Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 181: Simple Briefing

Charles-Louis and Berthier were all ears when Napoleon II said that.

"Do the people know that a war exists between the nations?" Napoleon II asked.

Charles-Louis shook his head. "Since it was just declared and there’s no statement yet from you, the Emperor of France, the citizens are not aware that a war exists between the nations. Only high-ranking officials know, mostly on the military side."

"So what do we do first to make sure that this war won’t affect the way of life of the people? Usually in this scenario, there are measures where we can soften the blow of such conflict because in times of war, commodities would rise. Oil, coal, foods, et cetera."

Charles-Louis did not wait to be prompted further.

"We began coordination last night," he said. "All relevant ministries have already been brought into alignment. Agriculture, Commerce, Infrastructure and Communications, Finance, Energy, Interior—they’ve all submitted initial measures."

Napoleon II leaned back slightly in his chair.

"Go on."

Charles-Louis opened the folder he had brought and set it on the table.

"First, food supply," he said. "The Ministry of Agriculture has already issued directives to increase grain release from reserve stocks. Not enough to flood the market, but enough to stabilize prices if speculation begins."

Berthier added, "Transport priority has also been adjusted. Rail lines will prioritize food distribution to major urban centers. No delays."

Napoleon II gave a small nod.

"Coal and energy."

Charles-Louis turned a page.

"Coal output remains stable. The Cordemais plant is already contributing to regional supply. Additional stockpiles are being secured near industrial zones to prevent disruption."

"And oil?"

"Imports remain steady for now," Charles-Louis said. "But we’ve instructed Commerce to secure additional contracts through our colonial channels. Contingency routes are already being mapped."

Napoleon II tapped a finger lightly against the table once.

"Pricing."

"Controlled," Charles-Louis replied. "Finance will enforce price ceilings on essential goods if needed. Merchants have been warned discreetly. No formal decree yet."

Berthier leaned forward slightly.

"We’re also preparing for hoarding," he said. "Interior has already begun quiet inspections. No public announcement. Anyone attempting to manipulate supply will be dealt with immediately."

Napoleon II looked between them.

"Good."

Charles-Louis continued.

"Now, Your Imperial Majesty, during this time, you will announce to the people that a war exist between France and Austria. The announcement will be controlled. No urgency in tone and no alarm as it is important not to make people panic. It will be presented as a state matter already under management."

Napoleon II’s gaze remained fixed on him.

"Structure?"

"A short address," Charles-Louis said. "Clear acknowledgment of the conflict. Emphasis on stability. Reinforcement that daily life will continue without disruption."

Berthier added, "And confidence in the armed forces. The population needs to know that the situation is already contained at the borders."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"No mention of mobilization details."

"No, Sire," Charles-Louis replied. "Only what is necessary."

Napoleon II leaned forward slightly, resting both hands on the table.

"They must not feel the war in their routines."

"Yes, Sire."

"They wake up. They eat. They work. They move through the day without change."

Charles-Louis inclined his head.

"That is the objective."

Napoleon II’s tone hardened slightly.

"Okay, I’ll draft a speech for the announcement of the state of war," he then looked at Berthier. "For sure you have wargamed this one out? A war between the French Empire and the Austrian Empire."

"Your Imperial Majesty, the military of the Austrian Empire is weak and small and disorganized despite being a victor in the coalition wars. Still, we took the planning seriously and we have strategies and plans in place that we can share with you on how we will defeat the Austrian Empire." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Good, is there a plan where this war ends swiftly?"

"Yes, Sire," he said. "A short campaign is achievable if we control the tempo from the start."

Napoleon II’s eyes stayed on him.

"Explain."

Berthier stepped closer to the table and unfolded one of the maps. Northern Italy filled the surface—Lombardy, Venetia, the line of the Alps, and the roads that cut through them.

"We do not fight them across the entire front," he said. "We concentrate force where they are weakest."

He pointed.

"Here. Lombardy."

Napoleon II followed the line.

"Milan."

"Yes, Sire. It is their administrative center in the region. If it falls early, their structure collapses with it."

Charles-Louis watched without speaking.

Berthier continued.

"Our forces will advance in three coordinated movements. The main army pushes directly toward Milan. A second force moves east to fix their troops in Venetia. The third, operating with Neapolitan coordination, presses from the south to divide their attention. I can brief you on the more detailed plan in the headquarters as the plan was created in coordination with other senior staffers."

"Okay, I’ll drop by there in the afternoon. I’m liking it now. Well, I think that’s it for a while now. Charles, I want you to summon the rest of the ministers so that we can have an emergency session. And you Berthier, go back to the headquarters and work on the plan you just told me."

"Yes, Sire," they said almost in unison.

They turned at once.

Within seconds, they were already at the door.

Charles-Louis paused just long enough to add, "The ministers will be assembled within the hour."

Berthier gave a short nod. "I’ll have the operational brief ready by the time you arrive."

Napoleon II did not answer.

He simply gave a small nod.

That was enough.

They stepped out.

The door closed behind them.

The room settled immediately.

Napoleon II remained standing for a moment.

Then he moved.

He walked back to the table and pulled the chair slightly before sitting down. The documents were still laid out in order. Reports. Maps. Directives waiting for approval.

He did not touch them.

Instead, he reached for a blank sheet.

A pen followed.

He placed it down, adjusted it once between his fingers, then began writing.

[To the people of the French Empire. It is my duty to inform you that a state of war now exists between the French Empire and the Austrian Empire. This development comes not from uncertainty, but from the actions of a foreign power that has chosen confrontation over stability. You will hear of this today. You will continue your work tomorrow. The life of the Empire does not stop. Your food supply remains secure. Your work continues. Your cities remain active. There will be no disruption to the order you know. The armed forces of the Empire are prepared. Positions are secured. Operations are already in motion. This conflict will be contained. You are not required to act. Continue your duties. Maintain your routine. The Empire functions as it has, and it will continue to do so.]

Upon finishing it, Napoleon II set the pen down.