Joseph asked in some confusion, "The Ottoman forces in the north vastly outnumber Persia's. How had they been beaten into such a sorry state?"
Berthier said, "It appears the Russians were secretly aiding Persia, Your Highness. The rebels in West Georgia were able to reach Tbilisi so quickly most likely because they passed through Gori."
"What was Constantinople's response?"
"Selim III has dispatched Imanzadeh with eighty thousand troops to reinforce Transcaucasia, Your Highness," Berthier said. "They are expected to reach Armenia in no more than a month."
Joseph could not help narrowing his eyes. "In other words, an unprecedentedly large battle is about to erupt in Transcaucasia. And for quite some time, Russia will no longer need to commit too many troops in that direction.
"Then where will the Russian Army originally deployed in Georgia go?"
Berthier reacted quickly. "You mean they will be transferred to the West Line."
"Alexander's ability to lay out a strategy is rather impressive." Joseph nodded. "In that case, the Polish Army is in even greater danger. Inform the Poles of the situation in Transcaucasia as well, and urge them to withdraw as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your Highness."
After Berthier took his leave, Joseph remained worried about the war in Eastern Europe. He was considering whether to have Charles personally make a trip to Poland when Aiman approached briskly with the Director of Security Bureau.
"Your Highness the Regent." Lavalette bowed, then looked around. Only after confirming that the guards and the sanatorium staff were some distance away did he step closer and say, "We have some news concerning His Highness Charles."
Joseph nodded. "Please, go on."
"First, we have basically confirmed that the woman having an affair with His Highness Charles is Queen Louise of Prussia," the Director of Security Bureau said. "They