Chapter 50: Diplomacy and War

"Welcome to Syria, Mr. Kléber. I am Bazzel, the Governor of Syria."

"Hello, Mr. Bazzel."

"Ambassador, may I ask the purpose of your visit this time?" Bazzel inquired after the initial pleasantries, inevitably moving the conversation to the main topic.

Bazzel was naturally aware of Ambassador Kléber's purpose. The tension in the Suez was palpable, and a major conflict between Turkey and France seemed imminent. However, pretending to be unaware was a fundamental skill for a politician.

"Mr. Bazzel, my visit is certainly for the friendship between France and Turkey. I believe Mr. Bazzel is already aware that recently our two countries have had some unpleasantness over the matter of Egypt," Kléber explained patiently, seeing Bazzel's feigned ignorance.

"Yes, I have heard about the situation in Egypt. Don't you think your country has gone too far?" Bazzel posed the question with a feigned angry demeanor.

"Too far, why? The Egyptians, in collusion with the British, have been oppressing French merchants within Egypt, an action France absolutely cannot tolerate. Does the Turkish government also believe that the Egyptians' oppression of the French is justified?"

Bazzel was a seasoned politician, but Kléber was no less adept. When Bazzel pressed the issue, Kléber immediately retorted.

"But Egypt is Turkish territory. If France is dissatisfied with the situation in Egypt, it should first make a diplomatic protest to the Turkish government, not just send troops to take over Egypt. That is blatant aggression," Bazzel argued fiercely.

"Egypt is Turkish territory? I really didn't know that. As far as I know, your government hasn't been able to control Egypt for a long time, which is why such conflicts have arisen. It's more accurate to say that Egypt is now more of a British colony than a Turkish territory," Kléber countered without hesitation, exposing Bazzel's falsehood.

"Regardless, Egypt has always been Turkish territory, and my government demands that France immediately withdraw its troops from Egypt. Otherwise, the Turkish government will resort to all means, including military force," Bazzel threatened, seeing that all other approaches were ineffective.

"Hmph, if that is really what your government thinks, then we shall respond accordingly," Kléber coldly snorted in disdain, as if looking at a wildly barking stray dog.

"Do not be arrogant, Frenchman. As I know, you were just disastrously defeated by the British at Alexandria. Your fleet has been completely destroyed. In such a situation, you cannot possibly receive any reinforcements. You cannot defeat the valiant Turkish soldiers," Bazzel stood up suddenly, shouting angrily.

"It seems just as young master Roland said, no wonder the Turks dare to challenge France; it turns out they have the British backing them," Kléber thought to himself as he watched the furious Bazzel. He then slowly stood up and walked straight towards the exit, without giving Bazzel another glance.

Only when he was almost out the door did Kléber respond, "Indeed! The Republic's fleet was indeed ambushed by the British at Alexandria. But if you think this will leave the French army with no way out, then I must tell you, your thoughts are extremely foolish."

"I also came here under the orders of General Napoleon. If your country dares to make any provocative moves at the border, then I will show you the might of the invincible French army."

After saying this, Kléber left, ignoring the ugly look on Bazzel's face, without turning back.

...

"Damn it, the cursed French! They dare to underestimate me," Bazzel fumed internally as Kléber walked out. Unable to hold back his rage, he cursed Kléber's arrogance while violently overturning the table in front of him to vent his anger.

"Governor, shall we send someone to..." At this moment, one of Bazzel's guards spoke up, making a throat-slitting gesture. The intent was clear—he suggested killing Kléber to vent Bazzel's anger.

"Get out, you fool! Has your brain rusted? Why don't you think? Who is he? He is a French diplomat. If he dies here in Turkey, then war between our nations will truly begin. Who will bear the responsibility then? Will you?" 

Unfortunately, the guard's attempt to ingratiate himself backfired, causing Bazzel to become even angrier.

Then, Bazzel slapped the guard and threw him to the ground.