Let's Skip Straight to Phase Two

After giving orders regarding the Optical Signal Tower, Shap withdrew first, while Joseph began discussing war preparations with Berthier.

"You may already have heard that at the Stuttgart conference, the British have begun openly accusing our country without the slightest attempt at concealment.

"At this rate, war could break out at any moment."

Berthier nodded gravely. "Yes, Your Highness. The General Staff Headquarters has reached a similar conclusion and has been accelerating its preparations."

"Then where does the General Staff Headquarters believe the British will strike?"

"First, there will certainly be a full naval blockade," Berthier said. "Our trade with the Americas, the Far East, and even the Mediterranean coast will be severely affected.

"The situation will be even more dire than during the Seven Years' War. And this time, the Dutch fleet will very likely accept British command."

Of course, in this age without radar, a so-called complete blockade was impossible.

France also possessed Europe's second-largest navy. It could still escort its own merchant ships along certain routes and maintain some trade, but the total volume would inevitably plummet.

Joseph reassured the Chief of Staff. "I can assure you that, at least in the Mediterranean, the British will not be able to run wild without restraint."

As a military big shot, Berthier had naturally heard about the Steam Warships. He immediately nodded.

"This will give our forces enormous strategic room..."

He quickly returned to his own duties.

"The British army is fundamentally incapable of challenging us, so they will certainly rely on Prussia, Hanover, and Saxony to send troops together.

"Britain and Hanover can mobilize around one hundred thousand troops. Prussia's mobilization limit is close to two hundred thousand.

"Judging from the current situation, Austria's stance also warrants great vigilance. They can deploy more than two hundred and fifty