French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 125 Eugene Prepares to Go to the Front Lines (Seeking first subscription, collection and follow-up reading)

September 19, 1870, 7 a.m. in Paris.

During the war, this city, which had just experienced a period of turmoil, had awakened.

On the streets, people could see civil defense soldiers patrolling everywhere. Because many of the rifles used by the civil defense were second-hand, some of their rifles still showed traces of gunpowder from the street fighting of the previous two days.

At this point, more than a day had passed since the earliest news of the Northern Route Army's successful breakout was sent back.

Almost a day has passed since the deadline for the first payment of 60 million francs promised by the Rothschild family, and the Bank of France should have received the transfer by now.

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready."

Today is the day Eugène is leaving Paris. At the Tuileries Palace, Pietre, who came to pick up Eugène in person, spoke from outside the door.

The police commissioner was dressed in a dark blue military uniform today, with a revolver tucked into his waistband.

crunch~

After shouting, Pietrit walked in through the door. Seeing Pietrit, who was now completely his confidant and highly loyal, Eugène indicated that he had heard him.

"Pietri, Paris is in your hands now. Remember, you must collect the bankers' money, but the affairs of the Bank of France must be handled according to our agreement."

"Don't worry, Your Highness, but... are you sure you don't need me to accompany you to the front lines?"

"You need to stay in Paris."

Picking up the military cap from the table, Eugène put it on his head, tightened it on both sides, and refused Pietre's request.

Paris needs someone to cooperate with Olivier; otherwise, no matter how capable Olivier is, he may very well face another Republican rebellion that could force him out of office.

"The rear needs you more than the front lines. Thiers is leaving for Marseille today, and Simon is already on his way to Lyon. At this time, I think the whole of Paris needs a trustworthy person to oversee things."

Since His Highness had spoken so strongly, and it was clear that His Highness trusted him, Pietre could not continue to request to go to the front lines. After a moment of silence, he looked at Eugène and nodded solemnly.

Seeing that Pietre was no longer insisting, and after thinking it over and confirming that he hadn't forgotten anything about the Paris deployment, the two walked out of the bedroom one after the other. At this time, the corridor of the Tuileries Palace was already full of people who had come to see them off, including Prime Minister Olivier, Foreign Minister Favre, Pierre, and Major General Dupin, who had just been promoted to Major General and appointed as the commander of the Paris garrison.

Favre will also leave Paris today to formally travel to England to seek British assistance—guns, funds, pressure, whatever they may need. In any case, for France today, the more aid the better.

If this important Republican figure doesn't leave Paris today, Eugène will never be able to leave Paris either.

No matter what, their identities make it impossible for Eugène to feel at ease letting them stay in Paris anytime soon.

Olivier, who was at the head of the group, stepped forward and looked at the prince, who was decades younger than him. Eugène could tell that he had a lot to say, but in the end he didn't say anything. He just said a simple sentence to Eugène.

"Your Highness, take care."

Knowing that the other person might feel sorry for you because you are too young to shoulder so many responsibilities, I felt a sense of pity.

With his inner soul superimposed on this body, Eugène, who was not much younger than Olivier, simply smiled, gave some important instructions, and didn't explain anything further.

"Mr. Olivier, I'm entrusting Paris to you. Remember, no matter what news comes from the front, stabilizing the rear is the top priority."

"I understand."

Standing behind, Favre watched this scene with a complex expression, as he was a Republican who had just been appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

To be honest, Favre was released from prison by Eugène just over three days ago. After Troch's downfall, Eugène, in order to appease the Republicans, occupy the moral high ground, and primarily to convey to the public the determination to fight together.

A group of Republican lawmakers who had been arrested and were of little importance were specially pardoned, including Favre, who was the most prominent among them.

What followed was Eugène needing Favre's mouth to seek help from various countries.

"Mr. Favre."

Not to mention a multinational coalition against Prussia, but there's a certain hope that the other side won't hold them back, and if possible, bring back some aid to France.

Therefore, even though the two sides are at odds and are currently in a state of superficial harmony but inner discord, Eugène's gaze still fell on Favre.

"Are you ready?"

Favre paused for a moment, then realized that Eugène was referring to his upcoming trip to Britain, Austria, and Russia to secure diplomatic support for the empire.

"Your Highness, rest assured, I know what to do."

They didn't say much, which is understandable, since the relationship between the two sides hadn't broken the ice yet.

Therefore, seeing that Favre was unwilling to say more, Eugène, not wanting to make a fool of himself, did not say anything more, but simply nodded and strode downstairs.

The carriage had been waiting at the door for a long time, and two tall, spirited horses were impatiently pawing at the marble tiles on the ground.

"Your Highness."

As Eugene was about to get into the car, a voice came from behind him. Somewhat surprised, Eugene turned around and saw that it was Camondo.

This "loyal supporter" of the Bonaparte family, dressed in a suit that made him look presentable, came running over with a document in his hand.

"Your Highness, Mr. Rothschild asked me to inform you that the first payment of 60 million francs was deposited into the Bank of France account at 6:00 this morning."

Camondo, who appears to be a loyal minister but is actually a treacherous one, thinks he has hidden himself very well.

The banker leaned closer to Eugène and whispered, "Also, he asked me to ask His Highness if the 'plan' His Highness mentioned before still stands."

Even though Eugène knew what Cammondo's "plan" was—nothing more than that promise to support the establishment of a Jewish state—he could kill the riddle-maker.

...tell him that I will speak with him personally once the Empire wins this war.

"Just kidding, I promised you before and you didn't want it, but now you've thought it over and over and you want it back. That's a completely different story," Eugene waved his hand, indicating that they'd talk about it after he won the war.

Seeing Eugène's strange attitude, and unaware that it was because he and Alphonse Rothschild had returned to the manor together and were being monitored by Eugène's secret police, Camondo obediently stepped aside.

Now that everything was alright, Eugène got into the carriage, accompanied only by two staff officers.

After the guards around the carriage made way, Pietre walked to the carriage and looked at Eugène through the window.

"Your Highness, if things change in Paris..."

"7

"Then send me a telegram. Pietree, remember this: as long as Paris remains stable, this war can continue."

After being reminded of the importance of the matter again by Eugène, Pietree, who clearly understood his duty, nodded heavily a few times, then took two steps back to make way for the guards behind him.

Looking at the police commissioner with a loyal expression, Eugène lowered the curtain beside him, covered the window, and the carriage began to move.

Regardless, once he leaves, Paris will only be able to rely on these few people. If they also have ulterior motives, then Eugène will have no choice but to accept the harsh reality.