The surroundings fell silent in an instant. Only the distant barking of hunting dogs remained in the hunting grounds.
The high-ranking figures from every nation stared wide-eyed at the Crown Prince of France, their hearts filled with shock, panic, and... a trace of anticipation.
Revenge against the Holy See?
This was no laughing matter!
Though the Holy See of today was far weaker than it had been centuries ago and no longer possessed the power to command the European Continent, if anyone moved against the Papal States, those great Catholic powers of Europe might very well use it as an excuse to send troops into the Apennine Peninsula!
At that thought, everyone could not help but cast sidelong glances at Count of Floridablanca.
After all, Spain was one of the Holy See's three greatest pillars of support at present.
Joseph turned to the spanish Chief Minister at the right moment and said solemnly, "Count of Floridablanca, what do you think?"
The latter did not appear surprised.
The Crown Prince of France had long since reached an understanding with him on this matter. Carlos IV had also approved the plan to dismantle the Papal States, with only one condition: Spain would absolutely not become embroiled in it.
Naturally, this was also the unanimous view of Spain's secular faction. Over the preceding decades, the secular faction's many attempts at reform had yielded little due to the church's obstruction.
Moreover, if the church's power could be weakened, secular ministers would gain greater authority as well.
At this moment in Spain, Campos had already begun arranging checks against the church's influence. So long as something went wrong with the Roman Curia here, he would dare launch a "coup" against the church!
Count of Floridablanca made the sign of the cross over his chest and