Chapter 33: Revolutionary Period - The Negotiation Table

Chapter 33: Revolutionary Period - The Negotiation Table

Translated by Mara Sov

Revolutionary Period The Negotiation Table

I studied my surroundings while trying to comprehend the situation.

We scheduled a meeting with the moderates, but now the leader of the radicals was here.

Even worse, he seemed to be disguised.

Perhaps the moderates joined hands with the radicals and were about to ambush us?

Should this really happen, can I assure Christines safety?

She would want to take Louis with her, but even with the Knights I brought with me, I dont think we would have the leisure to protect two civilians while we fought an ambush.

No, I need to calm down first, no need to waste time on the worst-case scenario for now.

What would I do if I were someone from the radical party

While Brisseau might use us as disposable paws to curry some favor with the radicals, I doubt Jidor would agree with such a move.

If they had truly planned an ambush, there would be no reason for Jidor himself to appear here and risk endangering himself fighting me and my Knights.

So, should I simply play ball and pretend I didnt notice him?

NoThat wouldnt be wise.

Jidors presence here meant that any future meetings with the moderates would be off the table.

With this in mind, I made my way towards him.

Ah, M-Marquis?

Brisseaus nervous voice could be heard from behind me, and as I moved I could see some officials of the revolutionary government lowering their stances, and preparing themselves to stop me.

But Maximillien Le Jidor simply looked at me, with a curious spark in his eyes as I greeted him.

I didnt expect to meet one more head of the revolutionary government here. However, its a pleasure nonetheless, Maximillien Le Jidor, as you should know, Im the Marquis Pierre De Lafayette.

Jidor raised one eyebrow at my words, certainly disconcerted with this situation as much as I was.

With a polite smile, he slowly raised his hands and adjusted his glasses that were perched on his nose.

Its indeed a pleasure to meet you, Marquis Pierre De Lafayette. I, Maximillien Le Jidor, a member of the government of the Republic of Francia, greet you.

It was certainly a novel feeling to greet the man who was in charge of my execution once.

As this situation unfolded, Brisseau fidgeted nervously like a misbehaving child caught by their parents, while Christine covered her face with a fan as her deep black eyes watched us.

This bizarre combination of people and their diverse reactions brought a smile to my face.

Haha-. I apologize for this sudden greeting since I didnt expect to see another VIP at this meeting. I trust that you wont be offended by my actions?

Jidor nodded with a stiff face.

I simply didnt expect that a high noble such as you, Marquis, would recognize the face of a humble prosecutor and representative of the people. However, I cannot and will not apologize for my rudeness. As a representative of the common people, Im still undecided if this meeting constitutes an act of betrayal against the Republic of Francia.

Ah, now I understand.

There must have been some leak about this meeting, and the radicals suspect Brisseau is conspiring with the nobility.

Although they werent sent to the guillotine, their fate seems to rest on the outcome of this meeting.

That would explain the 2-day delay.

They must have debated how they would proceed with this matter, but after some deliberation, they appeared to have chosen a wait-and-see approach by sending Jidor as an observer.

I cast a subtle glance towards Brisseau, who kept his head low.

Tsk, Tsk-. I knew the moderates were in a tough spot, but to think they wouldnt even manage their own information

Suppressing a tired sigh, I looked at Christine, and after a moment, she seemed to understand my intent and nodded.

Though this was outside our original plan, I had to gain something from this since I invested so much already.

Well, that may turn out for the best. We desire a meeting with the Republic anyway, so how about it? Since youve come all the way here, why dont you participate in this meeting as well?

The mayor, who had been having stomach problems worrying about a clash in his city, seemed very relieved as he led us towards a warm meeting place, where we would begin negotiations that would be anything but.

Are you saying you dont just want to propose an alliance, but you wish to join the Republic?

Brisseau appeared to be delighted, but prosecutor Maximillien Le Jidor said with a cold tone.

You might not be aware of this, but the Republic of Francia has abolished and condemned the old system. Under our Republic, you will have none of the Privileges of the Second State.

Jidor paused as he adjusted his glasses before continuing.

Silence befalls the meeting.

Amidst the sound of people swallowing their saliva, Christine seemed to enjoy this moment as she smiled and added in an elegant tone.

I also know that there is a severe food shortage in the Capital, Lumiere. And a similar problem is occurring across the Republic.

Upon hearing those words, Jidors face hardened into a severe frown.

During the civil war, peasants from the northern regions were conscripted as soldiers, and the lands became barren due to the battles, with an unprecedented harsh winter adding to their misery.

Even the local branch of Abyss Corporation was ransacked by the revolutionaries, and with foreign powers considering the Republic a serious threat, importing food was nothing but a dream.

Although the Revolution was a movement to better the lives of people, they were leaving the same people to starve. Of course, its not quite their fault, but the public sentiment wont take this into account.

It just so happens that the Aquitaine Trading Company has acquired a substantial amount of food. And as a prospective member of the Republic, I simply cannot ignore the peoples suffering, so Im willing to sell it at a good price. Thats it, if you grant me the rights I deserve as a member of the Third Estate, and provide tax privileges to the Aquitaine Trading Company.

Hearing this, Brisseau said with a hopeful expression.

If we accept this offer from the Countess, the Republic can overcome a significant part of our problems. The privileges they ask for arent excessive, are they?

However, Jidor proved to be a tough party once more.

So you seek to bribe your way into the Republic with the wealth amassed by exploiting the people during the Civil War?

Christine sighed with boredom as she looked at me, and when I nodded, she took the documents her aide presented to her and pushed them across the table.

The stack of papers slid across the table, stopping in front of Jidor, who furrowed his brow as he looked at them, then as he examined the contents, his eyes widened and he began to tremble.

The heads of the Republic government, the so-called rulers for the people, are enjoying a luxurious life through deals that contradict the ideals this Republic stands for.

The seed of doubt was planted as Christines words spread around the meeting.

As far as I know, the Aquitaine Trading Company never made deals that would harm the citizens of the Republic. Perhaps your ideals of Equality and Fraternity are only applied to those who wish to join you? While you overlook the wrongdoers within?

With each word preferred by Christine, Jidors face took another shade of pale.

Now, what would the The Unbribable prosecutor do?

After a long while, when Jidors trembling ceased, he placed the documents on the table, allowing his entourage to read them.

I have to give it to him, he may be our worst enemy right now, but at least he is a man who is capable of acknowledging what should be acknowledged.

Now it should be a good time for me to intervene.

King Louis recognizes the people of Francia who have risen against the old regime as rebels.

He has already requested aid from both the Germania Empire and the Northern Alliance. Both nations will soon join the fight, looking to profit from our nations misfortune.

Now, not a single person in this meeting was showing their anger.

Though its natural for you, who claim to represent the Third Estate, to be wary of us, we have a common enemy in the form of that brutal tyrant. We are both sons and daughters of Francia, ready to stand against the invaders who wish to use the Tyrants desperation as a pretext to invade our land.

Everyone focused on me, as I said those words.

There is still some time. However, if we continue to foster discord among us, turning away from the possibility of coexistence, then Francia will be swept away by the predators that lurk beyond our borders.

I stared into Jidors eyes and said.

If that happens, nothing will remain. Not us, not you, nor the people of Francia.

That stupid King wishes to reclaim his crumbling throne, even if this meant selling his Kingdom to the other nations, while we were too busy fighting among ourselves.

We have come prepared to sacrifice a lot. Ready to hand over our privileges, our lands, and our armies to the Republic. This should at least prove that we are different from those arrogant and corrupt nobles of the old regime that were only good for exploiting the people.

I wonder how much longer are they going to be stuck with those pretenses of a Republic for the common people alone?

Even then, you refuse our conditions, you throw a fit over something as trivial as us wanting to retain command over our forces when we join the Republic?

How could we even negotiate and find a compromise if you refuse to even hear our proposal? We have offered you lands, a trained and skilled army, wealth, and even food. We came here prepared to join your cause without the need of shedding even more blood; we offered you the greatest deal possible.

However,

If you reject your offer, if you refuse to trust us, then we will have no choice but to side with the King or the foreign powers. This would certainly mark one of the darkest days for us as sons and daughters of Francia, but surely you wont refuse us simply because of your prejudice against the nobility?

Looking around the meeting room, I could see that everyone was speechless for a moment, as Jidor seemed to sigh and say.

We cannot agree to anything during this meeting. Unlike you nobles, we must listen and heed to the decisions taken in the National Assembly. However, we can negotiate a fair deal and bring this matter to the Assembly.

Well, this could be considered a major success already.

Finally, my plans were getting into place.

Good, now we can finally start a proper negotiation.

TL Note: I did a girl math!

So Christine is giving half of the republics Quarterly budget.

If we search for Frances budged for 2023 it is about 785BI Napoleons.

Dividing this by 4 we have 196.26 Bi /genesisforsaken