ground erupted with enthusiastic cheers, every soldier under their commanders shouted with the fervor of fanatics.

"Long live Bonaparte, long live the Republic!"

This sound thundered in the ears, making the earth tremble.

The sound lasted a few seconds before stopping at Jerome Bonaparte’s subsequent wave.

Now it was the moment for Jerome Bonaparte to deliver his speech.

Under the reviewing platform and on the viewing platform, tens of thousands of eyes were fixed intently on Jerome Bonaparte. Jerome Bonaparte was not in the least nervous, the current scene seemed as ordinary to him as eating and drinking.

"Most loyal and elite soldiers of France, it is a pleasure to meet you this sunlit morning in the Satory Region. I—Jerome Bonaparte, the Emperor’s nephew—am honored to review this fine army of yours. You are the defenders of the nation, the bane of invaders, while I am just an unremarkable citizen of France.

Because of the trust of the French people in me, they entrusted me with the nation to serve as its leader, and I shall live up to expectations by striving to defend this country...You will be my reliance for safeguarding the nation...

In the distant East, there’s an ancient saying that goes, ’A country, though powerful, will inevitably lead to ruin if it loves war, and without preparation, it will inevitably lead to disaster!’ I hope you remember at all times that you are the hope for defending this nation.

France does not love war, nor does it fear war. We respect the territorial and sovereignty issues of other countries, and I do not advocate waging war. If other countries attempt to invade us, every French soldier must take up arms to defend the nation!

We must always sharpen our awareness, refine our rifles, and a peace-loving nation should first maintain deterrence against enemies. France rose from brilliant military achievements, and we shall continue this tradition.

In conclusion, I only want to say to you that I entrust the safety of France to you!"

After finishing, Jerome Bonaparte bowed to the soldiers present.

This content is taken from (f)reewe(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦