Chapter 249 Napoleon Exploring London
On May 29th, 1801, a day after awaiting a response from the UK government, Napoleon decided to explore some of London's renowned landmarks.
Napoleon's eyes widened in awe as he stepped into the House of Commons chamber. "Impressive," he remarked, taking in the grandeur of the room. "So, this is where the UK's parliament members convene, is it?"
Lord Eamer nodded and replied, "Indeed, First Consul."
Napoleon's curiosity was piqued as he continued to survey the chamber. "So, where do the people with powdered wigs sit during debates?"
Lord Eamer gestured toward a section of the chamber with rows of seats, each adorned with an ornate wooden desk. "Those, First Consul, are the benches for members of the House of Commons.
Napoleon's gaze followed Lord Eamer's gesture, and he took in the arrangement of seats. "Ah, I see," he responded, nodding thoughtfully.
Napoleon's fascination with the House of Commons persisted as he approached one of the ornate wooden desks. He ran his hand along the smooth surface, feeling the craftsmanship beneath his fingertips.
Then he decided to sit on it.
He shifted on the seat in a comfortable position before addressing Lord Eamer.
"I wonder what the members of the parliaments are doing right now? It's been a day and we still haven't heard a response. Are they not taking us seriously, Mayor?"
Lord Eamer couldn't respond, as there were no words received from Edinburgh since General Wellesley sent a message to them. He too was getting frustrated from the lack of action from the government.
"Perhaps, First Consul, they already wrote a response and it's on its way to London. We would know soon since there we have telegraph connecting major cities," Lord Eamer suggested.
"Do you know that telegraph is my invention and the code that went along with it?" Napoleon said.
"I do, First Consul. When I first heard the inventor, I was stunned to speak. I didn't expect that a general would come up with such revolutionary technology…"
Napoleon chuckled with amusement. "That's because I am a General, and I believe that the most powerful weapons aren't cannons with higher caliber or rifles that can reach hundreds of meters; it's communication. Did you also know that I also invented the steam engines?"
"Yes, First Consul."
"In that case, the British should have been grateful to France. France would not only become a dominant power on the global stage but also the bringer of revolutionary advancements." Napoleon paused for a moment, his gaze distant as he reflected on the significance of his inventions.
Napoleon rose to his feet and climbed down the stairs. "Okay, I think we should visit another location…what are the other best sites London has?"
"May I suggest the St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London?"
"St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, excellent choices," Napoleon replied, his curiosity piqued by the prospect of exploring these iconic landmarks. "Let us make our way to St. Paul's Cathedral first, Mayor. I hear it's a marvel of architecture."
With Lord Eamer leading the way, they exited the House of Commons chamber and ventured back into the streets of London. They hopped on a carriage and settled onto a plush seat.
Napoleon was escorted by a convoy of elite guards to ensure his safety while traveling around the capital.
He looked out of the window and saw how busy the populace was picking up rubbles that were strewn on the streets that were caused by the artillery bombardment.
"Oh, Mayor, I have something for you," Napoleon said, grabbing his leather briefcase.
"What is it, First Consul?" Lord Eamer asked curiously.
"It's something that I can contribute to beautify your capital city," Napoleon said, pulling out a paper and handing it to Eamer.
Eamer scanned the contents of the paper and saw a drawing of a clock tower for Westminster Palace.
"I am fascinated by the Palace of Westminster, Lord Eamer, perhaps during your reconstruction…you might want to include the construction of a clock tower."
"I must admit, this is a beautiful piece, First Consul but I'm afraid we won't have funds to construct it. We will prioritize the bridges that we have detonated, the Westminster bridge, the Blackfriar, everything."
"Blowing up your own bridge is a good tactic but that is when your forces have committed to fight to the end. But you surrendered so it's a waste and shame…"
Fifteen minutes later, Napoleon arrived at St. Paul's Cathedral, an imposing structure that dominated the skyline of London. Its grandeur was evident even from a distance, and as Napoleon stepped out of the carriage, he craned his neck to take in the cathedral's magnificent dome.
"I think I might commission a portrait with me posing in front of St. Paul's Cathedral…" Napoleon muttered under his breath.
He wanted to immortalize his victory in the United Kingdom by having a portrait of him in front of the iconic places of London. Buckingham Palace, inside the House of Commons Chamber, Tower of London throne room, and more.
It's going to be a good PR stunt for him when he returns to France. The people would love it just like what he did in Egypt and the Middle East.
"Mayor, is there a good painter here that can make me a portrait?"
Lord Eamer considered the question. "Certainly, First Consul. London is home to many talented artists. I can arrange for you to meet with some of the finest painters in the city. But first, why don't I show you around the St. Paul Cathedral?"
Eamer led the way as he entered St. Paul's Cathedral. Napoleon followed and this time, they delved into the intricate details of its interior. The cathedral was a masterpiece of architecture and artistry, with its stunning stained glass windows, majestic columns, and awe-inspiring dome.
"It's similar to Sainte-Chapelle in Paris," Napoleon commented. "Okay, let's move on to the next. I want to see Buckingham Palace. I presume it's just a walking distance from here?"
Eamer shook his head. "Buckingham Palace is not within walking distance from here, First Consul. It would be best to return to the carriage for a more comfortable journey."
Napoleon agreed, and they made their way back to the awaiting carriage. This time, headed towards Buckingham Palace.
As they approached Buckingham Palace, Napoleon couldn't help but be impressed by its grandeur. The palace, with its neoclassical architecture and expansive gardens, it's as impressive as the Palace of Versailles.
"We have arrived at Buckingham Palace, First Consul," Lord Eamer announced as the carriage came to a stop. He stepped out first, followed by Napoleon and his guards.
Napoleon looked up at the palace, its facade gleaming in the afternoon sun. "It's quite the residence, isn't it, Mayor? I can see why it's the home of the British monarchy."
"I couldn't agree more."
"Well, I think I found a place to stay while occupying London," Napoleon said.
Lord Eamer smiled at Napoleon's comment. "Buckingham Palace would indeed make a grand residence, First Consul, although I'm not sure how the British monarchy would feel about that."
"But it's their fault for leaving London. If they were, I would force myself to look for another place to stay. Anyway, let's go to the last site, the Tower of London."
Napoleon and Lord Eamer hopped again in the carriage and took them to the Tower of London.
"Oh…it's not a tower, huh but a castle," Napoleon remarked. "Or more specifically, a fortress. Why was it built?"
"The Tower of London, First Consul, was initially constructed by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, shortly after his conquest of England. It served multiple purposes, primarily as a symbol of Norman power and authority over the newly conquered city of London. In those early days, it was more of a castle than a fortress."
"Conquest? Ah…William is Norman…he's from France. Well, you can rest assured that I won't be staying in London and commision a castle like he did," Napoleon chuckled.
Lord Eamer chuckled along with Napoleon.
"Oh, Lord Eamer, I do have to remind you that you are not only at war with France but Russia. Tomorrow, a Russian diplomat from France will arrive in London, he'll represent Russia. Of course, that is to assume that the United Kingdom already surrendered—"
Napoleon was interrupted by a British officer running towards them.
"Lord Eamer!" The officer called. "A letter from Edinburgh."
Lord Eamer grabbed the note and opened it.
"What does it say? Are we resuming the war?" Napoleon asked.
"No, quite the opposite, the parliament and the king had decided to end the war. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will arrive in London tomorrow to negotiate."
A smile spread across Napoleon's lips. "Wise choice."
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