Chapter 265 To Spain
A quiet hush filled Napoleon's office, interrupted only by the creak of the door.
Napoleon shifted his gaze from Necker to Beaumont, who had just entered.
"Your Excellency, I apologize, but the carriage awaits you outside," Beaumont announced.
Napoleon turned to Necker, breaking the silence. "This is our farewell, Necker."
Necker nodded respectfully. "Safe travels, Your Excellency," he said, bowing deeply as Napoleon walked past him.
Outside the Palace of Versailles, a procession awaited him. An opulent horse-drawn carriage, flanked by Elite Consular Guards, stood ready.
In the center of the convoy, a spacious stagecoach could hold up to ten passengers. Napoleon noticed his children peering out from the windows, beckoning him to join them.
With a warm smile, he approached the stagecoach, and one of the Elite Consular Guards opened the door.
Napoleon climbed into the stagecoach, settling himself beside his children.
"What took you so long?" Ciela inquired, reaching for Napoleon's hand.
Napoleon intertwined his fingers with Ciela's before answering.
"I had some final matters to attend to, my dear," he replied, his gaze filled with affection as he looked at her.
"From Necker," Ciela said. "It must be about the financial situation of France. How is it?"
"It's good," Napoleon immediately replied and added. "And we are planning to make it excellent. I have signed a document that would make our plan a reality. Let's not talk about that, let's talk about the journey you have made with your sister…"
Napoleon looked at Isabella who had been watching their intimate moments from the corner of his eyes. "How was your visit to France?"
Isabella's face lit up with enthusiasm. "I can't put it into words. There were so many things I enjoyed – the soap, the perfumes, the clothes, the streets, the parks, the architecture, the hotels, and their modern indoor plumbing with water from a faucet. It felt like stepping into the future."
Napoleon chuckled softly, pleased by her excitement. "I'm glad you had a great time. That's what I want for all visitors to experience in France – the sense of a modern state. You'll see another surprise soon, Ciela."
Ciela nodded in confirmation. "You'll be dumbfounded."
"Oh…I can't wait to see it."
The stagecoach rumbled along the road as they chatted about their experiences. The children were brimming with excitement, and Napoleon couldn't help but share in their enthusiasm.
As they approached the Paris railway station, the scene outside the window began to change. The grandeur of Versailles was replaced by the bustling energy of the city. People hurried about, and the streets were filled with the clatter of horses, carriages, and trams.
"We're here," he announced as the stagecoach came to a stop near the entrance station.
Ciela and Isabella peered out of the window, their eyes widening at the sight of the grand railway station.
The carriage door opened by one of the Elite Consular Guards outside, and Napoleon stepped out, followed by his excited children, his wife, and his wife's sister.? The station was a hive of activity, with people bustling about, baggage in tow, and the unmistakable sound of train whistles filling the air.
The people who were at the station immediately recognized the face of Napoleon and started to surround them. The Elite Guards were quick to action and formed a protective barrier around Napoleon and his family as the crowd swarmed, their cheers and greetings echoing through the station.
"That's the First Consul of France!"
"Your Excellency, notice me!"
"I want to see him up close!"
Napoleon acknowledged the well-wishers with a nod and a smile, his family by his side.
"You are quite popular with the people," Isabella remarked.
"Oh my papa is liked by the people because of the things he did for the country," Aveline enthusiastically explained.
Francis had no reaction, in fact, he had been accustomed to the attention his father was getting.
Isabella turned her gaze in front of her and she scanned the edifice of an under-construction building. "Where are we?"
"This sister is the future Gare de Lyon," Ciela introduced. "It's going to be one of the six large mainline railway stations in Paris. It can service thousands of people, transporting them to cities like Marseille, Lyon, and beyond."
"Wait…we are going to take a train inside even when the station is under construction?" Isabella asked.
"Yes," Ciela confirmed. "It won't affect the train operation. After all, what we are constructing is its exterior to make it look impressive. The station interior is fully functional."
With the crowd still buzzing around them, the family made their way towards the platform where their train awaited. The station official approached Napoleon with a respectful nod.
"Your Excellency, we're ready to board the train whenever you're ready."
Napoleon nodded, and with the Elite Consular Guards guiding them, they proceeded to the train.
As they entered the train, Isabella gasped at the sight of the exterior of the train. "It's classy."
Napoleon grinned inwardly upon hearing that praise. The train before them is a copy of one of the luxurious Pullman carriages that was introduced in the 1920s, serviced by the luxury service train, Venice-Simplon Orient Express. The interior was like any palace with ornate decorations and plush, comfortable seats.
The train has four accommodations: Grand Suites, Cabin Suites, Twin Cabins, and Single Cabins.
The Grand Suites are the most expensive and most luxurious spaces a passenger could experience. Each Grand Suite car had a private bathroom, a separate living area, and a bedroom with a large, comfortable bed. The décor was opulent, with rich wood paneling, sumptuous fabrics, and intricate details that harked back to a more elegant era.
Isabella, wide-eyed with wonder, couldn't contain her excitement. "This is like a palace on wheels!"
Napoleon nodded, clearly pleased with his sister-in-law's delight. "Indeed, this is the newest fleet of our railway company. You'll have your own Grand Suite, my wife and I are staying here."
"What about us, father?" Francis asked.
"You and your sister are going to stay in another room. The bed can only accommodate two people."
"Are we the only passengers on this train?" Isabella asked.
Napoleon nodded. "Yes, I have bought all the tickets so that we can have this journey as a family without any interruptions."
The family settled into their respective accommodations, and soon the train began to move, gently gliding along the tracks. Inside their Grand Suite, Napoleon and Ciela admired the elegant décor, the soft lighting, and the overall ambiance of luxury.
Not only did they beautify luxury trains but also passenger trains as well. Every railway company in France is buying the new Napoleon's carriage, the equivalent of a 1920s, Pullman carriage in the real world, as the new car for their fleet.
"It's sad that we don't have a direct line to Spain yet. In order to get to Madrid we'll go first to Latour-de-Carol, transfer to another station that will get us to Barcelona, and from Barcelona to Madrid," Napoleon remarked as he gazed out the window at the passing scenery.
"I can make a proposal to my father once we arrive, a joint venture where we'll connect Paris and Madrid through the railway. Though I? hope it will be easy. I haven't seen my father for years, and I think he might get angry the moment we face one another. No, I think he hates me for abandoning them.
"Don't be so negative dear," Napoleon wrapped his arm around her shoulder and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead. "If it was the case your father won't look for you. Also, this trip is significant to France…."
"I know…you want to establish ties with my family in Spain," Ciela turned her face towards Napoleon and chuckled. "It's a simple political move."
"I have my ambitions in Spain, especially in her colonies in South America. It has untapped treasures that are waiting for us to extract."
"I want what's best for France, so I will support you in any way I can. I'll try to reconcile with my father and mother."
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