Chapter 383 Departure of Napoleon's Children
August 30th, 1821. Palace of Versailles.
The Russian Emperor, Tsar Paul I, had been staying at the Palace of Versailles for three days. The visit was primarily business-focused, with most of the time dedicated to discussions about future trade agreements and diplomatic relations. The atmosphere in the palace was busy yet orderly, as officials and diplomats moved through the halls, ensuring the smooth progress of these high-level meetings.
The discussions between Tsar Paul I and the French leadership, led by Emperor Napoleon, were productive, focusing on mutual interests and potential areas of cooperation. The negotiations were detailed and sometimes complex, covering a range of topics from economic partnerships to regional security concerns. Both sides showed a keen interest in reaching agreements that would benefit their respective nations, signaling a period of potential collaboration and mutual respect between France and Russia.
However, as the Russian Emperor's visit neared its conclusion, preparations for his departure were underway. At the main gate of the Palace of Versailles, the convoy for Tsar Paul I was ready. The vehicles were lined up in formation, each one gleaming under the afternoon sun. The doors of the lead vehicle were open, poised for the Tsar's exit.
"It has been a pleasure doing business with you, Paul," Napoleon said, extending his hand as they stood by the open door of the lead vehicle
Tsar Paul I, about to step into the vehicle, turned to face Napoleon, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, Napoleon, this visit has been most beneficial for our nations. I am confident that the agreements we have reached will lead to greater prosperity and understanding between Russia and France."
After the handshake, Tsar Paul I entered the vehicle. The convoy swiftly began to move out of the Palace grounds. Napoleon watched as the line of vehicles gradually disappeared from view, signaling the end of the Russian Emperor's significant visit.
Turning back towards the palace, he called Armand, who was standing by the door.
"You said you have something to report to me?" Napoleon reminded him.
"Oh, yes, Your Imperial Majesty. In Marseillaise, they began the distribution of influenza vaccines. We'll start seeing its effect in another two or three months. Though strict health protocols are Though strict health protocols are still in place, this development is a significant step towards controlling the outbreak," Armand reported.
Napoleon nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Keep a close watch on the situation in Marseillaise. The success of this vaccine distribution could be a model for other regions if it proves effective. We can't afford any setbacks in our efforts to control the influenza."
"It's a good thing that the Russians went on board with your proposal, if they were a bit stubborn, we would be fighting on two fronts. One in the interior and the other in the exterior."
"Don't underestimate France, Armand. Fifteen years ago, France was fighting the European superpowers all by itself, at once," Napoleon remarked with a hint of pride in his voice.
"Of course Your Imperial Majesty. How could I ever forget such moments? I was there to witness it, it'll be forever etched in my memory," Armand said reverently.
Napoleon cringed a bit at Armand's overly sentimental tone.
"What's next on my agenda?"
"Today sir, it's going to be a sad day for you, because this day is the day your sons and daughter leave the Palace of Versailles."
Napoleon halted on his steps as Armand reminded him that.
"Oh," Napoleon smacked his lips. "Yeah…it's today."
"Do you want me to escort you to the stateroom where they are all located?" Armand offered.
"Well, what's the point of asking that question when you are literally always by my side?" Napoleon glanced at Armand with a hint of dry humor. "But yes, let's go to the stateroom."
Upon reaching the stateroom, Napoleon found his sons and daughter gathered, each of them looking somewhat solemn at the prospect of leaving the palace. They were all dressed in their finest, ready to embark on their respective journeys. Of course, except Daphne, whom he first noticed sitting on a sofa with a melancholic expression.
She was the only child of Napoleon who wouldn't be leaving the Palace of Versailles as she didn't have a domain to govern, not yet anyway.
"Father," they greeted in unison.
"Oh my, Paul already left?" Ciela asked.
"They just left, but yeah…looking at this moment made me realize that it's not only the Russian Emperor leaving, but those three as well."
Napoleon glanced at the children he was referring to, Aveline, Francis, and Tristan.
"Come on guys, let's not make this moment sad. It's not like we are not returning to France," Francis cheered.
"True…I plan on returning to France next year. But this year, it's country first."
"I agree," Aveline added. "Italy is waiting for me. Especially when tensions are rising near."
"Are you referring to the Greeks rebelling against the Ottoman Empire's rule?" Tristan asked. "I'm also well aware of that. But I'm going to sit this one out. Spain is shifting its priorities to new markets in Asia. So I don't have time concerning myself in that conflict."
"You're talking about Asia? What country specifically are you targeting?" Francis asked.
"Brother, you have forced Japan to open their ports to trade, well I'm looking downwards. I'm thinking of opening Joseon and China. Their restrictive trade policies are causing a lot of potential opportunities to go untapped," Tristan explained.
Napoleon and Ciela exchanged glances at each other. Napoleon had planned on giving Joseon to Ciela as a gift and making her Empress there. If Tristan were to get there first, it would be problematic. As much as he wanted to speak about it, he can't, because this is not the room for that discussion. This day is about his children leaving and returning to their domains, it's about farewell not talking diplomacy.
Napoleon cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Okay, you all prepare your things. You don't want to be late for the airport," he said, shifting the focus back to their imminent departures.
The children nodded and began to gather their belongings, Daphne in particular remained on the sofa, looking really sad. In an hour or two, she'll be the only one left in the Palace of Versailles.
Francis noticed her somber expression and approached her. "Daphne."
Daphne looked up to her brother. "Brother…"
Francis noticed her somber expression and approached her. "Daphne," he said gently.
Daphne looked up at her brother, her eyes reflecting her sadness. "Brother…"
"You know, just because we're leaving doesn't mean you're going to be alone," Francis reassured her, sitting beside her on the sofa. "You have Father, Mother, and the entire staff here. Plus, we'll be back before you know it."
Daphne gave a small nod, trying to muster a smile. "I know, but it's still sad."
Francis put an arm around her. "It's sad from the start, but you'll get used to it. Perhaps even understand why we have to leave when you are already governing Canada," he said, offering a glimpse of her future responsibilities.
Daphne looked thoughtful at the mention of Canada. "I suppose you're right."
"Look, you can visit me at Sanssouci Palace anytime. Berlin is just one train away from Paris," Francis offered, trying to lighten the mood.
Daphne's face brightened slightly at the thought. "That's true. I'll hold you to that, brother."
With that, the siblings left the stateroom, preparing their things and departing from the Palace of Versailles.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢