Chapter 353 Pranking
July 24th, 1821, marked the close of the afternoon at five o'clock, as the royal convoy initiated its stately journey towards the Port of Calcutta. The thoroughfare was flanked by Indian locals, their heads lowered in a gesture of deference as the convoy made its passage, bearing the Imperial Prince and Princess of the French Empire. The nation held dominion over India, exerting influence through diplomatic channels, military might, and economic control.
Daphne, ever the embodiment of royal grace, extended gestures of acknowledgment to the locals, her hands waving in a show of interest. Her actions were calculated, a strategic performance aimed at cementing their position as sovereigns of India. Yet beneath this veneer of engagement lay a different reality; she considered it a necessity to keep them in a state of submission, to erase any lingering thoughts of self-governance.
Their capability to manage their own affairs had diminished in her eyes, a perspective influenced and solidified when her father relayed the story of a trusted man, appointed to govern India, who met his untimely demise at the hands of his own political compatriots. This revelation had shaped her belief, convincing her of India's inability to stand on its own, and that only the French Empire, with its superior governance and enlightened principles, could bring order and prosperity to this land while benefiting from it of course.
Francis, riding beside Daphne, remained stoic, his gaze fixed straight ahead as they progressed through the crowded streets. His mind, however, was a whirlwind of thoughts, contemplating the Empire's role in shaping the future of India. Unlike his sister, he held a more pragmatic view, seeing the colony not just as a land to be subdued, but as a vital cog in the grand machinery of the French Empire. The resources and strategic position of India were invaluable, and he understood the importance of maintaining a firm grip on the territory.
The convoy eventually reached the bustling Port of Calcutta. Ships constructed from France's shipyards were anchored. Even the mighty French Pacific Fleet is anchored at a distance, displaying the military might of the Empire. Those who have their gaze landed upon it would simply have their breath taken away by its sheer size.
The automobile stopped and a French infantry stepped forward and opened the door for the royal siblings. Daphne gracefully exited the vehicle, followed by Francis.
"Yes, at last, we can finally return home! This time, it's real," Daphne exclaimed joyfully.
"Don't get your hopes up yet," Francis said, breaking her moment of jubilation with a more grounded tone. "Who knows, father might send us another letter asking us to stop by one of our colonies."
"You're jinxing it," Daphne pouted, crossing her arms in mild frustration.
Francis chuckled as he walked towards the gangway, connecting the port to the Flagship of the French Pacific Fleet, the IFNS Napoleon. Daphne trailed behind, followed by her two loyal maids.
At the end of the gangway, Captain Waldeck and Admiral de Richebourg performed a bow and a salutatory gesture, respectively, to welcome the royal siblings aboard.
"Your Imperial Highnesses, it is an honor to have you on the IFNS Napoleon again," Captain Waldeck said with a respectful tone.
"Thank you, Captain. We are pleased to be here again and we can't wait to return home," Daphne responded with a polite smile, her frustration momentarily set aside.
"Our last stop would be the Port of Toulon, so yes, we are definitely going back to France, Your Imperial Highness, "Admiral de Richebourg said, smiling at Daphne. "Now, let me escort you to the Admiral Quarters where you can rest while we prepare the fleet to sail home."
With a nod, the group followed Admiral de Richebourgh and settled in their quarters.
Daphne sat on the bed, looking at her brother who sat in front of his desk to conduct his administrative duties.
"Brother, it's a good thing that we didn't stay there for a day. I can't imagine myself staying in a land devoid of amenities that I enjoyed in New France or at Versailles."
"In a year or two, India's biggest cities would be like France and look like France as they adopt the architecture and our technology. You won't feel that you have left France at all," Francis replied, not looking up from his papers.
Daphne raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Is that so? You seem quite certain of this transformation."
"It's the natural course of things," Francis simply replied.
As they were having a brief conversation, there was a knock on the door. "Your Imperial Highnesses, is it okay for me to enter?"
A voice sounded from beyond the metal door. The two recognized the voice, it was Captain Waldeck, and they quickly granted him permission to enter.
"Come in," Francis called out, setting aside his papers to address the captain.
Captain Waldeck opened the door and stepped inside, offering a salute to the royal siblings. "Your Imperial Highnesses, I apologize for the intrusion. We just received a telegraph from Paris, and it is directed to you and Her Imperial Highness."
"Oh no," Daphne mouthed, thinking that it would be another major stop in one of their colonies along the route. Could it be Egypt? The Middle East? No, it's best that it won't be about another stop like India.
"Give it to me," Francis ordered and Captain Waldeck handed over the telegraph to Francis, who quickly scanned the contents. His expression remained unreadable as he read, leaving Daphne growing more anxious by the second.
"Okay…thank you for this, Captain Waldeck, you may leave us now."
Captain Waldeck saluted before turning to his heels and exiting the room.
Daphne, growing impatient, prodded her brother for information. "Well? What does it say?"
Francis looked up ran a hand over his face and sighed.
"Oh my god, you truly have jinxed it!" Daphne cutely brought her hands to her cheeks in dismay, her eyes wide with anticipation. "What is it? Are we stopping somewhere else?"
Francis couldn't keep up the act any longer and burst into laughter, seeing his sister's dramatic reaction. "I'm just pulling your leg, Daphne. There's no need for any additional stops. We are heading straight home," he reassured her, still chuckling.
Daphne's eyes narrowed as she realized she'd been pranked, but her irritation quickly gave way to relief. "You are insufferable, Francis," she exclaimed, though a smile tugged at her lips.
Francis grinned, "I had to lighten the mood somehow. But in all seriousness, the telegraph is from Mother. She is asking about our well-being, whether we've been eating properly, and expressing how much she misses us."
A warm feeling spread through Daphne's chest as she heard about their mother's concern. "That's sweet of her. And what else does it say?"
"It also mentions that Tristan and Aveline have arrived safely in Versailles," Francis added, handing the telegraph over to Daphne so she could read it herself.
Daphne scanned the contents of the telegraph, a smile playing on her lips as she read their mother's affectionate words. Her words were comforting, making her all the more eager to return home.
"I miss you too, Mother," Daphne said softly, so soft that Francis didn't hear it at all.
"Yeah, it's been a long time since I was in Versailles," Francis mused. "Let's go home."
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