I'm the Dauphin in France

Chapter 1374 The Union of East and West

Joseph had previously intended to use the fact that Bern had a predominantly French-speaking population as grounds for reunification, but clearly the banner of "Rome" was more effective.

If it weren't for Elach and others mentioning it, he really wouldn't have imagined that Switzerland could go through several detours and become associated with the Roman Empire.

He couldn't help but squint, the Swiss man reminding him of something.

In a sense, the Capetian dynasty was Charlemagne's only bloodline successor, and the Carolingian Empire was recognized as the legitimate continuation of the Western Roman Empire.

Currently, France's territory largely overlaps with that of the Carolingian Empire—especially after acquiring the Rhineland, even the Carolingian capital, Aachen, is now within French territory.

Now, it is perfectly legitimate for me to claim Charlemagne's legitimacy!
Wait a moment.

Joseph suddenly realized that Alexandra, as a member of the Romanov family, also inherited legitimate Eastern Roman imperial blood! [Note 1]

In other words, one's descendants would simultaneously possess the legal legitimacy of both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires.

The Roman Empire has been perfectly resurrected!

However, he quickly suppressed the thought.

The banner of the Roman Empire did indeed have a strong appeal in Europe, but it also aroused great vigilance from Austria, the Ottoman Empire, and even Russia.

At present, France is at a critical juncture in integrating the German and Italian regions, and should not create unnecessary complications.

But when France is ready to expand its influence, this will be the perfect opportunity.

Joseph couldn't help but look at the Swiss man in front of him. Perhaps this time France would gain more than just an eastern province; it might also be an opportunity to begin laying the groundwork for the "Rome concept."

Count Elach continued his impassioned speech: "We are well aware of Bern's poverty and hardship. In order not to affect the prosperity of the empire, the state assembly will raise two million francs and submit them to the Ministry of Finance to make up for the tax shortfall of the past two years..."

Joseph was a little touched.

These Swiss people really know how to get things done; they even come with their own "franchise fee," which makes it even harder to refuse.

After Count Erlach finished saying things like, "The Bernese Parliament has passed legislation by a large majority, deciding to withdraw from the Swiss Confederation," Joseph also stood up and solemnly said:
You are absolutely right.

"The glory of great Rome will forever bind us together."

"As a descendant of Charlemagne, I have an obligation to provide asylum to all those who still acknowledge themselves as subjects of Rome."

The three Swiss men exchanged incredulous glances, all secretly overjoyed. The French Crown Prince had actually agreed!
They hurriedly knelt on one knee, excitedly saying, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness! We offer you our utmost loyalty!"

Joseph gestured for them to rise and gave the order:
"Have the state legislature submit a 'Union Request' to the Department of Foreign Affairs, and publish the full text in major newspapers in each country. Oh, and also include the matter of paying any outstanding taxes."

"Once His Majesty the King signs the application, 'Upper German Province' will become Bern's new name."

The reason he went to such lengths was, on the one hand, to promote Bern's demand to be annexed by France, which could be used to warm up the "Rome concept".

On the other hand, it was to tell all countries, especially the smaller countries in the Italian region, that Bern was not forcibly occupied by France, but rather that they had voluntarily requested unification at their own expense. This was intended to alleviate the smaller countries' concerns about French expansion.

The Swiss hurriedly and apprehensively assured that there would be absolutely no oversight.

Joseph inquired about the situation in Bern, glanced at the clock, and was about to invite the three to a banquet when Count Elach cautiously said:

“Your Highness, after being incorporated into the great France, the Parliament has a few small matters that we hope you can grant us.” “Please speak.”

The Swiss carefully considered his words: "Actually, everyone in Bern has always wanted to build a railway. If you could get the Ministry of Transport to plan it out..."

Joseph frowned: "Build a railroad?"

Count Elach hurriedly said, "No need to start construction immediately, just announce the route plan. Oh, the state legislature has already raised some money, we just need to get a little more loan."

Joseph hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I don't think it's necessary."

The Swiss immediately tensed up: "Yes, you're right. We should wait a few more years and raise the necessary funds ourselves, without relying on government loans..."

What he needs most is a railway plan from the French Ministry of Transport. With that, the confidence of Bern investors will be strengthened, and the current project compensation issue will be alleviated. As for the future, let's take it one step at a time.

Joseph smiled and said, "No, what I mean is that the Upper German Province does not need a railway for the time being."

Baron Frey, growing anxious, blurted out, "But we've already purchased a large quantity of rails and equipment..."

Joseph gestured to him, saying, "Without sufficient population and trade to support it, building a railway will only result in losses."

"Given Switzerland's current situation, what it needs most are smooth roads, watch factories, fertilizers, steam irrigation equipment, and facilities such as schools and hospitals."

"As for those rails you mentioned, they can be used to build steam railcars in Bern first."

“Only after all these things are completed will it be meaningful to build the railway.”

Since Bern came with its own franchise fee, he naturally wants to help it achieve rapid development. This can also set an example for other Swiss cantons.

Count Elach had no choice but to reveal the truth with a bitter face: "Your Highness, but if we do that, the funds raised by the state legislature for the railway construction..."

Joseph asked, "What is the rate of return that Parliament has promised?"

"4.5%, Your Highness."

Joseph nodded: "That's not too high. I can have the Ministry of Finance send someone to Bern to suggest that this money be converted into an 'urban development fund' with a minimum return of 4.6%."

Count Elach and his entourage breathed a sigh of relief. With the backing of Parisian officials, Bern investors should be willing to back in. Even if some insisted on withdrawing their investments, the number wouldn't be too large.

Joseph then remembered something else: "By the way, I remember you mentioned the thermal baths left over from the Roman era?"

Count Elach nodded awkwardly: "Yes, there are...and theaters built during the Roman era. However, they have all fallen into disrepair over the years..."

He mentioned these abandoned ruins in order to label Switzerland as Roman. The theater in Avansh was used as a sheep pen hundreds of years ago.

Joseph said nonchalantly, "It's alright, I'll allocate some money to restore these imperial ruins."

[Note 1] In the 15th century, the Eastern Roman Empire fell. Grand Duke Ivan III of Moscow married Sofia Paleolog, the niece of Constantine XI, the last emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, thus giving the Romanov family the bloodline of the Eastern Roman imperial family.

Afterwards, Ivan IV was crowned Tsar, which is actually the Latin word for "Caesar," and declared Russia to be the "Third Roman Empire."

(End of this chapter)