Palace of Versailles, January 10th, 1804.
Eight o'clock in the morning.
Napoleon stirred from sleep as the invading sunlight streamed into the windows. His eyes blinked against the morning light as he reluctantly rose from his luxurious bed, but he couldn't do so easily. He realized that his right arm was pinned beneath the weight of Ciela's head. Her strawberry-blonde hair cascaded over the pillow, and her soft breathing indicated that she was still deep in slumber.
He couldn't help but smile as he looked down at his wife, but he couldn't help but be distracted by the noise of the footsteps ringing on the floor. He flickered his gaze to the man that is sliding the heavy curtains aside.
It was the Lord Chamberlain of the Imperial Household, Beaumont.
"Good morning, Your Majesty."
Napoleon acknowledged Lord Chamberlain with a nod. When he was crowned Emperor in Notre Dame ten days ago, Napoleon overhauled the organization of the Palace of Versailles staff and made it similar to the British Royal Household.
Beaumont is the Master of the Household, meaning he is responsible for organizing official ceremonies, events, and royal occasions. The office also oversees matters like state banquets, investitures, garden parties, tea parties, and more.
"What wonderful weather we have today," Napoleon commented as he gazed at the window.
Beaumont nodded in agreement, his usually stern expression softening slightly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. A clear day, it seems."
"Okay, we have a long day ahead of us, better start to work."
Gently, he tried to extricate his arm from beneath Ciela, but his movement caused her to stir. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing warm blue eyes that met his gaze. A small smile played on her lips as she realized that she had been using his arm as a pillow.
"Good morning, my love," she whispered.
Napoleon leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Good morning, my dear," he replied tenderly. "If you are still sleepy, you can stay here and rest a while longer."
"I think I'll do that," Ciela said sleepily.
Napoleon smiled affectionately at Ciela and tucked the covers around her. He planted another gentle kiss on her forehead before rising from the bed.
Just like any other person, Napoleon started his day by taking a bath and getting dressed. After that, he walked alongside Beaumont down the hallways. While at it, Beaumont spoke.
"Your Majesty, the men you have nominated for the roles of Private Secretary and Master of the Household are already outside your office," Beaumont informed.
"How about the employment of additional palace staff?" Napoleon asked.
"It went quite well, Your Majesty. Today, the Palace of Versailles now employs 30 footmen, 50 kitchen staff, 30 housekeepers, 100 security personnel, 20 administrative staff, and 30 gardeners and groundskeepers."
Along the way, Napoleon and Beaumont would occasionally encounter housekeeping staff dusting the paintings, furniture, floors, and chandeliers that adorned the palace's corridors. Outside the window, Napoleon could see gardeners and groundskeepers tending to the meticulously manicured gardens of Versailles.
Arriving at Napoleon's office, he saw two men sitting on the hallway chairs. They rose to their feet and bowed promptly.
"Your Majesty," the two men intoned together.
"This must be the person you are referring to, Beaumont," Napoleon mused.
"They are, Your Majesty."
"Introduce yourselves," Napoleon ordered to the man on the left.
The man on the left raised his head.
"Your Majesty, the name is Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt, at your service."
Napoleon scanned the man's appearance. He seemed to be in his late twenties with a youthful and composed demeanor. His attire was impeccably neat, a reflection of his attention to detail.
Napoleon turned his gaze to the man on the right. There was no need for an introduction as he already knew the man. He is like the aide-de-camp for Beaumont, Lucas. Who has been working in the Palace of Versailles since Napoleon moved to the palace.
"Armand—let's talk inside my office," Napoleon said. "As for you, Lucas. You don't have to join us. You are accepted as the Master of the Household."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lucas acknowledged with a respectful nod
Napoleon motioned for Armand-Augustin-Louis de Caulaincourt to follow him into his office, and they entered, leaving Lucas outside.
Inside the office, Napoleon took his seat behind a large mahogany desk, and Armand stood attentively before him.
"Please, take a seat," Napoleon offered, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk.
Armand complied and settled into the seat, his posture remaining impeccable. He awaited the Emperor's instructions.
Napoleon already knew who Armand was, he was a soldier who fought in the Revolutionary Wars, but he was also a good statesman, a polyglot, and a politician. Despite his young age, he had achieved a lot, one of which was signing the Treaty of Madrid that ended the Franco-Spanish war resulting in a massive gain of territories in North America.
In the original history, Armand is the Grand Marshal of the Palace. Similar to that of the Lord Chamberlain in the British. The reason why he didn't adopt the organization Napoleon created was because it was too militaristic, and some of the positions listed would be extinct in the near future. So it's inefficient.
"No beating around the bush, you are good on paper, Armand," Napoleon began. As the title of the position implies, you'll handle sensitive matters, both political and administrative. Your role will require you to be my right hand when it comes to managing the affairs of the state. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of duties. You will serve as my principal advisor on constitutional issues, state affairs, and matters of national significance. You will also play a crucial role in liaising with government officials, foreign dignitaries, and diplomats. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing my daily schedule, ensuring that I am well-informed and well-prepared for meetings, events, and engagements. That's pretty much it. Can you handle it?"
"Uhm, Your Majesty, such a task for my age is immense. You are placing a significant trust in me," Armand responded with humility and continued. But I am ready to rise to the occasion. I have dedicated myself to the service of France, and I will do everything in my power to fulfill the duties of this esteemed position."
Napoleon clapped his hands. "Berthier please give him all the necessary documents for him to fulfill his job."
"As you wish, Sire," Beaumont whipped out the documents and handed them to Armand with a courteous nod.
"You will report back to me in one hour, Armand. You can go now," Napoleon said.
Armand nodded, his determination shining in his eyes. "I will not disappoint you, Your Majesty."
With that, Armand stood, holding the documents securely, and gave a respectful bow to Napoleon. He then exited the Emperor's office, leaving Napoleon and Beaumont to continue their morning proceedings.
"Beaumont, we are still missing some key roles in the Imperial Household, such as the Imperial Collection, the Press Office, the Crown Equerry, and the Privy Purse. I need a list of recommendations tomorrow so we can fill it."
"I'll get it done, Your Majesty."
"As for the Imperial Protection Command, I'll be the one looking for a suitable candidate. Setting that aside, I'm hungry. Where is my breakfast?"
"I'll bring it to you, sir."
Beaumont bowed respectfully and went to fetch breakfast. In a short while, he returned with a tray carrying a classic French breakfast. On the tray, there were warm croissants, pastries filled with custard, fresh berries, and a steaming cup of tea. The croissants, still warm, had a buttery aroma, and the pastries were sprinkled with powdered sugar.
"I suggest that you try the tea first, Your Majesty," Beaumont said as he placed the tray on Napoleon's desk.
Napoleon nodded in agreement, and he carefully took a sip of the tea.
"It tastes and smells lovely, what tea is this?" Napoleon inquired.
"That's a jasmine tea, Your Majesty. From the Qing Dynasty."
"Qing Dynasty you say…" Napoleon mused.
"Ever since the French East India Company took over the British East India Company, tea imports skyrocketed. This particular jasmine tea has become quite popular among the upper class in recent years."
"Is that so…I haven't been in touch with the French East India Company yet. I will soon nationalize it and make the whole of the Indian subcontinent a French colony."
"India has a population of approximately 180 million. That's three and a half times larger than us. How will you pull that off, Your Majesty?"
"Just like the British," Napoleon said as he took a bite of his croissant.
***
One hour later, Armand entered Napoleon's office.
"Your Majesty, I am ready to report."
"Proceed."
"At ten o'clock in the morning, Your Majesty, there is a scheduled meeting with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs. Following that, at twelve o'clock, there is a luncheon planned with Mr. Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States. At two o'clock, there is a ceremonial drive scheduled down the Champs-élysées. Then, at four o'clock, there is a garden party arranged at Luxembourg Palace, which is expected to host approximately 30,000 children. At six o'clock, there is a piano performance by Her Imperial Highness Aveline scheduled at the ópera real de Versailles. Finally, at eight o'clock in the evening, there is a dinner event planned at the Porcelain Dining Room. It appears, Your Majesty, that this day will be quite busy."
Napoleon smirked. "Easy."
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