Chapter 391: Friendly Relations with the Maori
Joseph raised an eyebrow. "Oh? The British are that tough?"
"Yes, Your Highness," Talleyrand replied with a nod. "Perhaps we should increase our support for Mysore, make the British suffer a bit more. That might bring them back to the negotiating table."
Joseph had set the negotiation's bottom line: Britain must acknowledge France's influence over Algiers, Tunisia, and Tripoli.
Algiers was a significant grain-producing region, several times larger than Tunisia, making it the biggest prize in North Africa. As for Tripoli, its proximity to Egypt could be crucial for the future construction of the Suez Canal, which would be an important strategic asset.
In history, Napoleon briefly set foot in Egypt, but due to a lack of a solid foundation in North Africa and naval setbacks, he missed the opportunity to use control of the Suez Canal to threaten Britain.
Of course, if they could secure the Caribbean islands, Tripoli could be set aside for now. Sugar, which could be produced in large quantities on these islands, was a highly valuable commodity.
Joseph pondered for a moment before waving his hand dismissively. "No, Archbishop Talleyrand, we need to pull back our efforts in India."
"What? Why?" Talleyrand asked, surprised.
Joseph smiled. "Our goal isn't to drive the British out of India."
It wasn't just that Britain would fight tooth and nail to keep India. If Mysore were left unchecked, it could conquer the entire Indian subcontinent, which wouldn't be in France's best interests either—especially given the personal capabilities of Tipu Sultan, the so-called 'Tiger of Mysore,' who had been exposed to European technology.
A powerful Indian empire would inevitably look north, seeking to expand into Central Asia, which could cause major problems for all of Europe. So, it was better for India to remain fragmented, like a field of scattered stars.
"What we need to do is make the British pay a higher price," Joseph continued. "Offensive operations are always costlier than defense. We'll instruct the Marquis de Lafayette to focus on defensive preparations, forcing the British to attack and targeting their supply lines whenever possible. The financial burden will teach the British a harsh lesson."
In fact, there was another key reason for this strategy—Mysore simply couldn't defeat Britain.
Although Mysore had achieved some early successes with surprise attacks, Britain was now taking the conflict seriously. With its considerable power, Britain could easily crush Mysore if the fighting continued. A defensive strategy would be more effective in draining British resources. Plus, Joseph had a "secret weapon" planned, and the timing suggested those reinforcements should be arriving in India soon.
Joseph suddenly recalled another matter and instructed Talleyrand:
"By the way, knowing the British, they'll likely try to cause trouble in the Southern Netherlands. You should quickly visit the German states, as well as the countries in Northern and Eastern Europe, and inform their kings…"
India
Off the coast of Mangalore, in the northwest of Mysore, a small schooner approached the harbor at high speed. The ship flew the Russian flag, and its hull bore the emblem of the Gemini Trading Company.
On deck, a group of tall, muscular men with dark skin and faces covered in intricate tattoos gazed at the Mysore soldiers lined up to greet them on the docks.
One of the men, a middle-aged figure with a barrel-like waist, pointed towards the distant Islamic-style buildings, speaking in a language that was difficult to understand.
Beside him, a young man responded in broken French:
"Uncle Magnus, Mr. Dufresne asked us to speak French whenever possible. Did you forget?"
"Oh, right," Magnus smiled apologetically and switched to clumsy French. "Those buildings are strange. Even stranger than the ones the development team built in our town. But they're beautiful."
The "development team" he referred to was the group that had followed Dufresne to New Zealand. After being gifted a plot of land by the Maori, they had renamed themselves the development team and began constructing a town there.
With the help of the Maori, who provided almost free labor, the relationship between the two groups had become very amicable. The Maori often worked a full day just for a few cups of wine and to hear the development team's stories. Although the team ran out of their tales after just two and a half months, they resorted to making up new ones, and the Maori remained captivated.
Many Maori even learned French by listening to these stories.
When the first batch of wool was harvested this year, the Maori were ecstatic with their payment—an abundance of iron tools, horses, and fine clothing. In any Maori tribe, such items were considered luxurious enough to be passed down through generations.
Hearing of this, other Maori tribes, which had not yet cooperated with the development team, eagerly came forward, offering to rear sheep for the French, even at lower wages. Dufresne, generous as ever, kept the wages the same, since they were already low and there wasn't much more to save. He then signed agreements with additional tribes.
After months of hard work, sheep could now be found grazing across most of New Zealand's North Island.
The only limit to the number of sheep in New Zealand was now their rate of reproduction. The Maori were quick to "adopt" any lamb born, tending to them with great care. The island's abundant grasslands and ideal climate resulted in the sheep producing nearly 20% more wool than their British counterparts!
Back on the ship's deck, another tall, young Maori tugged uncomfortably at his coat—he was clearly not used to wearing such confining clothing. With concern, he said to Magnus:
"Lord Magnus, the Piemaki people have been restless lately. If they come to our tribe for revenge while we're away…"
He was referring to the Piemaki, who lived on New Zealand's South Island. Historically, the North Island tribes frequently raided the South Island, but the latter also sometimes retaliated.
Magnus chuckled. "Don't worry, Nikau. Mr. Dufresne is currently working on a 'Joint Declaration' among all the tribes, which would have a 'Tribal Confederation Council' mediate any conflicts in the future.
"Before we set off, Dufresne had already gone to the South Island. I believe the Waitaha tribe will also join the declaration."
Nikau still seemed uneasy. "But what if the Waitaha refuse?"
"Hmph," Magnus replied dismissively, "Refusing Mr. Dufresne would mean declaring war on all the other tribes. Besides, they'd lose the opportunity to raise sheep.
"Nikau, do you really think they'd still attack Yamotu then?"
Yamotu was the name of their tribe's home. Hearing that the Waitaha might be denied the chance to rear sheep, Nikau instantly became more confident.
"In that case, no, they wouldn't."
(End of Chapter)
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