Chapter 87
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Chapter 87
14. End of the Second Hundred Years’ War – 3
“Then why did you come to see me after the arrest warrant had already been approved by the Paris High Court? Were you going to mock me while watching me fall?”
Carnot replied to Talleyrand’s questions, while still keeping an expressionless face.
“Illyria’s governor and former police minister, Joseph Fouché[1], has disappeared. He must have escaped because he was afraid of the parliament and the tribunal’s judgement of his sins. You have had a secret relationship with him for a long time and have conducted various acts against France along with him, including agitation and leaking of secrets.”
“…”
“Therefore, I am proposing the following: as a reference, please reveal Fouché’s misdeeds and wrongdoings, and provide information on his current activities if possible. The price for the information will be included in the subsequent trial and will be taken into consideration to determine the level of your punishment.”
In short, it meant selling Fouché to receive better treatment. Talleyrand, who were listening quietly, burst into laughter and the atmosphere became colder.
“In the past, Fouché and I were not on good terms, we used to growl at each other every time we met at the Palace of Versailles. I still don’t like him much now. But I don’t want to blame others when I’m struggling.”
He could see what Carnot was thinking when he suggested this. It did not matter if he was making things up, so he spewed bad things about Fouché and drew a line.
The main target of the Paris High Court’s choice was not him, but Fouché. But Talleyrand kept his mouth shut.
“…Are you really going to feel better living the rest of your life as a traitor in disgrace? Do you want to tarnish your past, when you sincerely devoted yourself to France and made achievements?”
But Talleyrand remained still, without a smile. It meant that he had made up his mind. Seeing that, Carnot clicked his tongue inwardly.
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who was now a traitor, had been a prominent figure during the French Revolution and the early days of the Empire.
His great contributions were to manage to attract the United States and Denmark into the war against Britain, and the departure of Prussia and Spain from the anti-French alliance.
It was Talleyrand who swayed the salons with his skillful speaking skills, preaching the political legitimacy of the ‘Coup d’Etat du 18 brumaire’. He was a great man of this era, in another sense than Napoleon.
“Take him away.”
Guards hiding behind pillars and behind the doors appeared with a rope. Talleyrand gave his hands without saying anything as if he knew that it would happen. It was the moment the giant fell.
===
Napoleon Bonaparte, who had successfully completed the Battle of Badajoz and was standing next to the fortress, was now feeling a sense of deja vu.
The memories of the past, where he faced the same scene, were revolving in his mind like a panorama.
‘It was February 2nd, 1805. The day when a nation, which has never declared a complete defeat since the Hundred Years’ War, knelt down in front of the Palace of Versailles and prayed.’
In the world where Napoleon came from, France was able to overcome all the challenges induced by the other powers of the European continent and finally hold the supremacy of the world. Even Britain, which resisted until the end, eventually succumbed to France’s all-out pressure and offensive.
This was also the first historical moment since the Roman Empire’s conquest of Britain, when Britain declared total surrender.
Of course, unlike in the other world, where they lay flat and begged for mercy, the situation in the United Kingdom was not so bleak here.
“Greetings to Your Majesty the Emperor of the French Empire. I am Viscount Charlton, Husley Collins. I must first declare to Your Majesty that I am the head of this peace mission and have been entrusted with full authority to negotiate.”
“Nice to meet you. So, what position do you hold in the current British Cabinet?”
“I’m ashamed, but I am serving as the Vice Foreign Minister. I am well aware that it is customary for the ambassador of the Kingdom based in France to take on this responsibility. However, due to the unfavorable circumstances, I will replace him with official documents bearing the royal seal and official records of the Cabinet.”
The secretaries were asked to review the confirmation procedures and official documents. Meanwhile, Napoleon looked at the marshals of the Empire waiting behind him.
They were struggling to prevent the corners of their mouths from going up, as if they were holding back their desire for joy.
‘It’s not surprising. It’s the first time that Britain has been sick like it is now.’
The safety of Britain’s mainland from foreign invasions had been guaranteed thanks to its geographical characteristics of an island country, being one foot away from the continent.
Spain, France, Denmark-Norway, the Netherlands, and many other countries that competed against Britain failed to attack its mainland beyond the sea, and so could not win with certainty.
As long as their terrifying navy, which was fearsome even if the British tried to land, was still lurking in the Strait of Dover, Britain was able to fool the continental countries by projecting its power at the desired time and place based on its mainland that was completely free from the fire of war.
It was precisely because of this geographical advantage that the British were able to play diplomatic games by switching alliances here and there under the pretext of protecting Europe’s balance and order.
From the British point of view, it meant leading a foreign policy pursuing extreme efficiency and practicality for their own interests, but for the countries affected, it was only a perfidious move.
It was particularly the case for France, which had been frustrated by Britain’s obstruction and maneuvering whenever it tried to expand even a little in Europe.
But Britain was now kneeling and begging for peace. How happy could the French be? They could watch with their own eyes the humiliating appearance of the British declaring defeat.
“I’m Georges Tulisson, and I’m in charge of negotiating for the Empire’s side. Let’s talk in good faith for the national interest and honor of both countries.”
At a glance, the faces of the British diplomats were dark and the faces of the French diplomats were very bright. It was clear who had the upper hand and who was uneasy.
And Napoleon, who led the whole game, was watching from a distance from the negotiating table with his arms crossed.
Rumors circulated that the British diplomats were having cold sweat as they were told that the French would run out and call for the war to resume if they did not like the content of the negotiations.
===
The British peace delegation came to Napoleon’s Corps, which had occupied the city of Badajoz and was besieging the fortress.
The armistice agreement, which they brought disguised as a letter, was showing the true face of Britain, which French soldiers had been waiting to see.
Shock derived from London’s financial markets engulfed their economy, which resulted in the British government losing patience with the war. As a result, Britain was forced to make many concessions when negotiating with France.
1. The United Kingdom will break out of the Iberian Peninsula war immediately upon signing the agreement and will not directly or indirectly support Spain and Portugal. Expedients such as hiring mercenaries and dispatching officers are also prohibited.
2. The United Kingdom will return to France the occupied Cape Colony (previously the Dutch Cape Colony in Southern Africa), the Caribbean islands including Guadeloupe, and French Guiana.
3. The United Kingdom will pay France for the restoration of 17 French ports, including Toulon, which was damaged during the coastal blockade. The Spanish ports occupied by France are excluded.
3. The United Kingdom will compensate for a total of 122 French, Danish and Spanish cargo ships seized during the trade blockade and the goods, resources and war supplies in them. In the case of damaged or decayed shipments, they will be replaced with gold or francs of the same value.
4. The trade blockade against the United Kingdom will be lifted. However, the United Kingdom will conduct tariff adjustment agreements with major European countries under the observation of French officials.
5. The United Kingdom cannot engage in any armed activities or sanctions against French ships that export weapons, gunpowder and other war supplies to the United States. The French ships will also be treated as exceptions to the British navigation ordinances.
In addition, the island of Malta, which had been occupied by the French and then by the British, would be returned to its original owner, the Order of Knights of the Hospital.[2] There were also petty agreements such as exchanging prisoners and paying ransom, to maintain their dignity.
Although it was an agreement that the British had to accept as they faced the difficulty of carrying out the war, it was not an unconditional surrender imposed by France.
In other words, the situation was different from that of the Russian expedition, so there were some concessions to make for both countries. This was one of the main issues.
“The United Kingdom must participate in the meeting of the agreement that you will conclude with Spain and Portugal. Thus, we will set up a table in the form of a trilateral meeting and the kingdom will be in charge of coordinating between all the countries so that there will be no room for further conflict or dispute. I would also like to receive a definite answer here that this treaty can be implemented only if you agree with this point.”
“Now that you’ve signed an armistice with the Empire, you’re an external country that has been ruled out of the Peninsular War. I understand that this would be possible under the international diplomatic convention that allows an external country to observe and arbitrate, if the country has no interests in either side. But I don’t think that Britain can play this role, as it was still in a fierce battle against the Empire a few days ago.”
“The Kingdom is in favor of the armistice because it does not want to completely break the balance of the European continent.
If you make concessions on this issue, the kingdom is willing to negotiate in favor of your country in other areas. I hope that you will remember that the ambition of King Louis XIV[3], the Sun King, sparked the Spanish Succession War, which was a misfortune for all of Europe.”
Without Britain, Spain and Portugal would not be able to maintain their front lines, as they would not be able to carry out the war, and the Iberian Peninsula would be in the hands of France.
The British were now saying that they did not want to see this, no matter the cost.
It seemed that these sneaky islanders were hiding this as they accepted all of the above proposals in a gentle manner. French diplomats showed signs of displeasure, but Napoleon was a little different.
‘It’s like you don’t want to cry but you slap me in the face.’
Britain seemed to be afraid of the rise of the French Empire that could engulf the entire Iberian Peninsula, but Napoleon had no intention of doing so.
Spain had a history of standing up as a nationwide enemy and resisting to death to fight the French invasion.
They had already completed resistance nationalism and there was no room for France to intervene.
‘Even if France were to annex the Spanish territories, it would take astronomical administrative power, finance, and time to fully integrate them into French society and to appease the Spanish people. How much blood would be shed in the process… It’s a terrible thing to imagine.’
France and Spain were so different in culture, ethnicity, system, language and history, that Napoleon had no confidence in assimilating them.
Contrary to the megalomaniac of this world, the current Napoleon did not want the annexation of Spain.
‘However, I will definitely get what I can.’
Internally, he had already set plans and goals for France to get the most out of it.
Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only
Now, all he had to do was taking a stance that said ‘I can endure more’ and reap the profits. It was time to end this tedious war that had been going on for nearly five years.
TL notes
[1] Joseph Fouché
[2] Knights Hospitaller
[3] Louis XIV
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Chapter 87
14. End of the Second Hundred Years’ War – 3
“Then why did you come to see me after the arrest warrant had already been approved by the Paris High Court? Were you going to mock me while watching me fall?”
Carnot replied to Talleyrand’s questions, while still keeping an expressionless face.
“Illyria’s governor and former police minister, Joseph Fouché[1], has disappeared. He must have escaped because he was afraid of the parliament and the tribunal’s judgement of his sins. You have had a secret relationship with him for a long time and have conducted various acts against France along with him, including agitation and leaking of secrets.”
“…”
“Therefore, I am proposing the following: as a reference, please reveal Fouché’s misdeeds and wrongdoings, and provide information on his current activities if possible. The price for the information will be included in the subsequent trial and will be taken into consideration to determine the level of your punishment.”
In short, it meant selling Fouché to receive better treatment. Talleyrand, who were listening quietly, burst into laughter and the atmosphere became colder.
“In the past, Fouché and I were not on good terms, we used to growl at each other every time we met at the Palace of Versailles. I still don’t like him much now. But I don’t want to blame others when I’m struggling.”
He could see what Carnot was thinking when he suggested this. It did not matter if he was making things up, so he spewed bad things about Fouché and drew a line.
The main target of the Paris High Court’s choice was not him, but Fouché. But Talleyrand kept his mouth shut.
“…Are you really going to feel better living the rest of your life as a traitor in disgrace? Do you want to tarnish your past, when you sincerely devoted yourself to France and made achievements?”
But Talleyrand remained still, without a smile. It meant that he had made up his mind. Seeing that, Carnot clicked his tongue inwardly.
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, who was now a traitor, had been a prominent figure during the French Revolution and the early days of the Empire.
His great contributions were to manage to attract the United States and Denmark into the war against Britain, and the departure of Prussia and Spain from the anti-French alliance.
It was Talleyrand who swayed the salons with his skillful speaking skills, preaching the political legitimacy of the ‘Coup d’Etat du 18 brumaire’. He was a great man of this era, in another sense than Napoleon.
“Take him away.”
Guards hiding behind pillars and behind the doors appeared with a rope. Talleyrand gave his hands without saying anything as if he knew that it would happen. It was the moment the giant fell.
===
Napoleon Bonaparte, who had successfully completed the Battle of Badajoz and was standing next to the fortress, was now feeling a sense of deja vu.
The memories of the past, where he faced the same scene, were revolving in his mind like a panorama.
‘It was February 2nd, 1805. The day when a nation, which has never declared a complete defeat since the Hundred Years’ War, knelt down in front of the Palace of Versailles and prayed.’
In the world where Napoleon came from, France was able to overcome all the challenges induced by the other powers of the European continent and finally hold the supremacy of the world. Even Britain, which resisted until the end, eventually succumbed to France’s all-out pressure and offensive.
This was also the first historical moment since the Roman Empire’s conquest of Britain, when Britain declared total surrender.
Of course, unlike in the other world, where they lay flat and begged for mercy, the situation in the United Kingdom was not so bleak here.
“Greetings to Your Majesty the Emperor of the French Empire. I am Viscount Charlton, Husley Collins. I must first declare to Your Majesty that I am the head of this peace mission and have been entrusted with full authority to negotiate.”
“Nice to meet you. So, what position do you hold in the current British Cabinet?”
“I’m ashamed, but I am serving as the Vice Foreign Minister. I am well aware that it is customary for the ambassador of the Kingdom based in France to take on this responsibility. However, due to the unfavorable circumstances, I will replace him with official documents bearing the royal seal and official records of the Cabinet.”
The secretaries were asked to review the confirmation procedures and official documents. Meanwhile, Napoleon looked at the marshals of the Empire waiting behind him.
They were struggling to prevent the corners of their mouths from going up, as if they were holding back their desire for joy.
‘It’s not surprising. It’s the first time that Britain has been sick like it is now.’
The safety of Britain’s mainland from foreign invasions had been guaranteed thanks to its geographical characteristics of an island country, being one foot away from the continent.
Spain, France, Denmark-Norway, the Netherlands, and many other countries that competed against Britain failed to attack its mainland beyond the sea, and so could not win with certainty.
As long as their terrifying navy, which was fearsome even if the British tried to land, was still lurking in the Strait of Dover, Britain was able to fool the continental countries by projecting its power at the desired time and place based on its mainland that was completely free from the fire of war.
It was precisely because of this geographical advantage that the British were able to play diplomatic games by switching alliances here and there under the pretext of protecting Europe’s balance and order.
From the British point of view, it meant leading a foreign policy pursuing extreme efficiency and practicality for their own interests, but for the countries affected, it was only a perfidious move.
It was particularly the case for France, which had been frustrated by Britain’s obstruction and maneuvering whenever it tried to expand even a little in Europe.
But Britain was now kneeling and begging for peace. How happy could the French be? They could watch with their own eyes the humiliating appearance of the British declaring defeat.
“I’m Georges Tulisson, and I’m in charge of negotiating for the Empire’s side. Let’s talk in good faith for the national interest and honor of both countries.”
At a glance, the faces of the British diplomats were dark and the faces of the French diplomats were very bright. It was clear who had the upper hand and who was uneasy.
And Napoleon, who led the whole game, was watching from a distance from the negotiating table with his arms crossed.
Rumors circulated that the British diplomats were having cold sweat as they were told that the French would run out and call for the war to resume if they did not like the content of the negotiations.
===
The British peace delegation came to Napoleon’s Corps, which had occupied the city of Badajoz and was besieging the fortress.
The armistice agreement, which they brought disguised as a letter, was showing the true face of Britain, which French soldiers had been waiting to see.
Shock derived from London’s financial markets engulfed their economy, which resulted in the British government losing patience with the war. As a result, Britain was forced to make many concessions when negotiating with France.
1. The United Kingdom will break out of the Iberian Peninsula war immediately upon signing the agreement and will not directly or indirectly support Spain and Portugal. Expedients such as hiring mercenaries and dispatching officers are also prohibited.
2. The United Kingdom will return to France the occupied Cape Colony (previously the Dutch Cape Colony in Southern Africa), the Caribbean islands including Guadeloupe, and French Guiana.
3. The United Kingdom will pay France for the restoration of 17 French ports, including Toulon, which was damaged during the coastal blockade. The Spanish ports occupied by France are excluded.
3. The United Kingdom will compensate for a total of 122 French, Danish and Spanish cargo ships seized during the trade blockade and the goods, resources and war supplies in them. In the case of damaged or decayed shipments, they will be replaced with gold or francs of the same value.
4. The trade blockade against the United Kingdom will be lifted. However, the United Kingdom will conduct tariff adjustment agreements with major European countries under the observation of French officials.
5. The United Kingdom cannot engage in any armed activities or sanctions against French ships that export weapons, gunpowder and other war supplies to the United States. The French ships will also be treated as exceptions to the British navigation ordinances.
In addition, the island of Malta, which had been occupied by the French and then by the British, would be returned to its original owner, the Order of Knights of the Hospital.[2] There were also petty agreements such as exchanging prisoners and paying ransom, to maintain their dignity.
Although it was an agreement that the British had to accept as they faced the difficulty of carrying out the war, it was not an unconditional surrender imposed by France.
In other words, the situation was different from that of the Russian expedition, so there were some concessions to make for both countries. This was one of the main issues.
“The United Kingdom must participate in the meeting of the agreement that you will conclude with Spain and Portugal. Thus, we will set up a table in the form of a trilateral meeting and the kingdom will be in charge of coordinating between all the countries so that there will be no room for further conflict or dispute. I would also like to receive a definite answer here that this treaty can be implemented only if you agree with this point.”
“Now that you’ve signed an armistice with the Empire, you’re an external country that has been ruled out of the Peninsular War. I understand that this would be possible under the international diplomatic convention that allows an external country to observe and arbitrate, if the country has no interests in either side. But I don’t think that Britain can play this role, as it was still in a fierce battle against the Empire a few days ago.”
“The Kingdom is in favor of the armistice because it does not want to completely break the balance of the European continent.
If you make concessions on this issue, the kingdom is willing to negotiate in favor of your country in other areas. I hope that you will remember that the ambition of King Louis XIV[3], the Sun King, sparked the Spanish Succession War, which was a misfortune for all of Europe.”
Without Britain, Spain and Portugal would not be able to maintain their front lines, as they would not be able to carry out the war, and the Iberian Peninsula would be in the hands of France.
The British were now saying that they did not want to see this, no matter the cost.
It seemed that these sneaky islanders were hiding this as they accepted all of the above proposals in a gentle manner. French diplomats showed signs of displeasure, but Napoleon was a little different.
‘It’s like you don’t want to cry but you slap me in the face.’
Britain seemed to be afraid of the rise of the French Empire that could engulf the entire Iberian Peninsula, but Napoleon had no intention of doing so.
Spain had a history of standing up as a nationwide enemy and resisting to death to fight the French invasion.
They had already completed resistance nationalism and there was no room for France to intervene.
‘Even if France were to annex the Spanish territories, it would take astronomical administrative power, finance, and time to fully integrate them into French society and to appease the Spanish people. How much blood would be shed in the process… It’s a terrible thing to imagine.’
France and Spain were so different in culture, ethnicity, system, language and history, that Napoleon had no confidence in assimilating them.
Contrary to the megalomaniac of this world, the current Napoleon did not want the annexation of Spain.
‘However, I will definitely get what I can.’
Internally, he had already set plans and goals for France to get the most out of it.
Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site Only
Now, all he had to do was taking a stance that said ‘I can endure more’ and reap the profits. It was time to end this tedious war that had been going on for nearly five years.
TL notes
[1] Joseph Fouché
[2] Knights Hospitaller
[3] Louis XIV
Chapter 8714. End of the SecondHundred Years' War 3Then whydid you come to see me after thearrest warranthad alreadybeen approved by theParisHigh Court? Were yougoingtomock me while watching me fall?Carnot replied to Talleyrand's questions, while still keepinganexpressionlessface.Illyria'sgovernorand former policeminister, Joseph Fouch1, hasdisappeared. He musthave escaped becausehewas afraid of theparliament andthe tribunal'sjudgement of his sins. Youhave hada secretrelationship withhim for a longtime andhave conductedvarious acts againstFrance along withhim, includingagitation and leaking of secrets.Therefore, I amproposing the following: as areference, pleasereveal Fouch's misdeeds andwrongdoings, and provide information on his current activitiesifpossible. The price forthe information willbeincludedinthe subsequenttrialand willbetakeninto consideration to determine thelevelofyour punishment.In short, it meant selling Fouch toreceive bettertreatment. Talleyrand, whowere listeningquietly, burstinto laughter andthe atmospherebecame colder.In thepast, Fouch andI were not on good terms, we used to growl at eachothereverytime we metatthe Palace of Versailles. I still don't likehim muchnow. ButI don't want to blame others when I'm struggling.He could see what Carnot wasthinkingwhen he suggestedthis. Itdid not matterifhewas making thingsup, so he spewed badthings about Fouch and drewa line.The maintarget of the Paris High Court'schoice was nothim, butFouch. But Talleyrandkept hismouthshut.Areyou really going to feel better livingthe restofyour life as atraitor in disgrace? Doyou wanttotarnish your past, whenyou sincerely devoted yourself to France andmade achievements?But Talleyrandremainedstill, withouta smile. Itmeantthat he hadmade up hismind. Seeing that, Carnot clicked his tongueinwardly.Charles MauricedeTalleyrand-Prigord, who wasnow atraitor, had beena prominentfigure during theFrench Revolutionand the early days of the Empire.Hisgreatcontributions were to manage to attract the UnitedStates and Denmark intothe war against Britain, and thedeparture of Prussiaand Spain fromthe anti-French alliance.Itwas Talleyrandwho swayed thesalons withhis skillful speaking skills, preaching the politicallegitimacy of theCoupd'Etat du 18 brumaire'. Hewas agreatman of thisera, in another sense thanNapoleon.Take himaway.Guardshiding behind pillars and behindthe doors appeared witha rope. Talleyrand gavehis hands withoutsaying anything as if he knewthat it would happen. It was themoment the giant fell.===Napoleon Bonaparte, who had successfullycompleted the BattleofBadajoz andwas standing nexttothe fortress, wasnow feelinga sense of deja vu.The memories of the past, where he faced thesame scene, were revolvinginhis mindlike a panorama.It was February 2nd, 1805. The daywhen a nation, whichhas never declared acompletedefeat since the Hundred Years' War, knelt downinfrontofthe Palace of Versailles and prayed.'Inthe world where Napoleon camefrom, France was able to overcome all thechallenges induced by the other powersofthe European continent andfinally hold the supremacyofthe world. Even Britain, which resisted until the end, eventuallysuccumbed to France's all-outpressureand offensive.Thiswas alsothe first historicalmoment since the Roman Empire's conquest of Britain, when Britaindeclaredtotalsurrender.Ofcourse, unlikeinthe other world, where they lay flat and beggedfor mercy, thesituation in the UnitedKingdom wasnot so bleak here.Greetings to YourMajesty theEmperor of theFrench Empire. I am Viscount Charlton, Husley Collins. I must first declare to YourMajesty that I amthe headofthis peace mission and have beenentrusted withfull authoritytonegotiate.Nice to meetyou. So, what position do youhold in thecurrent British Cabinet?I'm ashamed, butI am serving as the Vice ForeignMinister. I amwell aware that it is customary forthe ambassadorofthe KingdombasedinFrance to takeonthis responsibility. However, due to the unfavorable circumstances, I willreplace himwith official documentsbearing theroyalseal andofficialrecords of theCabinet.Thesecretarieswere asked to reviewthe confirmation procedures and official documents. Meanwhile, Napoleonlooked at the marshals of theEmpire waitingbehind him.Theywere struggling to preventthe cornersoftheirmouths fromgoingup, as if theywere holding backtheirdesire for joy.It's notsurprising. It's thefirsttime that Britainhas beensick like it is now.'Thesafety of Britain's mainland from foreigninvasions had been guaranteedthanks to its geographicalcharacteristics of an island country, being onefoot away fromthe continent.Spain, France, Denmark-Norway, theNetherlands, and many other countries that competed againstBritain failedtoattack its mainland beyondthe sea, and so could not winwith certainty.As long as their terrifyingnavy, whichwas fearsome evenifthe Britishtriedtoland, was still lurkinginthe Strait of Dover, Britain wasable to fool the continental countriesbyprojecting itspoweratthe desiredtime andplacebasedonits mainland thatwas completelyfree from the fire of war.It was preciselybecause of this geographical advantagethat theBritish were abletoplay diplomatic games by switching allianceshere andthereunderthe pretextofprotecting Europe's balance and order.Fromthe Britishpointofview, itmeantleading a foreignpolicy pursuing extremeefficiency andpracticality for their owninterests, butfor the countriesaffected, it was only aperfidious move.Itwas particularly thecase forFrance, which hadbeen frustrated by Britain's obstruction andmaneuveringwheneverittriedtoexpand evena littleinEurope.But Britainwas now kneeling andbegging forpeace. How happy could theFrench be? They could watch withtheirown eyesthe humiliating appearanceofthe Britishdeclaring defeat.I'mGeorges Tulisson, and I'm in chargeofnegotiatingfor the Empire's side. Let's talk in goodfaithfor the national interest andhonorofboth countries.Ata glance, the faces of theBritish diplomatswere dark and thefacesofthe French diplomatswere very bright. Itwas clear who hadthe upper handand who wasuneasy.And Napoleon, wholed the whole game, waswatchingfrom a distance fromthe negotiating table withhis armscrossed.Rumors circulated thatthe Britishdiplomats werehaving coldsweatasthey were toldthat theFrench would run outand callfor the wartoresume if theydid not like the content of the negotiations.===The Britishpeacedelegation came to Napoleon'sCorps, which had occupied thecity of Badajoz and wasbesieging the fortress.The armisticeagreement, which they broughtdisguised as aletter, wasshowing thetrue face of Britain, which French soldiers hadbeen waiting to see.Shock derivedfrom London's financialmarkets engulfed their economy, which resulted in theBritish government losing patience with the war. As aresult, Britain was forcedtomake many concessions whennegotiatingwith France.1. TheUnited Kingdomwill break outofthe IberianPeninsula war immediately upon signingthe agreement andwill notdirectlyorindirectly support Spain and Portugal. Expedients such as hiring mercenaries anddispatchingofficersare alsoprohibited.2. The UnitedKingdom will return to Francethe occupied CapeColony previously the Dutch Cape Colony in Southern Africa, theCaribbean islandsincluding Guadeloupe, and FrenchGuiana.3. The United Kingdom willpay France forthe restoration of 17 French ports, including Toulon, whichwas damagedduring the coastal blockade. TheSpanish ports occupied by Franceare excluded.3. The United Kingdom willcompensate fora total of 122 French, Danishand Spanishcargoshipsseized during thetradeblockadeand the goods, resources and warsuppliesinthem. Inthe caseofdamaged or decayed shipments, they will be replaced withgold or francsofthe samevalue.4. Thetradeblockadeagainst theUnited Kingdomwill be lifted. However, the UnitedKingdom will conducttariff adjustmentagreements with major European countries under theobservationofFrench officials.5. The UnitedKingdom cannotengage in any armed activities or sanctions against French ships that export weapons, gunpowderand other war supplies to theUnited States. The French ships will alsobetreated as exceptions to the British navigationordinances.In addition, theisland of Malta, which hadbeen occupied by theFrench and then by the British, would be returned to itsoriginalowner, the Order of Knights of the Hospital.2Therewere also petty agreementssuch as exchanging prisoners andpaying ransom, tomaintaintheirdignity.Although it was an agreementthat theBritish hadtoaccept as theyfacedthe difficultyofcarryingout the war, it was notanunconditional surrenderimposed by France.In other words, the situation wasdifferent fromthat of theRussian expedition, so there were someconcessionstomake forboth countries. Thiswas one of themain issues.The United Kingdom mustparticipateinthe meetingofthe agreement that you will conclude withSpainand Portugal. Thus, we will set up a table in the form of atrilateral meeting and thekingdom will be in charge of coordinatingbetween allthe countries so that there willbenoroom forfurther conflict or dispute. I would alsolike to receive adefiniteanswer herethat this treaty canbeimplementedonly if youagreewith this point.Nowthat you'vesigned an armistice with the Empire, you're an external country thathas beenruledout of the Peninsular War. I understand thatthis would be possible under theinternational diplomatic conventionthat allowsanexternalcountry to observe and arbitrate, if the country has no interestsineither side. But I don't think thatBritain canplay this role, as it was still in a fierce battleagainst theEmpire afew daysago.TheKingdom is in favor of thearmistice becauseitdoes notwant to completely break the balance of the European continent.If youmake concessions on this issue, thekingdom is willing to negotiate in favor of your countryinotherareas. I hope that you will remember thatthe ambition of KingLouisXIV3, theSun King, sparkedthe SpanishSuccession War, which was a misfortunefor all of Europe.Without Britain, Spain andPortugalwouldnot be abletomaintaintheirfrontlines, as theywouldnot be abletocarryout the war, and theIberian Peninsulawouldbeinthe hands of France.The British werenow saying that theydid not want to see this, no matterthe cost.It seemedthat these sneakyislanders werehiding thisasthey accepted allofthe above proposals in a gentle manner. French diplomatsshowed signs of displeasure, butNapoleonwas alittle different.It's likeyou don't wanttocry but youslap me in theface.'Britain seemed to be afraidofthe riseofthe French Empirethat could engulfthe entire Iberian Peninsula, but Napoleon had no intentionofdoingso.Spain hada history of standing up as anationwide enemy andresisting to death to fight the Frenchinvasion.They had already completed resistance nationalism and there wasnoroom forFrance to intervene.Even if France were to annex the Spanish territories, it would take astronomical administrative power, finance, and timetofullyintegrate theminto Frenchsociety andtoappease theSpanish people. How much blood would be shedinthe process It's a terrible thing to imagine.'France and Spain were so different in culture, ethnicity, system, languageand history, thatNapoleonhad no confidenceinassimilating them.Contrary to themegalomaniac of thisworld, the current Napoleon did notwant theannexation of Spain.However, I willdefinitely getwhat I can.'Internally, he hadalready setplansand goals for Francetoget the most out of it.Read latest Chapters at Wuxia World . Site OnlyNow, all he had to do wastaking astance thatsaid I canendure more' and reap the profits. It wastime to endthis tedious war that had been going on for nearlyfive years.TL notes1Joseph Fouch2KnightsHospitaller3LouisXIV