I am the Crown Prince of France

Chapter 352: The Two Most Powerful Women in Europe

The young nobles who had accompanied Clara and Marissa began to whisper among themselves, casting mocking glances at the girls. After all, Clara and Marissa had been bragging for over a month about their paintings being included in the exhibition, to the point where everyone was tired of hearing it. But now, after all their boasting, there was nothing to be seen.

"No, there must be some mistake!" Clara insisted loudly. "My painting really is in the exhibition..."

"I'm going to find someone in charge and ask!"

Marissa quickly found a steward of the Château de Charly, who listened to her concerns and then led her upstairs, with Clara following closely behind. The steward opened a storage room on the third floor, lit a candle, and pointed apologetically to a table in the corner. "I'm sorry, young lady, but due to a severe termite infestation in Room 229, the paintings there were damaged and are no longer suitable for exhibition. Château de Charly will compensate you double for the loss."

Clara rushed over, found her painting among the scattered rolls, and unrolled it, only to be stunned into silence.

By the flickering candlelight, she could see that several parts of her painting were marred by stains caused by termite acid reacting with the paint, and even a dead termite was stuck to the canvas...

Exhibiting such a painting would only turn it into a laughingstock.

Philibert's assistant had done a thorough job—when his boss mentioned a "termite infestation," he made sure everything looked as though termites had indeed caused the damage.

Clara let out a piercing scream and ran downstairs in tears...

Meanwhile, on the first floor of the Château de Charly, Alexandra, dressed in the latest pale green dress from Paris, was unaware of the drama unfolding upstairs. She was the picture of poise, following all the etiquette of a perfect lady as she slowly walked past row after row of exquisite paintings. Accompanying her were Alexei and the Russian ambassador to France, Count Alexander Sergeyevich Stroganov.

"This is one of Monsieur Lorrain's masterpieces!" Count Stroganov whispered in awe as he admired the painting on the wall, Ursula's Voyage. He was a true connoisseur of art, and if it weren't for the important task the Emperor had given him today, he would have spent hours savoring this magnificent piece.

After the "Russian delegation" had lingered in the gallery for nearly an hour, the peaceful atmosphere was suddenly broken by the sound of trumpets outside, followed by the beginning of a musical performance.

The crowd became restless, with everyone starting to move toward the entrance.

Count Stroganov looked at Alexei and whispered, "Count Bobrinsky, it seems they've arrived."

Alexei nodded, understanding that the ambassador was referring to the King and Queen of France. He quickly signaled Alexandra to head toward the entrance.

Before long, Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette appeared at the entrance to the gallery. Upon being informed by their attendants, they immediately noticed the elegantly dressed Russian Grand Duchess and her entourage.

As the French royals approached, Alexandra and the others hurriedly stepped forward and bowed deeply. "It is a great honor and a pleasant surprise to meet you here."

Queen Marie Antoinette looked curiously at the sweet-looking girl with the thick braided hair and gave her a warm smile. "I'm delighted to meet you as well. You are always welcome in the City of Art—Paris."

Following the pleasantries, Alexandra's group naturally joined the Queen as they continued to tour the exhibition. The young girl quickly stepped aside to let her uncle take his place next to the Queen, while Ambassador Stroganov stepped forward, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, the Emperor has asked me to convey his sincere regards to you and His Majesty the King."

"Please extend my gratitude to His Majesty," Queen Marie Antoinette replied with a polite nod.

Stroganov was well acquainted with the Queen and began to discuss the art on display. By the time they had seen most of the pieces on the first floor, the conversation had shifted to the ambassador's true purpose for being there. "The Emperor holds you in the highest esteem, Your Majesty. He has often praised you to his ministers, admiring the success of the financial, military, and judicial reforms you have led in France, as well as the impressive achievements in foreign affairs that have drawn the attention of all Europe."

Queen Marie Antoinette blinked, feeling something was off, but she nodded slightly. It was true that France had made significant progress in the past two years, including gaining a province in Tunisia.

Stroganov continued, "The Emperor is particularly impressed by your North African strategy, which has yielded significant benefits with minimal impact on the international balance of power. He also greatly appreciates your support for Russia in the Black Sea and your alignment with us in your stance toward the Ottoman Empire."

He discreetly observed the Queen's reaction, admiring how composed she remained. She truly was, as the Emperor had said, the only woman on the continent who could be compared to her—equally ambitious and equally capable, leading her country out of difficulties and into a period of flourishing development.

In reality, Queen Marie Antoinette wasn't as composed as she appeared. She was, in fact, utterly confused—what North African strategy was he talking about? Wasn't it the Bey who, unable to tolerate Ottoman rule, had requested to join France out of admiration for the nation?

What support had she given Russia in the Black Sea?

And what consistent stance had they taken toward the Ottomans?

What was he talking about??

Stroganov took a deep breath and went on, "Additionally, regarding the 'Swedish Proposal' mentioned by Archbishop Talleyrand during his visit to St. Petersburg two months ago, the Emperor is in full agreement. He believes..."

"Excuse me for a moment," Queen Marie Antoinette's mind was spinning. What "Swedish Proposal"?

"Could you please clarify exactly what Archbishop Talleyrand said?"

Stroganov nodded to himself, impressed by her thoroughness. As a cautious and meticulous ruler, she wanted to ensure that her foreign minister had accurately conveyed her policies. So, he cleared his throat and explained, "Archbishop Talleyrand said that you support Russia's claims in eastern Sweden and that the Gulf of Finland should become a Russian inland sea..."

Queen Marie Antoinette was now more baffled than ever. She had no idea that this was part of the "big promise" Joseph had made to Russia.

At that time, the Russo-Swedish War was raging, and Russia's powerful army had gained considerable ground. Catherine the Great was undoubtedly plotting how to seize more territory from Sweden while worrying about potential European intervention.

So Joseph had cleverly offered Russia what they wanted, assuring them that France agreed with Russia's occupation of eastern Sweden. As long as Russia remained focused on Sweden, Poland would remain safe.

Historically, it was Sweden's victory over Russia in the Battle of Svensksund in 1790 that thwarted Russia's ambitions for Swedish territory, leading Catherine the Great to set her sights on Poland instead.

(End of Chapter)

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