Chapter 207 Given A Choice



Back in the Republic of France, at the Palace of Versailles. Talleyrand, sat in a cushioned chair, meticulously arranging a stack of papers before him. He carefully extracted them from his well-worn leather briefcase and laid them upon Napoleon's ornate table, where the First Consul's piercing gaze fell upon them.

Napoleon leaned forward curiously. His eyes scanned the documents spread out before him like pieces of an intricate puzzle.

What are these?" Napoleon inquired curiously.

Talleyrand offered a faint smile as he met Napoleon's gaze. "These, Your Excellency, are the missives we have received from the member-states of the Second League of Armed Neutrality. Their responses following the Russian declaration of war."

Napoleon's hand reached for one of the letters, his fingers brushing against the paper as he lifted it delicately. His eyes quickly scanned the contents, absorbing the weight of the words.

"Defensive alliance, eager to join..." Napoleon murmured. "I heard that they were hesitant to join but after learning that the Russians joined us in the fight, they have changed their minds. They see an opportunity, believing that an alliance with France could finally resolve the naval blockade problem."

Napoleon's gaze remained fixed on the letters for a moment longer, contemplating the intricate web of politics that was weaving itself across the continent. "And the British?" he asked, lifting his eyes to meet Talleyrand's gaze.

A subtle sigh escaped Talleyrand's lips, "Regrettably, Your Excellency, the British have remained as silent as the grave. It seems they are grappling with the stark reality of the Russian Empire's declaration of war against them."

A thoughtful expression played across Napoleon's features as he considered the situation.

"In that case," Napoleon mused, leaning back into his chair, "perhaps it is time for us to break that silence. Do we not have a British Ambassador here in France? Who holds that position now?"

Talleyrand's lips curved into a knowing smile, a glint of admiration in his eyes for Napoleon's strategic thinking. "Indeed, Your Excellency, we do have a British Ambassador stationed within our borders. It is none other than Lord Merry."

Napoleon's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Then let us extend an invitation, shall we?"

"But for what? Your Excellency?" Talleyrand asked.

"What are you suggesting then, Premier First Consul?" Lord Merry asked.

"I propose that your nation enters into a comprehensive peace treaty with France, Russia, and the member-states of the Second League of Armed Neutrality. This treaty would encompass several key provisions. First, you will bear responsibility for compensating the member-states of the Second League of Armed Neutrality, including ourselves, for the losses incurred due to your naval blockade. This compensation is an essential step towards rectifying the damages caused.

Moreover, I request that your nation agrees to pay an indemnity to both France and Russia. This indemnity will be accompanied by a willingness to engage in territorial concessions. Specifically, we emphasize the importance of territorial adjustments for our client state, the Batavian Republic. This entails the return of Cape Colony and Dutch Guiana to their rightful sovereignty. Additionally, it is imperative that your nation grants the Batavian Republic the right to retain a significant territory, such as Ceylon.

Furthermore, I urge your nation to formally recognize our vested interests in India. This recognition must be accompanied by a comprehensive measure to liquidate all assets of the East India Company, which shall subsequently be transferred to us. Such a step is crucial in acknowledging our rightful stake in this region.

In line with this treaty, I emphasize the significance of recognizing the territories that we have established in Africa and the Middle East—"

"Premier First Consul," Lord Merry interrupted. "That's a lot of demands you have and I don't think any government in their right mind would accept such demands."

"Well, it's either that or we will invade your island. The choice rests with your government. And please bear in mind, if we succeed in landing on your shores and advancing towards London, our terms will only become more uncompromising," Napoleon said. "So, what will it be, Mr. Ambassador?"

Lord Merry's composed façade seemed to falter for a moment, a subtle hint of tension crossing his features. He knew that relaying such daunting demands to his government would likely result in incredulity and staunch resistance. The demand is basically asking the British to surrender everything it had owned to France.

"Premier First Consul, I will speak first with my government and then relay to you their response," Lord Merry replied.

"No problem," Napoleon said. "But please, do it with urgency. I don't think the Russians would be lenient after they found out that your country plotted to kill him."

"I have nothing to say about that, Premier First Consul..."

With that, Lord Merry exchanged handshakes with Napoleon and Talleyrand and then left the office.

"Your Excellency, I don't think the British are going to accept your terms," Talleyrand commented.

"I know," Napoleon said. "I just want them to feel like they have been given a choice."