Chapter 166 A Talk With The Former King



November 30th, 1800. En route in a carriage through the capital city of the Austrian Empire, Vienna.

Napoleon sat inside the carriage, peering out of the window at the busy streets of Vienna. Despite the ongoing war between Austria and France, the city appeared to be going about its daily affairs in a state of relative calm.

"Your Excellency," General Bessierres called from across the carriage.

Napoleon turned his gaze towards Bessierres, waiting for him to explain the reason for his interruption.

"We are arriving at Hofburg Palace soon," Bessierres informed him.

Napoleon nodded in acknowledgment before returning his attention to the passing scenery outside the window.

Bessierres let out a sigh of concern. "Your Excellency, I still believe that meeting with King Louis in Vienna is risky. What if they are planning to trap us?"

Napoleon shrugged nonchalantly. "I doubt they would take such a foolish risk," he replied casually. "If they did attempt something like that, it would only worsen the situation for the one who invited me here."

The man who extended the invitation to Vienna was none other than King Louis the Sixteenth. There was a chance that King Louis might ask Napoleon to help him reclaim the throne, an idea which Napoleon vehemently opposed. France had moved on from the monarchy, and restoring it was not on his agenda, regardless of the few remaining royalists who still clung to the old regime.

But despite his confidence, Napoleon couldn't ignore the concerns expressed not only by Bessierres but also by his ministers and generals. They were wary of the meeting, fearing it might be a trap to capture the French leader or an attempt to manipulate him into supporting the restoration of the monarchy.

But Napoleon was firmly convinced that the Austrians wouldn't do it. The reason is that they think of the French Republic like a village idiot. One that lacks class and dignity. Austrians and other European monarchs hold themselves in high regard, and they wouldn't stoop to such a blatant act of treachery.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

As the carriage pulled up to the grand entrance of Hofburg Palace, Napoleon took a deep breath, preparing himself for the meeting ahead. Stepping out with his entourage, he craned his neck up, mesmerized momentarily by the facade of the Hofburg Palace. It was beautiful.

"Your Excellency!"

Napoleon turned his head to the side, where he saw Talleyrand walking towards him.

"Are you ready to meet the former king of France in the Palace where the Emperor of Austria resides?" Talleyrand asked.

Napoleon nodded his head. "I am."

Moments later, a palace staff of the Hofburg Palace exited the door, causing a reaction from Napoleon's elite guards who immediately formed a protective line around him.

The staff was taken aback by their defensive stance but Napoleon waved his hand, standing them down.

"Apologies for that," Napoleon said, smiling. "Would you be the person who will escort us to King Louis?"

The palace staff member, a distinguished-looking gentleman, bowed respectfully to Napoleon. "Indeed, Premier First Consul," he replied. "I am Count von Schönfeld, the chief chamberlain of the Hofburg Palace. I will lead you to King Louis' chambers."

Napoleon nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating the courteous manner of Count von Schönfeld.

"Lead the way," he said, motioning for his entourage to follow.

Napoleon hummed in thought. "Well, Capet, I hate to say this but the answer will remain the same."

"Why?!" Capet lost his composure but quickly composed himself.

"My decision is based on one crucial factor," Napoleon replied, his expression serious. "Firstly, I have received reports of a general consensus among the French people regarding the return of the monarchy. The majority of them have expressed their strong opposition to the idea. They are passionate about the progress we have made, and they harbor resentment towards you for abandoning the country during its darkest hours. The wounds of the past are still fresh in their minds, and the return of the monarchy would only exacerbate their grievances."

Napoleon conducted a survey three days before this meeting, and that was the answer. It was not rigged, it was the majority's decision.

Capet's confusion deepened, and a mix of disappointment and frustration clouded his face.

"But the coalition promised peace if I were restored to the throne," he protested. "Are you willing to sacrifice the chance of peace for the sake of the people's sentiments?"

"Yes, as it is the will of the people," Napoleon answered. "Just let go of the idea of restoration, Capet. There will be no return of the King under my rule."

Capet sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping with defeat. He had hoped that Napoleon might see reason, but it was clear that the First Consul's conviction was unyielding.

"I see...so you have made your decision huh? In that case, may I ask you one last thing, Premier First Consul?"

"What is it?"

"What is the reason why you oppose the restoration? All I hear from you is 'it is the decision of the people' but what about you?"

"Do you really want me to answer that question?"

"Yes," Capet said.

"Well, let me put it this way: once a person gains power, it becomes incredibly difficult to let go of it," Napoleon explained.

"So just like your predecessors huh?" Capet scoffed softly. "You see me as a threat to your rule, and you are doing everything it takes to prevent it. I know what it is, and I know how it will end."

"I'm not like my predecessors. Compared to them, I have a clear vision for France, and restoring the monarchy is not part of that vision," Napoleon said assertively. "And to correct you on one thing, I don't see you as a threat; I see you as a nuisance."

With a calm demeanor, Napoleon rose to his feet, a signal that the meeting had come to an end.

"I believe you have your answer, Capet. We will be returning to France. I can't remain inside an enemy country for too long."

Capet looked frustrated. "You will regret this, Napoleon. There will be no other offers like this for you in the future. Once the coalition has defeated France, I swear we will put you all in exile."

"Well, that is if the coalition can win against us," Napoleon replied smugly.

***

Two hours later, in Emperor Francis II's office.

"So they didn't accept the proposal huh?" Francis II said. "That's a shame."

"Are you going to continue the war with France?" Capet asked.

"There's no other choice, Louis. If we can't negotiate, then we must impose our will through force."