Chapter 741: The Unrest in the Apennine Peninsula
"The Villar family donates 30,000 francs…"
"The Broglie family pledges 35,000 francs!"
"Count Esch offers 40,000 francs…"
"Duke of Loudun donates 40,000 francs!"
Soon, the nobles and capitalists split into two competing factions, each determined not to be outdone by the other.
The donations quickly turned into a bidding war, with amounts steadily increasing.
When someone finally pledged 50,000 francs, a voice suddenly rang out:
"The Dupont family will sponsor the construction of a frigate for the navy."
The Hall of Mirrors fell into stunned silence.
Even the cheapest frigate cost at least 120,000 francs!
But the hush only lasted a few seconds before another voice declared:
"His Highness Prince Condé will also donate a warship."
This time, both the nobles and the businessmen hesitated.
Those still willing to contribute quietly approached the royal officials recording the donations, whispering their pledged amounts.
Before long, a Bordeaux winemaker pledged yet another warship.
By the time the banquet ended at 10 PM, the donation list had grown to include five warships, with other contributions totaling nearly 3 million francs!
Before dismissing the guests, Countess de Berninac announced:
"All gentlemen who have donated warships will be invited to a royal dinner next week."
Meanwhile, Marie Antoinette remained silent, only summoning the official in charge of donations and instructing him:
"I will donate jewelry worth 2.7 million francs."
She had spent most of her royal allowance on jewelry, but now, she parted with it without hesitation.
The Next Day
The front pages of every Parisian newspaper were dominated by lists of nobles and wealthy merchants who had made significant contributions.
Phrases like "The Evil Alliance," "The Lost 30 Years," and "The War to Defend the Nation" became widespread slogans.
Within days, these messages spread across all of France.
Rome – St. Peter's Basilica
Pope Pius VI gazed sternly at Archbishop Muzarelli.
"The title 'Shield of Christendom' traditionally belongs to Hungary. Granting it to Austria, given their shared rule, is acceptable.
"But Emperor Francis II has never demonstrated any widely recognized acts of virtue. The title 'Francis the Just' does not suit him."
Muzarelli smiled and turned to the twenty-odd cardinals seated nearby.
"Gentlemen, do you find this title appropriate for the Holy Roman Emperor?"
Immediately, a seventy-year-old cardinal nodded.
"Emperor Francis II has received widespread praise within his realm. 'The Just' is not an exaggeration."
More than a dozen cardinals agreed, while only three or four voiced objections. The rest remained silent.
They all remembered how, just a few months ago, Muzarelli had publicly confronted the Pope, accusing him of failing to refute the rumors of a Polish holy war.
The Pope had been deeply embarrassed, but could do nothing.
Because just days before, both Venice and Tuscany had massed thousands of troops near the Papal States' northern and southern borders, conducting week-long military drills with constant cannon fire.
The message was clear—they were backing Muzarelli.
Since then, Muzarelli's influence within the Vatican had grown stronger.
And now, he was proposing that the Pope formally declare Austria as "The Shield of Christendom" and grant Francis II the title "The Just".
Pope Pius VI knew that war between Austria and France was imminent—Muzarelli was trying to bolster Austria's prestige.
But this would inevitably offend France.
For the Vatican, that was a dangerous gamble.
Seeing the Pope's hesitation, Muzarelli pressed on:
"We all know that France has effectively severed ties with the Vatican.
"Meanwhile, Emperor Francis II has restored the Austrian Cardinal nomination rights to the Church.
"The Holy Roman Empire remains the Vatican's true ally.
"Once war breaks out, hundreds of thousands of soldiers will surround France.
"The Vatican no longer needs to fear French influence.
"And when the war ends, with the Holy Roman Emperor's help, the Vatican will once again bring the light of the Lord to all of Europe!"
He left one thing unsaid—that most Italian states supported Austria. If the Pope refused, the Papal States could suffer retaliation.
In truth, Muzarelli secretly hoped the Pope would resist, as it would further solidify Austria's support for him.
Perhaps even lead to Pius VI being replaced—with Muzarelli himself as the new Pope.
After ten minutes of tense silence, Pope Pius VI sighed, scanning the gathered cardinals.
Then, he stood up and turned to Muzarelli.
"In this matter, you shall convey the will of the Lord."
The Kingdom of Sardinia – Turin
At the same time that the Vatican was declaring Austria "The Shield of Christendom", Austrian Foreign Minister Count Rheinfeis had arrived in the northern Italian Kingdom of Sardinia.
King Amadeus III wore a troubled expression.
"You know well that my kingdom has no quarrel with France. So… why should we get involved?"
As a small nation caught between France and Austria, Sardinia had always walked a fine diplomatic line, ensuring it never angered either power.
However, Austria had stationed troops in Sardinia for years, and the country was generally more pro-Austrian—especially since the Alps naturally separated it from France.
Count Rheinfeis nodded.
"I am not asking you to declare war on France.
"All we need is for Marshal Beaulieu's army to pass through Chambéry unhindered.
"After that, you need not concern yourself further."
Amadeus III felt a chill.
Allowing Austrian troops to march through Sardinian territory was just a step away from joining the war outright.
But even if he refused, Austria's garrison could simply march west through the Alps—and Sardinia would be powerless to stop them.
Rheinfeis glanced at the king, then smiled warmly:
"Of course, if you provide logistical support—or even send troops to assist—His Majesty, Emperor Francis II, will generously reward you after the war."
Just as Amadeus III was about to refuse, the Austrian diplomat continued:
"The territories of Genoa and Corsica—both shall belong to Sardinia."
The king's pupils contracted sharply.
Genoa, though small, was a crucial trade port—gold flowed through it daily.
Previously, Genoa had been protected as a neutral trade hub by France, Austria, and Britain.
Sardinia had long coveted it but never dared act.
Now, with Austria offering it on a silver platter…
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