Information Gap

One had to understand that, at the speed messages traveled in this age, even if they rode the horses to death without regard for the cost, it would still take four or five days to get from Rome to Paris.

In truth, of the two days between the assassination and Joseph receiving the news, most had been spent on the stretch from Rome to Lyon.

Lyon had sent the news back to Paris via the Signal Machine in only forty minutes!

And that was with the signal operators having just started work and being very unfamiliar with their duties, as well as the report from Rome being rather lengthy.

According to Shap's estimate, once the Signal Towers were connected and everything went smoothly, transmitting twenty words from the southernmost point of France to its northernmost point would take less than half an hour.

It was practically the telegraph of this era!

Joseph looked over the secret report and nodded. "This matter will have a significant impact on Europe's entire political landscape. Eman, have Archbishop Brienne and Mr. Talleyrand come here at once."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Before long, the two French ministers arrived at the Crown Prince's reception room.

Joseph gestured for them to dispense with formalities and handed them the secret report directly. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

The two quickly finished reading it. Brienne pondered for a moment. "Although the Pope escaped disaster, Archbishop Inocenti was severely wounded protecting him. The Pope must be extremely enraged at this moment, and will punish the Holy Roman Emperor severely."

Talleyrand, however, shook his head. "I believe the Pope does not seem to wish to fall out too badly with the Austrians."

"Oh?" Joseph looked at him. "Please explain your reasoning."

"Yes, Your Highness." Talleyrand bowed slightly. "If the Pope