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Chapter 850: Diplomatic Priorities

Joseph stood frozen on the spot. "You mean... an engagement? With... with Russia?"

In truth, Talleyrand had submitted a report regarding a potential matrimonial alliance with Russia nearly two weeks ago. However, when Eman was sorting the documents, he was unsure whether to classify it under diplomacy or internal affairs. Ultimately, he had tucked it into the Royal Affairs folder.

With Joseph busy directing the war lately, he had no time for the trivialities of the royal household. Consequently, he hadn't even looked at the report yet.

Seeing her son's expression, Queen Mary assumed he was simply so overjoyed that his mind had gone blank. She smiled and took him by the arm.

"I know you like her, but you've been so preoccupied with state affairs that you haven't had the chance to propose. You are already seventeen, though; your marriage cannot be delayed any longer. After discussing it with your father, we decided to help you..."

Joseph's mind was anything but blank; it was racing at overclocked speeds. A Russian princess meant either Alexandra or Elena. Since his mother mentioned "you like her," it had to be someone he had met. That meant... Alexandra.

He felt a bit dazed.

'That little princess isn't even eleven yet! How could we get married?'

'And where on earth did Mother get the idea that I liked her?'

Right, he had mentioned before that he didn't want to marry a princess who was a close relative.

Scanning the royal houses of Europe, it seemed the House of Romanov was the only one among the major powers that fit the criteria.

From that perspective, a Russian princess truly was the most satisfactory choice...

Joseph's mind drifted back to Alexandra's innocent, adorable face and those beautiful, large eyes. Yes, she was undoubtedly a beauty in the making.

After all, she carried the bloodline of Catherine the Great, who had charmed all of Saint Petersburg; her looks were bound to be exceptional.

As for her personality, she was gentle, well-bred, and sensible—beyond reproach.

According to the customs of the French court, he was bound to marry a princess, so Alexandra was almost the best possible choice.

Habitually, Joseph's thoughts shifted toward politics and diplomacy.

Aside from their ambitions regarding Poland, Russia had virtually no conflict of interest with France.

And since Poland had successfully repelled the Russian invasion this time, it was unlikely that Russia would have any designs on Poland for a long while.

Thus, France and Russia could truly align their interests.

If France could secure Russia as an external ally, the likes of Britain, Prussia, and Austria would have to think twice before forming another Anti-French Coalition.

After all, if France and Russia launched a pincer attack from the east and west, the entire German region would be the ham in a sandwich, with no choice but to be devoured.

Furthermore, as Britain's most important supplier of raw materials, Russia held considerable leverage over the British. In history, if Napoleon's Continental Blockade had received genuine Russian cooperation, it might actually have starved Britain out.

Of course, it wasn't realistic to expect Russia to risk economic collapse just to help France cut off British supplies.

But if a marriage bond existed between France and Russia, and Russia was asked to slightly increase the prices of a few key export materials, they would likely grant that favor. In the heat of the Industrial Revolution, the cost of a few key raw materials could sometimes decide the winner.

Most importantly, Prussia and Austria had just been soundly thrashed. Even if they were disgruntled by France and Russia drawing closer, they would likely have to keep their mouths shut and endure it in silence.

In summary, a Franco-Russian marriage was an excellent move on the grand chessboard of national strategy.

If utilized fully, it could overturn the entire political landscape of the European continent!

Joseph couldn't help but look at Queen Mary. 'Did Mother actually have such a grand diplomatic layout hidden up her sleeve, completing it so effortlessly amidst smiles and conversation?'

Observing her son's "excited and shocked" expression, Queen Mary gave a tender smile. "I knew you would be thrilled. Then, let the astrologers choose the luckiest day of next year for your formal wedding."

"Ah, no, wait..."

Joseph was startled. The Russian princess was still a child; wasn't this a bit too rushed?

He chose his words carefully. "Perhaps the wedding can be delayed a bit. After all, Alexandra is still very young..."

Upon hearing this, Queen Mary tapped her forehead and nodded in agreement. "You're right, dear. Look at me, I was so happy I almost put you in the same terrible position as your great-grandfather."

She was referring to Louis XV's engagement to a Spanish princess.

At the time, the Spanish princess was only four years old. Louis XV, desperately needing an heir to stabilize his political position, had eventually broken the engagement.

That move was seen as a grave insult by the Spanish royals, nearly leading to a declaration of war against France.

However, Queen Mary then reconsidered that the Russian princess was about to turn eleven and should be able to bear children soon, so the risk wasn't that great. She said to Joseph, "Then we shall sign a secret engagement contract first, and the wedding will take place when she is twelve or thirteen."

Though Joseph felt thirteen was still just a child, he figured Alexandra could come to the Palace of Versailles for a few years to adapt to the environment and allow them to get to know each other better.

"Then I shall defer to your will in all things."

Queen Mary beamed with joy. She turned and whispered to her husband for a moment, and both of them looked at Joseph with warm, knowing smiles.

That day, from the halls of Versailles to the back alleys of Paris, the people sang and danced, celebrating throughout the night.

Joseph, under the relentless toasts of the nobility, drank until he was lightheaded, finally allowing himself a rare moment of relaxation.

The next day, Joseph was kissed awake by warm, soft lips. He opened his eyes to see Camelia's bright, clear gaze, just as a hangover headache began to punish him.

"Ugh, I'm never drinking that much again," he muttered, rubbing his temples.

Camelia immediately slipped out of bed, donned her expensive maid uniform, and ordered a maid to bring an ice-cold towel. She wiped his forehead and began to gently massage his temples.

Her soft, delicate hands eased his discomfort. The maid whispered in his ear, "Your Highness, let me get you a cup of lemon coffee. You have the rehearsal for the summit this afternoon."

Joseph nodded, drained the cup of coffee, and felt much more alert. He then began his morning grooming in earnest.

The Ibero-Apennine Summit was set to officially open the day after tomorrow. This was currently France's most critical diplomatic affair, and he certainly needed to familiarize himself with the proceedings.

At two in the afternoon, when Joseph arrived at the Tuileries Palace, which served as the summit venue, he found the area outside the gates already packed to the rafters.

Squads of guards in varying uniforms, carrying the flags of Sardinia, Parma, Genoa, and Modena, each occupied a corner, their necks craned as they watched the road.