Chapter 210 A Serious Notion



"I'm sure you are aware that the British rejected our demands," Napoleon said as he watched Berthier take his seat.

"Yes, Your Excellency. Is this the right time to plan for an offensive against the United Kingdom?" Berthier asked.

"That is correct," Napoleon confirmed as he took his seat. "Have you brought the documents regarding the location of the British Fleet in the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay?"

Berthier nodded and pulled a folder from his briefcase. He placed it on the desk and slid it over to Napoleon. "Here are the latest intelligence reports, Your Excellency. Our scouts have been diligently monitoring the movements of the British naval forces."

Napoleon opened the folder and began studying the documents inside. Maps, charts, and reports filled the pages, detailing the positions of British ships.

"So they are only ten kilometers off our major ports, huh?" Napoleon commented, his brow furrowing as he studied the maps.

"Beyond the range of our naval artillery, Your Excellency," Berthier confirmed. "They have been doing that since the revolution broke out in France, and since we have plenty of ships to go around, the government couldn't risk deploying our fleet against them until now."

Napoleon leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the desk. "Their proximity to our ports presents both a challenge and an opportunity."

Berthier arched an eyebrow inquisitively. "An opportunity, Your Excellency?"Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Napoleon's lips curled into a wry smile. "Yes, Berthier. The British may believe that their close presence gives them an advantage, but it also exposes a vulnerability. They are operating within our sphere of influence, and that means we can exploit the familiarity of these waters."

Berthier's expression brightened with understanding. "You're suggesting that we use our local knowledge to outmaneuver them?"

"Exactly. Our naval commanders and sailors are intimately familiar with the currents, shallows, and navigational challenges of these waters. We can plan our offensive to take advantage of it, which might catch the British off guard."

Napoleon hummed aloud, the reason why he gave Tsar Paul the list of conspirators is to make Tsar Paul declare war on the United Kingdom, which would make the British anxious to the point they'll send a number of their warships to the Baltic Sea to meet with the Russian Fleet, which is favorable to the French because it's a less warship to fight.

There is also another reason, Napoleon doesn't want the Russians to gain leverage on the negotiation table. Since they didn't partake in the invasion, they won't have much say in the post-war arrangements.

Napoleon's gaze shifted back to Berthier. "The Russians are already helping us by drawing the attention of the Royal Navy to the Baltic Sea. It's enough to help. By the way, how are the military reforms progressing?"

"About that, Your Excellency, I have already reorganized the structure of the army as per your instructions."

"Great. Now, let's prepare for an invasion. Berthier, I want you to summon the corps commanders in the city of Boulogne, along with their men."

"Boulogne?" Berthier repeated, tilting his head to the side.

"Yes, that city is going to be our staging point for our invasion of the United Kingdom."

Upon saying that, Beaumont entered his office.

"Your Excellency, the Minister of Police has come here to see you."

"Fouche? Ask him why," Napoleon ordered.

Beaumont exited his office to ask Fouche, and then moments later, he returned.

"It's about the mission you have entrusted him, Your Excellency," Beaumont said.

"Ah! Very well, let him in."