Chapter 739: A Complex Battlefield
Joseph wasn't acting out of kindness—he simply wanted to avoid Spain's economy collapsing in the middle of the war.
If that happened, France would be forced to either fund them—or watch Spain drop out of the fight entirely.
Neither option was acceptable.
Joseph quickly analyzed Spain's internal situation and pinpointed the biggest issue—
The Church.
The Spanish Church was absurdly wealthy, collected massive taxes from the people, and heavily interfered in politics. It was, without question, the biggest parasite draining Spain's national strength.
Joseph handed his hunting rifle to Aymon for reloading, then turned to King Charles IV.
"Your Majesty, have you ever considered using this war as an opportunity to reform the Church?"
Charles IV froze for a moment, then nodded cautiously.
"If it were possible, that would be ideal."
Joseph gestured for the nearby attendants to step away, then continued:
"The first thing you need is a personal army—one that answers only to you."
"But... isn't the Spanish Army already under my command?"
"In theory, yes. In reality, too many of your officers are connected to the Church.
"You need a separate force—one completely free of Church influence. A Royal Guard, recruited entirely from the Americas. Even Creoles will do.
"As for training, I can send officers from my General Staff to assist."
Charles IV looked bewildered.
"How large should this force be? And where will the funding come from?"
Joseph sighed and patiently explained:
"Eight thousand troops should be enough. As for funding—just take control of the illegal silver trade in the Americas. That alone will cover all costs."
Silver mining was the backbone of the Spanish economy, but corrupt factions had infiltrated every level of the system.
Smuggling and illegal mining now accounted for a third of Spain's total silver output!
Charles IV blinked in confusion.
"Control the smuggling? How would I even do that?"
Joseph took a deep breath.
"You're the King. Just send a trusted emissary to the Americas. Let him publicly declare that the Crown will severely crack down on smuggling.
**"Then, in secret, have him spread the word that he can 'protect' smugglers—for a 30% cut of their profits.
"The smugglers will come crawling to you for protection."
Charles IV's eyes lit up.
"That... that could work!"
Joseph nodded, then delivered the finishing touch:
"Next, have your 'loyal' smugglers report on those who refuse to cooperate.
"Send in the anti-smuggling forces to eliminate them—while pocketing even more money."
Charles IV was ecstatic. He rode closer, threw an arm around Joseph's shoulder, and laughed heartily.
"Joseph, you are the most brilliant man I have ever met!"
Of course, this strategy had a fatal flaw—
In the long run, it would completely destroy Spain's ability to regulate its silver trade.
But Joseph didn't care.
"In 20 or 30 years, the Spanish colonies will be fighting for independence anyway."
"Might as well let Charles IV milk them dry while he still can."
And if this money helped fund Church reforms, then Spain might actually stand a chance at avoiding complete disaster.
Joseph sealed the deal with one final reassurance:
"Meanwhile, I will also work to weaken the Pope's influence in Europe. Just let Count Aranda carry out the reforms—he will have my full support."
Suddenly, barking dogs and shouting attendants announced a target—
A dark figure burst from the underbrush ahead.
Charles IV handed Joseph his rifle and grinned.
"There! Take the shot!"
That afternoon, Joseph and Charles IV formally signed the Franco-Spanish Alliance Treaty at the royal hunting lodge.
Key terms included:
Open borders between France and SpainMutual defense—if one declared war, the other would followA joint Franco-Spanish fleet to control the Mediterranean
This treaty would prove to be the smartest decision Charles IV ever made.
The next morning, Joseph left Madrid—bringing with him a mountain of royal gifts—and headed back to France.
But just as he departed, a courier arrived from Paris—
Carrying urgent intelligence reports.
Joseph flipped through them, his expression darkening.
Over 10,000 British cavalry had landed in The Hague, Netherlands—destination unknown.50,000 Prussian troops had advanced through Gelderland, now approaching Liège.
(The General Staff predicted they were targeting Liège or Luxembourg.)Two Austrian armies were on the move: 35,000 troops heading northwest to join the Prussians.40,000 troops advancing through Switzerland, likely aiming for Strasbourg or Saarland.The Dutch fleet had set sail southward—almost certainly to join the British navy.The British Mediterranean Fleet's location remained unknown.
Joseph spread out a map and sketched the enemy's movements.
His conclusion?
"France is completely surrounded."
Enemy armies massing in the northwest, north, and east.British fleets likely preparing to attack from the south.Potential raids on Tunisia by British marines.
Apart from France's western coastline and the border with Spain, the nation was almost completely encircled.
Joseph sighed.
"If they break through at any point, it could be disastrous."
"But if I spread my forces too thin, I'll be playing right into their hands."
This situation was far more complicated than the First Coalition War in history.
Joseph stared at the map, deep in thought...
On the same day, back in Paris, Queen Marie Antoinette sat in her private tea room, weeping quietly.
"Joseph once risked his life to fight for Austria in Silesia... And now my own nephew betrays him like this?"
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"This shameful betrayal... siding with the British... it's an absolute disgrace..."
Beside her, King Louis XVI sat awkwardly, completely lost for words.
He muttered, over and over—
"My dear, leave everything to Joseph... Our son will handle this... He will handle everything..."
For the past few days, Louis XVI had been listening in on the war councils.
He was deeply concerned about the impending war.
But he was also terrified that someone might ask him what France should do.
So, true to his socially anxious nature, he chose the safest option—
Staying silent.
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