I am the Crown Prince of France

Chapter 47: The Award Ceremony

De Laude Laborde had never been as frustrated as he was today since taking over the family business. The manager of Laborde Bank had brought terrible news—the French government, specifically the Prince who managed the country's finances, intended to terminate their cooperation with the bank.

In the current economic climate, where France's industrial and commercial sectors were struggling, government loans were the most lucrative part of Laborde Bank's business. Losing this business could potentially cripple the bank.

Soon, Goldman, a major shareholder of La Ville Bank, arrived and confirmed the government's intention to end their partnership. The two banks were in the same boat, and they needed to work together to address this issue.

After a lengthy discussion with their respective shareholders, they realized that the root of the problem lay with this so-called "French Reserve Bank." This newcomer, disregarding the usual unspoken agreements within the banking industry, had disrupted the status quo. If not for this bank, the French government would have no choice but to rely on La Ville and Laborde Banks for loans.

Someone soon suggested, "Perhaps we can reach some sort of agreement with this French Reserve Bank."

"So," Laborde looked around at the group, "who knows anything about this bank?"

There was silence. After a while, Goldman frowned and said, "It's likely a foreign bank that's just recently arrived in Paris."

Laborde nodded. "It seems we'll have to seek the help of Mr. Necker."

In the garden of Necker's villa, the senior advisor to the French Banking Association and renowned banker, Laborde and Goldman explained the situation, referring to the French government simply as a "major client" and describing the national debt as the client's private debt. They then looked expectantly at Necker.

If anyone in Paris knew about this French Reserve Bank, it would be the well-connected master of the French banking world, Necker.

However, Necker merely smiled and shook his head. "I haven't heard of such a bank."

He continued trimming his jasmine plants and added, "However, I believe you've fallen into a trap set by your client."

"A trap?"

"He's a very patient gentleman." Necker swept the cut branches into a pile and wiped the sweat from his brow. "The more he seems unwilling to take risks or deceive you, the more you'll believe him. But I can almost guarantee that this French Reserve Bank is merely a scare tactic. If you become anxious about losing your business and approach him, he'll pretend to lower the interest rate and make it seem like he's ending the cooperation with this fictitious bank, pressuring you to release the funds quickly."

Laborde and Goldman exchanged glances, suddenly feeling as though the pieces had fallen into place.

Necker had the look of a hunter who had just discovered his prey's hiding spot. "I believe that if you don't give in, your client will come to you, desperate for your loan, in the last two days before his debt matures."

Laborde nodded vigorously. "Mr. Necker, you truly are France's greatest banker! Without you, we would have been completely fooled this time!"

"We'll stick to our plan and hold out until the very last day!"

…

In the Apollo Hall of Versailles, a grand award ceremony was taking place, filled with golden splendor.

The sharp sound of military drums and the solemn blare of trumpets came to an abrupt stop. The Minister of War, the Marquis of Saint Priest, addressed the soldiers standing before him in a loud voice, "Attention—"

The deputy beside him struck the ground forcefully with his staff, producing a dull thud. The soldiers stood tall and straight as swords.

Saint Priest turned and saluted King Louis XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette, and the Prince. "Your Majesties, allow me to introduce the heroes of the Battle of Amstelveen—

"Captain Marie François de Dubois! "Lieutenant Thérèse Préville de Foucault! "Second Lieutenant Louis André de Davout!" [1]

After the introductions, Louis XVI was the first to step forward, approaching Captain Dubois. He praised him generously before solemnly handing him a pair of brass cufflinks. "I hereby promote you to the rank of Major."

He then moved on to Lieutenant Foucault, continuing to award ranks, while Queen Marie took a wreath from her maid and gently placed it on Dubois' head, saying softly, "You are a hero of France."

As she moved on to the next recipient, Joseph approached Dubois and delivered his prepared speech, "Your tactical strategies were brilliant. Without your command, the Dutch forces might have crumbled within the first two days."

Joseph hadn't originally planned to attend such a ceremonious event, but since he had orchestrated the defeat of the Prussians in the Netherlands, both the Queen and the military had strongly insisted on his presence at the award ceremony. Reluctantly, he agreed to participate.

Dubois immediately saluted in return. "Your Highness, the credit is not mine. You devised the overall strategic plan that left the Prussians with no choice but to retreat. As for the tactics at Amstelveen, they were actually the work of my friend, Captain Berthier, who planned everything before I left. I merely followed his instructions."

Joseph perked up at the mention of a familiar name and quickly asked, "Berthier? Which Berthier are you referring to?"

"Your Highness, it's Louis-Alexandre Berthier, a Major under General Custine." [1]

[Note 1: Davout's surname should be d'Avou, closer to "de Avou." Following translation conventions, it's still written as Davout, with "de" added to signify nobility.]

(End of Chapter)

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