Chapter 385 Napoleon Promise
September 2nd, 1821. At the Palace of Versailles.
It was late afternoon when Napoleon and Ciela walked arm-in-arm in the royal garden. Their eyes swept as they scanned the beautiful floras around them. It was their routine to walk in the afternoon together as it was the only time where they could enjoy each other's company as their presence was demanded in their work. Napoleon being the Emperor of the French Empire doesn't need an explanation and so does the Empress of the French Empire whose duties extend to managing their enterprises.
Trailing behind them is Daphne, her personal maid trailing behind her. She too enjoyed the view of the royal garden. It was more beautiful and exquisite than the garden in New France.
As Napoleon and Ciela walked, they talked about a topic discreetly.
"So you heard Tristan wanting to get Joseon by himself. As a father, what would you do? Are you going to let him do it?" Ciela said.
Napoleon shook his head. "I promised that I would give you Joseon and make you their Queen. So obviously, I'm not going to allow Spain to have it."
Ciela's gaze met his, searching for certainty. "Even considering he is your son,
Napoleon shook his head again. "Tristan is the head of state of Spain. So, I have to treat him like a political counterpart, not just as a son. If he wants Joseon, then he'll have to go through me."
Upon hearing that, Ciela giggled. "You sure are quite a formidable figure, even to your own son. But I wonder, won't this create tension between you and Tristan?"
Napoleon's face took on a contemplative expression. "It's a possibility, but in politics, such tensions are inevitable. My primary duty is to the French Empire, and every decision must serve its interests first."
"But Joseon is not an interest of the French Empire, it's personal," Ciela said. "You are going to conquer Joseon to give it to me."
"Well, do you know that the northern part of Joseon has a lot of natural resources that are strategically important?" Napoleon responded, shifting the conversation to a more pragmatic perspective. "There are substantial deposits of coal and iron ore, which are crucial for our industrial expansion. Additionally, the region is known for its gold mines, which could significantly bolster our treasury."
Ciela listened intently. "Wait really? I don't know that. Must feel good if you have the information available inside your head."
Napoleon chuckled. "Yeah…"
Meanwhile, Daphne tried eavesdropping on what her parents were talking about, but they were speaking too softly for her to hear anything clearly. Pouting, she called them.
"Mother, Father. Is everything all right? You both seemed deeply engaged in your conversation."
Napoleon and Ciela exchanged a quick glance before Ciela responded with a reassuring smile. "Everything is fine, Daphne. We were just discussing some matters about the empire. You know, the usual stuff."
Daphne nodded, not entirely convinced but knowing better than to press further. "If you say so," she said and added. "I'm just feeling a bit left out."
Napoleon paused in his steps after hearing the tone of her voice. It was sad, similar to the time when her brothers and sister were leaving
He turned to face her, approached, and then placed an arm around her shoulders. "If you are really that curious, then how about I tell you what your mother and I are discussing?"
Daphne looked up at her father, a small smile forming on her face. "Really? But it feels like I'm forcing it, so it's okay if you don't want to tell me."
"No, it's fine," Napoleon reassured her. "So what we are talking about is this country in the Far East. What do you know about the Joseon Kingdom?"
"Joseon Kingdom…" Daphne began, her eyes reflecting her effort to remember her lessons. "It's a historic kingdom in the Far East, known for its strong Confucian values and significant contributions to arts and science. I remember reading about their impressive architecture and sophisticated bureaucracy. They've managed to maintain their independence despite pressure from larger neighboring countries. I remember there was a great admiral in the Joseon Kingdom that repelled the Japanese navy. What was his name…oh I remember, it's Yi Sun-sin," Daphne finished, recalling the historic figure.
Ciela nodded, impressed with her knowledge. "You sure do focus on your studies."
"But what about that country in the Far East? Just like Japan and the Qing Dynasty, they are a backward nation where modern civilization seems to not exist."
"I'm planning on giving it to your mother, and making her the Empress," Napoleon revealed.
Daphne tilted her head to the side, shocked slightly at the revelation. "Uhm…why?"
"It's just that your mother has a personal attachment to that country, or more specifically, she's fond of it. So she's taking it and as the Emperor of the French Empire, I will make it a reality."
Daphne grew even more confused. "Mother, Joseon sounded important to you…do you even know their language?"
When Daphne asked that, a smirk spread across Ciela's lips. She replied, not in French, but in fluent Joseonese, surprising Daphne. Her pronunciation was clear, and her intonation suggested a deep familiarity with the language.
"Yes, I do," Ciela said, switching back to French. "I've studied their language and culture extensively. It's a place that holds a special significance for me, and I've always been fascinated by its history and people. But just as you said, they are a backward nation, but in my leadership, all of it could change, right my dear?"
Ciela looked at Napoleon and Napoleon nodded.
"My parents are truly overachievers," Daphne gasped softly. She can't believe how good her parents are. She's lucky to have them as her parents.
"But won't the people living in that country rebel if they are under occupation by foreign power?"
When Daphne asked about the potential rebellion, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted their conversation. A palace official, dressed in formal attire, approached them with a sense of urgency. Daphne recognized her, it was Armand.
"Your Imperial Majesties," Armand bowed in front of them, holding his heavy panting. He turned to Daphne and bowed. "Your Imperial Highness."
"What's the matter?" Napoleon asked.
"It's about the rebellion in Greece," Armand revealed and handed Napoleon a letter.
Napoleon took it and quickly perused the content. A smile formed across his lips. "The Greeks took over the city of Tripolitsa. So the weapons that we gave them are still effective after all. Very well, I'll keep an eye on this matter now."
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l