Chapter 204: Roland's Choice

"Of course, of course, I am willing, I am willing," Otto shouted, becoming extremely excited upon hearing Roland's conditions.

It was as if he could already see a new Jewish state being established. Although Roland had warned him that the rent might be expensive, it seemed insignificant compared to the realization of their long-held dream.

Moreover, this matter wasn't just about the Jews in France; it concerned Jews all over the world. Otto firmly believed that the Jewish people, who controlled vast wealth, would be fully capable of paying the rent.

As for Roland's mention of stationing troops to protect their safety, Otto could accept that too. After all, everyone knew that Jews excelled in commerce, but warfare was not their strong suit. Therefore, Roland's plan to station troops resonated well with them.

Though this would mean giving up a certain degree of sovereignty, it was better than being annihilated by enemies. Furthermore, Roland promised to help train a certain number of their troops in the future. For Jews who had long yearned for armed forces, this was as attractive as a powerful drug.

"But don't be happy too soon. You should know that this is not something that can be achieved overnight. The next steps depend on the performance of both parties. We'll see if I, Roland, have the ability to help you restore your nation. Of course, it also depends on your performance in the future. If your performance disappoints me, consider my previous words as never spoken. But if you satisfy me, I will fulfill my promise. I will conquer all of Jerusalem and give it to you to establish your nation. I have led troops there before. It's a beautiful city, and it belongs to you. You should have it."

Roland tempted him once more. He knew deeply how much Jews loved their holy city of Jerusalem. To return to Jerusalem, they would spare no expense, even if it meant losing everything.

Otto was once again stunned by Roland's words.

Jerusalem, for all Jews, was a familiar yet distant place. It was the city of their dreams, a place they yearned for but had never reached. Jews knew that setting foot on that land would mean certain death at the hands of the Turks or Arabs.

Their understanding of Jerusalem came only from their forefathers. It was their homeland, beautiful and prosperous, but out of reach. Without Jerusalem, Jews were like rootless weeds, forced to wander and drift.

Returning to their homeland had become the dream of generation after generation of Jews, but ultimately, they could only die with that regret. Now, Roland had proposed to help them establish a nation in Jerusalem. Though they knew there was no such thing as a free lunch, they couldn't refuse because the temptation was too great. Even if Roland had set a trap for them, they had to step into it without hesitation; such was the allure of Jerusalem.

"God! It seems today is my lucky day. Otherwise, I wouldn't have received such good news. This alone is enough to stir the Jewish world into a frenzy," Otto thought, overwhelmed with joy.

Though Roland's offer was just a promise, it was enough to ignite the passion of all Jews. However, given the complex situation in Jerusalem, Otto still had to consider carefully. He asked, "Your Highness, I don't doubt your intentions, but Jerusalem is currently under Ottoman Turkish rule. Would the Empire be willing to go to war with Turkey for our sake?"

"No, not now. The Empire is currently preoccupied with Britain and Austria and has no energy to deal with Turkey. But you must know, Turkey joined the Second Coalition against France, so we have old grudges. After we resolve our current difficulties, we will surely go to war with Turkey. As for helping you establish a nation, that's just a minor issue."

"Of course, what's minor for us could be as hard as reaching the sky for you. So, to earn our help, you must pay a price," Roland continued.

He knew how important Jerusalem was to the Jews. By making this promise, he could bind the entire Jewish people to his cause. With their substantial financial support, he could save himself a lot of trouble.

Another significant reason was the strategic importance of that location. The Middle East connected three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe, with numerous trade routes passing through it. Additionally, it was rich in strategic resources.

Its strategic importance could be seen in later centuries, where the region remained a hotspot of conflict and war, primarily due to the struggle for control over it. Roland could emulate the United States of later times, allowing the Jews to establish a nation in Jerusalem. This would not only serve as a bridgehead for France's eastward expansion but also as a disruptive force to stir up the region's dynamics.

With control over that area, France would face fewer obstacles when advancing towards the British colony of India.

However, Otto didn't know Raoland's intentions. At this moment, he was completely overwhelmed by Raoland. In his eyes, Raoland seemed like a devil who had grasped the very soul of the Jewish people. Though Otto knew that once he chose to cooperate with Raoland, there would be no turning back. Failure could even lead the Jewish nation into irreparable ruin.

Yet, a devil was a devil; how could anyone resist his temptation? Raoland's offer was simply irresistible to the Jewish people.

If they missed this opportunity, who knew how long it would be until another one presented itself? Countless thoughts raced through Otto's mind. Tonight, Raoland had brought him so much shock that he even began to doubt if he was dreaming.

"Mr. Otto, you haven't told me your decision yet?" Raoland asked with a smile, fully aware that Otto was already ensnared by his charm and could not break free. He wasn't worried that Otto would refuse; indeed, he knew Otto couldn't refuse.

And Otto knew it was time to respond. However, despite being the head of the Rothschild family, he couldn't make decisions for the entire community. He needed to consult with the elders.

"I, personally, am very willing to cooperate with you," Otto replied. "But I cannot speak for the entire Jewish world. It will require discussion and consensus within our community before I can give you a definite answer. But I assure you, I will do my utmost to persuade them. Please, give me a moment."

Although Otto didn't provide a clear response, his heart was already leaning heavily towards cooperation. Raoland's offer was too enticing, and Otto believed Raoland had the capability to fulfill it.

From the current situation, even though Napoleon had yet to announce his heir, it seemed Raoland was the most likely candidate to inherit. Moreover, Raoland was the only one willing to help the Jewish people establish their homeland. Binding the Jewish nation to him might indeed be a wise choice.

This was a monumental event. If successful, the Jewish people would no longer wander without a home, and Otto, as a hero of this event, would be remembered by the entire Jewish world.

If they failed, it wouldn't be catastrophic; it would only mean losing some money. Millions of francs might be a fortune to others, but the Rothschilds could afford the loss.

But if they succeeded, the Jewish people could live like any other, enjoying the same rights as other nations. They might even be able to establish their homeland in the Holy Land under the protection of France.

It was like an investment, with risks and rewards. For the revival of the Jewish people, Otto was willing to stake everything.

Raoland wasn't bothered by Otto's lack of a clear answer. He knew they would agree in the end because, apart from him, no one else would offer them such generous terms.