"Thanks for your time, Necker," Napoleon said, getting up from his desk and reaching out his hand for a handshake."This has been a productive discussion. I will see you in two weeks?"
"Sure thing," replied Necker, firmly shaking Napoleon's hand. "Two weeks from now, you'll have a comprehensive report on the government's finances, and I'll present the plans for the centralized bank as well."
With their meeting concluded, Napoleon and Necker bid each other farewell, and the Minister of Finance made his way out of the office. As the door was about to close, another person came in. It was Talleyrand.
"Fouche and your brother Joseph are on their way home now, Your Excellency with the instructions of keeping an eye out for potential enemies that could jeopardize the safety of the government," he said as he made his way towards his desk.
"Enough with the euphemism, Talleyrand. Let's call it what it is: assassination," Napoleon said firmly, his eyes narrowing with seriousness. "What do you expect from the royalists who are still clinging to a hope of France being a monarchical state again?"
"Well, if they need a king, Your Excellency, perhaps you can take the role? King Napoleon Bonaparte, it fits very well with you," Talleyrand said, chuckling.
"There'd be no return of the king in the Republic of France, Talleyrand, that I can assure of," Napoleon lied, though not literally. He wanted to become the Emperor of France, but before he took that position, he must consolidate power and garner support from the population be it the royalists, Jacobins, Girondins, or every faction. To do so, he must govern efficiently and effectively.
His position as First Consul would be his platform to prove his capabilities and dedication to the Republic. And when the people started seeing major chances under his administration to the point they'd want him to become Emperor, he would seize that chance.
"In that case, Your Excellency, we must keep it that way," Talleyrand said. "How was the meeting with the Minister of Finance, Necker? Was he a good recommendation of mine?"
Napoleon nodded. "He is yet to prove himself to me, Talleyrand, it's early to say. But I can see huge potential from him."
"May I know what you two talked about?" Talleyrand asked.
"Economic reforms," Napoleon replied. "For the betterment of France's future, it is imperative that we stabilize the economy. Earlier, I saw the current balance of the state's treasury and I must say, it is way too low."
"Like millions?" Talleyrand guessed.
"No, hundreds!" Napoleon corrected, his voice filled with frustration. "Thanks to my predecessors who did nothing but swindle and squander the nation's wealth. Ducos, Sieyes, Barras, Moulin, Gohier, and the past directors – are all responsible for this mess. I'll make sure the funds they stole are returned to the treasury. Even the money you used to bribe Barras won't go unnoticed. However, I can't take such drastic action in the early stage of my career as First Consul. For now, an investigation would be more appropriate. Swindling such a huge amount of money, it would be impossible not to leave a paper trail."
"I see, Your Excellency. Don't worry, I won't spread the word to the Directors. I share your disgust towards corrupt politicians," Talleyrand said. "Hmm…Your Excellency, it's a pleasure seeing you and I must take my leave."
Napoleon nodded his head. "Be careful on your way back home, you never know."
"That's quite scary indeed," Talleyrand replied with a sly smile. "But I assure you, Your Excellency, I can handle myself."
With that, Talleyrand left his office. Upon his exit, Lucien entered the office.
"I must also go home, brother. I need to study the functions of the Ministry of Interior," Lucien said.
"Say hi to Mother for me," Napoleon replied with a warm smile.
"I will, brother. You can count on me," Lucien said with determination.
As Lucien left the office, Napoleon took a moment to collect his thoughts. On this day, he began to see the challenges that he was about to face as First Consul. First, he needed to legitimize his position to the people by proclaiming it in the Senate in December, with the support of the people through a vote. Second, he had to focus on stabilizing the economy of France, which was in dire straits. Third, achieving peace was of utmost importance. And last but not least, one challenge that they hadn't yet tackled was putting an end to the revolution.
Just like Napoleon in real history, he too would proclaim the end of the revolution on the day when Napoleon proclaimed the constitution before the senate.
He pulled his timepiece out of his pocket and checked the time. It was six o'clock in the afternoon. They have to return back to Chantilly.
Outside of the Palace of Versailles, the orange glow of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of gold and pink. Napoleon stepped out of the palace, and the cool breeze brushed against his face. He took a moment to savor the peacefulness of the moment, knowing that it wouldn't last long.
There, he asked the palace staff about the whereabouts of his family and they pointed him towards the beautiful gardens where they were enjoying the last rays of the setting sun.
He snuck quietly through the garden. But Aveline noticed him approaching and pointed at him.
"Papa!"
Napoleon rubbed the back of his head, and his attempt on surprising them didn't work.
"Are you all enjoying the sights of the palace?" Napoleon asked.
"We enjoyed it!" Aveline replied.
"Well, that's great. As sad for me to say this but we have to return back home now," Napoleon said.
"Aww…" Aveline pouted, disappointed that their time at the palace was coming to an end. "Can't we stay a little longer, Papa?"
"I wish I could, dear but Papa has a lot of work waiting back home," Napoleon said. "Don't worry, once we move in here, you can spend all the time you want looking or exploring the palace. For now, we stay at Chantilly…"
He glanced over his shoulder, beckoning Bessieres to come forward.
"Yes, Your Excellency?" Bessieres said.
"Prepare the carriages, we are returning to Chantilly," Napoleon instructed Bessieres.
Bessieres nodded and quickly relayed the orders to the rest of the staff. The carriages were made ready, and soon, the Bonaparte family entered the carriage.
Inside the carriage, Aveline spoke.
"Papa, can I sit on your lap?"
Napoleon and Ciela exchanged warm smiles before Napoleon patted his lap invitingly. Aveline happily climbed onto her father's lap, and he wrapped his arms around her protectively. The carriage began to move, and they headed back to Chantilly.
Napoleon sniffed Aveline's hair, and it smelled faintly of the roses from the palace gardens.
Hours later, Francis and Aveline fell asleep. Ciela sat next to Francis, allowing his head to rest on her shoulder while Aveline was on Napoleon's lap, peacefully dozing off in her father's embrace.
"They look cute and peaceful," Ciela commented.
"I know," Napoleon concurred.
"So how was your day, my darling?"
"We've talked about the state of France and how to fix it, which is what I will do the moment we return home," Napoleon said.
"Being a First Consul is busier than being a General. And I can already imagine a day when I wouldn't be able to disturb you."
"That's nonsense, I know how to balance my duties, and you will always have my attention when you need it," Napoleon reassured Ciela with a warm smile. "Not just to you but to our children."
Ciela giggled. "Well, if you say so."
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