At the Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles, Napoleon and Ciela sat together in the front row, quietly enjoying the performance of Aveline's "The Magic Flute." composed by Mozart.
Napoleon had never been the type of person who would explore the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, he had always remained himself in office for the last five years. He didn't know that the Kings of France had a private opera inside Versailles.
The interior design was similar to that of high-end opera houses, with plush velvet seats and ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The gold and red color scheme gave the place a lavish feel, matching the extravagant reputation of Versailles.
As they watched the performance, Napoleon couldn't help but be impressed by Aveline's rendition of "The Magic Flute."
He had always been a man of strategy and politics, not particularly known for his appreciation of the arts. However, this evening was a departure from his usual routine, and he found himself surprisingly drawn into the music and the spectacle.
Ciela, on the other hand, had a deep appreciation for the arts and had convinced Napoleon to join her for this evening. She enjoyed seeing him out of his element, embracing a different side of life beyond the demands of his role as a leader.
"I think our daughter can win the competition," Napoleon remarked.
Ciela, glancing at Napoleon with a smile, nodded in agreement. "I have no doubt about that," she replied, her eyes fixed on the stage. "But I wonder if the competition would still go forward if France were to go to war again with its neighbors."
The competition that they were referring to is the music festival that will be held at the future Opera, the Palais Garnier. According to the latest report, the Palais Garnier will be completed on February 5th, 1804. Though it was estimated to be completed last year, delays occurred, causing the completion to move by another year. But this one is certain.
"It will still go on," Napoleon assured.
"But you are going to attend right? There's no way you'll miss Aveline's performance at the Palais Garnier," Ciela asked concernedly.
"Of course, my dear. I will make every effort to attend and support our daughter. Besides, there's not a chance that the allies will start a war in February, it's still winter."
Ciela's worries began to ease as she listened to Napoleon's reassuring words.
"Why are we going to go to war again?" Ciela asked.
"Didn't I tell you, I'm creating a unified Germany under Bavarian leadership? United Germany that we can control. Naturally, the Prussians and the Austrians don't like the idea so they'll be forced to declare war on Bavaria, and then since Bavaria and France are allies, we are treaty-bound to support Bavaria in the conflict," Napoleon explained. "We win this war, France will be Master of Europe."
"Aren't we already the Master of Europe after defeating the British?" Ciela tilted her head to the side.
"Not according to the Russians," Napoleon softly chuckled.
"You better not lose against the coalition, Napoleon. I don't want us to lose everything we have worked for."
"I promise you, darling. I have no plans on losing against the coalition. If someone is going to lose, that'd be them. Imagine the rewards once we win this war. We become a superpower, dictating terms, and a possibility of helping another country to arise."
"Country? What country are you referring to?" Ciela inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"Poland," Napoleon revealed. "For the last three decades, Poland has been partitioned by its neighbors, Russia, Prussia, and Austria. I plan to restore Poland as a sovereign state, a buffer between the great powers of Europe."
"Oh, I heard about that. I believe the original Napoleon had a mistress there. Marie Walewska…hmm…"
"Why are you staring daggers at me?" Napoleon chuckled nervously.
Ciela couldn't help but chuckle at Napoleon's reaction. "I'm not staring daggers, my love. Just pondering the historical connections," she replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"Do you think I would cheat on you over that woman?"
Ciela laughed, shaking her head. "No, my dear Napoleon, I trust you completely. I know you won't stoop so low as to do things like that. History is history, and we are here in the alternate present."
"Look, if I were to choose between France and you, I would choose you without hesitation," Napoleon said. "That's how much I love you. I'm so in love with you that I can't imagine my life without you by my side. Oh my god, why are we talking about this now? I shouldn't have brought that woman's name."
Ciela giggled. "Now now, we should focus ourselves back on the music. Aveline might notice that we are not paying attention to her."
"Maybe you, I can listen to her music and at the same time converse with you," Napoleon smugly replied.
Five minutes later, the musical piece ended with an arousing crescendo, and the two erupted into applause.
Aveline rose to her feet and bowed in front of her parents. She rushed towards them and looked at their eyes with her sparkling eyes.
"How do you like it, mama, papa?" Aveline asked giddily.
Napoleon and Ciela continued to applaud enthusiastically as they rose to their feet to greet their daughter.
"Magnificent, Aveline!" Napoleon exclaimed. "You were absolutely brilliant. Your performance was captivating. You will definitely win that competition."
Ciela, equally delighted, embraced Aveline and planted a loving kiss on her forehead. "You've left us speechless, my dear. Your talent is beyond compare. We couldn't be prouder of you."
Aveline blushed at their praise, her heart swelling with happiness. "Thank you, Mama, Papa."
Napoleon took a moment to scan her daughter's appearance. She has grown a bit taller and is looking a lot more beautiful like her mother in her younger years.
"What is it, papa?" Aveline asked, tilting her head to the side with a cute smile across her lips.
"I'm enchanted by your beauty," Napoleon praised.
"Papa~!" Aveline playfully punched her father's arm, her cheeks flushing with a deeper shade of pink.
"What's with you all of a sudden?" Ciela asked.
"I just think that Aveline here looks like you in your early years. If she were to grow to fifteen or twenty, she'll grow beautiful like you," Napoleon commented.
Ciela blushed at Napoleon's compliment, and a fond smile graced her lips. She looked at Aveline, a twinkle in her eyes, and then back at her husband. "Well, I must say she does look like me in my younger years, though Aveline is more beautiful than I am."
Aveline, who was listening to their exchange of words, simply chuckled bashfully.
"Speaking of appearances, only Tristan inherited my black hair. Francis, Aveline, and Daphne are blondes."
"Maybe my genes are just strong I guess?" Ciela said and added. "It's sad that Francis couldn't join us."
"Brother said that it would spoil the mood for him if he were to watch me practice," Aveline said. "So, instead, he'll watch me perform at the Palais Garnier," Aveline explained.
"Sounds like Francis," Napoleon chuckled.
***
And so on February 5th, 1804. At the newly constructed Palais Garnier.
The Palais Garnier was a marvel, its grandeur rivaling even that of the Palace of Versailles. The opera house was adorned with intricate gold accents, dazzling chandeliers, and luxurious red velvet seats, creating an atmosphere of opulence and elegance.
Almost every prominent individual in France attended the opening. Ministers, generals, industrialists, scientists, and more.
As the curtains rose, Aveline stood on the stage, her presence commanding the attention of the entire audience. She began to play the piano with grace and skill, the notes resonating through the magnificent hall. The piece she chose was a composition of her own creation, a beautiful and haunting melody that seemed to transcend time and space. The audience was spellbound, their eyes fixed on Aveline as her fingers danced across the keys.
As the final notes of the piano echoed through the hall, the audience erupted into applause, their admiration and awe filling the air. Aveline took her bows, her face radiant with happiness and accomplishment. She had not only met their expectations but had exceeded them.
She won the music festival competition and returned home with a trophy.
However—.
"Brother, you have to look at this," Lucien said, handing him over the newspaper.
"What's this?" Napoleon asked.
"You'll see."
Napoleon unfolded the newspaper, his eyes widening as he read the bold headline: "Scandal at the Palais Garnier: Emperor's Daughter Accused of Winning Music Competition Unfairly."
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