Chapter 225: The Emperor of the Romans
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Chapter 225: The Emperor of the Romans
Napoleon was taken aback, but he knew that when his big brother spoke, it was almost certain that something significant was about to happen. He had just been forced to abandon his dream of Augustus, and now Joseph had thrown this at him. Napoleon felt the blood rush to his face and stammered, "Joseph... What do you mean? What were you saying just now?"
"France must be a republic, and you must be the First Consul of the French Republic. But that doesn't necessarily conflict with being an emperor," Joseph replied with a smile. "I have a few proposals we can discuss."
"Tell me your proposals," Napoleon said, trying to contain his excitement.
"Are you perhaps considering snatching the title of the Holy Roman Emperor?" Lucien chimed in. "That seems like a viable option to me."
"That's one of the proposals," Joseph continued. "In the first proposal, we can use the title of 'Emperor' as an honorable designation, almost like a badge of honor, just like your set of medals. The highest rank in this set of medals would be 'Emperor,' exclusively awarded to the First Consul of France. It would require a separate national referendum, and a First Consul with exceptional achievements would be granted the title 'Emperor' along with various ceremonial honors. Similarly, the Second Consul could be titled 'Caesar.'"
Napoleon frowned. "What's the next proposal?"
Joseph smiled, knowing that Napoleon might not favor this one. "We could form an alliance between France, the Northern Italian Federation, and the Rhineland regions. We would name this alliance 'Rome,' with the governing body called the 'Senate.' The leader of this alliance would hold the title of 'Emperor.'"
"This 'Emperor' title is more substantial than the previous one and comes with additional benefits," Joseph explained. "It would enhance national pride, unite the free world, making French liberty and democracy symbols of civilization while subtly degrading other feudal nations. However, this glory would have its limits, and it won't create a royal family."
Napoleon inquired about the final proposal. Joseph continued, "In the last proposal, we would compel Austria to relinquish the title of the 'Holy Roman Empire' or pressure the Pope to renounce the 'Holy Roman Empire' title and crown. Then, we'd announce the establishment of an 'Orthodox' Roman Empire, with the Pope crowning you as the 'Emperor of the Romans.' France would also declare an alliance with the 'Roman Empire' and cede a small piece of land – Versailles might work – to the 'Roman Empire.' This way, we would establish an empire with territory, sovereignty, and an inheritance system."
Furthermore, there was the issue of the sea route to Ireland. Among these concerns, achieving the title of Emperor seemed to take precedence for now.
Shortly after, Napoleon sent an envoy to the Vatican. However, the envoy's purpose was not to discuss the emperorship but to continue negotiations about the status of the Catholic Church in France.
Both parties were enthusiastic about the prospect of restoring the French dioceses. Despite occasional disrespectful acts towards the Pope and the Vatican in France, there was no other country among those supportive of the Catholic faith that could be compared to France.
The dispute revolved around certain conditions that France demanded to grant privileges to the French Catholic Church:
First, the financial independence of the French Church, with no obligation to contribute to the Vatican. Religious taxes, like the tithe, would no longer be in effect in France.
Second, the French Church would have independent authority over personnel decisions. Whether it was cardinal, archbishop, bishop, or even parish priests, all appointments would be made by the French themselves, with the Vatican being notified (note: not seeking approval). The Vatican would not have any reason to interfere in the personnel decisions of the French Church. In other words, who became a cardinal, archbishop, or bishop in France would be determined solely by the French (Napoleon). The Pope should find a comfortable place to relax.
Third, any decision by the Vatican would only take effect in the French dioceses if it received the recognition and signature of the currently serving French cardinal. Even if the decision had already been implemented in the French dioceses, its validity would still be inferior to decisions passed democratically within the French dioceses. This meant that if the French felt that a particular decision was no longer in their favor, they could directly suspend its execution within the dioceses.
"Is this... is this still Catholicism? Isn't this essentially a French version of the Anglican Church?" It was reported that when the Pope saw these French conditions, he couldn't help but sigh.
The French envoy responded, "Holy See, our country initially intended to establish a constitutional monarchy in terms of politics, rather than a republic. However, some were unwilling, and as a result, France became a republic. Now, under the republican system, France is willing to accept a constitutional church. I personally believe that this already shows a great deal of sincerity."
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Chapter 225: The Emperor of the Romans
Napoleon was taken aback, but he knew that when his big brother spoke, it was almost certain that something significant was about to happen. He had just been forced to abandon his dream of Augustus, and now Joseph had thrown this at him. Napoleon felt the blood rush to his face and stammered, "Joseph... What do you mean? What were you saying just now?"
"France must be a republic, and you must be the First Consul of the French Republic. But that doesn't necessarily conflict with being an emperor," Joseph replied with a smile. "I have a few proposals we can discuss."
"Tell me your proposals," Napoleon said, trying to contain his excitement.
"Are you perhaps considering snatching the title of the Holy Roman Emperor?" Lucien chimed in. "That seems like a viable option to me."
"That's one of the proposals," Joseph continued. "In the first proposal, we can use the title of 'Emperor' as an honorable designation, almost like a badge of honor, just like your set of medals. The highest rank in this set of medals would be 'Emperor,' exclusively awarded to the First Consul of France. It would require a separate national referendum, and a First Consul with exceptional achievements would be granted the title 'Emperor' along with various ceremonial honors. Similarly, the Second Consul could be titled 'Caesar.'"
Napoleon frowned. "What's the next proposal?"
Joseph smiled, knowing that Napoleon might not favor this one. "We could form an alliance between France, the Northern Italian Federation, and the Rhineland regions. We would name this alliance 'Rome,' with the governing body called the 'Senate.' The leader of this alliance would hold the title of 'Emperor.'"
"This 'Emperor' title is more substantial than the previous one and comes with additional benefits," Joseph explained. "It would enhance national pride, unite the free world, making French liberty and democracy symbols of civilization while subtly degrading other feudal nations. However, this glory would have its limits, and it won't create a royal family."
Napoleon inquired about the final proposal. Joseph continued, "In the last proposal, we would compel Austria to relinquish the title of the 'Holy Roman Empire' or pressure the Pope to renounce the 'Holy Roman Empire' title and crown. Then, we'd announce the establishment of an 'Orthodox' Roman Empire, with the Pope crowning you as the 'Emperor of the Romans.' France would also declare an alliance with the 'Roman Empire' and cede a small piece of land – Versailles might work – to the 'Roman Empire.' This way, we would establish an empire with territory, sovereignty, and an inheritance system."
Furthermore, there was the issue of the sea route to Ireland. Among these concerns, achieving the title of Emperor seemed to take precedence for now.
Shortly after, Napoleon sent an envoy to the Vatican. However, the envoy's purpose was not to discuss the emperorship but to continue negotiations about the status of the Catholic Church in France.
Both parties were enthusiastic about the prospect of restoring the French dioceses. Despite occasional disrespectful acts towards the Pope and the Vatican in France, there was no other country among those supportive of the Catholic faith that could be compared to France.
The dispute revolved around certain conditions that France demanded to grant privileges to the French Catholic Church:
First, the financial independence of the French Church, with no obligation to contribute to the Vatican. Religious taxes, like the tithe, would no longer be in effect in France.
Second, the French Church would have independent authority over personnel decisions. Whether it was cardinal, archbishop, bishop, or even parish priests, all appointments would be made by the French themselves, with the Vatican being notified (note: not seeking approval). The Vatican would not have any reason to interfere in the personnel decisions of the French Church. In other words, who became a cardinal, archbishop, or bishop in France would be determined solely by the French (Napoleon). The Pope should find a comfortable place to relax.
Third, any decision by the Vatican would only take effect in the French dioceses if it received the recognition and signature of the currently serving French cardinal. Even if the decision had already been implemented in the French dioceses, its validity would still be inferior to decisions passed democratically within the French dioceses. This meant that if the French felt that a particular decision was no longer in their favor, they could directly suspend its execution within the dioceses.
"Is this... is this still Catholicism? Isn't this essentially a French version of the Anglican Church?" It was reported that when the Pope saw these French conditions, he couldn't help but sigh.
The French envoy responded, "Holy See, our country initially intended to establish a constitutional monarchy in terms of politics, rather than a republic. However, some were unwilling, and as a result, France became a republic. Now, under the republican system, France is willing to accept a constitutional church. I personally believe that this already shows a great deal of sincerity."
Unlock exclusive early access to The Complete Novel (All the chapters) before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.
Chapter 225: The Emperor of the RomansNapoleon was taken aback, but he knew that when his big brother spoke, it was almost certain that something significant was about to happen. He had just been forced to abandon his dream of Augustus, and now Joseph had thrown this at him. Napoleon felt the blood rush to his face and stammered, "Joseph... What do you mean? What were you saying just now?""France must be a republic, and you must be the First Consul of the French Republic. But that doesn't necessarily conflict with being an emperor," Joseph replied with a smile. "I have a few proposals we can discuss.""Tell me your proposals," Napoleon said, trying to contain his excitement."Are you perhaps considering snatching the title of the Holy Roman Emperor?" Lucien chimed in. "That seems like a viable option to me.""That's one of the proposals," Joseph continued. "In the first proposal, we can use the title of 'Emperor' as an honorable designation, almost like a badge of honor, just like your set of medals. The highest rank in this set of medals would be 'Emperor,' exclusively awarded to the First Consul of France. It would require a separate national referendum, and a First Consul with exceptional achievements would be granted the title 'Emperor' along with various ceremonial honors. Similarly, the Second Consul could be titled 'Caesar.'"Napoleon frowned. "What's the next proposal?"Joseph smiled, knowing that Napoleon might not favor this one. "We could form an alliance between France, the Northern Italian Federation, and the Rhineland regions. We would name this alliance 'Rome,' with the governing body called the 'Senate.' The leader of this alliance would hold the title of 'Emperor.'""This 'Emperor' title is more substantial than the previous one and comes with additional benefits," Joseph explained. "It would enhance national pride, unite the free world, making French liberty and democracy symbols of civilization while subtly degrading other feudal nations. However, this glory would have its limits, and it won't create a royal family."Napoleon inquired about the final proposal. Joseph continued, "In the last proposal, we would compel Austria to relinquish the title of the 'Holy Roman Empire' or pressure the Pope to renounce the 'Holy Roman Empire' title and crown. Then, we'd announce the establishment of an 'Orthodox' Roman Empire, with the Pope crowning you as the 'Emperor of the Romans.' France would also declare an alliance with the 'Roman Empire' and cede a small piece of land Versailles might work to the 'Roman Empire.' This way, we would establish an empire with territory, sovereignty, and an inheritance system."Furthermore, there was the issue of the sea route to Ireland. Among these concerns, achieving the title of Emperor seemed to take precedence for now.Shortly after, Napoleon sent an envoy to the Vatican. However, the envoy's purpose was not to discuss the emperorship but to continue negotiations about the status of the Catholic Church in France.Both parties were enthusiastic about the prospect of restoring the French dioceses. Despite occasional disrespectful acts towards the Pope and the Vatican in France, there was no other country among those supportive of the Catholic faith that could be compared to France.The dispute revolved around certain conditions that France demanded to grant privileges to the French Catholic Church:First, the financial independence of the French Church, with no obligation to contribute to the Vatican. Religious taxes, like the tithe, would no longer be in effect in France.Second, the French Church would have independent authority over personnel decisions. Whether it was cardinal, archbishop, bishop, or even parish priests, all appointments would be made by the French themselves, with the Vatican being notified note: not seeking approval. The Vatican would not have any reason to interfere in the personnel decisions of the French Church. In other words, who became a cardinal, archbishop, or bishop in France would be determined solely by the French Napoleon. The Pope should find a comfortable place to relax.Third, any decision by the Vatican would only take effect in the French dioceses if it received the recognition and signature of the currently serving French cardinal. Even if the decision had already been implemented in the French dioceses, its validity would still be inferior to decisions passed democratically within the French dioceses. This meant that if the French felt that a particular decision was no longer in their favor, they could directly suspend its execution within the dioceses."Is this... is this still Catholicism? Isn't this essentially a French version of the Anglican Church?" It was reported that when the Pope saw these French conditions, he couldn't help but sigh.The French envoy responded, "Holy See, our country initially intended to establish a constitutional monarchy in terms of politics, rather than a republic. However, some were unwilling, and as a result, France became a republic. Now, under the republican system, France is willing to accept a constitutional church. I personally believe that this already shows a great deal of sincerity."Unlock exclusive early access to The Complete Novel All the chapters before anyone else by becoming a valued member of my Patreon community.
