Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 97: Ridiculous Request

Same day but evening.

The clock was seven-thirty in the evening, and the lunch had been prepared by the staff of the Palace of Versailles.

Napoleon II and Empress Elisabeth were already seated on their respective seats, next to one another.

They looked at the dish that was covered by a cloche.

"We are not eating yet?" Elisabeth asked.

"We have a guest," Napoleon II simply replied.

"A guest? Who is it?"

"A Russian diplomat, he says."

"A Russian ambassador perhaps?"

Napoleon II shook his head. "No, more like an aristocrat. He is lucky that I am entertaining him. I’m curious why he wanted to meet me so much."

Moments later, Beaumont entered. "Your Imperial Majesty, Sergey Trubetskoy of the Russian Empire."

Sergey promptly entered the hall and then bowed his head reverently to Napoleon II.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Imperial Majesty," he said fluently in French.

The original plan for him was for Nesselrode to meet Napoleon II because Nesselrode has the title. He was supposed to be the key for the Decembrist but Nesselrode still wasn’t clear whether he’ll join the union or not. So to be safe, the Decembrist sent him to speak to Napoleon II.

"Russian Empire huh? My father was a good friend to your Tsar, not until he secretly backstabbed him by being friendly to the British and then forced us into a corner after the failed invasion," Napoleon II commented.

"That would be Tsar Alexander I, Your Imperial Majesty. We have a new Tsar."

"Really, I didn’t know. Take a seat, we are just about to start our dinner."

"Of course, Your Imperial Majesty," Sergey promptly took his seat and one of the servants gave him plates and utensils.

"We are having filet de boeuf en croute," Napoleon II said.

At his signal, the servants stepped forward in practiced unison. Cloche lids lifted. Steam rolled upward, carrying the rich scent of pastry, beef, and herbs. Elisabeth’s eyes softened slightly at the aroma.

"That smells wonderful," she murmured.

"That is my wife, the Empress of the French Empire, Elisabeth Bonaparte," Napoleon introduced.

"It’s an honor to meet you, Sir Sergey," Elisabeth politely said.

"Likewise, Your Imperial Majesty," Sergey bowed his head.

"Now tell me why you are here," Napoleon II slid his knife through the crust, the pastry flaking cleanly under the blade.

Sergey mirrored the motion, though slower. He set his utensils down before answering.

"I will speak plainly, Your Imperial Majesty," he said. "I am here on behalf of men in Russia who believe our empire is... falling behind."

Napoleon chewed once, swallowed, and looked up.

"Behind whom?" he asked.

"Everyone who is industrializing," Sergey replied. "France most of all."

Elisabeth listened quietly, hands folded near her plate.

Sergey continued. "Russia is vast but its system is too outdated. Our administration is slow and our industry is shallow to the point we are not even importing French machinery and steam locomotives for example to inject domestic growth. Many officers... see what is happening in Europe and fear we are standing still while the world accelerates."

Napoleon’s expression remained neutral.

"And you represent these officers?" he asked.

"I represent a circle of reform-minded nobles and military men," Sergey said carefully. "We want modernization. Legal reform. Industrial growth. But we believe we are lacking in power and request support from the French Empire."

Napoleon II leaned back to his seat, his expression starting to turn serious. "You want me to intervene in your country’s state affairs?"

"I know this is too much to ask, Your Imperial Maj—"

"Of course it is too much to ask," Napoleon II cut him off. "Even talking to you is completely dangerous. What if the Russians found out that I am having dinner with you? They’ll freak out."

Sergey remained silent, Napoleon II was right, if the Russians found out about this meeting, they’ll think France is giving haven to a revolutionist and might declare war, and the peace in Europe will shatter.

Not to mention, Napoleon II also pledged his support to the Kingdom of Naples for a unification of Italian states. Albeit they haven’t made a move yet, if the former coalition states were to find out France was sponsoring unification and revolutionary movement. They’ll think France is expanding again and threaten the peace of Europe.

"You want Russia to industrialize, am I right? But the Russian Tsar would not have it. So if he didn’t have it so there’s no revolution. So your inner circle must be planning something to change the Russian Empire?"

"Yes, we are not going to topple our government. We want it similar to the British, a constitutional monarch, abolition of serfdom. By means of armed revolt if necessary."

Napoleon II chuckled. "That’s a huge gamble. You see revolution works only if the populace are experiencing the effects of poor governance. Like people dying from starvation because of a famine, and also there is repression...I don’t think it would work."

"We are consolidating our forces, Your Imperial Majesty, we have cells in different parts of the Empire. If we are successful, we are going to implement our goals to improve Russia."

"And what do I gain from helping you?" Napoleon II asked.

"A stable eastern partner," he said at last.

"I don’t think so," Napoleon II said. "The Russian Imperial Family is just strong at this point. It’s risky. I don’t think I can be of help to your endeavors."

"But Your Imperial Majesty...we are asking because your country has been a symbol of progress and liberty."

"I am flattered to hear that but the answer is going to remain the same, France can’t help you. Though I can give you some advice. Whatever you are planning, delay it, you know, for a year or a decade. Because your idealized Russian Empire is not achievable if the people living there don’t even want it."

"Your Imperial Majesty..."

Napoleon II shook his head, telling him nonverbally that he is refusing to help them.

"I wish you good luck but I don’t want to have conflict with the Russians. I prefer the status quo."

Hearing those words of finality, Sergey caved in. "I understand, Your Imperial Majesty. Thank you for giving me the audience. With or without your help, we will still do what we must do for our motherland."

"I love the dedication," Napoleon II praised. "Good luck once again."