Why is it you?
When faced with Count Opler's cautious inquiry, Jerome Bonaparte was momentarily unsure whether it was appropriate to reveal the truth to Count Opler. He certainly couldn't just tell Count Opler that he was merely being used as a transitional puppet, and once everything settled down, he would be swiftly kicked aside.
Such an honest reply, although sincere, had a connotation of "using someone and discarding them."
If there were no proper arrangements for Count Opler afterward, it would create an impression that "working for the President has no good outcome," thereby casting a negative light on Jerome Bonaparte's policy of uniting more allies. He disguised his intentions with a half-truth, half-lie answer: "General Opler, I believe you are aware of what happened recently with Prime Minister Audion Barrot!"
Count Opler nodded, understanding that Jerome Bonaparte was referring to Audion Barrot's news about his visit to London.
