The father and son shared a knowing smile and promptly set out.Upon leaving the workshop, Joseph headed towards the Marble Courtyard, only to see Louis XVI turn towards the tea room.He quickly followed and asked in surprise, "Father, aren't we going to the shooting range?""Indeed," Louis XVI nodded. "While they prepare the carriage, we can have a cup of tea, some pastries, and change our clothes in the meantime."It then occurred to Joseph about Louis XVI's super luxury carriage weighing 1.5 tons; with all his travel necessities, it would take no less than 40 minutes to prepare.He eagerly caught up to Louis XVI, "Dear father, you're going as a master gunsmith to inspect your work, there's no need for such ceremony. Why not take my carriage instead?"Louis XVI blinked, hmm, a master gunsmith, huh? That does sound interesting, very stylish.He heeded the advice and after a quick change of clothes, he left the Palace of Versailles and climbed into his son's grey-black carriage.The K

The Space BetweenJOHN'S POVThe moment with Divo stretches longer than it should, the silence between us growing heavier with each passing second.Neither of us moves first, both holding our ground in the narrow corridor like stepping aside would be admitting something neither wants to concede. Something close to defeat. Finally, I break the standoff. "What are you doing here?"Divo's response comes immediately, his voice cold and controlled. "I could ask you the same thing.""I was just passing through," I say. "Heading back to my room.""Interesting route," he says, his tone making it clear he doesn't believe me. "I was just passing through too."We both know it's a lie. Both of us were near the restricted wing for a reason, drawn to that partially open door like moths to flame. But neither of us acknowledges it directly, the truth sitting between us unspoken but understood."Right," I say after a beat. "Well. I should get going.""Yeah," Divo agrees. "Me too."But neither of us

"North Africa?" Talleyrand seemed slightly taken aback by the Crown Prince's sudden mention of the topic, pausing for a moment, "I do know a bit about the situation. Your Highness, what would you like to hear?""Anything, the more detailed the better."Limping, Talleyrand followed alongside Joseph, musing, "North Africa, broadly speaking, is located on the southern coast of the Mediterranean. From west to east, there are several countries, including Morocco, Algiers, Tunisia, Tripoli, Egypt."Ah, how should I put this? Aside from Morocco, the others might not really be considered countries. Depending on the needs of different situations, they can change at any time between Ottoman provinces and states..."He suddenly realized that the Crown Prince probably didn't want him to talk about these basic geographical concepts, and hurriedly shifted to discussing the political system, "Currently, Morocco is under the rule of the Alawites Dynasty.However, in recent decades, rebellions have fr

Talleyrand immediately showed a look of surprise, "I will follow Your Highness's orders in all respects."Joseph nodded, "I hope you can serve as a diplomatic advisor and go on a mission to the United States.""Good, good, I am willing to go! Thank you, Your Highness!" Talleyrand hadn't expected that today, in addition to gaining the Queen's forgiveness, he would also receive this unexpected reward.At this time in France, after the dissolution of the "Society of Jesus," the Church had been completely transformed into the "Ministry of Education" and "Civil Administration," in addition to some relief work. Although it possessed significant wealth, it no longer had any real power.Therefore, the priests were all sharpening their heads to get a job in the government, which was considered truly making one's mark. Among them, Archbishop Brienne was a standout.And the fact that Joseph could offer Talleyrand a position with real power was a great promotion indeed.Of course, Joseph also val

The Navy Minister took a moment before he understood that the naval base the Crown Prince referred to was in places like Algiers and Tunisia, where Barbary pirates were entrenched."However, in the Barbary Coast region, the impact on the Ottoman Empire would be limited. The Gulf of Sidra might be more..."Seeing him persist, Joseph subtly gave Brian a look. The latter immediately cleared his throat and said, "Marquis of Castries, you know that our finances are extremely tight, so there is no additional allocation for this operation."No funding? Hearing this, the Navy Minister's enthusiasm deflated, muttering, "But even showing force near the Barbary Coast requires funds."Joseph smiled, "That's why we need to bring in the United States and Spain for a joint operation."Queen Mary looked with interest at her son, "Joseph, why involve Americans and Spaniards?""Because the Americans can pay," Joseph said. "Their merchant ships in the Mediterranean are often attacked by the Ottoman Navy