Inside the British Embassy in Paris, British Foreign Secretary George sat facing Minister Roberto Fernandez. The atmosphere in the room was oppressive.
It was clear from their expressions that the welcome banquet which had just ended had not been pleasant.
Not only had Napoleon IV failed to attend in person, but midway through the banquet, he had suddenly announced a government meeting, and the entire French upper echelon had departed.
With all the real powerholders gone, only a few Foreign Ministry staffers and a pile of nobles with empty titles remained to receive Sir George.
They had abandoned even the most basic principle of reciprocal reception. This was no longer merely a display of dominance—it was a complete disregard for George, offering not the slightest face to the British Empire.
Being given the cold shoulder in diplomacy was nothing unusual. Anglo-French relations had never been good, and far greater discourtesies had occurred before. What troubled George was the mission itself.
"Your Excellency, you have been stationed in Paris for a long time and understand the French Government well. What price do you think we will have to pay to persuade the French to support us?"
George's visit to Paris had been arranged in great haste. Before knowing what France wanted, he could only adapt to circumstances.
After some thought, Roberto Fernandez said, "Sir, the French have enormous appetites. A few minor benefits will probably not satisfy them.
"If the situation were not especially critical, I would advise simply stabilizing the French Government. The price of winning them over would be too great.
"In fact, the French Government is currently occupied with sorting out its internal affairs. In the short term, it has no capacity to interfere in international matters."
It was only natural for a nation to loot a burning