Chapter 439: The Taste of Vienna
Catherine II, truly a monarch of her generation, her mind worked incredibly fast. She promptly added:
"Furthermore, I will relocate 3,000 serfs to Donbas and sponsor 50,000 rubles for France's development plan.
"In return, I hope to receive one-third of the mining profits from the Donbas region."
Talleyrand immediately displayed a standard diplomatic smile:
"Your Majesty, as you know, our nation faces significant risks in developing Donbas. Initial explorations, as you are aware, can be unreliable; it's quite possible we might only uncover a small mine yielding a few hundred tons in the end..."
To be frank, 3,000 serfs would indeed offer some assistance to the development work, but Joseph had already arranged for other laborers. Even without these individuals, work could proceed as usual.
As for 50,000 rubles, roughly equivalent to 200,000 francs, it was such a paltry sum for an area as vast as Donbas that it wouldn't even make a ripple.
In truth, Joseph had intended to offer Catherine II a share of the profits. After all, extracting resources on another nation's territory was always smoother with shared interests. However, the authority he granted Talleyrand was to offer Russia 20% of the profits.
Yet Catherine II's appetite was a bit too large.
"Your Majesty, this development is entirely the Crown Prince's adventurous decision. It wouldn't be right for you to bear the risks, such as the personnel you would send or any sponsorships."
Before Catherine II could object, he promptly added:
"However, before I left Paris, His Highness also instructed me to allocate 10% of the profits as a token of his respect for Your Majesty. Oh, and His Highness also mentioned that if truly large mineral deposits are discovered in Donbas, there will be an investment to repair and expand the Port of Kherson."
Catherine II immediately narrowed her eyes slightly.
The Dnieper River connected the Donbas region to the Crimean outlet to the sea, and the Port of Kherson was precisely where the Dnieper River flowed into the Black Sea. Talleyrand was reminding her of the crucial importance of developing the Donbas region for Russia's control over Crimea. Crimea itself was Russia's only foothold for trade with the Mediterranean Sea coastline, and successive Tsars had spared no effort, dedicating the nation's entire strength, to secure it. Catherine II herself had exerted tremendous effort, engaging in repeated fierce battles with the Ottoman Empire, losing tens of thousands of lives, before finally gaining tenuous control over Crimea.
If the Donbas region on Crimea's northern shore could develop rapidly, it would provide strong support for her rule over Crimea. At the very least, if war broke out in Crimea, gathering logistical supplies from Donbas would undoubtedly be far less costly and much faster than transporting them from Moscow.
She smiled faintly at Talleyrand:
"I thank His Highness the Crown Prince for such thoughtful consideration for our nation. Very well, France shall bear the entire investment initially, and I shall receive 15% of the mining profits."
She did indeed feel there were risks in developing Donbas. Moreover, if the French truly discovered a large mine, they would certainly require a substantial labor force for mining. At that point, it wouldn't be too late for her to bargain for increased profits by offering to send serfs.
Talleyrand secretly exhaled in relief, but continued to haggle:
"Your Majesty, that percentage is too high. I hope you can grant concessions on the taxes for the mining operations..."
After the banquet that evening concluded, Talleyrand seemingly casually addressed Catherine II:
"Your Majesty, Prussia and Austria are currently at war in Silesia. His Highness the Crown Prince earnestly implores you to understand Emperor Joseph II's desire to reclaim his ancestral lands in Silesia. As you know, His Highness holds his uncle in the highest regard."
Catherine II immediately recalled that just last month, Britain had also sent a Special Envoy to Petersburg, expressing hopes that Russia would not interfere in the Silesian conflict. Now, today, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs brought up the matter again.
Britain's stance was, of course, what Joseph had stipulated in the "Non-Intervention Treaty."
Catherine II certainly hoped that Prussia and Austria could cease hostilities and then partition Poland with Russia. However, she still had to consider the attitudes of both Britain and France. Moreover, the French had just offered to help her develop Donbas, which made it even harder for her to refuse.
Therefore, she nodded. "Archbishop Talleyrand, please convey to His Highness that I have no intention of interfering in the situation in Silesia."
...
At the Petit Trianon.
The moment Queen Mary entered the room, she eagerly sank into a chair, looking utterly exhausted, yet her face was alight with a smile:
"Ah, what a magnificent event! Look, all of Europe is focused on Paris, everyone is constantly expressing their admiration, everyone!"
She extended her fair, delicate feet, allowing a maid to help her change into comfortable slippers, then sighed:
"Joseph always comes up with such brilliant ideas. How greatly must God favor his clever mind...
"Oh, thank goodness the exhibition in three years will be held in Lyon. Hosting such grand events is truly exhausting."
She had just presided over the closing ceremony of the World Expo, and then rushed back to Versailles from Paris.
Countess of Debeninac, who was nearby, reminded her:
"Your Majesty, the Paris Fashion Week is in two months. You might still have to preside over its opening, after all, you are the symbol of French fashion."
"Oh, heavens—" Queen Mary dramatically pressed a hand to her forehead, but her eyes caught sight of several exquisite desserts on the small table before her.
"Could this be Viennese vanilla shortcake!" she exclaimed, utterly delighted. Carefully, she picked up a small piece and placed it in her mouth.
The sweet flavor, accompanied by a crisp texture, spread across her palate. Queen Mary instantly closed her eyes in pure delight, nodding repeatedly in satisfaction:
"Mmm, mmm!"
After she sampled a few more desserts, she suddenly looked at a maid.
"These definitely aren't made by Monsieur Cécilien and his team; the taste is absolutely superb!"
Cécilien was her head pastry chef, and while his craftsmanship was top-tier, he couldn't replicate this Viennese flavor.
"It's Mademoiselle Delvaux's masterpiece, Your Majesty," Countess of Debeninac interjected from beside her.
"Hm? Yes, yes, only she here could achieve such an authentic Viennese taste." Queen Mary looked at the maid nearby. "Where is Camelia?"
A maid quickly replied, "Your Majesty, Mademoiselle Delvaux is cleaning your music room."
Queen Mary smiled and shook her head. "She's always so restless. Please tell her to stop working and come chat with me."
Queen Mary's original intention for Camelia was for her to act like a typical noblewoman, studying poetry and learning to dance. However, Camelia insisted on fulfilling her duties as a maid, constantly busy with chores every day. And she did it exceptionally well; even the Queen's veteran servants, with over a decade of experience, couldn't manage things with her level of meticulousness.
Queen Mary cut a small piece of pastry with her fork and was about to bring it to her mouth when she heard the voice of the Court Chamberlain:
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."
Joseph entered the room and bowed to his mother.
"Dearest Mother, I might be going to Austria soon, and oh, what a delightful aroma..."
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