Chapter 277 Christmas Eve & Visitor from Austria
On the eve of December 24th, 1801, as the clock struck six in the evening, Paris unveiled itself beneath a resplendent canvas of an orange-hued twilight. The ethereal radiance gently embraced the grand facades of its architectural marvels and trees, casting an enchanting aura over the city.
Amidst this enchanting twilight, a revolutionary marvel graced the cityscape: neon lights, a pioneering technological innovation, embarked on their debut. Paris, a city already renowned for its artistic prowess, now added a vibrant tapestry of colors to its palette. These neon lights breathed new life into the city, infusing it with a luminous, electric vibrancy that left both visitors and locals mesmerized.
It was in France that this groundbreaking leap in lighting technology first found its home, marking a departure from the traditional style of Christmas celebration. Not only that, the day was important to the French people as it was their first time celebrating Christmas due to a decade-long revolution that prevented them from openly observing this sacred holiday. This December 24th was not just a date on the calendar; it symbolized a rekindling of tradition, a return to the cherished customs that had been suppressed for over a decade by the tumultuous waves of revolution.
In the wake of a ten-year-long upheaval that had reshaped the very fabric of French society, this Christmas Eve held a profound significance. The French people, who had long yearned for the freedom to openly celebrate their cherished traditions, now gathered under the luminous glow of neon lights to mark the occasion.
Gone were the days when Christmas was observed in hushed whispers and secret gatherings, for on this night, the streets of Paris bore witness to a public display of joy and merriment. Families strolled hand in hand, buying foods from the Christmas market stalls adorned with wreaths and festive decorations.
Children sang carols with voices as pure as the newly fallen snow, their melodies rising like a chorus of angels amidst the bustling cityscape.
The shop windows, illuminated by both traditional candlelight and modern electric bulbs, displayed an array of treasures that beckoned to passersby. Delicate porcelain figurines, handcrafted wooden toys, and glistening ornaments adorned the displays, which would serve as perfect gifts for loved ones during this special season.
Last but not least, a big Christmas tree was erected in the future sight of the Eiffel Tower. Covered and draped with a tapestry of multicolored lights and shimmering tinsel.
Beneath the grand tree, Parisians of all walks of life gathered, their faces aglow with the warmth. It was a place of unity, where the divisions of the past were forgotten, and the bonds of community were strengthened. As families, friends, and strangers alike gathered around, a sense of togetherness filled the air.
Truly, the city of Paris became a city of light literally and figuratively.
Of course, this is not only exclusive to Paris, other major cities were also decorated as well. Cities like Lyon, Marseilles, Toulon, Strasbourg, and Toulouse…literally illuminated their streets squares, and boulevards.
If there was a bird's eye view from space, the nation of France would look like a radiant constellation on Earth's canvas. It would have dots of lights on every part, while its neighboring countries would be dark as lighting at Christmas is not yet widespread to them.
***
In the streets that lead to Versailles, there was an ornate carriage driving along, escorted by guards who were mounted on their horses.
Inside the carriage was the former king of France, King Louis the sixteenth. He looked out of the window and saw all of the lights illuminating the buildings and streets. It was a far cry from Austria, where the only lights being illuminated were the streets thanks to its street lights.
But here in France, they were creative and made Christmas a more lively celebration. Instead of being happy because of how beautiful France looked, he was frustrated. After all, he had read about Napoleon's plan of becoming an Emperor, basically taking all the power to himself.
So that's what he meant back then. He still remembered their past conversation when Napoleon visited Vienna. It goes something like this: "I'm not like my predecessors. Compared to them, I have a clear vision for France, and restoring the monarchy is not part of that vision."
And also this when he asked him why he is so against the restoration of the monarchy: "Well, let me put it this way: once a person gains power, it becomes incredibly difficult to let go of it."
He is already giving hints of his intentions, and now, almost all the people of France seem to be supporting it overwhelmingly. They had forgotten their former king, and Napoleon seemed to have etched his place in the hearts of the French people as their beloved leader.
As King Louis the Sixteenth's carriage approached the Palace of Versailles, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of nostalgia. It was within these grand walls that he had once held court as the reigning monarch of France. But those days were long gone.
The guards escorting the carriage dismounted and opened the ornate doors. King Louis stepped out onto the cobblestone courtyard. Just like every building in Paris, the Palace of Versailles was decorated in magnificent Christmas splendor. Garlands of evergreen and red ribbons adorned the grand entrance, and wreaths with golden accents hung from the majestic doors. The courtyard itself was aglow with the soft, warm light of lanterns, casting a magical aura over the palace.
At the main entrance stood the family living on it, the Bonaparte. Louis recognized one of them, Napoleon. The lady standing next to him must be his wife, Ciela, and the two children standing on either side must be their son and daughter.
King Louis approached the family and bowed slightly.
"Welcome, Monsieur Capet to the Palace of Versailles. We have expected your arrival and have prepared accordingly," Napoleon Bonaparte greeted King Louis with a cordial smile. He extended his hand in a friendly gesture, which King Louis accepted reluctantly with a polite nod.
"This is my wife, Ciela Bonaparte. Our son, Francis, and daughter Aveline. We have one coming in two months," Napoleon introduced as he gently rubbed Ciela's bump.
"So you are the former king of France…" Aveline said innocently.
Louis didn't respond, rather, he remained silent.
"So, Monsieur Capet. You are the only one who visited huh? Where are the others?" Napoleon asked after noticing he was alone.
"They are in Vienna, celebrating Christmas Eve," Louis answered. "My visit to France is a personal one so I didn't bring them with me."
"I see…in that case, let us enter and talk about that personal matter in more comfort," Napoleon suggested as he motioned toward the grand doors.
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on f(r)e𝒆webn(o)vel.com