"Oh my god... He really has returned," Barras's lower lip trembled as he read the note handed to him by his secretary.
"This is really a bad sign, an omen if you must say," Moulin added, his voice too quivering from the prospect of Napoleon's arrival in Paris. "According to the report, the reception of Napoleon's return to Toulon was a resounding success. The people hailed him as their savior, and his popularity seems to have only grown stronger."
Barras crumpled the note in his hand, his face pale with apprehension. "We underestimated him. We thought we had quelled the threat by sending him away on an expedition, but it seems we have only fueled the fire of his ambition."
Moulin nodded solemnly, his mind racing with thoughts of the consequences. "The Directory's grip on power is already weak. With Napoleon's return and the backing of the public, our position becomes even more precarious."
"I didn't really expect Napoleon's expedition in Egypt would be a resounding success…he even got us a colony in the Middle East. What should we do?"
"Perhaps gentlemen, I can offer a solution,"
A voice suddenly rang in the room, coming from outside the door. Moulin and Barras turned their heads in surprise, their eyes widening as they recognized the familiar voice. The door swung open, revealing the figure of Charles-Maurice Talleyrand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Talleyrand... what are you doing here? And what did you just say?" Barras was the first one to voice his astonishment, his eyes fixed on Talleyrand's composed demeanor.
Talleyrand stepped into the room, his presence exuding an air of confidence and intrigue. He closed the door behind him and approached the two Directors, his gaze shifting between them.
"Gentlemen, it seems we are faced with a formidable challenge in the form of Napoleon Bonaparte," Talleyrand began... "His triumphant return has reignited the flame of his ambition, and it is clear that he possesses immense popular support. We cannot ignore the implications this has for the stability of the Directory."
Moulin glanced at Barras, uncertainty etched on his face. "What solution do you propose, Talleyrand? We cannot simply ignore his presence and hope for the best."
Talleyrand smiled subtly, knowing that he had their attention. "I believe the best course of action is to avoid any potential confrontation with Napoleon, for it may only serve to further amplify his popularity. Instead, we must consider a strategic retreat, a voluntary resignation that would allow us to maintain some control over the situation."
"Are you out of your mind, Talleyrand? Why would I resign?" Barras's voice rose with anger, his face flushed with disbelief. He had grown accustomed to the power and influence that came with his position in the Directory, and the mere suggestion of stepping down was an affront to his ego.
Talleyrand remained calm, his expression serene despite Barras's outburst.
"I am simply giving you a safe way out, Barras," Talleyrand replied calmly, his eyes fixed on Barras's face. "Napoleon's return poses a significant threat to your authority and the stability of the Directory. If you try to cling to power in the face of his overwhelming popularity, then I am afraid you might lose everything you have earned during your tenure."
Barras clenched his fists, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "I could have your head chopped off in a guillotine for suggesting such a thing, Talleyrand. Wait…you have a reputation for being a snake am I right? You often switch sides to those who are winning."
Talleyrand's expression darkened, his calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of intensity in his eyes. A faint smile played on his lips, revealing a trace of his true nature.
"Barras, I have served this nation faithfully, navigating the treacherous waters of politics to secure our interests. My allegiance lies with the stability of France, not with any individual or faction," Talleyrand retorted, his voice taking on an icy edge.
"I see that you already are in contact with Napoleon," Barras scoffed softly. "Leave Talleyrand before I give orders to the guards outside to arrest you."
Talleyrand sighed. It seems like his plan of kicking out an influential figure in the Directory didn't work. Well, it doesn't matter anymore.
Without uttering another word, Talleyrand turned on his heel and strode towards the door.
As he exited the room, a heavy silence settled over Barras and Moulin, both contemplating the weight of the situation they now faced.
"Well, I must say, Talleyrand is right about one thing, we are getting unpopular," Moulin said.
***
A day later, Napoleon was seated on the first class of the steam locomotive. The train was approaching Paris and he looked out of the window and saw people lining up on the streets waving and cheering as the train passed by.
As the train came to a halt at the station, Napoleon stepped out onto the platform. The roar of the crowd intensified. He raised his hand in acknowledgment, a smile playing on his lips.
"Bonaparte! Bonaparte! Bonaparte!"
The chant echoed through the air, reverberating with energy that sent shivers down Napoleon's spine. He was astounded by the outpouring of support from the people, their voices united in a resounding chorus of hope and adoration.
Stepping off the train behind him was Joseph, who placed an arm around his shoulder and extended his free arm towards the sea of people.
"See what I told you? Your welcome in Toulon is nothing compared to the adoration you receive here in Paris," Joseph said proudly.
Napoleon simply smiled, his eyes still scanning the sea of people. He is just one step ahead of seizing the reins of power.
But before that, he wanted to see someone first, someone important and dear to his life.
Moments later, he finally saw them.
Aveline, his four-year-old daughter, rushed up towards him with her arms spread wide. Napoleon's smile widened as he crouched down to embrace her.
"Papa!" she exclaimed, wrapping her small arms around his neck. "I missed you so much!"
Napoleon held her close, savoring the moment. It had been two years since he had seen his daughter, and he had missed her dearly during his time away. Of course, it's the same case to his son, Francis who was walking along with Ciela, approaching him.
Napoleon lifted Aveline up in his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.
"Mon petit trésor," Napoleon whispered, pressing a kiss to Aveline's forehead. "I have missed you more than words can express."
Aveline giggled her laughter like music to Napoleon's ears. She nestled against him, her small fingers clutching at his coat. Francis and Ciela, their faces beaming with joy, joined the embrace, completing the long-awaited reunion.
"Papa…why is your skin brown?" Aveline observed.
"That is because your father has spent two years in the desert," Ciela explained and then flickered her gaze to Napoleon. "Why didn't you inform me that you are going to return?"
"I wanted to surprise you," Napoleon replied, chuckling.
"So these are my nephew and niece, huh?" Joseph said with a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with delight as he looked at Francis and Aveline. He extended a hand towards them, stroking their heads.
"Now, my dear brother, we will leave you for two weeks alone to spend your days with your family. After that, we'll visit your home with others."
Napoleon simply nodded. "That would be great."
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