Chapter 287 A Peek to Napoleon's plan for Expanding France Sphere of Influence and the News
April 5th, 1802. Nine o'clock in the evening.
In the Palace of Versailles, Napoleon held his newborn son, cradling him gently as he rocked back and forth. The baby, swathed in fine silks, lay quietly in his father's arms, blissfully unaware of the world outside.
Napoleon looked at his son, whom he named Tristan, affectionately. He was almost two months old, having been born on the 12th of February.
"You will become the Emperor of Spain," Napoleon whispered softly to his son before placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.
His wife, Ciela, lay on the bed nearby, her eyes filled with warmth and love as she observed the tender moment between father and son. The birthing had been difficult, and she still bore the signs of her ordeal, but seeing her husband with their child brought a deep sense of contentment.
Ciela reached out her hand, inviting Napoleon to join her on the bed. He carefully laid Tristan in a nearby cradle before sitting beside his wife.
"So Tristan is to become the Emperor of Spain, but what about Aveline my dear?" Ciela asked, curious as to where Aveline would play in part of expanding the French Empire.
"I have already decided on that," Napoleon said, locking gaze with her. "She will be the future Queen of Italy. Italy won't just be a state made up of northern territories. I wish to reunite it. The Kingdom of Two Sicilies would be no more thanks to me for defeating the British. Without the British protecting them, it would only be a matter of time for southern Italy to be reunited with northern Italy."
"Aveline…Queen of Italy," Ciela repeated. "It sounds good. Any other plans that you haven't shared with me?"
Napoleon nodded. "There are, darling. My Minister of Foreign Affairs, Talleyrand informed me that the Austrians and Prussians are thinking of creating a unified German nation. Such a nation would definitely pose a threat to our sovereignty so I wish to control it."
"How?" Ciela inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"By forming an alliance with the State of Bavaria," Napoleon revealed. "It's one of the largest states within the Holy Roman Empire. If we can persuade them to secede and operate under my guidance, working toward the creation of a unified Germany under Bavarian leadership, then we won't have to worry about Germany being our enemy because it was us who made them. Not only that, it would serve as a buffer state against the Russians, whom I genuinely see as a threat. I already set up an appointment with the representative of the State of Bavaria and discuss it in the future."
"Hmm—Bavaria could technically unify the German states in this era but would the Austrians allow that to happen? Bavaria is under control by the Austrian Empire, so I don't think they'll peacefully let them secede."
"Ah don't worry about it dear, I have plans for that. In fact, I already have plans for everything…Including which—" he paused and grinned.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Ciela giggled, she realized where Napoleon was heading and so she asked simply. "How many?"
"Well, this is me speaking from my heart, Ciela. I want to have more children with you. Our children are the key to maintaining our Empire—"
"Just tell me how many, darling," Ciela interrupted. "We are playing the monarch game and I don't mind having many children with you. I'll do anything for you and the Empire of France."
Napoleon smiled warmly at his wife's eagerness and raised three fingers. "I was thinking of three more, my love.
Ciela's eyes widened in pleasant surprise. "Three more? I suppose I should start preparing then, as you say."
Napoleon leaned in and kissed her affectionately.
Just as their tender moment was about to continue, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them.
Both Napoleon and Ciela turned their attention toward the door, momentarily startled.
Napoleon's brow furrowed slightly. "Who could that be at this hour?"
Ciela shrugged, her curiosity piqued. "Perhaps it's an urgent matter that requires your attention, my dear."
Napoleon rose from the bed, leaving Ciela's side as he moved toward the door. He glanced back at his wife with a reassuring smile before opening the door to see who had come to seek his presence.
When the door opened, Napoleon saw Beaumont, bowing his head politely.
"I apologize if I interrupt something important, Your Excellency," Beaumont said respectfully, his eyes darting briefly to Ciela before returning to Napoleon.
"It's quite all right, Beaumont. Please, speak. What brings you here?"
Beaumont straightened himself, maintaining his composure. "You have visitors, Your Excellency. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Talleyrand and the Minister of War, Berthier."
Upon hearing those words, Napoleon's eyes widened slightly. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of War is a combination that suggests a matter of great significance.
He nodded to Beaumont. "Very well, Beaumont. Please inform them that I will receive them in my office shortly. Prepare some drinks and pastries for them."
Beaumont gave a quick bow. "Of course, Your Excellency. I shall see to it immediately."
With that, Beaumont departed to carry out Napoleon's instructions, leaving the First Consul alone for a moment to collect his thoughts.
Returning to the bed, Ciela reached out for Napoleon's hand, concern etched on her features.
"So who were your visitors?"
"Berthier and Talleyrand," Napoleon answered and Ciela gasped softly.
"The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of War? That sounds very serious, my dear. What could be so pressing that they come to you at this late hour?"
"Unfortunately, I am just about to find out about it later," Napoleon said. "I'll let you know once I have met with them and learned the purpose of their visit. Until then, my love, please rest. I'll return as soon as I can."
Ciela nodded, understandingly.
As Napoleon was about to rise to his feet, he asked. "Anyways, what is your plan tomorrow? Are you free?"
Ciela shook her head. "A short trip to Paris, where I'll oversee the opening of the Bonaparte's Bank. Why do you ask?"
"I was hoping I could invite you for dinner but since you have plans, perhaps another time. I miss our dinners together," Napoleon replied with a touch of nostalgia.
Ciela smiled warmly. "I miss them too, my love. We'll have our dinner together soon, I promise."
Hearing that, Napoleon nodded and left their chambers to attend to his important visitors.
***
At Napoleon's office, Napoleon arrived and there he saw Berthier and Talleyrand having a brief amicable conversation. The moment they saw Napoleon, they immediately stood in attention and bowed.
"Please, gentlemen, have a seat," Napoleon said as he settled into his own chair behind the desk. He noticed the serious expressions on their faces, which only deepened his curiosity. "So, why are you here?"
"My apologies for the late hour, First Consul, but the matter we bring before you is of utmost importance and requires your immediate attention. We have good and bad news," Talleyrand explained.
"Okay, good news first."
Talleyrand's lips curled into a faint smile. "The good news is that we have just concluded a significant portion of the plebiscite. So far, approximately five million citizens of France have cast their votes, and the majority of them are in favor of you becoming an Emperor."
"Okay," Napoleon said as if not surprised by the news coolly. "What's the bad news then?"
Talleyrand shot a glance at Berthier, beckoning him to speak.
Berthier cleared his throat and began, "The bad news, Your Excellency, is that we find ourselves at war with the Kingdom of Spain."
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