Life of Being a Crown Prince in France

After Demoblin and the other emissaries from Genoa finished their flattery, they gestured behind themselves and continued:

“You should know that the Austrians could cut off our army’s retreat at any moment. My journey to Genoa this time was fraught with great risk.”

He sighed heavily with a serious expression, “Perhaps I will be surrounded and unable to return to France.”

Vannoni was momentarily stunned, placing his hands on his chest with an expression of deep emotion:

“There is no general more courageous than you in this world. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Genoa!”

If someone had told him that historically Napoleon indeed drove away the Austrian Army occupying Genoa, yet he never left there until he was defeated… and he had even emptied the Genoa Treasury by means of loans.

One wonders what this emissary would think of that.

Of course, Joseph had no intention of occupying Genoa at all.

On the contrary, ensuring Genoa’s independence was most in line with France’s interests.

This place is a crucial lever for controlling trade in Northern Italy; only by protecting the regime here as much as possible can Sardinia be prevented from unifying the entire Italian Peninsula.

From a geopolitical perspective, having a cluster of small countries around France is far more advantageous than having a single unified major power.

In terms of the economy, it needs no mentioning. Small countries have limited industrial capacity and must open their markets to major powers, otherwise they cannot even meet the daily material needs of their populace.

Especially now that the Italian populace is beginning to awaken, ruling over Genoa is no small challenge. Eliminating the Genoese government, instead, would clear obstacles for Sardinia to unify the region.

Demoblin nodded and cut to the heart of the matter:

“You see, I originally intended to retreat to France, so I have virtually no logistical supplies prepared. Once we engage in battle, I fear…”

Vannoni was quick to catch on, patting his chest without hesitation:

“Rest assured, our country will do its utmost to ensure your logistical support.”

“That would be splendid.” Demoblin looked towards the port, “Let us defend Genoa together!”

…

On the banks of the Po River spanning Northern Italy, in the city of Alexandria, Melas was playing chess with Bolieu while enjoying coffee.

The latter’s army had just suffered a major defeat and needed a good period of rest, so there was nothing for him to do for the time being other than stay put in Milan, leaving him with some leisure.

“General Argentao has been very efficient, taking complete control of Genoa in just under two days.” Melas placed his “car” on the opponent’s baseline, “What do you think the French will do next?”

Bolieu picked up the “horse” and placed it beside the “king,” contemplating:

“Based on Demoblin’s previous commands, he reacts very swiftly, and the speed of troop deployments is quick. If General Chervoni is slightly delayed, it’s very possible for him to escape back to Toulon.”

Until now, Bolieu still believed the battle of Toulon was commanded by Demoblin.

There’s no helping it, Napoleon was still too young then, his fame not established. Bolieu could not conceive that he was defeated by a colonel in his twenties.

Melas still held great respect for the old marshal before him and nodded, “You are very correct. Therefore, I want the Argentoratum Legion to take the initiative to attack the French to slow their retreat.”

“In that case, you’ll need to dispatch more troops to the Argentoratum Legion.”

“Yes, I plan to allocate the Milan garrison to him. And you will be entrusted with Milan’s defenses.”

Bolieu smiled as he picked up the “elephant,” “Thank you, it seems I can rest for a while.”

In his view, the French Army main forces are concentrated south of Sardinia, and between them and Milan lie Turin and Alexandria, completely constituting the rear.

While they were speaking, an officer entered the courtyard briskly, standing at attention before Melas:

“Commander, just received a message from General Argentao; the French forces are advancing on Genoa.”

Melas paused with a chess piece in his hand, exchanging astonished looks with Bolieu:

“Have the French gone mad? They dare not retreat from Italy and continue eastward instead?”

“Certainly, it’s the previous victory that has gone to Demoblin’s head!” Bolieu said with delight, “With this, you will have ample time to mobilize superior forces to encircle him in the vicinity of Genoa. Victory has never been so close to us!”

Melas, upon hearing “victory” mentioned, couldn’t help but recall the official sent by the emperor last week to award them for the “Great Victory at Toulon.”

Poor Count Hailinsaisi had been awkwardly stuck until the last two hours before arriving in Milan, only then realizing the Austrian Army actually suffered a major defeat at Toulon. He left claiming he had lost the imperial decree, fleeing back to Vienna in disgrace overnight.

Melas shook off the chaotic thoughts from his mind, quickly moving to the map, eyes glittering with the light a predator shows when seeing prey:

“The Chervoni Army will continue moving south, splitting forces to control the Cadipona Pass… the Coli Army will head to Novi Ligure to collaborate with the Argentoratum Legion in encircling Demoblin…”

Villagre is a small northern town in Genoa but controls the route from Genoa northward to Alexandria.

Once Melas’ orders were given, over 50,000 Aus Alliance Army troops would be gathered around Genoa, ruthlessly cutting off all of Demoblin’s escape routes.

However, he failed to notice that the entire Lombardy Region’s forces had been nearly depleted by his relocations.

…

Along the northern Italian coast, in the town of Volterra.

Outside the temporary headquarters of the French-Italian Army.

“Commander, I still believe we should use our main forces to ensure the smooth passage of the Cadipona Pass.” Joubert looked at the army ready to launch a full assault on the port, making a last effort, “Reinforcements from Paris can only arrive here through the Pass.

“That would be the best time to engage in decisive battle with the Austrians. Attacking Genoa at this time… would only cost us all our logistical channels.”

“There will be no reinforcements.” Demoblin said, signaling to the order officer, “Launch the full offensive.”

Then he turned to Joubert, “The first batch of reinforcements has already joined Colonel Buonaparte’s regiment.”

“Ah? But where is his regiment now?”

“I also don’t know.” Demoblin tucked his cane under his arm, lifting his binoculars towards Genoa, “This command comes directly from the Crown Prince.

“However, according to my guess, we’re playing the role of a ‘sandbag’ here, while Colonel Buonaparte is the ‘right hook.'”

Truly, he was one of the veteran generals ranking in the upper tiers of the old French military; no matter his command ability, his strategic insight was evident.

“And now the opportunity is very promising.” Demoblin handed the binoculars to Joubert, “The Austrians are clearly quite unprepared for our active offense. We should be able to quickly seize Genoa.”

This was a similar situation when the French Army launched a surprise attack on the town of Volterra the day before yesterday.

The Austrian Army was gathered by the roadside, apparently preparing to march, but the French Army captured the location in just 3 hours.

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