Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

The Duke of Bavaria, Theodore, and a group of ministers watched the French envoy with tense expressions.

They all knew that a single word from the latter could decide the fate of Bavaria.

State Minister Pomentar stepped forward, saluted Saigul with a hand on his chest, and spoke with difficulty:

“Undoubtedly, the powerful French Army defeated us. His Majesty is willing… to accept any conditions to have your country withdraw its troops.”

Saigul smiled and returned the gesture, shaking his head: “No, Bavaria hasn’t failed; this is merely Austria’s defeat.

“If it weren’t for Franz II’s forceful orders for you to send troops to Ingolstadt, threatening Major Moro’s logistics, he wouldn’t have been keen to clash with General Deenberg.

“If I recall correctly, it was also Austria that insisted on involving Bavaria in evil war against France.

“That caused you to lose thousands of troops in Luxembourg. Even now, there are quite a few Bavarian soldiers staying in our prisoner camps.

“However, is there any animosity between our two countries?”

Saigul turned his gaze to Theodore: “None at all!

“Not only no animosity, our two countries have a substantial trade exchange every year. Previously, we both joined the ‘Seine-Rhine Trade Agreement.’

“Your fine salt, flax, and ceramics are popular in Paris, oh, I even have a porcelain pen holder from Munich in my study.”

Bavarian rulers were suddenly at a loss. This doesn’t seem like reading terms of surrender; it seems more like a friendly visit…

Pomentar cautiously asked:

“So, what do you think our country should do to obtain a ceasefire agreement?”

“Ceasefire? Oh, yes.” Saigul nodded, “But perhaps our countries can go even further.”

“What do you mean?”

“For instance, signing a ‘Franco-Bavarian Mutual Defense Treaty,'” Saigul raised his right hand, “Bavaria can even directly join the ‘Mediterranean Security Organization.’

The reason Joseph made these arrangements was because he knew that although Bavaria was a Southern German state, it had never truly aligned with Austria.

Austria sought to revive the glory of the Holy Roman suzerainty, the most direct method being to annex Bavaria to strengthen its power.

Just 16 years ago, during the Bavarian Succession Conflict, Austria had dispatched troops to occupy nearly half of Northern Bavaria.

It was only due to Prussia’s concern about Austria growing stronger, coalescing with Saxony to intervene to make Queen Theresa choose to withdraw forces.

Despite this, Austria still acquired Bavaria’s Inn River region. Though the area is not large, it consists of fertile farmland.

This is why the Duke of Bavaria later consistently sought to exchange territories to the Southern Netherlands to rebuild the Burgundy Empire—to distance themselves from the dangerous neighbor, Austria.

For these reasons, historically, after Napoleon defeated Austria, Bavaria would rather accept the revolutionary government and ally with France to jointly resist Austria.

And currently, the Anti-French Alliance is on the verge of dissolution, Austria being beaten back step by step by France, Joseph assessed that Bavaria would likely choose to lean towards France.

Hmm, the Ney Corps outside Munich would also help them make the right choice.

Theodore was instantly overjoyed.

He had been preparing to cede Mei Minggen and several million florins in war reparations, unexpectedly the French offered such lenient conditions.

He did not wait for the State Minister to speak, and immediately nodded:

“Of course, you’re absolutely right; Franco-Bavaria has always been the best of friends. We should absolutely sign a mutual defense treaty to counter certain countries’ provocations.”

Saigul added: “And also the ‘Rhine Trade Alliance Agreement.’ I believe all member states are eagerly anticipating Bavaria’s joining.”

“Yes, our country also hopes to join this trade alliance.”

Pomentar cautiously confirmed again: “Count Saigul, then the French Army outside the city…”

“Given that we have a mutual defense treaty, the French Army will only protect Bavaria,” Saigul said, “including those captive soldiers from before, will be returned to you afterwards.”

Joseph wasn’t worried about Bavaria switching sides.

Firstly, Bavaria, having been disciplined by Moro, certainly lacks the courage.

Secondly, France will undoubtedly continue to weaken Austria in the future, returning the Inn River region to Bavaria. Even part of Innsbruck, southwestern Austria, would be divided and given to Bavaria; by then, Bavaria will follow France closely.

Theodore and the ministers were relieved and endlessly thanked Saigul.

It should be known that normally, it would take millions of florins in ransom just for the officers among these captives.

A week later.

Representing France, Saigul signed the draft of the ‘Franco-Bavarian Mutual Defense Treaty’ with Bavaria.

The treaty stipulated that when either party is invaded by another country, the other party is obliged to provide military reinforcements.

At the same time, both parties automatically obtain the right to military passage over each other’s land.

Finally, France can station troops in Bavaria’s Passau.

Thus, France gained a large strategic buffer zone on the east bank of the Rhine River.

Given Bavaria’s considerable size, Austria could no longer directly launch an attack against France’s Rhineland region.

Meanwhile, neither Prussia nor Austria can hope to unify Germany without first overcoming Bavaria. And France can readily use Bavaria as a leverage to involve itself in Germanic affairs.

Most interestingly, Theodore has no heirs. According to the agreement signed after the Bavarian Succession Conflict, his successor will be Maximilian Joseph.

This individual is currently serving as an officer in Strasbourg, France.

It is conceivable that once he ascends the throne, Bavaria will be even more aligned with France.

That night, the Munich Royal Palace held a grand banquet to celebrate the signing of the mutual defense treaty.

With the second course of appetizer served, Saigul held his wine glass and said to Theodore:

“Your Majesty, the coal mine in Iphoven has never been effectively exploited. Perhaps the French Industrial Development Fund can invest here and build a large coal mine.”

Theodore appeared very hesitant: “Ah, that’s certainly good, but, the coal mine’s ownership belongs to several families, which would be very troublesome…”

Saigul knew he was worried about France taking over his coal mine, and immediately smiled: “The Development Fund can hold only 45% of shares, while the rest is distributed among those families.

“However, the coal mine must be managed by the Development Fund. You know, our country is very experienced in coal mine operations.”

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