Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 173: A Hopeful Thought

Napoleon’s gaze lifted slightly.

"Of course they have."

Charles-Louis continued without pause.

"They have not made any formal declaration, Sire. But their position is becoming clear through their envoys and commercial agents."

Napoleon II adjusted Anna in his arms as she shifted again, his hand steady beneath her head.

"Speak."

Charles-Louis drew a breath.

"The British view our entry into China as a disruption to their current position. They believe it will create an imbalance in trade and influence within the region."

Napoleon’s expression did not change.

"Imbalance," he repeated.

"Yes, Sire."

Charles-Louis continued.

"They have maintained a controlled relationship with the Qing through trade in Canton. Their merchants operate under restrictions, but they have adapted to them. More importantly..." he paused slightly, choosing his words, "they have built their position around it."

Napoleon II looked at him.

"Opium."

"Yes, Sire."

The word settled between them without reaction.

Napoleon II shifted his stance slightly, his boots pressing against the stone path as he adjusted the blanket around Anna.

"They rely on it."

Charles-Louis nodded.

"It compensates for their trade deficit. Without it, their position weakens significantly."

Napoleon II gave a faint breath. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"And they believe our presence threatens that."

"Yes, Sire."

Charles-Louis continued.

"They are concerned that formal diplomatic relations between France and the Qing court would reduce their leverage. If multiple ports are opened and regulated trade is established, their current system becomes unstable."

Napoleon II looked down briefly at Anna before returning his attention forward.

"They’ve grown comfortable operating in the shadows," he said.

"Yes, Sire."

"And now we are forcing everything into the open."

Charles-Louis inclined his head slightly.

"That is their concern."

Napoleon II remained silent for a moment.

"What actions have they taken?"

"Observation, for now," Charles-Louis replied. "Increased naval readiness in the region. More ships moving toward their stations. Their envoys are pressing the Qing court quietly, reinforcing their own position."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"They’re trying to hold ground without committing. Perhaps, they are watching us on how we will force China to establish diplomatic ties with us. And if they see it being successful, they’ll copy it. That’s where they are good at, copying."

"They have a record of adapting quickly, Sire. If our approach proves effective, they will attempt to replicate parts of it."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"They never lead unless necessary," he continued. "They observe, then move when the cost is lower."

"Yes, Sire."

Napoleon II looked ahead, his gaze steady.

"They are waiting to see if we open the door for them."

Charles-Louis inclined his head.

"That is likely."

Napoleon II gave a faint breath.

"And if we do, they will step through it as if it was theirs from the beginning."

He rose to his feet and then swayed gently. "I’m going to take her to the nursery room. Thank you for the report Charles, I’ll see you in the evening for the evening report."

Charles-Louis inclined his head.

"Yes, Sire."

Napoleon II adjusted his hold on Anna before turning toward the path leading back into the palace. He kept one hand steady beneath her head, the other securing the blanket as he began walking.

The guards at the edge of the garden straightened as he passed. None spoke. They simply shifted their stance and watched as the Emperor moved along the stone path toward the entrance.

Anna stirred once, her small hand pressing lightly against his coat. Napoleon II adjusted the blanket again without breaking stride.

Inside, the transition was immediate.

The open air of the garden gave way to the quiet order of the palace corridors. Servants moved along the edges, stepping aside as he approached. No one crossed his path. No one spoke unless addressed.

A nurse was already waiting near the entrance to the nursery wing.

She stepped forward and bowed slightly.

"Sire."

Napoleon II did not slow.

"She’s sleeping," he said.

"Yes, Sire."

He entered the nursery.

The room was warm compared to the corridors, the air controlled, the light softened through tall windows. A cradle stood prepared near the center, its structure simple but solid. Nearby, a small table held folded cloth and other necessities arranged in order.

Napoleon II moved closer to the cradle and lowered his arms carefully.

Anna shifted slightly as he placed her down, her hand curling once more before relaxing against the blanket. She remained asleep.

He adjusted the blanket one final time, making sure it covered her properly.

The nurse stepped forward quietly, checking the position without disturbing the child.

"She will rest well, Sire."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

He remained there for a moment, looking down at her.

He was glad that he had another healthy child and he didn’t mind it being a girl. But he knew that as an Emperor, if one wants to continue their legacy, it must be a girl. Of course, he won’t do something to disown children like the other previous kings did in the past. He loved his children unconditionally.

Well, just like Charles-Louis said, he’s still young and so does Elisabeth. They will make another until there’s male child.

Napoleon II stood there a moment longer, his eyes fixed on the child resting in the cradle. The thought passed without weight. It was not frustration. It was simply fact. A matter that would be resolved with time.

Anna shifted again, her fingers moving slightly before settling against the blanket. Napoleon II adjusted the cloth once more, making sure it stayed in place.

"She’ll be fine," he said.

The nurse nodded.

"Yes, Sire."

He gave a short nod in return, then stepped back from the cradle.

His attention moved on.

Napoleon II turned and stepped out of the nursery.

The door closed behind him with a soft sound. The corridor outside was already waiting. An officer approached at once, holding a stack of documents secured with a leather strap.

"Sire."

Napoleon II took the documents without stopping.

"Office."

"Yes, Sire."

He walked down the corridor at a steady pace. Servants cleared the path ahead. Guards straightened as he passed. The quiet from the nursery was gone, replaced by movement and routine.

By the time he reached his office, the doors were already open.

He stepped inside and moved directly to the central table. Maps and reports were laid out in order. He set the documents down, removed the strap, and opened the first file.