"Very well, I understand."
Joseph had no choice but to set down his pen, rubbing his slightly sore wrist as he headed for the dressing room.
To be honest, he truly did not want to attend this meaningless meeting. He had not refused only to spare the Regent of Denmark's feelings.
Denmark's diplomatic officials had already sounded out Talleyrand about the matter three days earlier, so he knew Frederick had come to discuss the Armed Neutrality League.
The Armed Neutrality League was indeed beneficial to France, but for it to truly be effective, there had to be some means of restraining the United Kingdom.
For example, all the member states could tie their fleets together and smash the British Navy.
But that was clearly impossible.
Denmark and Sweden had never been able to piss into the same pot.
And what Northern European country would dare form a Combined Fleet with Russia?
So even if an "alliance" were established, the British would still blockade whatever they wished.
Before long, Joseph had changed clothes and arrived at the gates of Versailles Palace. After exchanging formal greetings with Frederick, the Regent of Denmark, they entered the Hall of Peace side by side.
Frederick first spoke at length about Franco-Danish friendship, then quickly steered the topic toward trade between the two countries. "Unfortunately, affected by the war, the volume of trade between our country and France has fallen drastically. This greatly worries me.
"Yes, all of this stems from certain countries' mistaken policy of Naval Blockade.
"And reviving the Armed Neutrality League is undoubtedly the most effective means of dealing with this situation.
"Count Bernstorff has already gone to Russia regarding this matter. I believe His Majesty the Tsar should support it.
"And the Netherlands, Prussia, Two Sicilies, and other nations all yearn for