Chapter 328 Congress of Versailles Part 4

Chapter 328 Congress of Versailles Part 4

The delegates' attention was drawn to a grand map of the African continent displayed prominently on a large board. It was as if the entirety of Africa had been transported and pinned up for the world powers to dissect. The delegates, representing their nation's interests, stood in front of it, eyes raking over the vast territories yet to be claimed. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation and tension. Discussions began, and what was initially a murmur grew into an orchestra of voices, each delegate vying to be heard.

The British, German, and Spanish representatives staked territories across Africa and were too delineated their desired regions, sometimes overlapping with another's claim, leading to fervent discussions and eventual compromises.

The French, having already spread their influence widely, occasionally interjected to clarify a boundary or suggest a trade-off between two squabbling nations. The Republic of Italy, which was a puppet state of Napoleon, marked territories in the Horn of Africa and as for the Kingdom of Poland, Napoleon chose the territories of modern Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Throughout, Napoleon played the role of an observer and occasional mediator, ensuring that discussions did not spiral into outright confrontations.

While the scramble was intense, the Russians and Austrians remained notably absent from the discussions. They justified their non-participation by pointing out that Russia already had vast territories in Asia, spanning beyond the Ural mountains, and Austria felt their interests lay closer to home in Europe and citing that due to the Treaty of Hofburg that turned their nation into a landlocked Empire, having an overseas territory was not of immediate strategic value to them.

As the hour progressed, the room was filled with a mix of agreement, disagreement, and compromises.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

As the map gradually filled with markings, annotations, and notes, the scramble began to take shape. It was evident that while some nations would leave the Congress content with their gains, others would depart with plans for further negotiations or potential conflicts in the future.

After the intense discussions and negotiations, Napoleon rose from his seat, signaling the end of the first meeting of the Congress of Versailles. "Gentlemen," he began, "I appreciate the efforts and compromises made today. Let us reconvene tomorrow to finalize our decisions. For tonight, I invite all of you to a dinner prepared by the Palace of Versailles' finest chefs."

"Your Majesty, if I may," the Austrian delegate, Cobenzl raised a hand. All eyes were suddenly on him.

Napoleon sighed inwardly. It must be another thing he forgot, but he wondered what it would be.

"You may speak," Napoleon granted and Cobenzl cleared his throat before speaking.

There was a murmur of agreement throughout the room. Delegates from all nations began to gather their notes, documents, and other belongings. Many were seen forming small groups, discussing the day's events, and speculating about the next day's agenda.

As the delegates left the hall, they were guided to the grand dining area, where a lavish spread awaited them. The aroma of the sumptuous dishes prepared by the Palace of Versailles' chefs wafted through the air, reminding everyone of Napoleon's promise of a fine dinner.

Napoleon, taking his place at the head of the table, raised his glass. "To a successful Congress and a prosperous future for Europe."

The delegates raised their glasses in unison, echoing the sentiment. "To Europe."

***

As the night wore on, the delegates from the participating nations retreated to their private quarters within the Palace of Versailles. Armed guards patrolled the hallways to ensure the safety of the delegates.

Napoleon was in Francis's bedroom.

"Son, you have to wake up early tomorrow, okay?" Napoleon said gently.

"Understood Father," Francis said.

"Good, because tomorrow, just like I said to you earlier, you'll meet someone," Napoleon reminded.