However, Eunice clearly did not trust Joan and those agents, insisting on a promise from the French Royal Family, which is why today’s meeting came about.
Joseph laughed, “Pasha Eunice is of the purest Bey lineage; it’s only right that he resumes control of Tunisia.”
“Then, you might as well start by telling me, how can I assist him?”
Labia seemed rather impatient:
“Thank you, Your Highness. First, my father is under house arrest by the Algiers Guard. You will need to help him leave Algiers.”
Joan immediately replied, “Your Highness, about this matter, Mr. Pel from Prussia has already prepared a plan. His men will manage to stall the Algiers Guard.”
“From Pasha Eunice’s residence to the coast, it’s about an hour and a half by carriage, even faster on horseback. However, naval support is needed. Otherwise, we will be intercepted by the Algiers Navy… cough, Pirates.”
Joseph nodded, “That’s not a problem. The Combined Fleet can go there for support.”
Labia’s face lit up with joy, and she continued:
“My father has already sent people back to Tunisia to connect with his followers. With my father’s prestige, a large army should soon be rallied.”
“However, the main force of the Tunisian Guard will likely still obey Hamoud Ali. As you know, the Guard is very well-equipped, and this will pose a difficult fight for us.”
Hamoud Ali is the current Bey of Tunisia. Continue your journey with empire
Joseph understood her implication; Eunice’s old faction seemed to have been marginalized, likely just some odd-job troops, and it would be difficult to triumph against the main force of the Tunisian Guard.
He generously waved his hand, “I can supply you with 5,000 Charleville Flintlock Guns, as well as 10 cannons.”
The so-called well-equipped Tunisian Guard is only in relation to the standards of North Africa; the army is even equipped with many 17th-century Matchlock Guns. One should know that even the Ottoman Imperial Guard, which they envy and admire, does not have equipment that matches even the least of the European forces, such as the Russian Army.
Therefore, providing some weapons commonly used by the French Army could have a dimensional impact on the North African military forces.
Labia did not expect the young Crown Prince to be so generous. She excitedly rose and gave a bow:
“You are truly magnanimous, Your Highness! With these weapons, my father will surely sweep away those traitors!”
It also cemented her confidence in the sincere intentions of the French people—they had been given real guns and cannons, what more could be doubted?
“Then, may I ask, how might we repay you?”
In his heart, Joseph thought, of course, it would involve fully embracing French land purchases in Tunisia, establishing factories, setting tax rates in consultation with France, and aligning politically and culturally with France, among other things.
The farmland of Tunisia is abundant, and its grain output is very important for alleviating the food crisis in France.
And setting up factories in Tunisia to produce goods which could be readily sold to nearby Algiers, Tripoli, Greece, and even reach the Ottoman Empire without much distance.
This meant transport costs would be significantly lower than those of goods from England, and even though England may hold industrial advantages, the final price would still be higher than that of French goods.
This would equate to giving France access to a vast market ranging from North Africa to the Balkan Peninsula, and even to Central Asia!
However, he did not intend to discuss these matters with the woman before him, because it was not necessary.
He simply smiled and answered:
“I hope the Tunisian Navy declares a ban on plundering merchant ships. Trade must fully lean towards France. Additionally, Bizerte Port should be handed over to French management.”