Because he always interacted with the Angoulême family, Qingden would ask Elodie and the others for French lessons whenever he had free time or a whim.

No matter what era or place you are in, learning more popular foreign languages ​​is a matter of great benefit and harmlessness.

Qingden is a person who is very good at learning - he was a top student in his previous life - and on this basis, he added the blessing of the talent "Ghost Heart +5".

As a result, he achieved considerable learning results without spending much effort.

Although it has not yet reached the extremely high level of a native language, it is more than enough for simple communication with others.

In the 19th century, in terms of comprehensive national strength alone, England, which had the largest colony, was slightly stronger than France.

But in terms of cultural influence, the former is not even worthy of carrying the latter's shoes.

From a long time ago, France has been the well-deserved cultural benchmark of the European continent.

Western countries highly respect French culture and are proud to learn French.

When speaking, always add some French vocabulary to show that you are literate.

Especially the country of Lucia has more skills per capita.

In the aristocratic circles of the country of Lucia, people who do not understand French will be regarded as vulgar and without style.

Therefore, the funny scene of "the anti-French alliance communicating with each other in French" appeared.

Just like the country of Lucia, the British nobles are basically proficient in French. Even if they can't speak it, they can understand it roughly.

There is no reason why a high-ranking official like Neil, who can reach the level of minister, does not understand French.

As expected - as soon as Qingdeng finished speaking, Neil raised his eyebrows vigorously, with a look of surprise on his face.

"...Do you know French?" (French)

he asked rhetorically in French.

Qingdeng smiled slightly.

"I have learned some French in the Edo settlement before. Your Excellency, please put down the gun, we are here with sincerity." (French)

"..."

Neil pursed his lips tightly, said nothing, and thought.

Colonel Jocelyn also understood French, so he silently observed Neil's appearance and waited for Neil's response.

Only Katsurintaro and Manjiro, who didn't understand French at all, stood there blankly.

They had no idea what Qingdeng and Neil had just said, so they could only look at each other with big eyes and small eyes, anxious.

Time passes...

After about half a minute, Neil slowly lowered the gun.

"...Take your seat."

Seeing that Neil had made a judgment, Colonel Jocelyn also silently put away his pistol.

The originally tense atmosphere suddenly relaxed.

Rintaro Katsu and Manjiro both let out a sigh of relief.

A hint of smile flashed in Qingdeng's eyes.

He knew that the words he just said had successfully frightened the other party.

(If this continues, you will completely push us into the French camp and repeat the events of the founding of the United States)

Qingdeng knew very well that no matter what he said - whether it was coercion or kindness - he could not move Neil.

But if France is involved, the other party cannot help but ignore it.

…

…

The two parties sat down on both sides of the long table.

Qingdeng launched a "first attack"——

"Then, please allow me to restate the shogunate's position."

"We sincerely hope that you can accept our reasonable conditions."

"Withdraw the fleet from Edo Bay and stop making claims against the shogunate and Satsuma."

"Please understand that we are not powerless to fight back."

When he said, "We are not powerless to fight back," Qingdeng specifically emphasized his tone.

Neil and Colonel Jocelyn, who were opposite, probably thought of the severed keel, and both of them grimaced.

Qingdeng’s words continued:

"You have a fleet that roams the world and powerful guns, but the swords on our waists are not bad at all."

"If war breaks out, we will maintain the dignity of the martial family and show the spirit of the warriors."

"We will risk our lives and fight you to the death."

"If Edo falls, we will retreat to Shinano; if Shinano falls, we will retreat to Echigo; if Edo falls, we will retreat to Ou; if Ou also falls, then we will retreat in one fell swoop

Go to Ezo Land and rebuild the shogunate in Goryokaku!"

"In short, with the support of France, we will fight you to the end!"

"At this point, I will confess to you."

"France has been in contact with us in recent years."

"They are willing to form a stable and friendly relationship with us, sell us affordable weapons, and at the same time help us build a new army."

"And we also intend to develop long-term cooperation with France."

"Of course, it is still at the 'intentional' stage."

"There is no doubt that if you are unwilling to stop and insist on using force against us, we will throw ourselves into the arms of France without hesitation!"

"I believe that when France learns that the shogunate is at war with Britain, they will be happy to provide us with all the support they can."

"Just like the American War of Independence, I will give you a lot of blood."

"Your strength will be weakened, and at the same time you will lose an important stronghold that can contain the country of Lucia."

"It is true that even with French assistance, it will be difficult for us to win."

"But! We will have absolute confidence to cause you to suffer extremely heavy casualties!"

"At least one-third of the British soldiers will not be able to return to their hometown!"

"The final result will be that your Queen Victoria wins honor, while you reap death!"

"Your wives will lose their dear husbands and be mocked and become widows."

"Your mother will lose her beloved son and let out a painful cry that will tear the sky."

"It will bring more tears than laughter!"

"Your Excellency, these poor wives and mothers have every reason to resent this avoidable war!"

"Your Excellency, those resentful souls scattered here will be filled with resentment to curse your recklessness and dementia!"

"Therefore, Your Excellency, cherish the existing peace! Captain, cherish your soldiers!"

"Now, tell me, how do you answer?!"

"Are you willing to accept our terms and avoid all this?!"

At the end of his words, Qingdeng's tone reached its peak.

The momentum was so strong that it seemed like it was going to tear down the entire ceiling.

Even Katsurintaro and Manjiro, who were sitting on the left and right of Aoto, couldn't help but be shocked.

People who are unaware may think that the shogunate is the stronger party in this negotiation.

Although you are reasonable and do not speak loudly, your tough attitude can always gain a certain degree of initiative in negotiations.

With his aura as fierce as a tiger, Qingdeng successfully suppressed his opponent.

Neil and Colonel Jocelyn were both shocked by Qingden.

However, after all, they are ministers and captains of a ship who represent the face of a country.

With just a snap of their fingers, they adjusted their emotions and demeanor.

"..."

Neil frowned and looked at Qingden without flinching, his sharp gaze seeming to penetrate Qingden's body.

Qingdeng's words can be regarded as half-truth and half-false.

First of all, the shogunate is not that capable of launching constant resistance in Japan.

Qingnobo knows very well what kind of virtue the current shogunate has.
To be continued...