Presidential Government – The Power of Plutocracy
The hottest topic in the just-convened National Assembly was, of course, the economic issue.
“If this continues, Franzia’s economy will collapse. “We need to somehow resolve the national debt immediately.”
A powerful statement was made, but funny enough, all the lawmakers’ eyes turned to Christine.
Why did you turn to Christine?
Surprisingly, a significant portion of the debt of the French Republic is money borrowed from the Aquitaine government.
“…It’s a pity, but it will be difficult for the Aquitaine government to delay repayment of the principal any longer.”
Christine folded the fan with a loud sound and cut it like a knife.
In the first place, the government of the Republic lent a huge amount of money to a single merchant and has not repaid even a penny of the principal under the pretext of being at war.
This means that only interest has been paid so far, and even that interest rate is quite low. When we joined the government of the Republic, we were given some preferential treatment in return.
“The Aquitaine upper class is currently in charge of transactions with the Holy Church and is delivering supplies to the Republic, but even that becomes difficult as the surplus funds are gone.”
“Keuhum khum. I understand what the Count of Aquitaine is saying, but is there anyone who doesn’t know that the Aquitaine merchants are making a lot of money through monopoly trade? There is something called the Republic’s situation, so if you give us a little more explanation, the National Assembly will be able to take a breather, and for Frangia’s sake…
” Did you make a claim? I think I’ve already done enough to ‘personally’ dedicate myself to the country. “If other lawmakers also contribute to that level, I will consider providing additional support.”
The congressman, who was about to say even one more word, completely closed his mouth.
If you think about it, Christine played a big role in the fight against the Storm Witch, just as much as me and Eris.
Thanks to the magic amplification crystal sent by Christine, Eris completely opened the assault route for our army.
Rather, during the war, did Congress always extend the loan repayment period by punishing individual merchant owners?
It’s a mess, it’s a mess.
If Christine had not been a member of the National Assembly who supported the Central Party, the government might have tried to take it as is.
The lawmakers who couldn’t do that changed the topic with a look of frustration on their faces.
“The first priority is to lift the trade blockade. Last year, the harvest was still good, but as of now, there is no one other than the neutral Kingdom of Mado that does business with Franzia…”
However, the food shortage was overcome to some extent thanks to the efforts of the Aquitaine merchants as the civil war ended and the number of front lines decreased.
However, no matter what they produce, there is nowhere to sell it, the economic crisis shows no signs of being resolved, and a lot of weapons are needed to prepare for war with the empire.
“How about you and the Count of Aquitaine contact the Holy Church? “I understand that the Marquis de Lafayette also maintains a good relationship with the Church…”
I made quick eye contact with Christine and shook my head.
“It’s not impossible, but the Church will also be concerned about other countries. “We are continuing our trade with the Aquitaine Merchant Marine anyway, so is there any need to pay compensation to those greedy people who want to lift the foreign trade blockade?”
“Ugh…”
In fact, there is no need for Christine and I to step forward and try to lift the trade blockade of the Holy Church, even if it is because of the enormous profits generated from monopoly trade in the upper reaches of Aquitaine.
Moreover, the Holy Church will probably look at it and lift the trade blockade when Eris, a saint, is crowned Queen of Frangia.
There is no need to cut back on Christine’s profits and pay a high price to express regret to the church.
“In fact, if we wanted to lift the trade blockade quickly, we should have kept King Louis alive.”
Nicola Brissot of the Liberal Party said with regret.
The Duke of Lorraine died of his own accord, so there was no excuse, but they were upset by the king’s execution and insisted on maintaining the trade blockade.
“We could not spare the person who was the cause of the revolution and who brought in foreign powers and caused Francia to bleed.”
However, Maximilien Isidor of the Revolutionary Party immediately denied it.
This is a matter of public sentiment, so there is nothing we can do about it.
As I was pondering, Christine spoke up.
“Anyway, as time goes by, they will change their position. “If it’s difficult to do business with them right away, you could try trading with countries of different races.”
“As for other races…”
“There is an Eastern Empire ruled by the Czar of the Elves and an Alpine Kingdom ruled by the Mountain King of the Dwarves.”
“Mmm, but aren’t they pretty arrogant?”
“At least they won’t refuse to talk just because they killed the human king. Or even some other alternative?”
When Christine asked, raising the corners of her mouth, no further rebuttal came out.
“The Center Party agrees with the Count of Aquitaine’s opinion.”
“It would be better to at least try than to wait forever for them to lift the trade blockade.”
The two governors, the Count of Anjou and Nicolas Brissot, agreed.
“…Let’s review it.”
In the end, Maximilien Isidor also responded positively and the trade blockade issue was concluded.
The following is the agenda I submitted.
Maximilien Isidor looked through the documents with his glasses on and then opened his mouth.
“Marquis de Lafayette. “In the Grande École plan, you proposed a complete overhaul of the military education curriculum.”
The Grande École plan is a government-led curriculum reform plan. As feudalism has been maintained so far, the educational curriculum in Francia is quite backward.
Even the few schools that exist focus on theology, so it is essential for a republic that wants to exclude religion and train talented people for the nation.
Among them, I would like to modify the military education curriculum.
“That’s right, Mr. Governor.”
“The Revolutionary Party’s position is to put on hold the complete overhaul of the military education curriculum you submitted.”
“Once the revolution was successful, we faced trade blockades and criticism from almost every country. “It is unlikely that they will view the Republic favorably, so we must reorganize the system and prepare in advance to ensure safety.”
Maximilien Isidore answered again without much change in his expression.
“I understand what the Marquis means, but it needs a little more review and adjustment.”
From their point of view, my proposal, including a plan to develop professional officers regardless of their origins and magic education for ordinary soldiers, wouldn’t be a bad story, right?
Well, whatever. Since it is a revolutionary party with a completely opposite stance to ours, it could be because there is a lot of opposition just for the sake of opposition.
“I think the Liberal Party also needs to review the Marquis’ agenda a little more.”
…But even the moderates?
In the end, I had no choice but to wrinkle my face.
What’s wrong with these people?
At the sight of the lawmakers whispering among themselves while looking at me, I let out a small sigh and turned my attention to Christine.
When Christine made eye contact with me, she folded the fan in her hand with a loud sound and slowly opened her mouth.
“…one year.”
The words that came out of Christine’s mouth brought silence to the noisy council.
“We are willing to further postpone the principal repayment deadline. Of course, depending on whether or not Congress cooperates.”
I cut it with a single knife to use it for times like this.
Nicolas Brissot said awkwardly amidst whispers coming from all over the place.
“Keuhum khum. “If the Liberal Party gives us a moment, we will discuss it again.”
Even within the Revolutionary Party, various comments were made, and eventually Maximilien Isidor opened his mouth, adjusting his glasses with a disapproving look on his face.
“…Let’s also reexamine the Revolutionary Party positively.”
Isidor, who said that, looked 10 years older than when I first met him.
For an uncompromising idealist who was forced to become president in order to prevent the collapse of the radical faction, it seems very painful to be constantly forced to compromise with reality.
“I am glad that Aquitaine can also contribute positively to the government because the governors sympathize with the necessity of the issue.”
Christine raised the corner of her mouth and said something that almost made me laugh.
Ah, this is the taste of gold.
The originally wealthy merchant raised capital by hoarding raw materials using knowledge before returning and even engaged in monopoly trading, and Christine, who ran it, is a genius in money management.
A debt-heavy government on the verge of bankruptcy that has been blocked from trading by all kinds of countries must be very upset to be hit, right?
–
As a result of the discussion, the agenda I submitted was passed without a hitch.
Common soldiers are also given the opportunity to learn magical powers. I later found out why the National Assembly was lukewarm about the curriculum that, at first glance, fit the ideals of the republic.
The National Assembly was worried that the soldiers who learned magic from me and the nobles would become my personal guard, heavily influenced by the Confederate Army.
I never even thought about it until Christine figured it out and told me, but just because commoners learn magic, they will deny the revolution and become the nobles’ bodyguard.
It will have to be influenced, but if that’s all it takes to become my SS, doesn’t that mean that the banner of the revolution is only that much?
Anyway, let’s stop worrying.
Anyway, after the agenda was passed, I was meeting Balian face to face at the Frangian military headquarters in Lumière, the capital.
“The military training process will be shared between Union and Confederate officers. The Southern Army will be in charge of horsepower and basic curriculum, while the Northern Army will be in charge of tactical doctrine and artillery operation.”
“Haha, you are also the Marquis. “To be honest, I never expected it to be passed this quickly.”
Raphael Balian smiled bitterly even as he said that.
In the end, the National Assembly wanted to take the time and get as many concessions as possible, limiting the Confederate-centered curriculum and expanding the influence of the Northern Army.
I don’t know anything else, but it is true that Balian’s northern army was clearly superior to the aristocratic southern army in terms of tactical doctrine and artillery operation, so I conceded that to the northern army.
As a result, contrary to the intention of the National Assembly, I ended up giving in and allowing the Northern Army in, and passing other agendas of the Central Party instead.
“Do you still think I will have trouble because of the National Assembly’s checks?”
When I asked with a grin, Balian raised his hands.
“Oh, I admit it. In politics, I don’t think I, a mere soldier, can stand up to the Marquis de Lafayette or the Count of Aquitaine. Honestly, isn’t that a foul? Who would have imagined that someone from a noble family would handle parliament like that?”
Yes, when we first joined the revolutionary government, no one in the National Assembly would have thought that way.
“But you must have figured this out, Commander. “In any case, National Assembly, I have no intention of imposing unnecessary checks on the Northern Army.”
No matter what ambitions Raphael Balian has, as long as there is a threat from foreign powers, he is a talent that this country needs.
I must protect this country for Christine and my people, and Raphael will use his abilities for this country, even if it is for his own ambitions.
That’s all.
Balian grinned and answered.
“haha. Thank you, Marquis. “I will not forget that the Northern Army also participated in matters that the Southern Army could have taken the lead in.”
As I was coordinating some more details with Balian, there was a knock on the door.
“Please come in.”
Louis Desget, now a general, entered and saluted me.
“Excuse me, Commander Balian, His Excellency the Marquis de Lafayette. A messenger arrived from the border guards in the southern mountains. “I think you will have to hear it from the Marquis de Lafayette, commander of the Confederate Army.”
Southern Mountains.
Oh shit. Is this the kingdom founded by those barbarians?
“after. “I’m sorry, but we’ll discuss the rest later, Commander Balian.”
“All right. “The southern mountains are under Confederate military jurisdiction, so I hope nothing happens.”
Balian grinned and answered.
Why does it seem like such a big deal for that person to say something like that…
–
After the Marquis de Lafayette and Desais retreated.
Raphael Balian, who was left alone, placed his chin and feet on the empty table and leaned back on the sofa.
Balian really liked the Marquis de Lafayette.
Objectively, he is a very good partner and he is cooperative with Balian, so there is no reason to dislike him.
From the first meeting, Balian was very fond of the Marquis Lafayette, and what he was showing exceeded the expectations he had at the first meeting.
However, the Marquis de Lafayette rejected Balian’s proposal.
Balian has both ability and ambition, and is fortunate to live in a time when he can seize opportunities through his abilities rather than his origins.
It would have been better if he had not known. The power he had once tasted gave him an unbearable thirst.
I want to stand higher.
However, since the National Assembly was controlled by the Marquis de Lafayette instead of keeping him in check, that day would never come for him, who was just a soldier.
The Marquis de Lafayette will use his political position to move to a higher place, and Balian will have to be satisfied with the position he gives him next to or below him.
At that time, there was a knock on the door, and Balian slowly got up from his seat.
“Please come in.”
The door opened and an old man wearing a bishop’s uniform entered.
Balian grinned at the opportunity that had come to him.
“It is an honor to meet such a distinguished person, Bishop Richelieu.”
Author’s Note:
The Eastern Empire followed the Qing ruling and subjugated people structure, but the elves, the ruling class, are not the Manchus, but the Russian imperial family. So, it would be China ruled by the Russian imperial family.
Thank you readers for reading.
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