"Please sit!"
With a hint of profound fatigue on his face, Prince Albert politely invited Dr. James to sit down. After Dr. James carefully seated himself at the corner of the long sofa, Prince Albert then took his seat.
As soon as he sat down, Prince Albert politely asked, "Tea or coffee?"
"Your Highness, there's no need to go to such lengths!" Dr. James responded with a surprised wave of his hand.
Prince Albert seemed to ignore this, muttering to himself, "Then tea it shall be! It's been a long time since I tasted the tea offered by the East India Company!"
John Brown, standing by, saluted Prince Albert and left the room to prepare refreshments for the Prince.
The room was left with only Prince Albert and Dr. James, plunging the entire room into a brief, deathly silence.
Dr. James placed his hands respectfully on his knees, occasionally stealing glances at Prince Albert, waiting for him to speak.
"Dr. James, how is Louis Bonaparte's condition now?" Albert's German-accented London voice reached Dr. James's ears, bringing a trace of peace to his anxious heart. It's said that the only thing more concerning than a silent leader is one who doesn't start a conversation, as it often means that they are very dissatisfied with your work.
Dr. James quickly adjusted his composure, restructured his words, and said, "Your Highness, Louis Bonaparte's situation is not optimistic. Cholera has affected his organs, and he likely won't last much longer!"
Dr. James slightly lifted his head to observe Albert's expression, but he found no clue from Albert's face. Feeling nervous, Dr. James added, "However, I will do my utmost to save Louis Bonaparte!"
Prince Albert maintained a calm demeanor, feeling only a slight regret about Louis Bonaparte's condition.
Although Prince Albert had never met Louis Bonaparte in person, from the Mayor of London and those British bureaucrats who had interacted with Louis Bonaparte, Prince Albert had learned everything about him.
From Britain's perspective, Louis Bonaparte was undoubtedly an excellent piece in the game. If used correctly, he could undoubtedly have a significant impact on France. The binary nature of revolution and conservatism that Bonaparte represented could stabilize that turbulent nation across the strait for Britain.
Thinking about that turbulent nation across the strait gave Albert a headache. Revolution, like a cancer, could quickly spread from one country to another, and subjects who were usually obedient could become mobs under the toxin of revolution.
To stabilize France, Britain had devised countless methods. They reinstalled the Bourbon Dynasty, representing the old regime, on the throne with bayonets, attempting to restore the old system in France. However, the Bourbon throne lasted less than 20 years, to be precise, 14 years, before being overthrown by the Paris mobs, forcing the King into exile.
The Younger Branch of Bourbon ascended the French throne. To maintain the existing order and to prevent the French mobs from taking the stage again, Britain acknowledged this kingdom established by the descendant of a regicide, albeit begrudgingly.
However, the Bourbon Young Branch Kingdom survived merely 18 years before being overthrown by another revolution.
The once terrifying Republic of Europe was established again, and those who had been subjugated by Britain gradually ceased their obedience.
Fortunately, the Republic across the strait did not incite the mobs of Europe to rebel against their monarchs as its predecessor had decades ago. Instead, it focused only on self-preservation.
Britain and the whole of Europe breathed a sigh of relief, but Albert was reluctant to trust this Republic because as long as the Republic existed, it was like the Sword of Damocles hanging over the heads of all European monarchies. The army armed by a million mobs could wreak havoc across all of Europe.
If they ever allied with the mobs under the European monarchies, no country in Europe could withstand those forces, so they had to find someone who could control that volatile nation. Louis Bonaparte was clearly an excellent candidate. Bearing the Bonaparte lineage, he was a natural ruler for France—he had the decisiveness of his uncle but lacked his military command prowess.
If he were left to become the ruler of France, France would become a nation strong in defense but lacking in offense.
Britain and the entire Europe could rest easy, and moreover, the governing power of the French Republic was not indefinite.
Once France stabilized, Albert could use the Orléans faction card in his hand to restore the Bourbon Clan to power.
But now, with Louis Bonaparte on the verge of death, Albert could only turn to consider a new candidate.
The Younger Branch of Bourbon or the Elder Branch of Bourbon?
As Albert pondered the next investment target for the Kingdom of Britain, he stepped forward, patted Dr. James on the shoulder, and comforted him, "Some things only require one's best effort, Dr. James!"
"I understand, Your Highness!" James said he understood, but he still felt a bit guilty in his heart.
Prince Albert entrusted him with such an important task, yet he failed to accomplish it and betrayed the trust Prince Albert had in him.
Wait! Perhaps he could tell His Highness about this!
Dr. James suddenly thought of something and hurriedly reported, "Your Highness, Louis Bonaparte's brother, Jerome Bonaparte, has come to London from France?"
"Hmm?" Albert showed a slight interest, nodding to himself, "Louis Bonaparte is his cousin, so it's reasonable for him to come to London from France to see Louis Bonaparte."
"Your Highness, I've also heard that Jerome Bonaparte is preparing to participate in the French elections!" Dr. James quickly added.
This time, Prince Albert's demeanor could no longer remain indifferent; the Bonaparte Clan participating in the French elections was indeed surprising news.
"France even agreed to allow the Bonaparte Clan to participate in the elections!" Prince Albert then realized that he had too little understanding of the internal situation in the French Republic, wondering whether the Republican Faction intentionally allowed it or if it was due to other reasons.
"Your Highness, please be careful! Jerome Bonaparte is an ambitious fellow!" Dr. James said worriedly, "He wants France to return to the embrace of Bonaparte and is acting upon it!"