Chapter 137: Breakdown of Negotiations

"Alright, let's not discuss this issue for now. There's no point in arguing further. Let's set it aside. Since the French government also desires peace, we now have a basis for negotiations. If that's the case, why don't we negotiate peacefully?" Tom hastily interjected upon seeing Napoleon and the Austrian diplomat arguing with each other. If they continued to argue like this, the mediation effort might be jeopardized.

"Well, since Sir Tom has put it that way, I'm willing to sit down and talk with you," Napoleon nodded, agreeing with Tom's approach.

At present, the French army had decisively won on the battlefield. The next step was to make Austria yield. It was clear what benefits the French had gained from this war. However, these would need to be confirmed through negotiations. Of course, if the Austrians did not know their place and failed to recognize the current situation, Napoleon would not mind teaching them a lesson.

"Your Excellency, this is the First Consul of France, Napoleon. Please state your demands to him," Tom said.

"Respected First Consul Napoleon, hello. Regarding the ceasefire mediation, Austria has two demands. Firstly, the French army must withdraw from the Austrian Empire's territory, specifically the Italian region, effective immediately. Secondly, our country has suffered tremendous losses in this battle, so I demand your government compensate Austria with a total of 100 million Austrian florins. If you do not accept these conditions, the war will continue. The great Austrian Empire's army will completely defeat you," the Austrian envoy arrogantly declared.

Upon hearing the Austrian diplomat's words, not only Napoleon but also Roland beside him were dumbfounded. For a moment, Roland even doubted who had won this war. Could it be that the French had been defeated? Were the Austrians now the victors? Otherwise, why would the Austrian diplomat behave like this, as if the victors were carving up the defeated?

Napoleon's face also showed a strange expression. Although he had anticipated that the Austrians' attitude might be harsh, he had not expected them to propose such unreasonable conditions. Did they take him for a fool?

"Your Excellency, it seems you haven't quite grasped the situation. Currently, the French army has annihilated one hundred thousand Austrian troops on the battlefield. It is now France that governs Italy, not Austria! If you truly want those two conditions you mentioned, by all means, gather your troops and try to defeat us, then you can have your conditions met." Napoleon's face twisted into a mocking smile. If it weren't for diplomatic etiquette, he might have publicly questioned whether the Austrian Foreign Ministry had run out of capable diplomats and sent a fool instead.

The Austrian envoy's face showed a hint of shame and anger as he retorted, "Indeed. Currently, you have a slight advantage on the battlefield. But the loss of one hundred thousand soldiers is of no consequence to Austria. We can easily mobilize millions more to join the fight. If this war continues, we will undoubtedly emerge victorious! Today, we came for negotiations only to save face for the British."

"In that case, there's no need to continue these negotiations. Let's wait until the Austrian army defeats us," Napoleon replied with frustration. These Austrians were too arrogant. Did they really think he would be afraid of them?

"Hmph! Is that your answer? Very well, you will regret your actions today," the Austrian diplomat coldly responded, then stood up and left.

The departure of the Austrian diplomat left Duke Tom dumbfounded. He hadn't expected the first meeting between the two sides to end like this. Starting off so tense certainly cast a shadow over the mediation effort.

"First Consul of France, this..." Duke Tom stood up, pointing at the retreating figure of the Austrian diplomat, at a loss for words.

"The conditions proposed by the Austrians are too harsh. They have shown no sincerity in these negotiations. I even doubt whether we are truly the victors of this war now. Such conditions are absolutely unacceptable to us," Napoleon said coldly. The Austrian conditions lacked sincerity and were purely absurd. Unless Napoleon had been kicked in the head by a donkey, he would never agree to them.

"Very well, we'll try to persuade the Austrian side. Tomorrow morning, we hope to resume negotiations," Duke Tom nodded reluctantly.

"Of course we can. However, I suggest that your country persuade the Austrian diplomat to recognize the current situation. If the Austrians insist on such conditions, then negotiations will have no result," said Napoleon. His statement undoubtedly represented the final attitude of the French government and army.

"Not only your country, even Britain feels that the Austrian demands are excessive. I will go and persuade the Austrian diplomat," nodded Sir Tom, then took his leave.

"Damn these brainless Austrians, I really don't know what they're thinking. It's simply outrageous. I almost thought we had lost the battle!" After Tom and the others left, Napoleon exclaimed angrily.

"Don't be angry, Prime Minister. This isn't the first time we've dealt with the Austrians. They've always been arrogant like this. They're still living in the glory of the Holy Roman Empire! Fortunately, our army defeated them in the war. Otherwise, who knows how harsh their demands would be now," murmured Muira with a bitter smile.

Napoleon nodded. He was well aware of Austria's ambitions in Italy and southern France. In this war, the French government and army had put everything on the line. Thankfully, they had God's blessing and won the advantage on the battlefield. Otherwise, Austria would have swallowed up all of Italy by now.

"By the way, how many Austrian troops are still within the Tunaya region now?" Napoleon suddenly remembered something and asked the generals beside him. Since the Battle of Tyrol, where he had seized the opportunity to counter-attack after Karl's unsuccessful advance, the entire Austrian army had been scattered, and the Austrian commander, Archduke Karl, had fled in disarray. The remaining Austrian forces were in complete disarray. However, this time, the invading Austrian army numbered a massive 200,000 soldiers, and they were not easy to deal with. Even though they had been scattered, Napoleon estimated that there were still at least 60,000 to 70,000 Austrian soldiers left within the entire Italian territory.

"I think there are still about 60,000 to 70,000 left. After the main Austrian forces were defeated, these guys are now spread out all over the place," Muira responded.

"Consolidate the troops and attack! Next, we must do our utmost to inflict maximum casualties on these scattered Austrian troops. Only then can we pressure Austria to return to the negotiating table!" commanded Napoleon.

Although Napoleon spoke forcefully, in private, the French army was in a similar state to the Austrians, struggling to hold on. The prolonged war had led to nationwide military mobilization and massive consumption of resources. Despite reforms revitalizing France, it was still too early, and if the war continued like this, any economic recovery achieved would vanish. France would return to its previous chaotic state.

"Inform Davout and Murot to rally the troops for another attack. This time, I don't want land; I want casualty figures!" Napoleon declared firmly.