Chapter 1375: Wedding
Count Erlach looked at the Crown Prince with surprise. "Your Royal Highness, restoring those things... *cough*, I mean, the ruins, seems rather useless.
"As you know, Bern only has a little over 15,000 residents; it would probably be hard to maintain such a large theater."
Bern's nobles and capitalists at most numbered fewer than two thousand people, and even fewer would be willing to pay 6 francs to watch a play. It would surely lose money with every performance.
As for the hot spring baths, he didn't even dare to bring them up. In these times, people didn't bathe much due to religious influence. And Switzerland was full of hot springs; even if someone wanted to soak in one, they could just find a spot anywhere in the wilderness. Who would come to your 'Imperial Ruins' to waste money?
Joseph smiled faintly. "Please don't worry. In the future, a large number of tourists from France or Italy will come here. These ruins will bring considerable income to Bern."
Of course, once the 'Roman Narrative' takes hold, these ancient Roman architectural structures would become cultural landmarks.
Then, once Joseph himself visited a few times, he believed that 'touring the Imperial Ruins' would quickly become the new vogue among nobles from all nations.
Switzerland's scenery was breathtaking. With its exquisite cuisine and skiing opportunities, it was perfect for developing tourism.
With the influx of tourists from various countries, railways would become an essential necessity, and when construction began then, there would be no need to worry about investment.
Count Erlach flattered him, then cautiously added:
"Your Highness, ah, there's one more trivial matter."
"Hmm, I'm listening."
"It's about the cantonal assembly," the Swiss man rubbed his hands together and said. "Your Highness, would it be possible to maintain the current electoral system? Of course, the assembly will fully cooperate with the Governor you appoint."
"Certainly," Joseph nodded. "Even matters like taxation and legislation will still be decided by the assembly; the Governor will only retain veto power."
"Praise your benevolence! Every Bernese's freedom will be safeguarded because of you!" Count Erlach was overjoyed. He had originally prepared for the assembly to become a mere 'backdrop'; he hadn't expected the Crown Prince to grant them such extensive authority!
For such remote regions, allowing the local assembly to govern autonomously would result in higher efficiency and fault tolerance.
In fact, France currently had many 'Estates-General provinces'; for example, in the eastern provinces, local assemblies had always existed.
Moreover, according to Joseph's plans, the French government would soon begin establishing a Senate and a Chamber of Deputies.
France could not be managed by him alone indefinitely. With France now on the right track in all aspects, a Dual Monarchy was currently the most suitable administrative model.
With the two chambers sharing governmental affairs, he would also be able to relax a bit. After all, he had barely enjoyed a few days of vacation in all these years.
After the banquet concluded, the three Swiss men, maintaining the most impeccable etiquette, exited the Palace of Versailles.
The moment they were out of sight of the palace guards, they immediately embraced and wept.
The 400,000 francs they had been swindled out of no longer mattered.
He had secured his position as Vice Chairman. He had saved Arens Bank.
They had all preserved their political careers, and even had opportunities for further advancement due to their service in 'joining France'. They all had bright futures ahead!
The trio, excited for a moment, at the fastest possible speed, relayed the details of their audience with the Crown Prince today back to Bern via the Chappe optical telegraph tower.
The cantonal assembly, in turn, dispatched a Special Envoy by noon the following day, carrying the 'Personal Union Application' drafted overnight, and riding four good horses, hurried to Paris.
...
March 29, 1800.
Inside a cafe east of Notre Dame de Paris, Portier loosened his tie and glanced toward the entrance. "Why isn't Henri here yet?"
Chaumont, sitting across from him, had his eardrums aching from the thunderous music and cheers outside. He leaned forward and shouted, '"What did you just say?"'
"Henri," Portier had to exert all his strength to be heard over the din, "He's late. If he delays any longer, the wedding will begin!"
No sooner had he spoken than a plump figure jogged over, clapping Chaumont on the shoulder and exclaiming, "Haha, our great hero is here! I heard you received a Gold Iris Medal? You must let me see it!"
Chaumont, with a grimace, pushed his hand away. "You should have been here twenty minutes ago.
"Besides, I received a Silver Iris Medal. If I had been 'lucky' enough to be hit by a cannonball during the breakout at Bayreuth, I might have received a Gold Iris Medal—presented to my wife on my behalf."
"Oh, right, Silver Iris. But that still makes you a hero everyone admires. Even my father now has to bow to you."
Rochefort then pointed at Portier across the table, feigning annoyance. "Oh, Pierre, we haven't heard from you in ages. Danny even thought you'd sacrificed yourself in Switzerland or Baden..."
Portier, with an unconcerned expression, retorted, "Don't change the subject. You're late."
"Oh, I apologize. A buyer absolutely insisted on signing an order immediately. You know, it was a full 13,000 francs, it was simply..."
"That much money!" Chaumont's eyes widened in surprise. "What kind of business are you in now?"
"Oh, just those small handcarts," Rochefort said, waving a hand. "Railways are being built everywhere now, so the demand for these things is huge."
He then turned to Portier. "You still haven't answered me, where have you been all these years?"
The latter hesitated for a moment and pursed his lips. '"Uh, first, I was a junior officer for a while..."'
He was referring to joining the Security Bureau and attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant.
"After that, I traveled all over the world, and met some influential people abroad — the kind who can command thousands."
These influential people were the high-ranking members of the United Irishmen association. They could even rally tens of thousands for rebellions.
"Last year, I ventured into finance, and not long ago, I invested in agricultural futures, though I didn't make much money."
By 'finance,' he meant assisting in short-selling the British stock market. And 'agricultural futures' referred to inciting a rise in London's grain prices by exploiting multiple nations' bans on wheat sales to Britain.
As for making money, he certainly didn't make much because his salary plus allowances was a fixed 120 francs per month.
"You're always so capable," Rochefort said, swirling his coffee cup. "Last time I met Madame Lavissia, she was still talking about you."
A continuous boom of cannon fire resounded from outside the cafe. He immediately stood up. "The wedding is about to begin! We need to hurry, or we won't even be able to squeeze into the square later!"
Yes, today was the Crown Prince's wedding day.
Since His Royal Highness had unprecedentedly arranged the ceremony in the square of Notre Dame de Paris, and the entire nation was given two days off during the wedding period, the area was already swarming with people.
"It's only because you arrived so late," Chaumont said, rising unhurriedly. "But don't worry, I can use the 'Honorary Passageway'."
He was a hero who had received the Silver Iris Medal, so he didn't have to queue anywhere.
Portier also said with a relaxed expression, "Coincidentally, I also have some connections, and I should be able to secure a spot in the very front row."
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