?


    Napoleon reached the entrance to his office, catching sight of Beaumont standing there with a respectful nod.


    "Beaumont," Napoleon acknowledged.


    "Your Excellency, His Imperial Majesty is currently within your office and anticipates your presence," Beaumont informed him with a slight bow.


    Napoleon''s lips tightened, a mask of seriousness settling upon his features. "Ensure that no one gains ess to this hallway under any circumstances. I mean no exceptions, Beaumont."


    "Understood, Your Excellency. The corridors leading to your office have been secured by the vignt watch of our guards," Beaumont assured.


    "Very well," Napoleon replied, his gaze fixed on Beaumont. "I shall not be disturbed. Now, excuse me."


    With a decisive nod, Napoleon brushed past Beaumont and stepped into his office. The heavy door closed behind him, muffling the distant sounds of the pce.


    As Napoleon advanced further into the room, his eyes fell upon the figure seated at the ornate table. Tsar Paul, Emperor of Russia, sat with an air of dignified poise, his gaze fixed on Napoleon as he entered.


    "Premier First Consul Napoleon," Paul greeted in a measured tone.


    "Your Imperial Majesty," Napoleon responded with a respectful nod.


    The two leaders regarded each other, their eyes locking in a silent exchange of acknowledgment and intent.


    "I trust you had a pleasant journey, Your Imperial Majesty," Napoleon inquired, breaking the silence.


    Paul''s lips curved into a faint smile. "The journey was uneventful, as it should be for matters of state."


    Napoleon''s lips twitched, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty. Matters of state do have a way of demanding tranquility."


    The tsar''s smile deepened, and his eyes glinted with a shrewd intelligence. "Tranquility is a virtue often sought but seldom attained."


    Napoleon inclined his head, acknowledging the tsar''s observation. "You speak wisdom, Your Imperial Majesty."


    Paul gestured to the chairs opposite him. "Shall we take our seats and delve into the matters that you wished for both of us to discuss?"


    Napoleon nodded and sat on the chair behind his desk. He cleared his throat and began.


    "Your Imperial Majesty, I omitted the reason why I wanted to meet you in person. The reason is that I can''t risk sensitive information falling into the wrong hands," Napoleon stated, his tone straightforward.


    Paul''s brows furrowed slightly, his intrigue evident. "Go on, Premier First Consul."


    Napoleon leaned forward. "There''s a conspiracy at y, one that aims to destabilize your rule in Russia."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Napoleon''s expression grew solemn. "What I mean, Your Imperial Majesty is that there are individuals within your own circles who seek to remove you from power."


    Paul chuckled softly. "I''m sorry, Premier First Consul, I don''t follow."


    "Your Majesty, I''m well aware of the substantial reforms you''ve embarked upon. These epass a centralization of power within the monarchy, potential revisions to our military practices that may unsettle established norms, and a departure from traditional session by selecting your own preferred heir, coupled with adjustments to legal and lesiastical matters. Additionally, your endeavor to instill a code of chivalry among the nobility, while well-intentioned, led to the estrangement of several trusted advisors. Furthermore, your administration has sessfully unveiled and addressed pervasive corruption within the royal treasury. Moreover, you''ve chosen to revoke your mother''s decree that prohibited corporal punishment, thereby extending increased rights to the peasantry and enhancing conditions for serfs on agricultural estates. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that these policies have been met with notable discontent within the Russian nobility.


    "Lastly, Your Imperial Majesty, let us address your recent foreign policy adjustments. The decision for Russia to withdraw from the coalition against France and your initiation of the ''League of Armed Neutrality'' has sparked concerns among your advisors. They apprehend that these actions might have the potential topromise Russia''s interests and establish alliances. Speaking of these alliances, the United Kingdom is notably displeased with your choice. They perceive your diplomatic approach toward France and the formation of this league as an indirect alignment with France''s interests."


    The tsar''s brows furrowed in surprise. "How do youe to possess such knowledge, Premier First Consul?"


    "Well, I''m going to admit this for the sake of this discussion, I have spies in St. Petersburg," Napoleon revealed, but it was a lie. There was indeed a spy in St. Petersburg but none of them were able to attain such information, he just needed to make the emperor believe all he was saying. "I fear that even the United Kingdom is in league with the conspirators."


    After hearing all of that, Paul was silent, processing the information that was handed to him. What Napoleon said was all true, he conducted reforms aimed at the betterment of the Russian Empire. He was also aware that there is discontent among the royal courts, but the conspiracy to assassinate him? That is something he can''t believe. His own subjects have always been his loyal subjects, or so he thought.


    "And I believe that your spies have the names of the conspirators?" Paul asked, his tone grave.


    "I do, and I''m willing to hand them to you but in exchange, I want something," Napoleon said.


    "What is it?"


    "I propose that the Russian Empire establishes an alliance with the French Republic. As you are well aware, I''ve extended the offer to the ambassadors of the member-states within the Second League of Armed Neutrality. This proposed alliance aims to safeguard merchant shipping and would primarily be defensive in nature. Should the British breach its terms, a forceful response would be initiated. Your Imperial Majesty, it''s essential to understand that my intentions are rooted in peace and coboration. I do not stand as your adversary in this matter. Rather, I envision a path toward harmony and mutual benefit. I urge you to view this as a necessary step, considering it a gesture in acknowledgment of my role in safeguarding your life from the conspirators."


    "Very well, you have my attention, Premier First Consul," Paul said. "Are you sure that there is a conspiracy going on? You didn''t make this up?"


    Napoleon simply nodded. "I wouldn''t lie about this."


    "Okay, hand me the list," Paul demanded.


    Napoleon reached out to the drawer of his desk and retrieved a folded piece of paper. He ced it on the table between them, his gaze steady as he pushed it toward the tsar. Paul I regarded the paper for a moment before unfolding it and scanning the contents, his expression growing more serious with each passing second.


    "dimir Mikhailovich Yashvil, Levin August von Bennigsen, Niky Alexandrovich Zubov, Peter Ludwig von der Pahlen, Olga Zherebtsova, Nikita Petrovich Panin…" Paul trailed off as he read the names on the list. His eyes widened, and his fingers tightened around the paper. Recognition flickered across his features, a mix of shock, disbelief, and a growing sense of unease.


    "These... these individuals, I know them. Bennigsen, Pahlen, and Yashvil are the officers that I dismissed…the Zubov is a line of noble families that was my mother''s favorite, and…" Paul continued reading the list. "Charles Whitworth, the Ambassador to Russia of the United Kingdom."


    "Now the list is for you to look into, Your Imperial Majesty," Napoleon said. "I''m sure you have secret agents that can confirm my suspicions and gather further evidence."


    Paul''s gaze remained fixed on the list. "Yes I do, and if it turns out that they are indeed conspirators, I will see to it that an alliance with the French Republic is established and join your war against the United Kingdom."


    Napoleon''s eyes widened at Paul''s determined response. He only wanted a defensive alliance with the Russians but Paul''s willingness to take the alliance a step further was unexpected.


    "Thank you for this list, Premier First Consul. I will make sure that these individuals, if proven guilty, face the consequences of their actions," Paul stated with a firm nod, folding the list and stowing it in his pocket.


    "Your Imperial Majesty, as much as I see you are determined to find out the truth, I must advise that you don''t act rashly, and be discreet in your investigations. I suggest that you have dinner with us, with my family, and leave for Russia tomorrow."


    Napoleon''s suggestion seemed to resonate with Paul, and he nodded thoughtfully. "You are right, Premier First Consul."


    Napoleon leaned back in his chair, a slight smile ying on his lips. "I think this concludes our meeting, Your Imperial Majesty."