Catherine the Great was truly a shrewd leader, and she quickly responded, "In addition, I will relocate 3,000 serfs to Donbas and sponsor France's developnt plan with 50,000 rubles. In return, I hope to receive one-third of the profits from the mining operations in Donbas."
Talleyrand imdiately flashed a diplomatic smile. "Your Majesty, you know that France's developnt in Donbas carries significant risks. The initial surveys might not be reliable; we could end up discovering only a small deposit of a few hundred tons."
To be honest, the 3,000 serfs would indeed be sowhat helpful for the developnt work, but Joseph had already arranged for other labor sources, so the project could proceed smoothly even without them. As for the 50,000 rubles, roughly equivalent to 200,000 francs, in a vast area like Donbas, it wouldn't make much of a difference.
Joseph had planned to give Catherine a share of the profits, considering that mining on soone else's land is easier when interests are aligned. However, the amount he had authorized Talleyrand to offer was 20% of the profits. Catherine's demand for one-third was simply too much.
Talleyrand carefully replied, "Your Majesty, this venture is entirely the Crown Prince's risky decision. You shouldn't have to bear any of the risks, such as sending personnel or providing sponsorship."
Before Catherine could protest, Talleyrand quickly added, "However, before I left Paris, the Prince did instruct to offer 10% of the profits as a gesture of respect for you. Oh, and the Prince also ntioned that if large mineral deposits are indeed found in Donbas, he would invest in expanding and upgrading Kherson Port."
Catherine's eyes narrowed slightly. The Dnieper River, which connects the Donbas region to the Crian coastline, flows into the Black Sea at Kherson Port. Talleyrand was subtly reminding her of how important developing the Donbas region was for Russia's control over Cria. Cria was Russia's only foothold for trade with the diterranean coast, and generations of Russian tsars had poured imnse resources into securing it. Catherine herself had waged several wars with the Ottomans, costing thousands of lives, just to gain control over Cria.
If the northern region of Cria, including Donbas, could develop rapidly, it would significantly bolster her control over Cria. At the very least, if war broke out in Cria, sourcing supplies from Donbas would be much cheaper and faster than transporting them from Moscow.
Smiling at Talleyrand, Catherine said, "I appreciate the Crown Prince's consideration for my country. Then let France handle the entire investnt, and I will take 15% of the mining profits."
She also acknowledged that developing Donbas carried risks. If the French did find large deposits, they would certainly need a large workforce to mine them, and she could negotiate for a higher share by offering more serfs later.
Talleyrand breathed a quiet sigh of relief but continued to negotiate, "Your Majesty, that percentage is quite high. In that case, I hope you can offer so tax concessions on the mining operations."
After that day's banquet, Talleyrand casually ntioned to Catherine the Great, "Your Majesty, Prussia and Austria are currently at war in Silesia. The Crown Prince respectfully asks that you understand Emperor Joseph II's desire to reclaim Silesia, as you know the Prince holds his uncle in high regard."
Catherine imdiately recalled that last month, Britain had also sent an envoy to St. Petersburg, expressing hope that Russia would not intervene in the Silesian conflict. Now, France's Foreign Minister was raising the issue as well. The British request was, of course, driven by the terms of the Non-Interference Treaty that Joseph had negotiated.
While Catherine was keen on a ceasefire between Prussia and Austria so that she could focus on partitioning Poland with them, she had to consider the positions of Britain and France. Moreover, with the French offering to help develop Donbas, she found it even harder to refuse their request.
So she nodded and said, "Archbishop Talleyrand, please tell the Crown Prince that I have no intention of intervening in Silesia."
Petit Trianon
Queen Marie Antoinette, upon entering the room, eagerly sat down in a chair, visibly tired but with a smile on her face. "Ah, what a magnificent event! Look at this, all of Europe is watching Paris, and everyone is full of praise, everyone!"
She extended her delicate foot, allowing a maid to help her change into more comfortable shoes, and sighed, "Joseph always cos up with these brilliant ideas. How favored by God his little mind must be..."
"Oh, thank goodness the next World's Fair will be in Lyon in three years. Hosting such a grand event is truly exhausting."
She had just hosted the closing ceremony of the World Expo and then hurried back to Versailles from Paris.
Countess de Polignac, standing nearby, reminded her, "Your Majesty, in two months, there is also Paris Fashion Week. You might need to preside over the opening, as you are the symbol of French fashion."
"Oh, dear God—" Marie Antoinette exaggeratedly placed her hand on her forehead but then caught sight of a few exquisite desserts on the small table in front of her.
"Is that Viennese Vanilla Puff Cake!" she exclaid in delight, carefully picking up a small piece and placing it in her mouth.
The sweet flavor combined with the crispy texture spread across her palate, and the Queen closed her eyes in blissful satisfaction, nodding with approval. "Mm, mm!"
After sampling a few more desserts, she suddenly looked at the maid and said, "These definitely aren't made by Mr. Cécilien and his team. The taste is simply too authentic!"
Cécilien was her head pastry chef, and although his skills were top-notch, he couldn't quite replicate this Viennese flavor.
"It's Miss Delvaux's creation, Your Majesty," the Countess de Polignac said.
"Ah, yes, of course. Only she could make such an authentic Viennese taste," the Queen replied, looking at the maid. "Where is Camélia?"
A maid quickly responded, "Your Majesty, Miss Delvaux is cleaning your music room."
The Queen shook her head with a smile. "She's always so busy. Please tell her to stop and co to chat with ."
Marie Antoinette had originally intended for Camélia to live like a noble young lady, learning poetry and dancing. But Camélia insisted on fulfilling her duties as a maid, always busy with various tasks, and doing them so well that even the most experienced servants couldn't match her ticulousness. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ NoveI★Fire
Just as the Queen was about to take another bite of cake, the voice of the court chamberlain rang out, "The Crown Prince is here."
Joseph entered the room and bowed to his mother. "Dear Mother, I might need to go to Austria soon. Mmm, sothing slls delicious..."
(End of Chapter)
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