The Fox of France

The Russian ambassador, Peter, and the French Foreign Minister, Talleyrand, were old friends.

In general, the term "old friends" typically implies shared experiences—such as studying together, fighting side by side, going through hardships, or even profiting together.

Talleyrand hailed from a Catholic theological background, while Peter was Orthodox; thus, they couldn't have studied together. As for fighting side by side, although Peter had military experience, Talleyrand had never served. Moreover, being of different nationalities—Russian and French—made this impossible. As for going through hardships, that was entirely out of the question. Therefore, their shared "old friendship" could only be attributed to "profiting together."

Given their solid camaraderie in such endeavors, Peter was direct in their conversation.

"My friend, I've heard that your country is aiding the Sultan of Turkey in training their army?"

"How did you find out?" Talleyrand responded. "Well, despite the secrecy surrounding this matter, the leakages in Turkey have been glaringly evident."

"Charles, France and Russia are friendly nations. Your support for the Turks doesn't align with our interests," Peter remarked.

"Ah, Peter. France's amicability with Russia remains unchanged. Our dealings with Turkey are purely business. As friends, I'll be candid; this business is profitable for France. Many in my country anticipate making money from this deal. And, I assure you, it poses no threat to your nation's security."

"While the Sultan of Turkey may have his internal concerns, if he resolves them, it could endanger the entire Christian world."

Hearing this, Talleyrand chuckled. "My friend, surely you don't believe that yourself. The world has changed. In medieval times, those pagans seemed more civilized than us for a while. But now, they've fallen far behind. If Russians visit us, what do they do? They immerse themselves in learning—science, arts, you name it. They even pay generously to have our scholars teach in their universities. But these Turks? How many of them come to France to study? They buy weapons and mimic our use, like bears imitating humans walking. But that's their limit. What threat can such a country pose to you?

"And if Turkey successfully reforms and grows stronger. My friend, I believe, if they succeed, they might face the danger of collapsing. Turkey is already ailing; radical reforms might doom them. Move too slowly, and they'll lag behind in this era of rapid progress. Isn't that so?"

Talleyrand's words didn't entirely convince Peter. He believed that even if Turkey expanded its modern army, surpassing Russia in a race for development was improbable. Nonetheless, French aid in training the Turkish army wasn't advantageous for Russia.

But Peter knew this was a money-making opportunity for France. Present-day France might have made progress elsewhere—acknowledged even by Bourbon sympathizers—but in certain aspects, they were lacking, like their blatant pursuit of money. Even France's allies conceded that the current French government jumped at the sound of coins. Hence, Peter realized it was nearly impossible to dissuade the French from this deal.

However, Peter had to express Russian dissatisfaction to the French government. Although this gesture was merely symbolic, both France and Russia wouldn't be greatly affected. Nonetheless, gestures had to be made.

"Mr. Foreign Minister," Peter said solemnly, "We find your country's actions inappropriate. They harm our interests and the goodwill our people harbor for your country. While our commitment to the 'Olympic Truce' remains unwavering, our country reserves the right to respond accordingly. We hope your country refrains from actions that damage the friendship between our nations."

"I'll convey your concerns to the ruling Bonaparte," Talleyrand responded formally.

Talleyrand understood the Russian intentions. They might engage in minor activities near the Turkish border, but these wouldn't escalate into war. At least not before the Olympics.

As for after the Olympics, well, by then, the Olympic Truce would have ended. If Russian actions hindered the Turks, France's army could step in for a fee. Insufficient funds? Didn't they have banks? Discussions about money? Let's talk about mines and railways instead. Moreover, from the French perspective, if Russia hindered Turkish forces, it meant more profits for France—a boon.

Talleyrand bid farewell to the Russians and welcomed the Austrian ambassador, Metternich.

Unlike the straightforward Peter, Metternich was shrewder, and his friendship with Talleyrand was deeper—a more "seasoned friendship."

Thus, Metternich cut to the chase immediately.

"My old friend, I've heard of your conspiracy with the Turks," Metternich said.

"I assure you, we have no conspiracy against your country with Turkey," Talleyrand replied.

"So, the conspiracy does exist."

"Between nations, conspiracies always exist."

"Alright, fair enough," Metternich conceded. "But if not against us, then it's most likely against Russia. However, if it's against Russia, it makes no sense without our involvement. So, the likelihood of this conspiracy being against Russia is slim—oh, my old friend, are you planning to deal with the Barbary pirates?"

Metternich's statement surprised Talleyrand; he hadn't expected Metternich to be aware of this. However, Talleyrand believed that Metternich's knowledge might be limited, possibly based on certain indications. Yet, it was also plausible that the Austrians indeed had some information.

In reality, Talleyrand's speculation aligned with the truth. Metternich possessed exceptional abilities, especially in analyzing the balance of power between nations. In history, after Napoleon's fall, Russia became the strongest military power in Europe. Austria's military might was akin to merely a division of Russia's forces. However, through astute diplomacy, Metternich elevated Austria, initially militarily inconspicuous, to a dominant European force.

"Thankfully, this fellow isn't French; otherwise, the First Consul would surely prefer him over me," Talleyrand thought inexplicably.

While thinking this, Talleyrand casually responded, "We indeed used our influence with Turkey to negotiate with the Barbary pirates, demanding the return of French ships and sailors they plundered."

"These Barbary pirates are too audacious; their actions threaten free trade. Many of our ships suffered significant losses as well. Upholding free trade is a duty for all European nations. Therefore, we also hope to fulfill our obligation in safeguarding free trade," Metternich said, albeit implying wanting to take advantage.

"Serving our duty, of course, involves sharing rights. Austria's navy is inadequate when it comes to matters concerning the Barbary pirates," Talleyrand stated.

Austria's naval prowess among European countries was negligible. Not even comparable to England or France, let alone the second-tier powers like Spain or the Netherlands, and definitely inferior to the Barbary pirates themselves.

"Our ships might be lacking, but we've recently acquired unexpected funds and are seeking opportunities to earn more," Metternich chuckled.

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