Chapter 774: Napoleon's Instinct
Seeing the confusion on Victor's face, Napoleon offered him a hint:
—"Do you remember Marshal Beaulieu's age?"
—"Ah, I think he's about 69 years old."
—"Yes, 69." Napoleon nodded. "He has fought for over 50 years and has vast experience.
"If he enters France without encountering any resistance, he will immediately become highly suspicious.
"On the other hand, if we launch a fierce counterattack, he will firmly believe that he can capture Toulon with ease."
Victor suddenly understood.
—"That makes sense. Victory will push the Austrians to advance deeper."
Then, thinking about the current deployment of the Army of Italy, he raised a concern:
—"Lieutenant Colonel Buonaparte, isn't our position too far back?"
Napoleon had positioned the French forces west of Nice, leaving the easternmost part of the Toulon province completely undefended. Nice, the largest city east of Toulon, was the best location for a strong defensive stand.
Napoleon explained:
—"The deeper the Austrians advance into Toulon, the longer their supply lines will stretch, making it easier for us to find weak points to strike.
"Besides, this will also force Monaco to contribute more to our war funds."
Monaco, a small principality in southeastern France, lay just 10 kilometers east of Nice at the foot of the Alps.
If the Austrians wanted to attack Nice, they would have to capture Monaco first.
Although Monaco was a French protectorate, it still had a significant degree of independence. Facing the Austrian threat, it would be forced to resist with all its strength, further binding its fate to France.
Victor remained hesitant.
—"Lieutenant Colonel Buonaparte, if the Austrians take Nice, they could march north to Bréss. We have no defensive lines north of Toulon…"
—"No, you don't need to worry." Napoleon was absolutely certain. "Beaulieu will definitely keep marching west and attack the port of Toulon."
—"Can you tell me why you're so sure?"
—"Because the British will demand it of him—our Mediterranean fleet is stationed there." Napoleon tapped his forehead with his finger and added with a smile, "And also, my instinct."
—"Couldn't this be…?"
Napoleon patted Victor on the back with a laugh.
—"You'd best use this time to hurry along the winter gear for the Toulouse Corps. We may be crossing the Alps sooner than you think. You know, at this time of year, the snow at the mountain peaks hasn't melted yet."
Eastern Monaco, Larvotto
After destroying a French watchtower at the Cardipona Pass, the Austrian vanguard, Provera's Corps, was immediately attacked by the Provence Border Guard.
Caught off guard at first, the Austrians lost a few dozen men. But under the direct command of Major General Provera, they quickly repelled the few hundred French border guards.
Following Marshal Beaulieu's orders, Provera then led his grenadier battalion in a rapid advance westward. They reached Larvotto, on the Monaco border, where they encountered a reorganized French defensive line—along with 500 soldiers from the Monaco Royal Guard.
Provera immediately demonstrated his skill as a seasoned Austrian commander.
He ordered an infantry regiment to support the grenadiers in a frontal assault on the Franco-Monégasque defensive positions. Meanwhile, he sent cavalry around the northern side of Monte Carlo, threatening the Prince of Monaco's castle directly.
As expected, the Monaco Guard panicked and rushed back to Monte Carlo to protect their sovereign.
The 800 French border guards in Larvotto, now left unsupported, were quickly overwhelmed. Within two hours, the Austrian grenadiers crushed them, forcing them to retreat toward Monte Carlo.
Provera's troops rested for the night in the town. The next morning, with his entire 5,000-strong corps now having crossed the Cardipona Pass, he ordered a full-scale assault on Monaco.
In reality, the entire Principality of Monaco was no larger than the city of Nice.
A force of 5,000 soldiers could practically march across the country in a day.
The Franco-Monégasque troops fired only a few symbolic shots before retreating, escorting the Prince of Monaco toward Nice.
At the same time, Monaco's diplomats officially requested military protection from Paris.
However, the bulk of the French army was seemingly positioned along the Bréss defensive line, while Toulon had very few troops available.
By the time Provera's corps reached the outskirts of Nice, the French had barely managed to gather a force of around 1,000 men.
Sanremo, Sardinia (Southwest of Nice)
Inside the Austrian Italian Army headquarters, Beaulieu listened to the latest reports from the front, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.
The French had been completely unprepared for his advance from the south. Toulon's weak defensive presence confirmed as much.
Provera had easily crushed the French defenders and successfully occupied Nice. Now, Beaulieu could use the city as a forward base for his assault on the Toulon fortress.
Gazing at the map of troop movements on the wall, he ordered his courier:
—"Tell Argento and Vukassovich to pick up their pace. They must cross the Alps by noon tomorrow.
"Remind them not to let their guard down.
"As soon as they enter France, they are to establish camp immediately and send out cavalry scouts. Once the central army has fully crossed the pass, they can advance further."
—"Yes, Marshal."
As the courier left, Beaulieu turned to his staff officer.
—"Send word to His Majesty the Emperor: inform him that our campaign in Italy is proceeding smoothly. By the time this message reaches Vienna, Toulon should already be in our hands.
"Also, send another request to the British. Tell them to transport additional supplies to La Condamine port.
"We need to prepare logistics for our advance on Bréss."
La Condamine was a small port in Monaco.
Five Days Later
Provera's corps departed from Nice, advancing westward toward Cagnes-sur-Mer, 11 kilometers away.
Meanwhile, on the Austrian left flank, Seibotendorf began his siege of Vence, a major town southeast of Toulon.
Provera lowered his telescope and looked back at his marching troops. He turned to his courier.
—"Tell these lazy men to pick up the pace. I want to be in Cagnes by nightfall."
His reconnaissance had already confirmed that there were no French forces in the area. He expected to occupy the towns simply by raising the Austrian flag over them.
However, it seemed fate had decided to test him.
A cavalry scout arrived and saluted.
—"General, we have spotted a French defensive line outside Cagnes. Over 3,000 men."
Provera frowned.
—"Where did this force come from?"
—"Judging by their banners, they belong to the Montpellier Corps, sir."
Provera nodded. If Montpellier had sent troops marching at full speed, they could have arrived in about a week.
He immediately issued an order:
—"The French must be exhausted from their forced march. Attack immediately!"
—"Yes, General!"
That same afternoon, Seibotendorf also encountered thousands of French troops near Vence.
Without hesitation, he too ordered an assault.
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