Chapter 306: A New Dawn
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Chapter 306: A New Dawn
August, 1751
August, 1751
“The treasury is full, Sire. The peace of the past few years has been a boon.” Jean Baptiste, the Minister for Finance said.
“Where have we made the biggest gains?” Louis asked.
“In customs and cloth, Sire.” Baptiste said. “And our trade in munitions with the Ottomans has been very useful.”
“Good.” Louis said. “How will this impact our ability to wage war?”
“Sire?” Baptiste replied sounding uncertain.
“The situation in Europe is changing. King Ferdinand of Naples is frail, and the Emperor has made clear he has no plan of allowing Parma to go into personal union with Naples or for it to go to Ferdinand’s brother Philip, therefore we must understand our capability for fighting.” Louis said. That part about Philip was guesswork, but knowing the Emperor he would not be surprised if it were true.
Baptiste nodded in understanding, though whether he truly understood, Louis did not know. The man didn’t even bother looking at his notes when he replied. “We can manage a war for about two or three years at current rates, Sire. Anything more and taxation would need to be increased.”
“Very well, thank you.” Louis said. He turned then to Minister for Foreign Affairs and asked. “What word do you have from Scotland?”
The vicomte de Puisieulx smiled and said. “Good news, Sire. The Highland Clans of MacDonald of Sleat and MacLeod have agreed to our offer.”
“You mean to say they will stage an uprising in exchange for funding and arms?” Louis asked.
“I do, Sire.” Puisieulx said.
“Excellent.” Louis said. He had been trying to find a way to provoke trouble for the King of Britannia for many months now and had finally found a way to do it. He didn’t need to know why the clans chosen were willing to go ahead with the plan, only that they were. “The money and arms should be sent out as soon as possible.”
“Sire.” Puisieulx replied.
Louis smiled and then commented. “We shall ensure the whirlwind comes for them.”