Napoleon in 1812
Chapter 92:

15. Interlude – 2

Holy League. Originally, itwas the name of acoalition of Christian countriesformed to counterthe great threat of theOttoman Turks. Recently, thisHoly Leaguehad beenrevived. And the targetwas not theOttomans, but France, aChristian country.

Swedenjoined Austria, Prussiaand Russia in thename of restoringthe Roman Papal States, whichhad beencompletely abolishedbythe French invasion, and saving Pope PiusVII[1], whohad beenkidnapped by Napoleon.

Infact, therewere no Catholic countriesinthe coalition exceptfor Austria, so the restoration of theCatholicsanctum anddivinitywas justa pretext, andthesecountries sought to break theorderestablishedbyFrance and wantedtoreturn to the past.

The membersofthe HolyLeague had been waitingfor the right time by engaging French insiders with active intelligenceand spying activities, obtaininginformationfrom them, andreceiving promises of internal strife.

However, the badnews that camefrom theIberian Peninsulawas powerful enough to turn all their plans into acompletevoid.

The grand strategy of Austria, Prussia and Russia’s leading strategists and commanders was thefollowing.

Austria-Prussia-Russia-Swedenwouldall raise their troops at thesame time and take the Kingdom of Poland that was between them.

Afterwards, they would devour thesatellite countries of Francebyputting forward the valuesof‘liberation’ and ‘protecting sovereignty’, and would advance to the mainland.

Russia’s large army, Sweden’s conscripted and standing army, andAustria’s and Prussia’shidden armies added up to approximately 600,000 troops.

This wasanoverwhelming figure forthe French army, which hadrecentlybeen drastically reduced in sizedue to disarmament operations. It was worth a try.

However, someprerequisites were needed forthis plan to be realized. Oneofthem wasBritain’s financial aid.

Thesize, equipment and warsuppliesofthe troops currentlyheld by theHoly Leaguewere more thanenough to exceed their national defense budget forone year. It was theBritish pound andbondsthat made up for it.

But Britain had declared that it would cut offfunding because of its economic crisis. For Austria, Prussia and Russia, who were sharpeningtheirknives, it came likea bolt fromthe blue.

“Wecan fight withoutloyalty to ourcountry or to ourimperialfamily. Even if an incompetent and ignorant general takes the baton, the armywill move. Butwithout money, nothing is possible!”

Thetop decision makers of theHoly Leaguerushed to the British embassy, asking forreconsideration of the decision, and heldnationalconferences.

Thelaunch of the operationwas postponed andthe military action wassuspended. Those whohad devisedthis grand strategy were now beating their chests.

===

WhoisJesus! The comfort of the weeping, theriches of the poor, theheights of thehumble, therelease of thecaptive, and our joy!

Who is Jesus! The strength of the weak, thelightofthe blind, thehealing of thesick, the resurrection of thedead, and our life!

Who is Jesus! The purity of theugly, the lifeofthe mortal, the mercy of the sinner, the salvationofthe lost, and ourpeace!

Who is Jesus! The headofthe whole church, the Savior of thewholeworld, the king of all kings, the Lordofjudgement, andour glory!

At the Opera House in Vienna, the opera ‘Ledevinduvillage’ (The Village Soothsayer) composed by Jean-Jacques Rousseau wasinfull swing.[2]

Actors dressed up sangand performed enthusiastically, using their loud voices. Atthe end of each song, the audience applaudedfor their hardwork.

Numerous aristocrats and upper class peoplewere sitting in VIP seats andwatchingthe performance. Andabovethem, ina seat thatwas saidtobethe mostexpensive and reserved forthe noblest, there was Francis I, the Emperor of Austria, and next to him wasMetternich, his ForeignMinister.

“You met Viscount Peterson (the Britishambassador) againtoday?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“From the look of yourface, theremust have beennoprogressinthe negotiations.”

“…I’m sorry. Viscount Peterson seems to be very embarrassed thatthe Britishforeign policyhas changeddramatically fromthat of thepreviousadministration.”

Francis I clickedhis tongue with an uncomfortableface. With Napoleon Bonaparteand his Imperial Guard stranded in theIberian Peninsula, thiswas the best timefor military action.

Prussiaand Russia knew it as well, and were secretly formingtheirarmies.

Bang! Assoon as thegunfire sounded, themember states of theHoly Leaguewouldimmediatelyrun out andlaunch military action. But the gunpowderneeded to makethe gunfiresoundwas now gone.

“Did yousay it was Viscount Howick? The newly appointedBritish Prime Minister of theWhig Party?”

“That’s right, Your Majesty.”

“Whata senselessman, makinga fuss about atemporary internal crisis andneglecting a golden opportunity to cure thislong lasting disease. Theydon’teven seem to realizethat if we disappear, theywill have to stand alone againstthat mightyFrance.”

FrancisI hadreluctantlyallowed Archduke Charles to return, inordertooverthrow Napoleon and France.

Although he wasnow speaking likethis, Metternich knew how displeased and nervous FrancisI must havebeen.

He feltthe sameway. Thedevastatingdefeats of thepast hadcompletely crushed Austria’s self-esteem.

WithoutBritain’s supportand the help of neighboring countries, Austria could never defeatNapoleonand France.

“Your, Your Majestythe Emperor!…”

Metternich’s thoughts werebroken whensomeone calledFrancis I frombehind. When he turned hishead, hesaw apale-faced servant approaching witha restless look.

“Thisisanurgent messagefrom Count Kickingeronbehalf of the Foreign Affairs! A new treaty hasbeen signedinMadrid!”

“!!”

“TheWar on the Iberian Peninsula hasended! Count Kickinger is askingthat Your Majestyreturns quickly to the palace!…”

Francis I and Metternich rosefrom their seats even before theend of his words. They could notafford to appreciateanoperaperformancenow.

===

A man appeared at the court of Schönbrunn after a longtime. ArchdukeCharles Louis of Austria was placedclosest to Francis I, receiving theattention of the court ministers.

It hadalready been three and a halfyearssinceheresignedascommander-in-chief of the Austrian Empire. However, his current job wastoreform Austria’s oldmilitarysystem, establishand train anew-style army, and develop astrong force thatcouldbeonpar withthe French.

Although he eventuallyretired after being defeated by Napoleon, hewas still the most influential man in theAustrianmilitaryexcept for Francis I.

“It’s suicide to confront France now.”

A manofsuch influencewas now sayingthis.

“First of all, we needtoreduce the bloated armytoa level that the national budgetcan withstand. Undersuch circumstances, there’s no way that the British willfinance us.”

“…”

“We havetostay low, waitand see. For now, itseemsthat we shouldfocusonrevivingthe nation’s economybystrengthening theEmpire’sstability. Fora while… there will be no war.”

Charles Louis’ remarks werelike sayingthat theFrench-led systemwouldnevercollapseina short time… and that Austriawas now unabletoresist it.

This wasa complete defeatand submissiontoFrance. It wasa momentwhen hegemony withinthe continent, whichhad beencontested for hundreds of years, was completelyshifted to oneside.

Theydid not expecttoexperience this humiliation in their lifetime. Theministers gathered at the court bowed their heads without saying anything, and wiped awaytheirtears.

“Reduce the army. The‘Operation Liberation’… putitoff indefinitely… do it.”

Thecourtministers, includingMetternich, couldnot say anything in consolation to Francis I, who wasmuttering helplessly. Today at the Schönbrunn Palacewas the darkest and quietest daysincethe palace wasbuilt.

===

The number of Russians sharpening their swords against Napoleon was toobig to count, butnone of them harbored suchdeep andshadyresentment as this veteran. MikhailKutuzov.

At the BattleofAusterlitz, hehad not been heavilyinvolvedinoperations andtactics, but was able to see themost humiliating defeatofthe RussianEmpire up close.

Sincethen, Kutuzov hadbeen completely different. His onlygoal wastorestore Russian pride by defeating Napoleon andFrance.

Desperate for that, Kutuzov had brokendown andanalyzedNapoleon’s every move.

Hehad beendigging into his weaknesses. He wasthe first person to noticeNapoleon’s changeamonghis enemies.

He used the BattleofHrodna, theBattle of the ArlanzónRiver, and theBattle of La Buena-San Felices as goodsources to identify Napoleon’s changedstrategies andcharacteristics.

‘The Emperor who conqueredthe European continent! A masterofthe timecalled the geniusofwar! As a soldierwalking on thesame path, I praise youfor yourachievements. Butmyold skills as I sacrifice my bones andfleshtobreakonly youwill notbeeasy to counter.’

Alexander I had been depressed by a series of failures, but was still angry at Napoleon. Heentrusted the full power of the Russian armytoKutuzov, whom he hadalways admired.

TheRussian generals, including Pyotr Bagration, LevinAugust von Bennigsenand BarclaydeTolly, werewaiting fororders under his command. This sight reminded Kutuzovofthe past.

He remembered the momentwhen he andotherRussian generals gathered under Marshal Alexander Suvorov on the steppes, toppled the TurkicEmpire and were victorious.

This time, it was up to himtolead theRussian troopsand defeat France, justasSuvorov did.

“Cough… Cough… Ah…!”

“Calmyourself. You have to calmdown andput yourmind at peace.”

Thedoctor assisted Kutuzovashedrained hisblood, giving himmedical practice worthyofthis time. Kutuzov was administeredopiumtoreduce the pain, andemptied hisstomach by drinking water mixed with calomel.[3]

Kutuzov did notlose hiswill to live, even though he wasbleedinghorribly. He really hadnot muchtime left.

For the prosperity of the Russian Empire, for the long-cherished desireofthe Slavs. Mikhail Kutuzovwas willingtobethe gun that shotNapoleonbysacrificinghis own body.

Hewas really confidenttodoit. After that, evenifhis mortal body weathered andscattered, Kutuzov would thank God andwouldbeable to leave this world at peace. Buthis expectations were betrayed in the most brutal way.

“…This is theoutcome of theTreaty of Madrid. France acquired Catalonia andthe Basque Country, Sicilyand Sardinia. Britain has decided to focus on the warwith theUnited States andhas declared thatitwill suspend the financialaid thatthe Tsarwas receiving in hissecret account.”

“A 20-year non-aggression treatyhas beensigned betweenSpain, Portugal and France. Bothsideshave promised nottoprovide anysupport to enemies in other wars… But evenwithout this clause, itseemsunlikelythat they willfightFrance again. Thescaleofrebellion in the colonies of theNew World…”

Kutuzov, who was briefed at the Russian military baseinMinsk, was staggering.

“Oh, my God! Marshal!”

“MarshalKutuzov!!”

“Argh!”

Kutuzov vomited blood and collapsedinthe middle of thebarracks, which was in chaos with shouts andscreams.

===

42 hours hadpassed whenheopened his eyes again. Kutuzov orderedhis servanttobringwaterashefelt a burningthirst, andsoon sawdoctors andofficerswho ran at a fastpace andfilled his room. Kutuzov drank aglassofwaterwhilelistening to their fuss.

He could no longerfeel thepersistent pain thathad afflicted himinthe past. His body was free as if he had regained hishealth. Kutuzov knewexactly what thisphenomenon meant.

“…What is the situationinFrance?”

A very cracked voice leaked out. The officers answered with tears in their eyes.

“Napoleonhas departed fromMadrid… The four countries declared compliance withthe treaty andthe end of thePeninsular War.”

Kutuzov closedhis eyes. It was nota nightmare, it was reality. Hisbreath began to run out.

“The… the Almighty Godstill… doesn’t want Napoleon’sdownfall…”

“Marshal! Take your words back! Thisisn’tthe end!”

“I know my bodybetter. There’s… no chance.”

It wasthe strength of his will and obsessionwith defeatingNapoleonthat supportedhis rotten body. Butnow the light of hiswill hadgone out. Kutuzov’s life was leaving likethat.

“Tell thistothe Tsar. I’m… recommendingLevinvon Bennigsen as my successor… Atlast, defeat Napoleon and restore the bannerofthe Slavic Empire…”

Kutuzov passed outaftervomitingblood, and never openedhis eyesagain. The enemy he hadbeen thinking about until thelast minutewas Napoleon Bonaparte. OnMay 21, 1813, he becameone of the great stars of theRussian Empire.

Upon hearingofMikhail Kutuzov’sdeath, Alexander I withdrew the troopsofthe ‘OperationLiberation’ and had theflagsofthe Kremlinfly at half-mast fora day.

===

“Finally, the waronthe IberianPeninsula thatwas corroding theEmpire is over! Now, nogreatman willstandbefore YourMajesty! Charlemagne, Caesar, even Alexanderthe Great, will havetobow to YourMajesty!”

“Now thatwehave conqueredthe West, it is timetodefeat the East again. Disturbing movements have beendetectednear Austria and Prussia. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to remind them of the greatnessofYour Majesty and of theEmpire.” S~ᴇaʀᴄh the NʘvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Werethey flattering Napoleon or did they really think this way? What theofficersofthe unitand Bessièressaid wasa deafeningsound. Napoleon had a lookonhis facelike he hadseen themost pathetic peopleinthe world.

“Fromwhosehead came the idea thatthe Empire would be back on the battlefields?”

“Y-Your, Your Majesty is always…”

Napoleon seemed to know whathewas trying to say. ‘Butthat’s who I am, right?’

“You seemtobecreatingthe prejudice that cavalryofficersare ignorant. Theinternalevilsofthe Empire arestillpileduplike mountains, and you’retalking about war? Gentlemen, a good soldiercan’tjust fight well.”

Where did they wanttofightagain… Onthe contrary, Napoleon succeededincalming theunrest in the east by ending thePeninsular War.

“It’s time for thepeople of the Empiretorealize thevalueofpeace.”

Numerousconflicts overFrance had yettoend. Buttherewouldbenoimmediate triggerfor those disputes.

Napoleonintendedtopresent a better tomorrow to thepeople of the Empire. Becausethey were bornFrench, they had therighttoenjoytheirprideascitizensofa hegemonicnation, along with the everyday happinessoflife.

“Qu’ilsreviennent dans nos muraillesbeauxdegloire et de liberté ! Lavictoireenchantant!

(Let themcome back within ourwallsembellishedwith glory andliberty! Victory sings forus!)”

Napoleon walked as thesoldiershummed ‘Le Chant du Départ’ together as they marched. France, gloriousFrance!

(End of Part 1)

TL notes

[1]Pope PiusVII

[2]Jean-Jacques_Rousseau,Le devin du village. I wentthrough thelyrics of thisoperabut couldn’t findwhat is written in thischapter…

[3]Calomel

Sᴇarch the n0vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.