Chapter 280 Formalizing
The unexpected presence of the former King of France left the assembled multitude in a state of shock. Those who stood far from the? Arc de Triomphe had no choice but to rely on the whispers that swiftly spread through the densely packed crowd.
Questions rippled through the masses like wildfire. What could have possibly brought the former King of France back to the heart of Paris? The notion that Louis Capet had abandoned his subjects had been etched into their collective consciousness by the relentless drumbeat of media propaganda. Their minds raced with speculation.
Louis Capet's keen eyes scanned the sea of faces before him, searching for any sign of the reaction he had hoped for. He had dared to believe that, perhaps, a small fraction of France would welcome his return with open arms. Yet, the expressions that met his gaze were far from what he had envisioned – a sea of confusion and bewilderment painted across their faces.
His return had elicited not joy, but puzzlement, which somehow pained his spirit more than outright rejection.
As the seconds stretched into what felt like an eternity, Louis Capet found himself grappling with the enormity of the moment. This is the day he'll say farewell to the people of France, to repay the debts he had from Napoleon.
Napoleon was the one who saved his family at the height of the revolution, if not for him, they would have been at the mercy of the guillotine.
Meanwhile, behind Francis was Napoleon, tilting his head to the side as he waited for Louis to speak. It's been a minute now. Of course, he couldn't simply walk over there and urge him to speak, that would have been bad optics for Napoleon. Maybe Louis was fighting his inner battles and turmoil, seeking the right words to address the masses who had long regarded him as a distant relic of a bygone era.
Fifteen seconds later, Louis cleared his throat and spoke into the microphone.
"Citizens of France, I am Louis Capet, the former King of the Kingdom of France. I stand before you, my fellow countrymen and women, to announce my formal abdication of the throne and the complete abolition of the monarchy. Although I am well aware that the monarchy has long been dissolved, this act symbolizes my recognition of the authority that now governs the Republic of France. The future of France belongs to its people, not to the remnants of an old regime. I hereby renounce any claims to the throne, should the monarchy ever return to our beloved nation.
When I ascended to the throne of France twenty-seven years ago, I solemnly swore an oath to serve this nation to the best of my ability. I once believed in my divine right to rule, but the passage of time and the unfolding events of history have humbled me. I acknowledge my failures, which ultimately led to a profound upheaval that forever altered the course of our cherished France.
As to why I departed from France during the tumultuous years of the revolution, it was out of fear for the safety of my family and myself. I faced an agonizing choice: to remain a king and confront my people, or to be a father and protector for my family. I chose the latter path, and that choice has weighed heavily on my heart ever since.
During the initial five years of France's transformation into a republic, I harbored bitterness and resentment. I observed from a distance as our nation underwent numerous regime changes. It became painfully clear that the new governments that replaced me were more concerned with their own interests than those of the people. I could not help but think that they were failing our great nation. I had envisioned a return, with the support of those who still believed in the monarchy, to set things right. However, due to France's victories over its adversaries, that dream remained unfulfilled.
I watched as France struggled under the yoke of corrupt leadership, believing that one day, the people would yearn for a savior. In my fantasies, I imagined myself as that very person, hoping to bring salvation to our beloved land.
But then, Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as the leader of France, succeeding the previous governments as the First Consul. I must admit that I was embittered by the sweeping reforms and drastic fiscal changes he initiated. He achieved remarkable progress, and I couldn't help but feel resentment for doing my job well. My ire deepened when I learned of his aspirations to become Emperor of France. Yet, I recognized that the overwhelming majority of our fellow citizens placed their faith in Napoleon. I knew that if I opposed him, I would incur your disdain. Thus, I made the decision not to meddle in France's internal affairs any longer and to accept the fact that you had embraced your new leader.
So, to conclude this speech of mine, I wish to declare my support for Napoleon's ascension to the title of Emperor of France. My message to Napoleon is simple: please continue to work tirelessly for the best interests of France and her people, just as you have done. Lead our nation towards prosperity, and may the empire you envision become a source of strength and unity for all French citizens."
Louis Capet's speech concluded with a sense of acceptance and reconciliation. He had faced his past, acknowledged his regrets, and expressed his support for the man who had risen to power in his absence. The crowd, once bewildered, now began to feel pity and compassion for the former king.
The silence that followed was broken by scattered applause, hesitant at first but gradually growing in volume. It was not a thunderous ovation but a recognition of the courage it took for Louis Capet to return and speak his truth.
As the crowd's applause echoed through Paris, Louis Capet stepped away from the microphone, his gaze once again sweeping over the faces of the people he had once ruled. This time, there were mixed expressions in the crowd—some still skeptical, some moved by his words, and others lost in thought.
King Louis returned to where he originally stood, near Napoleon.
"That was a great speech, Monsieur Capet," Napoleon praised.
"The Emperor of the Austrian Empire will be mad for offering my support to you. The royalists of France will feel betrayed."
"I can handle the royalists, thank you for your concern," Napoleon said.
"I am not concerned, I'm just saying what will happen. So when do you plan on becoming the Emperor? Is there a date?"
"Once all the people voted in support of me becoming an Emperor," Napoleon said and continued. "Which I will find out by the end of the year 1802."
"I see…"
Meanwhile, watching them talk was Francis, who has now realized the words from his father during their stay in Milan.
'So this is what father meant. He'll become an Emperor and I'll be his successor.'
It was not known to Francis that his father planned to become Emperor of France until this.
'I guess I will have to study and work harder to meet my father's expectations'.
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