Chapter 268 Napoleon Meets King of Spain

Chapter 268 Napoleon Meets King of Spain

Meanwhile, an hour and a half earlier, Napoleon was escorted by his Elite Consular Godoy to the King's office in the Royal Palace Madrid. The Elite Consular Guards that came with him were forced to wait outside as there was a rule that forbade foreign troops from entering the royal palace.

It took Napoleon some time to assure his Elite Consular Guards that he would be fine and that they should wait patiently, to which they agreed reluctantly.

"We are here," Godoy announced, pushing the door of the King's office open.

As he entered the room, he executed a polite bow. "Your Majesty, King Charles IV, it is an honor to be received by the Spanish Crown."

King Charles IV nodded in acknowledgment, his expression formal. "First Consul Bonaparte, the pleasure is ours. We welcome you to the Royal Palace of Madrid."

Napoleon acknowledged the king's words with a nod, showing his gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate the warm welcome."

Seated in the ornate chairs provided, the discussions began in earnest

"I must say, your Prime Minister is quite persistent in wanting me to go here," Napoleon commented.

"That is because when we found out that you are visiting Spain, we had to receive you formally. After all, it was thanks to you, that Spain has elevated its status to one of the first-rate powers in Europe."

Napoleon chuckled but inwardly, he was scoffing. He didn't consider Spain as a first-rate power, they were weak, carried only by France's victory against the United Kingdom and Portugal. Well if he's feeling that way, then he'd have to let him.

"You made no mistake in allying with France, Your Majesty," Napoleon said.

"I have plans on that," Napoleon said confidently. "Well, can't say that I didn't try right?"

"Ever since you won against the British, it seemed to me that your ambition knew no bounds," Charles replied with a hint of resignation in his voice. He had seen firsthand the expanding reach of Napoleon's empire, and it left him uneasy.

"It's normal for a ruler of a country to be ambitious," Napoleon said. "After all, being ambitious is the driving force behind progress and greatness."

"But too many ambitions would surely end in conflict and chaos," Charles IV replied.

"That is if you are not careful," Napoleon corrected.

"I might be willing to negotiate about territorial changes if you agree to one thing," Charles asked, his tone growing serious. "My officers and generals who have seen the French weapons during our war in Portugal and Spain were interested in them. They wanted one for the army. If you allow us to buy those weapons from you, we can pay with land that has an equivalent worth. What do you say?"

"Okay."

Without hesitation, Napoleon knew that it was the best deal he could have got. Until now, Napoleon had kept their weapons secret from the other powers. But since they already found out about it, and are making one on their own, essentially starting an arms race among European nations, profiting from his invention is the only logical choice, especially when the European nations don't have infrastructure like France.

Supplying weapons to another country would boost the economy of France in all sorts of ways. With France only being the sole provider of arms to everyone, she can control the world.

For example, if a country that France is supplying deviates from France's foreign policy, he could blackmail them by cutting off the flow of French weapons into their country. Weapons after all need ammunition, spare parts, oil for lubrication, everything to work. France is the major major manufacturer of it all.

"We'll draft a proposal when I return to Paris," Napoleon said as he rose to his feet. "Your Majesty, thank you for your time. I have to go now, I have someone waiting for me."

With Napoleon exiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, he contemplated.

"It seems that I have to do things quickly from now on."