The Fox of France

Over the years, thanks to France, the influence of the Holy See has steadily waned. Even within the walls of Rome, there are daring individuals who mock the Vatican. It's not that the Vatican doesn't want to suppress these troublemakers; it's the rampant heretical thoughts in Italy these years. Many have been swayed, to the extent that works by apostates like Voltaire circulate freely, and due to French ties, the Vatican can't forbid these materials. Blasphemous and seditious words like "superstitious demons and a nine-headed serpent" openly spread on the streets. Should the Vatican take decisive action against them, these people might revolt.

As for the military might the Vatican holds, well, ever since Napoleon marched into Rome and the Vatican's army switched sides, from the Pope to the underage thieves in the city, even within the ranks of the current army, there's skepticism. Few believe the Vatican's forces would stand by and face the rebellious citizens of Rome. It's even plausible that, if things turn sour, the Vatican's army might side with the Roman populace. Of course, if those "Roman citizens" are part of someone's plan, that someone is undoubtedly known.

So, suppressing them isn't an option, not in this lifetime. It's left to the Swiss mercenaries, clad in half-armors, wielding pikes, to barely maintain the façade of the papacy.

Moreover, the troublemakers behind the scenes might very well be Austrian nobles. Though the Vatican faces difficulties in this matter, the Emperor—no, His Majesty the King—completely understands the Vatican's unavoidable dilemma. In truth, Austria and the Vatican have reached tacit agreements on many issues. However, these matters can't be publicly disclosed. So, should a few muddled Austrian nobles create disturbances, shouldn't the Vatican show some tolerance? Without Austrian support, those Italians might dare to divide the Papal States. The French, in all probability, would joyously welcome the Pope to Avignon.

Therefore, though sacrilege occurred during the relay of the Holy Flame, the Vatican had resolved: "We have seen nothing."

As the Holy Flame continued its journey, countries began their preparations for the Olympics. Each nation formed its Olympic committee, readying their teams for the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, the French Olympic Committee officially announced the event lineup and registration rules. The events, actually leaked through various channels earlier, were already common knowledge. The official announcement merely confirmed these speculations.

The main events of this Olympics included athletics: sprints of 100 and 200 meters, along with the marathon. Field events covered discus throw, javelin throw, high jump, and long jump.

There were also ball games, but at this time, basketball hadn't been invented yet. Football existed but lacked rules—it was essentially a lower-class pastime and considered undignified in this era. As for sports that would later be regarded as noble activities by the aristocracy, even the golf beloved by the cognoscenti, originated from shepherd boys' games in Scotland and was transitioning to a sport. Yet, these weren't the primary reasons; the crux was that the French weren't adept at these games. So, during this era, the only suitable ball game was tennis, rich with French characteristics.

Initially a game for nobles, tennis trickled down to commoners and became a gambling tool. Later, post the Sun King's prohibition on its civilian play, it remained a legal sport in aristocratic circles. After the revolution, tennis returned to the masses, now becoming the most familiar ball game for the French. During France's military campaigns, this game spread to other European nations, making it more than just a French sport. Thus, tennis became the sole ball game in the French Olympics. In a bid to promote French culture shamelessly, the French categorized tennis into "clay court tennis" and "grass court tennis," introducing singles and doubles, thereby creating several firsts at once.

Apart from these, an important event was equestrianism, comprising speed and obstacle races.

Then came fencing and shooting.

In fencing, athletes used foils without points and competed in two events: thrusting and dual fencing (a longsword coupled with a defensive dagger).

As for shooting, it naturally served Bonaparte's Armaments. It included 10-meter pistol shooting, 100-meter rifle shooting, and a simulated hunting with two-way flying discs competition.

Participants used their own firearms in these contests. However, Bonaparte's Armaments had prepared specially optimized guns for French athletes. Hence, those using other companies' firearms had almost no chance of winning. This competition became the finest advertisement for Bonaparte's Armaments.

After circling Italy, the Holy Flame finally boarded a ship headed for Spain. The French fleet escorted the vessel carrying the Holy Flame throughout the journey. Upon the Flame's arrival in Spain, the Barbary Pashas breathed a sigh of relief, and both the French military fleet and the Spanish fleet departed.

The Barbary Pashas couldn't help but thank Allah for protecting them, driving the infidels away. Unbeknownst to them, within the Turkish palace, a conspiracy against them was underway.

French envoy Saint-Mérand was discussing the Barbary issue with the supreme and sublime Sultan Selim III of Turkey.

"Your Majesty, let's face the reality. Admitting reality itself doesn't harm anyone; it's denying it with closed eyes that truly damages a nation. Presently, while the Barbary Pashas bear allegiance to Your Majesty in name, in actuality, they're independent states. Shouldn't they, as your Pashas, frequently pay their respects? But since you ascended, when have they visited Your Majesty?

And if Barbary truly belongs to Turkey, shouldn't it pay taxes to Your Majesty? Over these years, while the Barbary Pashas have earned considerably, your reforms have struggled due to inadequate funds. Why don't you exercise your rights there?

Supreme Majesty, if you intend to reclaim Turkey's legitimate rights in Barbary, as long-standing allies, we French can assist you. Of course, we're not unconditional; in fact, we can achieve a win-win in this matter..."

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