Chapter 671: What's the Big Deal About Going to Hell?
At present, the Italian states lacked the strength to challenge the Papal States directly, so their opposition was largely verbal. However, if Austria—highly influential in Italy—provided covert support, they might genuinely attempt to bite off a piece of the Papal States.
"Your Highness, why would Austria prevent the Vatican from supporting Poland?" Talleyrand asked.
Joseph answered without hesitation, "Because Austria intends to make a move on Poland as well."
Meeting Talleyrand's startled gaze, Joseph turned to Edmond, stationed by the door.
"Summon Monsieur Fouché to meet me."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph frowned. "Poland must immediately strengthen its defenses on the southwestern front."
Talleyrand looked uneasy. "Your Highness, given the current cordial relations between Poland and Austria, I fear they may not take such a warning seriously."
"It also conflicts with the planned strategy," Joseph sighed. "It seems we'll have to help them defend themselves—at least enough to repel Austria's first wave."
"You're suggesting direct military intervention?"
"No, that would spark a diplomatic crisis," Joseph said, shaking his head and turning his attention to a map on the table. "We hold a 40% stake in the Tarnowskie Góry silver mines.
"If the hardy miners were to take up arms to defend the mines, that wouldn't be our concern, would it?"
He then shifted the discussion. "What's the situation with the Ottomans?"
Talleyrand relaxed slightly as the topic changed. "Selim III has agreed to provide logistical support in the Black Sea region.
"In trade, he requests control over 40% of the steam transport ships, the construction of a cannon foundry, and 2,000 sets of infantry equipment in exchange for 70% priority purchasing rights for cotton and sugar."
"You've done an excellent job," Joseph said, nodding in approval. "This will significantly bolster our Polish strategy."
If the Ottomans had refused to support Poland, Joseph would have had to rely on the "Special Trade Association" and their smuggling ships to transport supplies from the Levant to the northern Black Sea coast. That would have been both costly and inefficient.
With the Ottomans providing local support, logistics became far more efficient. Ottoman merchant ships in the Black Sea could easily conceal the existence of supply convoys.
As the two spoke, Edmond knocked on the door.
"Your Highness, Viscount Carona and Monsieur Mesmer have returned."
Talleyrand, having completed his report, rose to take his leave.
Moments later, the "Conman Duo" entered the room under Edmond's guidance. Both immediately bowed deeply, showering Joseph with effusive flattery.
Joseph, well-practiced in cutting through their theatrics, raised a hand to silence them and turned to Viscount Carona.
"Viscount, has all of Britain's 'capital' been handled properly?"
Eager to demonstrate his success, Carona bowed again. "Rest assured, Your Highness, every last penny has been brought back to France, and I swear, no one will be able to trace where the money went."
The gas lamp project in London had netted the duo an impressive £1.04 million in "investments." However, transferring such a vast sum to France without arousing suspicion required meticulous planning.
As a former finance minister, Carona had been tasked with ensuring the safe transfer of these funds. Using a web of investments, loans, and stock manipulations, he successfully funneled the money into France without leaving any traceable evidence.
"You've done an excellent job!" Joseph praised.
His thoughts turned to the matter of the Vatican. If Pope Pius VI refused to issue a call for a "holy war" against heretics, why not handle it themselves? The important thing was to ignite Polish morale. Who cared if the proclamation came from the real Vatican or a fabricated one?
Joseph turned to Mesmer, the perfect candidate for such a ruse.
After quickly formulating a plan, Joseph retrieved a pardon from his desk and handed it to Mesmer.
"You provided valuable assistance to Viscount Carona in London. It's time I honored my promise. Here is your pardon. You no longer have to fear imprisonment."
Mesmer accepted the document, his hands trembling. Seeing Louis XVI's signature and royal seal, his eyes filled with emotion. Bowing deeply, he exclaimed, "Thank you, Your Highness! I will remain your most loyal servant for the rest of my days! Oh, and His Majesty—his benevolence is as boundless as…"
Joseph cut him off with a practiced gesture, smiling. "If I recall correctly, all your assets were confiscated."
"Yes, Your Highness," Mesmer admitted.
"So, even though you're free, you'll have to beg for a living?"
Mesmer forced a sheepish smile. "Your Highness, I was once a doctor."
"But your medical license was revoked."
"That… is true."
Joseph nodded. "Would you like to live a dignified life again?"
"Of course! More than anything!"
"I have a task for you," Joseph said, offering a tantalizing prospect. "Complete it, and I will grant you a new identity and 20,000 francs. You'll be welcomed back into high society."
Mesmer bowed again, overwhelmed. "Thank you, Your Highness! I am ready to do anything for you, even lay down my life if necessary!"
Joseph smiled. "I need you to impersonate a papal envoy and deliver certain 'papal edicts' in Eastern Europe."
The room fell silent.
Mesmer visibly struggled, retreating half a step. He was bold enough to deceive kings and beggars alike, but forging and spreading papal decrees? That was a direct affront to God Himself!
He stammered, "Your Highness, that… that would condemn me to hell…"
Joseph's smile didn't waver. "Forty thousand francs."
"I'll face divine punishment…"
"Fifty thousand francs."
"No, Your Highness, I can't…"
"I'll throw in a noble title."
Mesmer froze.
After a long pause, he nodded with the solemnity of a man marching to the gallows. "I… I am at your service."
His terror was genuine. In this era, such acts of blasphemy carried profound spiritual weight. But Joseph's offer was simply too tempting.
Hell could wait. For now, he would live a life of comfort.
At that moment, Fouché arrived.
After receiving his customary bow, Joseph gestured toward Mesmer.
"Please select a few individuals familiar with church affairs to accompany Monsieur Mesmer to Poland."
He outlined their mission before dismissing the duo.
Turning back to Fouché, Joseph issued further orders.
"Deploy agents to confirm Austria's intentions toward Poland and closely monitor troop movements along the Austro-Polish border.
"Additionally, prepare the Crimean resistance for the arrival of Ottoman supplies. We'll need to move quickly once they land."
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