Chapter 279 The Announcement
On December 31st, 1801, the clock struck seven in the evening, and the night remained illuminated by the lingering Christmas lights that the people of France hadn't bothered to take down.
At the Arc de Triomphe, a diverse crowd had gathered for an event hosted by the First Consul of France. The attendees spanned various backgrounds and social statuses, completely occupying all twelve avenues leading to the site. There was hardly any space for carriages or trams.
It was expected that millions would attend the event. To ensure the safety of each attendee, Napoleon had set up an extensive network of preparations:
First is the substantial contingent of guards and soldiers that had been deployed throughout the area. They maintained a visible presence, ensuring that any potential disturbances were nipped in the bud.
Second is food and refreshment Stands. Rows of stalls offered a variety of food and drink options, from warm mulled wine to hearty French cuisine. Hungry and thirsty guests could indulge without straying too far from the festivities.
Third is medical aid stations. In case of emergencies, medical aid stations were strategically positioned to provide prompt assistance to anyone in need.
Fourth is crowd control. The police had their hands full ensuring the flow of people remained orderly. They used ropes and a semblance of order amidst the sea of people.
Last is public announcements. To keep everyone informed, large boards had been set up at strategic points, displaying announcements and schedules of the evening's festivities. It ensured that no one missed out on the highlights of the night.
As the clock continued to tick, the air was charged with excitement. The First Consul of France was about to make an appearance to officially inaugurate the Arc de Triomphe, a structure that had been completed just four days prior. Along with that, he has a speech prepared for them and an important announcement that according to the posters, an announcement that they shouldn't miss.
Napoleon was at the Arc de Triomphe, walking around the monument in awe. In the original history, Napoleon had commissioned it to celebrate French victory against coalition forces in Austerlitz, but in this world, Napoleon commissioned it to celebrate French victory in the first and second coalition wars, bringing peace to the continent.
"It just looked the same," Ciela, who stood next to him. "It's bringing me some nostalgic vibes—I thought I was never going to see this again. It's so beautiful."
"I agree," Napoleon replied in a whisper. "I only saw it from pictures and videos but now I'm standing before it. Now it's making me want more. I'll build the iconic iron structure that stood in the Champs de Mars."
"Are you referring to the Eiffel Tower?" Ciela whispered into his ears again.
Napoleon simply nodded. "Yes. The engineers managed to build it in under two years, so we are going to build it within that time frame."
"I can't wait," Ciela giggled softly before getting interrupted by one of Napoleon's ministers.
"Your Excellency—"
Napoleon doesn't have to look over his shoulder to know who called him as he recognized the voice. It was Talleyrand.
"I'll see you later," Napoleon whispered into Ciela's ears. "Go and be with the children."
Napoleon planted a kiss on her cheek before Ciela made her way toward their children, who were at the Arc de Triomphe.
Napoleon then turned his attention back to Talleyrand.
"Your Excellency," Talleyrand began. "I wish to discuss something with you, can I have a moment of your time?"
Napoleon checked the time from his pocket watch, and he nodded. "You have five minutes, Talleyrand."
"It won't take long…" Talleyrand assured and began. "First of all, I want to congratulate you for completing this beautiful monument. I'm genuinely impressed by its design and architecture. The second is you convincing the former King of France. Thirdly, it is about the diplomats from the United States."
"United States?" Napoleon raised a brow.? "What about it?"
"Well, I have spoken to them, and they expressed their intention of purchasing New Orleans from us for 10 million dollars or 53 million and four hundred thousand francs."
Napoleon rubbed his chin as he pondered about the offer. So the United States has already begun their move huh? Securing New Orleans and possibly securing shipping rights in the Mississippi River.
After seriously considering the offer, Napoleon shook his head. "I'm not interested. We are going to keep New Orleans for ourselves. It is going to be the de-facto capital of New France in our North American frontier."
"But Your Excellency—if you reject their offer, you are well aware that we will be at war with the United States?"
"As I said before, I don't see the United States as a threat to our empire. So stay firm, tell them that France is not interested in selling any parts of Louisiana. However, France is prepared to make some concessions. Shipping rights in the Mississippi River? That we can give."
"Understood, Your Excellency—"
"Brother—"
Another minister interrupted. Napoleon flickered their gaze at the person who called him, it was Lucien, and standing next to Lucien was Napoleon's older brother, Joseph.
"It's about time," Joseph informed, indicating that the event will start soon.
"Very well," Napoleon acknowledged them with a nod before shifting his gaze once more to Talleyrand. "Talleyrand, excuse me for a moment, the event is starting soon."
"Good luck, Your Excellency," Talleyrand bowed his head.
With that, Napoleon was escorted by Lucien and Joseph to the erected platform where a podium with a microphone stood, ready for his address to the eager crowd.
Napoleon, standing at the podium, took a moment to survey the sea of faces before him. Citizens from all corners of France united in this historic moment, awaited his words with bated breath.
He invented the microphone solely for this occasion. In order to address hundreds of thousands of people his voice alone wouldn't reach those who were farther from the stage. So speakers are installed at interval points throughout the square, ensuring that his message would reach every eager ear.
With a nod to his brothers and a glance at his family who were behind him, Napoleon stepped closer to the microphone and began to speak.
"Citizens of France,? esteemed guests from near and far," he proclaimed, his words reverberating through the square, reaching the ears of the multitude.
The people far away from the Arc de Triomphe found themselves jolting at the sudden sound escaping from the speakers. It was their first time experiencing the power of this new invention.
Napoleon continued. "Tonight, as we gather under this magnificent Arc de Triomphe, we celebrate not only the completion of this grand monument but also the enduring spirit of our great nation. In this very place where I stood, I promised you peace, and I have brought it. This monumental arch shall serve as the symbol of our great victory."
The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing through the night.
"Also tonight, I have someone here who would like to address you all, someone you all knew," Napoleon said and the crowds fell silent, wondering who Napoleon was referring to.
Napoleon glanced over his shoulder and beckoned a specific someone to step forward.
That someone complied and walked over to the podium, and stopped next to Napoleon.
The people near the Arc de Triomphe instantly recognized the person.
"Wait—isn't that King Louis the Sixteenth?"
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