The Fox of France - Chapter 345: The Crown Matter

Napoleon received the “Imperator” medal and adorned it upon his chest, prompting a chorus around him, “Imperator! Imperator!”

As the chants subsided, Napoleon addressed the crowd briefly. He first expressed gratitude for the French people’s affection, deeply moved by their support. He then reflected on the relentless efforts of numerous heroes and martyrs since the French Revolution, striving alongside him for the freedom and democracy of France. He emphasized that those deserving this supreme honor were the heroes who sacrificed for defending French liberty and democracy.

Furthermore, Napoleon stressed the essence of the French spirit – “freedom, democracy, and philanthropy.” He reiterated that safeguarding the French Republic alongside its people, preserving democracy and liberty, stood as his life’s greatest honor.

Amidst the crowd’s cheers, Napoleon concluded his speech, returning to the government to continue serving the French people.

Napoleon’s impromptu speech naturally made headlines in various newspapers. Presently, not only French papers but even those of countries with intimate ties to France, including some British, Prussian, and Austrian papers, praised Napoleon’s humility and dedication to democracy.

However, the situation abroad differed from the overwhelming praise within France. Voices of criticism arose, notably from an Austrian newspaper, mocking Napoleon as a lowly country bumpkin adorned with a crown, questioning his own reflection, likening it to a monkey, with the suggestion of a swan eating pond scum?

This particular paper, with an exiled background, commonly published articles defaming France and Napoleon, a usual occurrence. Even if such papers began praising Napoleon, it’d signal a change in him.

Moreover, the reach of this newspaper was limited; often, it was more of a self-boosting tool for exiles. The reader letters in these papers were often fabricated by editors, almost like saying, “Don’t be fooled by the apparent crowd here; it’s all me under different names.”

Normally, established newspapers, especially in France, paid no heed to these papers’ content – who’d be interested in scrutinizing excrement with a magnifying glass every day?

However, this time, French media suddenly took notice of this paper’s report. A relatively inconspicuous paper led with a sensational headline, “Austrians Shamelessly Insult French Leader,” implying that this newspaper’s vicious attacks on Napoleon’s governance were likely orchestrated by the Austrian government.

But then, the “Scientific Truth Gazette” followed suit, asserting that these reactionary papers didn’t represent Austrian public opinion. Austrians held considerable respect for the French and Napoleon’s governance. The paper cited interviews with Austrians, indicating their admiration for France’s good government and seeing Napoleon as a great man of the era. Even the renowned musician Beethoven composed a symphony named “Imperator” for our esteemed First Consul. This clear admiration indicated no ill will from the Austrian people towards France.

However, after exonerating the Austrian people, the “Scientific Truth Gazette” raised a pertinent question: If a newspaper hardly sold, it should’ve gone bankrupt soon. Yet, this paper, with minimal readership, persisted in Austria for years. Clearly, there was substantial financial backing behind it.

Certainly, the support for such a paper might not directly stem from the Austrian government. However, the peace treaty between Austria and France stipulated that Austria should prevent any entity from using its territory against France. Evidently, Austria breached this treaty, disregarding France’s interests. In this light, accusing the Austrian government of insulting the First Consul and France wasn’t entirely baseless.

Although the “Scientific Truth Gazette” had no ties to the French government, it was widely acknowledged that, to some extent, the paper represented French government sentiments. Especially the editorials, often directly mirrored the French government’s stance. Hence, an article like this in the “Scientific Truth Gazette” demanded serious attention.

Upon reading the report, Ambassador Metternich broke into a cold sweat. He knew that the appearance of such an article in the “Scientific Truth Gazette” was far from ordinary. However, despite pondering for a day and night, he couldn’t fathom why France was provoking Austria now. Austria was practically submissive to France’s will, and while some anti-French newspapers existed, France never regarded them seriously. Why suddenly make a fuss about this matter?

Metternich, troubled, received a report of banker Nathan Rothschild’s visit.

Metternich instructed Rothschild to enter.

“At this time, Mr. Rothschild, your visit is significant. Do you have something to instruct me?” Metternich inquired.

“I’ve come regarding the article in the ‘Scientific Truth Gazette.’ It might greatly affect our business,” Nathan Rothschild replied directly.

“What are your thoughts on this matter?” Metternich asked.

“Ambassador, how well do you know the First Consul? What’s your take on the recent ‘Imperator’ incident?” Rothschild queried.

“‘Imperator’ incident? Clearly, it’s orchestrated by the First Consul himself,” Metternich spoke frankly facing Nathan Rothschild.

“The First Consul is undoubtedly highly capable, but he’s no saint. Even a true saint couldn’t reach his position today. However, he seems fixated on Rome. I believe his ambition extends beyond being a First Consul,” Nathan Rothschild remarked.

This comment struck Metternich, making him ponder, “So, he wishes to emulate Augustus and transform France into an empire?… In that case, his actions make complete sense…”

In Europe, from a legal standpoint, there are only two crowns, both originating from Rome: the crown of the Western Roman Empire theoretically coronated by the Pope. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, various monarchs were crowned by the Pope, such as the famous Charlemagne, crowned as the “Emperor of the Romans” by the Pope.

Presently, the crown of the “Holy Roman Empire,” tracing its roots to the Western Roman Empire, is also from Rome. The other crown is from the Eastern Roman Empire. After its fall, Russians claimed the inheritance, considering themselves heirs of the Eastern Romans, leading to the creation of the Russian Tsar’s crown.

If Napoleon indeed aimed to be an Augustus, then it’s easy to understand because the crown he required lay in Austrian hands.

“Ambassador, from a perspective of interests, France shouldn’t directly oppose your country now. However, I am concerned about one thing,” Nathan Rothschild said.

“What is it?” Metternich inquired.

“French might play some tricks through the Pope,” Rothschild responded.

Metternich immediately understood Rothschild’s implication. Although the crown of the “Emperor of the Romans” was on Francis II’s head, under certain circumstances, the Pope could remove the crown from Francis II, then hand it over to Napoleon. For instance, by accusing Francis II of impiety, violating Catholic doctrine, or even labeling him a heretic, then dethroning him from the Empire and reclaiming the imperial title.

Considering the current situation in Italy, where French forces held absolute dominance, with the North Italian Republic as France’s ally and elite Italian troops stationed there, while Austria had been almost completely expelled from Italy by France, when the Pope had to make a choice, the answer was clear.

“In that case, what should we do? Can we ask His Majesty to relinquish the crown voluntarily?” Metternich questioned.