"Selim III is worried that we might station troops in Egypt." Joseph smiled, "Alright, then, you'll have to make another trip to Constantinople."
Talleyrand bowed slightly, saying, "As you command, Your Highness. I'll set off tomorrow."
Ahead, the court guards had already opened the door to the Hall of Mirrors. Joseph added a reminder, "By the way, you also need to meet that officer named Muhammad Ali and have him prepare in advance."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Joseph walked into the ballroom, the sounds of the court band playing "Hymn to the King" in his ears, yet he was pondering how to stabilize the situation around Suez, and how to raise the colossal funds needed for the future excavation of a canal that could alter the entire landscape of Europe.
...
Ottoman Empire.
Constantinople.
In the grand, opulent halls of Topkapi Palace, British Foreign Minister Fox's face was full of confusion and surprise.
