Graduation Exam (4)
Hanover: Direct Strike.
A single sentence was enough to stir the hearts of every Frenchman and ignite their fighting spirit. The grand strategy now rested entirely on his negotiating prowess.
Before departing Paris, King Louis XV had personally seen him off, grasping both his hands in encouragement. The warmth of that grip lingered vividly even now.
Franz Stefan.
He had heard the name so often from Louis XV and Cardinal Fleury that it was etched into his ears. He had a rough idea of the man.
As foreign minister, Jacques Shayu viewed Franz Stefan as a serpent-tongued sage—never outright lying, yet someone whose words could never be taken at face value. A devilishly cunning figure.
Shayu arrived in Vienna fully prepared, steeling himself against the man's silver tongue.
But midway through the journey—for better or worse—he learned that overall diplomacy and administration in Vienna were currently overseen not by Franz, but by Maria Theresa.
He wondered if Franz had fallen ill, but no; intelligence reports indicated he was preoccupied with some epoch-making invention.
'What if he's developed a weapon even more powerful than the Franz Rifle? That would be disastrous...'
Still, from Shayu's perspective, this made negotiations easier rather than harder. He could breathe a little easier.
Fortunately, he had thoroughly researched Maria Theresa as well.
• Heir to the Habsburgs; raised alongside Franz Stefan since childhood, sharing an exceptionally close bond. Possesses a compassionate nature, cherishing family and retainers alike.
• During the war with the Ottomans, tended to those affected in the rear, stabilizing public sentiment. Enjoys even greater popularity than Franz; the people regard her as a benevolent Madonna.
• Has repeatedly managed state affairs in Franz's absence without faltering even once. Far from a mere kind-hearted noblewoman, she possesses the full capability to support Franz Stefan.
He reviewed the intelligence once more, committing it to memory, then proceeded to the decisive meeting.
Once they realized France aimed to use the Rhine to approach Hanover, they would demand enormous concessions in return.
To secure permission while conceding as little as possible, he couldn't afford to relax for even a moment from here on out.
"A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I am Jacques Shayu, serving as Foreign Minister to His Majesty the King of France."
"Welcome, Foreign Minister. As you've come from afar, I thought it fitting to receive you personally rather than delegate. I hope that doesn't offend."
"Your consideration is most appreciated. It is my hope that Austria and France may henceforth walk side by side as steadfast allies. No matter what others say, we are the twin pillars upholding Catholicism, are we not?"
"I would like that very much. Wars only bring misfortune to all."
Her words evoked a tender-hearted saint, but Shayu wasn't naive enough to be swayed by her beautiful appearance.
No man like Franz would send a flower-brained woman to stand in his place.
'That said... is it really right to work a woman in her ninth month like this? What the hell is Franz thinking...'
He tried not to stare, but her belly—swollen like the Alps—drew the eye inexorably.
What if the child decided to arrive mid-negotiation?
Sensing his gaze, Maria Theresa covered her mouth and smiled.
"It's fine. They say we still have at least a fortnight. So I hope this meeting yields good results. In a way, it's prenatal education too."
"Ah, of course. Witnessing harmony between our nations would be the finest education for the child."
He smiled outwardly, but that didn't prove her goodwill.
Still, Shayu judged that proper negotiations with Austria were possible.
Otherwise, they would have assigned some mid-level diplomat, not the heavily pregnant regent herself.
Whether they intended to fleece France or not, they clearly had designs.
After about thirty minutes of small talk, Shayu gradually broached the main topic.
"...Thus, with transatlantic shipping choked by war, sugar imports have dwindled—most regrettable. I know Your Highness enjoys sugar; if supplies run short, please say the word. We can reserve plenty for you anytime."
"How kind. I used to indulge, but I've cut back for health reasons. Still, sugar is needed for the children, so your thoughtfulness touches me."
"Thanks to the rifles His Highness Franz sold us, our forces are on a winning streak. If possible, might we procure additional quantities?"
"I'm truly sorry, but production is fully allocated to Prussia. We had to refuse the British ambassador for the same reason recently."
"Ah... I see. Unfortunate, but unavoidable."
Casually slipping in that they hadn't exported to Britain confirmed Austria's willingness to side with France, if subtly.
Of course, refusing outright exports was a roundabout way of citing relations with Britain.
"Then, perhaps..."
"You wish permission to pass through the Rhine to Hanover?"
"...Pardon?"
Caught off-guard at such an unexpected moment, his composure cracked for an instant.
"No need to hide it, surely? Our desires are plain from the start."
"...Indeed. If you're already aware, there's no point concealing it."
Whether from prior notice or her own insight hardly mattered.
What counted was whether Austria would permit Rhine passage for France.
"To be direct: France plans to navigate the Rhine to Hanover's vicinity and strike decisively. But that requires passage granted by His Imperial Majesty, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire."
"Quite so. Embarking troops near Alsace or Lorraine, then through the Palatinate and Hesse—that's the safest, swiftest route."
And Alsace, Lorraine, and the Palatinate were all currently under Austrian domain.
This operation, from start to finish, hinged entirely on Austria's whim.
"The secret pact between His Highness Franz and His Majesty our King concerns weakening Britain's power. Crushing Hanover fulfills it completely."
"That would certainly do it."
"Conversely, if we fail to strike Hanover, Britain might redirect its idle army to the colonies. Our forces, ahead only in firepower, could be overrun in an instant."
"True. Binding the British army here in Europe raises France's odds."
Maria Theresa's constant smile made her true thoughts hard to read.
At least she wasn't refuting him outright—persuasion seemed to be working. He wanted to believe so.
"Understood. I'll propose conditional approval to His Majesty. But we must consider Britain too, so the terms will apply equally to all. And we'll notify Britain. Is that acceptable?"
"...That much should be fine."
Even if Austria tipped off Britain about France's Hanover plans, they could do little.
The key was what conditions they attached...
"Oh, and when informing Britain, we'll extend the offer to them. If they accept these terms, we'll revoke France's Rhine passage immediately."
"...Pardon? Even so, that's..."
"No need to worry. Britain won't accept. Here they are."
Shayu's eyes narrowed as he read the paper Maria Theresa proffered.
• The Kingdom of France shall raise no objections to the formation or reorganization of principalities within the Holy Roman Empire for the next 15 years.
• The Kingdom of France shall jointly recognize the 25-year imperial patent on the new steam engine developed by Franz Stefan and apply it within France as well.
"No sense piling on tedious conditions, so I've kept it concise. You can decide quickly, yes, Foreign Minister?"
"Hm..."
It was agonizing. Shayu whipped his brain into a frenzy as never before in his life.
The second condition was palatable enough.
Whatever improvements to the steam engine, it was still just an oversized toy, wasn't it? They were just trying to cash in like with the rifles. He could concede that.
But no objections to Holy Roman Empire principalities? Even with a 15-year limit, that was time enough for Austria to fully subjugate the Empire.
That very calculation might explain the 15 years.
"Give me one day—just one—to consider."
"Of course."
Maria Theresa smiled and signaled; waiting maids swiftly assisted her.
Once she departed, Shayu lifted the coffee cup provided him with trembling hands and brought it to his lips.
He had to weigh the impact on Europe's order, France's long-term responses—all possibilities.
Shayu immediately summoned his entire staff for a conference.
Their night was just beginning.
"What?! The French are coming up the Rhine?! Just whose side are those Austrian bastards on?!"
"Calm down, my lord Count."
"That damned fool Robinson! All that cozying up to the Habsburgs, spouting nonsense—and now this betrayal?!"
"Without Ambassador Robinson, we wouldn't have this intel beforehand. Their security must be airtight..."
Maria Theresa had faithfully kept her word.
She had given Robinson a lightly spiced version of the French negotiations, and he rocketed it to London at express speed.
"The French apparently brought their own proposal to Vienna, dead set on it. Here's the full text."
• France shall raise no objections to the formation of principalities in the Holy Roman Empire for the next 20 years.
• Recognize the 25-year patent on Franz Stefan's improved steam engine.
• Prioritize exports of potash foundation stock to Austria from the East India Company.
"France won't object to HRE principalities for 20 years? Recognize that steam engine patent for 25? And prioritize East India potash exports to Austria? Have they lost their minds?!"
Maria Theresa's proposal had morphed into one France supposedly offered itself, with an extra fabricated clause—but the fact of Rhine passage to attack Hanover was clear.
"If France proposed this themselves, refusing would make no sense for Austria. And if we match it, they'll revoke French passage instantly. What... shall we do?"
"What do you mean 'what'? Taking these terms to His Majesty means my head rolls on the spot!"
HRE internal affairs were France's to ignore, but not Britain's.
This was tantamount to Britain ceding Hanover Electorate rights for 20 years.
And prioritizing potash exports? Absurd.
Above all, the steam engine—even if a mere toy—was a proud invention of Great Britain.
Guaranteeing 25 years' patent on their "improved" version? Preposterous.
No way to accept. Austria knew as much, just prodding about the Hanover attack.
"This proves my advice to defend Hanover was right. If we'd sent the army to colonies as Pelham urged, Hanover would fall."
"Quite right, sir."
"That's what I'll tell His Majesty. Time to fight properly here."
In truth, even if France took Hanover, they couldn't hold it—mere bargaining chip at best.
Britain wouldn't cling so if it weren't the king's domain. Better to reinforce colonies.
Thus, over land offering no decisive gain, the unyielding pride of two nations hurtled toward extremity.