Chapter 719: Charlemagne's Delusion
An Hour Later
Franz II knelt on one knee before Archbishop Chiaramonti, kissing the ring on the clergyman's finger and reciting a prayer:
"My soul yearns for Your forgiveness and guidance. My life, my thoughts, and my actions are devoted to You... May all glory be to God, now and forever, world without end..."
According to Catholic ritual, he was praying to God. However, this gesture clearly expressed his submission.
Outside Schönbrunn Palace
Giacinto Reale stood before the palace gates, taking several deep breaths to calm his trembling hands.
He had just learned that the Pope's envoy had arrived in Vienna.
In theory, he should have met with the Holy Roman Emperor before the envoy's arrival. However, his master, Archbishop Muzarelli, had encountered heavy snowfall in Villach. Based on the current schedule, Muzarelli would only leave Austrian territory by this afternoon.
To ensure his master's absolute safety, Reale had delayed his own visit until now.
Yes, a week earlier, a mysterious individual had informed Muzarelli of the Pope's plan to dispatch an envoy to Vienna. The messenger, too, had been delayed by the snow; otherwise, the news would have arrived much earlier.
Muzarelli had immediately departed Austria for the Papal States, leaving Reale behind with a critical task.
Reale was soon summoned to meet with Franz II.
The Holy Roman Emperor's first question was:
"Where is your master?"
"I believe he is nearing Rome by now," Reale replied, bowing.
"What?" Franz II exclaimed, visibly alarmed. "Wasn't he delivering a speech in Bologne? Damn it!"
Reale's heart pounded furiously, but he mustered his courage and asked:
"Your Majesty, it seems you've already negotiated terms with the Pope?"
Those who knew Muzarelli well often called him a gambler. Reale, however, preferred to think of him as an adventurer. The distinction was crucial—a gambler bet recklessly, while an adventurer took calculated risks.
Today, Reale was confident he wouldn't end up executed by the Holy Roman Emperor.
Franz II nodded, his tone indifferent.
"It doesn't matter. Without my support, the Pope can deal with him himself."
"No, Your Majesty," Reale said firmly. "You must support Archbishop Muzarelli!"
Franz II smirked and motioned to the guards.
"Lock him up."
Reale raised his voice:
"If you do, Your Majesty, the letters you wrote to my master regarding the denouncement of the Crusade as a fabrication—along with records of your foreign minister's negotiations and all associated documents—will be made public!"
Franz II shot to his feet, fury flashing across his face.
"I swear, if he dares, I will cast him into hell!"
Reale, recalling his master's instructions, continued calmly:
"Furthermore, my master will voluntarily confess to the Vatican, admitting that the assassination attempt on the Pope was a conspiracy between you and him."
Franz II froze.
If his private dealings with Muzarelli to discredit the Crusade rumors became public, the soldiers fighting in Poland might grow disillusioned.
But if Muzarelli accused him of colluding to assassinate the Pope, Franz II would be defenseless against the allegations!
To outside observers, it would seem entirely plausible that Franz II had sought to consolidate Austrian influence in the Vatican by eliminating the current Pope. Especially if one of the conspirators confessed.
Even Pope Pius VI himself might believe it!
At that point, Franz II would become a pariah in the Catholic world.
His face turned ashen, and he roared, veins bulging on his temple:
"Has he gone mad? Such actions would ruin him as well!"
Seeing the terror in the emperor's eyes, Reale finally relaxed. His master had won.
Grinning, he replied:
"My master says he would consider it an honor to accompany a noble emperor to hell. Even centuries from now, people would still speak of his tale."
"Madman!" Franz II's voice shook with rage as he slammed his fist against the armrest.
"Muzarelli is an absolute madman!"
He looked around desperately, like a drowning man searching for driftwood, but found none. He slumped back into his chair, muttering:
"No, this won't work. The Pope..."
Reale reiterated his master's words:
"Indeed, Your Majesty, the Pope will undoubtedly be displeased. He may declare a Crusade or even excommunicate you."
Franz II's head shot up, his expression unreadable.
"But that doesn't matter," Reale continued.
"Archbishop Muzarelli will exert pressure within the Vatican. With your support, he will 'persuade' the Pope to abandon such notions."
"But..."
"If you remain unconvinced, you could coordinate with Tuscany and Venice," Reale added with a sly smile. "The French have a technique that could prove useful here—what do they call it? Ah, 'military exercises.' Yes, conduct large-scale exercises along the Papal States' borders.
"I am certain the results will exceed your expectations."
Seeing Franz II's grim silence, Reale leaned closer.
"Your Majesty, this is a rare opportunity for you as well.
"The Pope is already very old. When Archbishop Muzarelli ascends to the Holy See, you will become the next Charlemagne.
"Of course, this will require your unwavering support."
The mention of Charlemagne stirred something deep within Franz II.
Muzarelli's message was clear: if he became Pope, he would support Franz II in conquering Western Europe, much as Pope Leo III had done for Charlemagne centuries earlier.
Coincidentally, Leo III had also seized the papacy through a coup.
Franz II pondered the matter for a long while. Finally, his gaze hardened, and he signaled to his guards:
"Bring Archbishop Chiaramonti back."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Joseph, of course, had no way of knowing that his single message to Vienna would trigger such a dramatic upheaval in Vatican politics.
United States – Philadelphia
"With all due respect, Congress will never approve this proposal," said Alexander Hamilton, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, giving Lord Grenville an apologetic smile.
"Moreover, the resources required to support your expeditionary forces would impose an enormous burden—far beyond what our current finances can bear."
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