Life of Being a Crown Prince in France-Chapter 914 - 822 Joseph in Brussels

After discussing the issue of Flemish independence, Joseph instructed Fouche:

"There is another very important task for the Intelligence Bureau. Genoa will hold a new governor election in two months, and it would be best if more representatives favorable to our country are elected."

Fouche slightly bowed and said, "We still have some stationed troops in Genoa; this shouldn’t be difficult to achieve."

Joseph shook his head, "No, before the election begins, we must withdraw all our troops. Throughout the election process, there must be no signs of our involvement.

"We must ensure that the Genoese believe the election results are their own decision."

"This..." Fouche frowned slightly, but still nodded, "though it is somewhat challenging, the complex family forces in Genoa can be something we leverage."

"Very good." Joseph continued, "My minimum requirement is to end the control of the four major families over the parliament in Genoa, establish a body under our influence to supervise the Genoese bureaucracy, and have it enshrined in their laws."

Fouche had previously participated in the government formation process for Caribbean countries and led actions influencing the U.S. presidential election, so he had extensive experience in such matters.

He only pondered briefly before outlining a rough plan, which Joseph essentially agreed upon.

The director of the Intelligence Bureau, seeing that the Crown Prince had no other matters, was about to leave but seemed to remember something. He paused and said, "Your Highness, there’s a minor matter that concerns me, and I think it’s best to report to you."

"Please go ahead."

"It’s about Mr. John Sandler, the senior technician at the United Steam Engine Company," Fouche said. "Half a year ago, Mathew Bolton, the major shareholder of the British Steam Engine Company, secretly made contact with him.

"However, according to my confirmation, Mr. Sandler should have refused the British. Of course, he didn’t report the matter.

"And that Bolton just entered France from Biscay in Spain a few days ago.

"I have reason to suspect he’s here for industrial espionage.

"Do you think some necessary measures should be taken against him?"

"Bolton?" Joseph squinted slightly.

He knew that the Bolton-Watt Steam Engine Company wasn’t doing well lately, and this was likely an attempt to poach Sandler.

He wasn’t too worried that Sandler would disclose technical secrets—Sandler was already enjoying both fame and fortune and was currently courting a French noble lady, so the British had little chance of buying him off. Besides, the Intelligence Bureau had placed agents around these core technical staff for both their protection and to ensure their loyalty.

Joseph was about to instruct Fouche to expel Bolton from the country but halted suddenly.

The Bolton-Watt company was a leading force in British steam engine technology, and the steam engine was a crucial element determining the future of the Industrial Revolution.

Since Bolton came on his own accord, why not take this opportunity to disrupt their company a little? With good fortune, perhaps even blunt their efforts entirely.

With this in mind, he told Fouche, "Just keep a secret watch for now, don’t alert him.

"Also, use the signal tower to notify Mr. Sandler to come to Brussels as soon as possible."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Joseph’s schedule was always full, and just as Fouche left, Eman reminded him to attend the General Staff’s strategy meeting.

The meeting was naturally about the operations heading north to Holland and how to cut off the Duke of York’s retreat.

The strategy meeting didn’t conclude until it was almost dinnertime.

Yawning, Joseph returned to his office, instructing Eman, "Make sure not to serve that beer-braised roast beef for dinner..."

Suddenly, a graceful figure in a black-and-white dress approached quickly, curtsying as she spoke in a gentle, joyful voice, "Your Highness, you’re back?"

Joseph paused slightly, then smiled, "Camellia, what brings you here? Have you fully recovered?"

"Thanks to you, I am completely well." The maid revealed a bright smile as she spoke, showing a slightly rosy complexion though she still seemed a bit gaunt, "Her Majesty the Queen has been thinking of you every day, worried that you might not have food to your liking abroad, so she sent me to Brussels to take care of you."

She paused and then said softly, "I’ve also been thinking about you."

As she spoke, she motioned for the accompanying maid to bring over several exquisite boxes: "Oh, Your Highness, these are brought by Her Majesty the Queen—all your favorite pastries."

Soon Joseph beheld an array of strawberry cakes, sugar-glazed almond cookies, and colorful macarons, enough to last him a month.

Camellia pointed to the bottom of the boxes, "Her Majesty had ice placed in the double-layer of the box, so the pastries are still fresh."

For some reason, Joseph suddenly felt a bit emotional, but quickly covered it with a laugh, "Ah, these are enough to earn the devotion of every pastry chef in the Southern Netherlands.

"By the way, how are the Queen and His Majesty the King?"

Indeed, with the Sharp Signal Machine, he could learn about his parents’ situation anytime, but hearing it from Camellia added a personal touch.

"Yes, they’re both very well." The maid began to chat about Versailles’ daily life, "Her Majesty the Queen attends fewer balls now but often has people tell her about things in the Southern Netherlands and has even ordered a few military uniforms. Apparently, military attire is all the rage in Paris now, with ladies and gentlemen fond of the style you wear.

"His Majesty the King is still immersed in the Royal Workshop all day long..." freewebnσvel.cѳm

She babbled happily as she followed Joseph into the office, "Oh, you mentioned ’beer-infused meat’ earlier; do you not like the food here? If you’re willing to wait a bit, I can prepare dinner for you."

Joseph had great faith in Camellia’s culinary skills, but seeing her weary eyes from recovering from illness and travel fatigue, he was about to refuse when he heard a young girl’s voice from behind Camellia: "Your Highness, Miss Camellia needs rest after her illness. Perhaps you could grant me the honor of cooking for you this time."

Joseph leaned his head out to see a tall, slender girl with curly black hair coiled at the back of her head and deep blue eyes. Every move and word seemed meticulously calculated to be both charming and appropriate.

He found the girl somewhat familiar and looked at Camellia, asking, "And who is this?"

"Oh, Your Highness, I am terribly rude not to have introduced her sooner. This is Miss Vironique Legris. She was the one who testified against the person who pushed me into the water on the Boloskafi."