French Empire: But Napoleon IV

Chapter 21 Republican Party? Sorry, we're not familiar with each other.

Eugène had planned ahead. He took out the two boxes of money and made the gendarmes think that the 80 francs was their extra monthly salary and allowance. He then chose to use the money for... The effect of that must have been explosive.

"This money is not your monthly salary or allowance."

The gendarmes who had been cheering fell silent. They looked at Eugène Napoleon with surprise, and just as the thought arose in their minds that perhaps the prince was playing a trick on them, Eugène, who had paused for a long time, spoke again.

"This money is intended to improve everyone's meals, purchase new uniforms, buy new equipment, and renovate the accommodations."

Seeing that the strategy of first criticizing and then praising had worked, Eugène stopped dawdling and, to avoid the angry gendarmes from taking any extreme actions, directly revealed his thoughts.

"As for your first month's pay rise and subsidies, tonight, yes, tonight, your Commander Pierre will personally bring a new batch of francs to distribute them to you. Each of you will receive them on the spot, and there will also be a late-night snack."

"Long live Your Highness!" x852

It's unclear who shouted first, but soon after, the more than 800 military police present also began to shout in unison.

Originally, some military police officers did think that this treatment was available in all three systems, so they were enjoying it for a few days less than the other two systems.

Colonel Dreima treated them very well. The colonel was also loyal to His Highness. They could do the same for His Highness by following the colonel, so why should they listen to Pierre?

Now, the ecstatic gendarmes had no such thoughts; they had only lost a few days, yet they had received so many francs in subsidies.

If we can upgrade their equipment and living conditions, they can receive their first month's pay tonight, plus a late-night snack.

Now Drema was truly a stranger. This former gendarme commander knew very well that he was powerless to reverse the situation after hearing Eugène hand over the power to distribute money to Pierre.

The reason Pierre was previously ignored was because this figurehead commander posed no threat to their interests. Now, however, the commander holds the power to pay salaries, and with His Highness's support, he has won over a group of people.

The time he spent with the military police in the past was far less important than tangible benefits, and Drema knew that when he was commander, his attitude towards the lower-ranking military police was not very good.

However, knowing that these two days would be the last time he had any free time, Eugène did not intend to kill Drema. With the assistance of a former commander, Pierre was able to get to know the garrison gendarmes more quickly.

For this reason, Eugène ignored Drema for half a day, and after confirming that Drema's will had sunk to its lowest point, finally turned to look at the colonel who had been quietly broken in a corner unknown to anyone.

"Colonel Dreima, I think it's time for you to hand over authority. Commander Pierre is still new here and needs your assistance to familiarize himself with the affairs of each department. If you'd like, I think you could develop your career in the Guards later."

!!!

Drema, who had indeed been shattered and felt his future was bleak, heard Eugène Napoleon's words of forgiveness in his moment of despair.

No, it's not just about forgiveness. In France, everyone knows that joining the Guard is tantamount to having a bright future and being directly labeled as part of the Bonapartist faction.

Especially since he had been recommended by His Highness to join the Royal Guard, Drema dared not imagine how bright his future would be. Compared to his future prospects, perhaps even the sun's brilliance was nothing special.

Even though Eugene was the culprit who pushed Drema into the abyss, he extended a helping hand at this moment.

The dramatic ups and downs directly led Dremar to begin manipulating himself. He didn't hate Eugène for causing him to be in this situation; he only regretted why he had colluded with the gendarmes to obstruct Prince Eugène's appointment.

Despite His Highness's injuries and illness, he still had to walk back and forth here to make arrangements. The more Drema thought about it, the more he felt he deserved to die.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found himself speechless, not knowing how to speak to this prince who had forgiven him.

However, looking at Eugène's eager gaze, Drema felt a strong urge to serve the prince and didn't want his military career to end there.

Just as he mustered the courage to speak, Eugène Napoleon "thought" that Drema's lack of response meant he had hurt Drema too deeply, and he began to blame himself.

"Alright, Drema, I respect your choice. Perhaps I really hurt you. But don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you. You can go to the place you want to work, and I'm willing to help you communicate with them."

"No! No, Your Highness, I...I, I would be happy to serve you."

"That's wonderful, Drema. Pierre is gone, and I was worried about who I could trust. Now it seems that my worries are over."

Upon hearing Drema's declaration of loyalty, Eugène Napoleon was immediately overjoyed and stood on tiptoe to pat the colonel on the shoulder.

Not knowing how to repay Eugène's deep trust, Drema, after much deliberation, could only go into his office. A moment later, Drema came out with a stack of defense documents in his hand.

He handed the compiled information to Pierre and gave him his unreserved advice.

"Lieutenant Colonel Pierre, all matters concerning the Paris Garrison Gendarmerie Command are handled here. I hope you can take my place and safeguard the security of Paris."

He first gave a military salute, then Pierre took the documents and smiled at Drema, his future colleague, extending his right hand in a gesture of goodwill.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Colonel Drema. I will not let Your Highness and Colonel Drema down."

In his heart, Drema was determined to do his best to help the newly appointed commander take over the affairs of the garrison military police headquarters in the coming days.

Only if he takes over smoothly can he demonstrate his talent, and then His Highness will rely on him more.

Having been thoroughly bewitched by Eugène Napoleon's series of moves, Drema had long since cast aside any republican ideals he held dear.

The Republican Party? He's completely unfamiliar with them. How many coins has the Republican Party ever given him? Does the Republican Party have His Highness's benevolence? Is the Republican Party as generous as His Highness's? Does the Republican Party have His Highness's power?...

The Republicans are certainly better at stirring up trouble than His Highness; they'll create unrest in Paris. Those inherently evil Republicans—if I were still the commander of the gendarmerie, I would definitely…

Amidst the dramatic ups and downs of his emotions, Drema, whose initial slightly republican leanings had undergone a radical transformation, had now taken on the form of Eugène Napoleon.