"How capable is Portugal's army?" In the warehouse basement, Severus pointed his wand at the map and asked the wounded John.
"I don't expect much from them." John shrugged. "Or from our own army."
"Sending troops to Portugal would not only ease their domestic food crisis, but might even let them carve off a piece of land. We occupied Egypt; the French will not accept that loss without retaliation. It is an excellent way to shift their domestic crisis elsewhere. As for military expenses, they can raise them in Portugal the same way they did in Italy—levy a 'special war tax' on the locals. It is a profitable deal with multiple benefits and no losses. And they have support from Spain's former prime minister. We have almost no chance of winning this war unless our army suddenly becomes as capable as the navy."
"Should we report this back home?" the Liverpool man asked.
"By the time our members of Parliament finish debating whether to send troops, the French flag will already be flying over Lisbon." Severus's face stiffened. "What we can do is make them fight among themselves. France has many distinguished generals besides Napoleon, such as Moreau. They may all believe they can replace Napoleon as military dictator. But that little man is not merely good at war and intrigue. We need to send Jenner back home. He will make use of Jenner to make his authority even more unshakable."
"What should we do?" John asked Severus.
"First, find out exactly which unit is being sent to Portugal. I spent all day at Saint Luke Palace yesterday..."
"His military operations are planned at Malmaison Palace. Ask the people watching him whether his close associates have suddenly gathered," John interrupted Severus.
"Not necessarily his close associates... Look into Gouvion Saint-Cyr."