The taste of Vienna

Catherine II, true to her reputation as a great ruler, was quick-witted and immediately followed up:

"In addition, I will relocate 3,000 Serfs to Donbas and sponsor 50,000 Ruble for France's development plans."

"In return, I hope to receive one-third of the mineral revenue from the Donbas Region."

Talleyrand immediately flashed his standard diplomatic smile:

"Your Majesty, you know that our country faces enormous risks in developing the Donbas. You know that those initial explorations are unreliable; it's very likely that we'll only end up with a small deposit of a few hundred tons..."

To be honest, the 3,000 Serfs were indeed somewhat helpful for the development work, but Joseph had already prepared other laborers, so the work could continue as usual even without them.

As for 50,000 Ruble, which is roughly equivalent to 200,000 Franc, if invested in a place as small as Donbas, it wouldn't even make a ripple.

In fact, Joseph intended to share some of the profits with Catherine II, since it's easier to get things done when mining on someone else's land with shared interests. However, he granted Talleyrand the authority to give Russia 20% of the profits.

But Catherine II's appetite is a bit too big.

Talleyrand pondered for a moment and said:

"Your Majesty, this development is entirely a risky decision made by His Crown Prince. You shouldn't be burdened with the risks as well, such as the personnel you intend to send or the sponsorship."

Before Catherine II could object, he immediately added:

"However, when I left Paris, His Highness instructed me to set aside 10% of the profits as a sign of his respect for you. Oh, and His Highness also said that if a large mineral deposit is indeed discovered in Donbas, then he will invest in the expansion and renovation of the Kherson Port."

Catherine II narrowed her eyes slightly.

The river connecting the Donbas Region and Crimea's outlet to the sea is called the Dnieper River, and Kherson Port is the port where the Dnieper River flows into the Black Sea. Talleyrand was reminding her of the importance of developing the Donbas Region for Russia's control of Crimea. Crimea was Russia's only foothold for trade with the Mediterranean Sea coast, and successive Tsar spared no effort to take it over. Catherine II also exerted tremendous effort, engaging in repeated battles with the Ottoman, losing tens of thousands of people, before finally managing to barely control Crimea.

If the Donbas Region on the northern coast of Crimea could be developed rapidly, it would provide strong support for her rule over Crimea. At the very least, if war broke out in Crimea, requisitioning logistical supplies from Donbas would be far less expensive and faster than transporting them from Moscow.

She smiled at Talleyrand:

"Thank you, Your Crown Prince, for your consideration for our country. Then France will assume full responsibility for the investment, and I will receive 15% of the mineral profits."

She did indeed feel that developing Donbas was risky, and if the France really found a large mine, they would definitely need a lot of labor to mine it. At that time, she could use the dispatch of Serfs to increase her profits.

Talleyrand secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but continued to haggle:

"Your Majesty, this percentage is too high. I hope you can grant us tax breaks for the mining operations..."

After the banquet that evening, Talleyrand seemingly casually said to Catherine II:

"Your Majesty, Prussia and Austria are currently at war in Silesia. His Crown Prince implores you to understand His Joseph II II's desire to reclaim the lost territories of Silesia. As you know, His Highness greatly respects his uncle."

Catherine II immediately recalled that last month United Kingdom had also sent a special envoy to Saint Petersburg to express its hope that Russia would not interfere in the war in Silesia. Today, the France Minister of Foreign Affairs had brought up the matter again.

The United Kingdom stance was naturally what Joseph had demanded in the Non-Interference Treaty.

Catherine II did indeed hope that Prussia and Austria could cease hostilities and then partition Poland together with Russia, but she still had to consider the attitudes of Britain and France. Moreover, the France had just offered to help her develop the Donbas, which made it even harder for her to refuse.

She nodded and said, "Archbishop Talleyrand, please convey to His Highness that I have no intention of interfering in the situation in Silesia."

The Petit Trianon.

Queen Mary entered the room and immediately sat down in a chair, looking quite tired, but her face was beaming with a smile:

"Ah, what a magnificent event! Look, all of Europe is focused on Paris, everyone is exclaiming in admiration, everyone!"

She stretched out her delicate, white feet, and with the help of the maid, changed into comfortable shoes. She then exclaimed:

"Joseph always comes up with these brilliant ideas; God must really love his little brain..."

"Oh, thankfully the expo will be held in Lyon three years from now. Hosting such a grand event is exhausting."

She had just presided over the closing ceremony of the World Expo and then rushed back to the Versailles Palace from Paris.

Countess de Berninac, standing nearby, reminded her:

"Your Majesty, Paris Fashion Week is in two months. You may have to preside over the opening ceremony, after all, you are the symbol of France fashion."

"Oh God— " Queen Mary exaggeratedly touched her forehead, but her eyes caught sight of several plates of exquisite desserts on the small table in front of her.

"Could this be Vienna Vanilla Crisp Cake?!" She was overjoyed and carefully picked up a small piece and put it in her mouth.

The sweet flavor, combined with the crispy texture, spread across her lips and teeth. Queen Mary instantly closed her eyes in ecstasy, nodding contentedly.

"Uh-huh!"

After she tasted several other desserts, she suddenly looked at the maid:

"These definitely weren't made by Mr. Sehilian and his men, they taste absolutely amazing!"

Sehilian was her Chief Cake chef, and although her skills were top-notch, she couldn't replicate this Vienna flavor.

"It is Miss Delvaux's masterpiece, Your Majesty," De Berninac said from the side.

"Hmm? Yes, yes, only she can make such authentic Vienna cuisine." Queen Mary looked at the maid beside her, "Where is Camellia?"

A maid hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Miss Delvaux is cleaning your music room."

Queen Mary shook her head with a smile, "She's always so restless. Tell her to stop what she's doing and come chat with me."

Her original expectation of Camellia was that she would behave like an ordinary Nobility, learning poetry and dancing, but the latter insisted on fulfilling the duties of a maid, busying herself with chores every day. And she did it very well; even the Queen's experienced Servant, some with over a decade of experience, were not as meticulous in their care as she was.

Queen Mary cut a small piece of pastry with her fork, and just as she was about to put it in her mouth, she heard the voice of the Court Ceremonial Officer:

"His Crown Prince arrived."

Joseph entered the room and bowed to his mother.

"Dear Mother, I might be going to Austria soon. Mmm, this smells so good..."