#861 - Revenge must be taken!

The Genoese parliament was highly efficient, completing the vote by noon the next day and issuing a public announcement: Genoa officially abandoned its neutral status and authorized Governor Aybiasso to apply for membership in the Iberian-Apennine Security Defense Organization.

Milan was slightly slower; on the fourth day after Joseph proposed the establishment of the state of Milan, the Milanese parliament also unanimously approved joining the security organization.

Even though they were still preparing for the various matters related to the founding of the nation, it did not prevent them from formulating laws in advance, stipulating that joining the security organization was a basic national policy.

Three days later, the founding meeting of the Iberian-Apennine Security Defense Organization was held at the Tuileries Palace.

In fact, the organizational framework and terms had already been confirmed by the member states in the previous period. This meeting was just a ceremony for representatives of various countries to sign the agreement.

Of course, representatives of member states also raised some requests for changes to the security organization.

For example, the Governor of Genoa suggested changing the name of the security organization to the "Mediterranean Security Defense Organization."

After Joseph expressed his agreement, the representatives of all countries unanimously passed this new name.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, representatives from France, Spain, Sardinia, Milan, Parma, Genoa, Lucca, and Baden successively signed the agreement.

The Mediterranean Security Defense Organization was officially declared established.

The headquarters of the security organization was established in Marseille.

It established a permanent "Peacekeeping Legion" composed of personnel provided by all member states, numbering 5,000. The annual recurring military expenditure was 6 million francs, which was shared by all member states according to their national fiscal revenue.

An intelligence center for the security organization was established, responsible for integrating military intelligence between member states.

The famous French General Marquis de Lafayette was elected as the first Chief of Staff of the security organization, with a term of 5 years.

As for why Baden, this German state, was mixed into the security organization, it can only be said that Grand Duke Karl Friedrich's political sense was too keen.

After hearing the news of the Iberian-Apennine Summit, he immediately realized that this was a very important opportunity, and sent Crown Prince Ludwig to Paris overnight, finally securing the founding member status of the security organization.

On the afternoon of the day the security organization was established, the French Royal Armaments Factory received weapons orders worth more than 5 million francs.

Except for the poor Spain, all member states ordered a large batch of French equipment.

In particular, Genoa and Milan replaced their entire army with French weapons, and even changed their military uniforms to the same style as the French army, with only slight differences in color.

The next day.

Today, the Iberian-Apennine Summit took a day off.

The representatives of various countries were invited by the Crown Prince of France to hunt at the Royal Hunting Grounds on the west side of the Palace of Versailles.

The Spanish Chief Minister's face turned black, and he hurriedly stopped him with his eyes.

Talleyrand, who was following Joseph, said loudly: "Your Highness, I believe that the Apennine Peninsula should belong to the Italian states."

The high-ranking officials of Sardinia, Parma, and other countries immediately showed joy.

Joseph nodded and continued to ask: "Then, who brought disaster and suffering to Italy?"

This time, the Crown Prince of Sardinia reacted and immediately said: "It is the evil, shameless Austrians!"

Talleyrand then added: "And their accomplices."

"That's right!" Joseph waved his hand with righteous indignation, "The Austrians have brutally ruled and persecuted Northern Italy for more than a century.

"Vienna took away every gold coin from you, occupied your land, and turned Italians into slaves!"

Crown Prince Emanuele immediately shouted: "It is the great France that drove away the evil invaders!"

Joseph smiled at him and then looked at everyone: "We have not completely driven away those demons.

"Würmser's army is still entrenched in Mantua and may re-invade Italy at any time."

The high-ranking officials of various countries were stagnant, thinking that the Crown Prince wanted them to send troops to participate in the siege of Mantua, and their momentum suddenly weakened.

The Prince of Parma gritted his teeth and said: "Your Highness, our country is willing to send 4,000 troops to assist in attacking Mantua!"

The Governor of Genoa followed and said: "I suggest that the decision-making meeting of the Mediterranean Security Defense Organization be initiated, and all member states send troops to Mantua together!"

Joseph waved his hand and said: "Thank you for your kindness, but Mantua can be handed over to General Napoleon.

"In fact, the battle report sent back the day before yesterday showed that he had completed the encirclement of the fortress and won a key battle."

Governor Aybiasso said cautiously: "Your Highness, what do you mean?"

"In addition to Mantua, there are still many Austrian lackeys on the Italian peninsula that have not been eliminated!" Joseph said loudly, "This requires the true masters of Italy, that is, you, to defeat them!"

The high-ranking officials of various countries looked at each other again, all with puzzled expressions.

Aybiasso had to ask again: "Your Highness, are you referring to?"

"Tuscany," Joseph said, "and, the Papal States!

"Tuscany is a member of the Habsburg family. During the Austrian invasion of Genoa and Parma, they provided a large amount of logistical support to them. I believe that if Franz II needs it, the Tuscan army will be ready to fight for him at any time.

"All of this proves that Tuscany has in fact declared war on France, Genoa, and Parma.

"In order to obtain Vienna's political interests, the Papal States violated the Lord's holy will and provided support for Austria's evil war, calling the invaders 'Shield of the Lord' and advocating that Austrians join the invasion of Italy.

"The Papal States have occupied a large amount of land in the Italian states for hundreds of years, and now they are colluding with the Austrians to harm us again!

"I have reason to believe that the current Vatican has lost its piety and is blinded by greed and desire. We must take revenge!"