Eight o'clock in the morning, at the Palace of Versailles. The Bonaparte family's routine resumed as usual. Ciela was overseeing the construction site of France's future railway station in Paris. She took her role seriously, ensuring that everything was progressing according to plan and that the project was on track.
Meanwhile, Aveline and Francis were getting ready for the arrival of their tutor. They sat at the dining table, going through their lessons and preparing their study materials. Aveline checked her books and notebooks, making sure she had everything she needed for the day's learning.
In another part of the palace, Napoleon was in his office, dealing with state affairs. His desk was filled with documents and reports from various ministries and officials. He went through each one diligently, making decisions, signing orders, and handling matters of governance.
In the middle of his work, Beaumont entered Napoleon's office and announced the arrival of his expected guest.
"Monsieur Antoine Lavoisier!"
Napoleon glanced up from his desk to see Lavoisier walking into his office. He gestured for him to take a seat in one of the chairs across the desk.
"Quite a spacious office I must say," Lavoisier remarked as he looked around.
Napoleon chuckled. "The bigger your responsibility, the bigger the office you'll need."
Lavoisier nodded with a smile and took a seat. "So, Your Excellency, I have come as you asked," he said, ready to discuss the matter at hand.
"First of all," Napoleon said, setting aside his work. "Can I get you something to drink? Jasmine tea or coffee?"
"Ah, coffee would be wonderful," Antoine replied, appreciating the offer. "A cup of coffee helps me stay focused and alert during the day."
Napoleon nodded and called for Beaumont. "Beaumont, could you please prepare a cup of coffee for Monsieur Lavoisier?"
"Certainly, Your Excellency," Beaumont said with a quick nod. "May I suggest something to eat? How about a delectable strudel with cream?"
"Do you want some strudel, Monsieur Lavoisier?" Napoleon inquired, looking over to his guest.
Antoine smiled politely. "Thank you, but I'll just stick with the coffee for now," he replied.
Napoleon nodded, and Beaumont promptly left to prepare the coffee. While they waited, Napoleon took a moment to relax and leaned back in his chair. He glanced out of the window, where the sun was shining brightly over the palace gardens.
"Beautiful morning, isn't it?" Napoleon commented.
"It certainly is," Antoine agreed.
"We just wait for your coffee, and then we can begin. I am still gathering my thoughts," Napoleon explained.
As Napoleon and Antoine continued to chat, Beaumont returned with a cup of coffee in a saucer, elegantly presented on a silver tray. He set the tray on a side table and gracefully placed the cup before Antoine, making sure not to spill a drop.
"Your coffee, Monsieur Lavoisier," Beaumont said with a respectful nod.
"Thank you, Beaumont," Antoine replied, taking another appreciative sip of the steaming coffee.
"Okay," Napoleon leaned forward. "Monsieur Antoine Lavoisier, the reason why I called you here is that I want you to be part of the Ministry I'll be creating."
"New Ministry?" Antoine repeated as he set down the cup.
"Indeed, a new Ministry," Napoleon replied with a determined expression. "I believe it is time for France to place a strong emphasis on science and technology. Especially after I witnessed the ingenious inventions of our citizens yesterday in the exhibition."
Antoine's eyes widened with interest. "You want to establish a Ministry dedicated to science and technology with me leading it?"
"Yes," Napoleon affirmed. "I envision a Ministry that will focus on advancing scientific research, promoting technological developments, and fostering collaboration between scientists, engineers, and inventors. It will receive substantial funding from the state where it can be used to support groundbreaking research and development in various fields. I want this Ministry to be at the forefront of innovation, driving progress in France and securing our nation's position as a leader in science and technology."
Antoine listened intently, absorbing Napoleon's vision for the new Ministry.
"So, do you accept the responsibility, Monsieur Lavoisier? I know a man like you wouldn't deny this opportunity. You are a man of science yourself right?"
Antoine nodded, his enthusiasm evident. "Indeed, Your Excellency, I am deeply honored by your offer and the trust you have placed in me. I wholeheartedly accept the responsibility to lead the new Ministry of Science and Technology."
"I knew I could count on you," Napoleon said with a pleased smile.
"But I have some questions, Your Excellency. What would happen to the French Academy of Sciences?" Antoine asked.
Napoleon leaned back in his chair, considering the question. "The French Academy of Sciences will continue to exist as an esteemed institution dedicated to scientific research and advancement. However, with the establishment of the new Ministry of Science and Technology, there will be a closer collaboration between the Academy and the Ministry. The Academy will retain its autonomy and continue to function as a respected organization in the scientific community, focusing on academic research and recognition of scientific achievements."
"The Ministry, on the other hand, will have a broader scope and a more direct role in shaping policies, funding research projects, and coordinating efforts among various scientific disciplines," Napoleon explained. "It will work in tandem with the Academy to promote innovation and technological advancements, while also supporting practical applications of scientific knowledge for the benefit of the nation."
"I see," Antoine replied, nodding thoughtfully.
Napoleon's idea of creating a new ministry didn't originate yesterday; in fact, it had been conceived long ago. He needed an institution that would enable him to introduce modern technology freely in France, where he could present his ideas or concepts to the engineers and scientists working under the ministry. Their efforts would bring these ideas to fruition, and once realized, the ministry would receive credit for the inventions, presenting them as products of collaboration.
Basically, the ministry would become a factory machine for modern technology.
Napoleon grabbed a document and handed it to Antoine. "This is the bill that I drafted. It contains the framework, the organization, the financial provisions, and the goals of the new Ministry of Science and Technology," Napoleon explained. "I would like you to review it and provide any suggestions or amendments you deem necessary."
Antoine took the document and began reading through it carefully, his analytical mind assessing each detail.
"I will go through this thoroughly and provide my input, Your Excellency," Antoine assured. "I'll return next week."
Napoleon nodded. "Take all the time you need, Monsieur Lavoisier.
With their meeting drawing to a close, Antoine rose from his seat, holding the document firmly in his hand.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Your Excellency. I look forward to working closely with you.
"The pleasure is mine, Monsieur Lavoisier."
As Antoine made his way out of the office, Napoleon pulled out the journal that his daughter Aveline had given him as a gift. He flipped it open and reached out for a pen.
He then crossed the line written as "Create a Ministry of Science and Technology".
"Let's see what's next?" Napoleon mumbled and read the next goal.
"Sign a formal peace treaty with Austria to end the war…okay let's do that."
Just as he was about to return to work, Beaumont entered his office, carrying a silver tray.
"Beaumont…what is it? Do I have an unexpected guest?" Napoleon guessed.
"No, Your Excellency, but there is a letter for you," Beaumont said, extending the silver tray with the letter towards Napoleon.
Napoleon took the letter, and his eyes quickly scanned the elegant handwriting on the envelope. It was a letter written by Louis de La Rochefoucauld. Wait, he recognized that name, it was that humbled spoiled kid he met in Brienne. He was inviting him to attend his daughter's birthday that will be held on December 30th, 1800.
"What should I do…"
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel