Chapter 21 Prelude To Presentation

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Napoleon sat back in his carriage as it rumbled along the cobbled streets toward the University of Paris. It was early in the afternoon, and the sun was high in the sky, casting a bright light across the city. As he approached the grand facade of the university, he gazed out of the carriage window, taking in the ornate details of the building's architecture.

The University of Paris was a magnificent sight to behold, with its imposing columns and grand arched entranceway. The stone facade was intricately carved with elaborate designs, and the windows were framed with elegant wrought iron balconies. Napoleon was impressed by the sheer scale of the building, which seemed to stretch on for miles, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight before him.

As the carriage drew closer to the entrance, Napoleon caught a glimpse of the students milling about outside. They were dressed in uniforms that were typical of the late eighteenth century, with frock coats, waistcoats, and breeches. The colors varied, with some students wearing dark blues or blacks, while others had brighter shades of red or green. Their outfits were completed with stockings and buckled shoes, giving them a formal and professional appearance.

As the carriage came to a stop, Napoleon and Ciela stepped out of the carriage and paid the coachman the fare.

"Is everything in order?" Napoleon asked, looking at Ciela who raised a leather briefcase containing their thesis.

"I have it here, master," Ciela said.

"Okay, then let's go," Napoleon led the way, and along the way, asked students who study at the University of Paris for directions.

"Excuse me, monsieur, do you know where the salle des actes is located?"

"It's on the second floor, kid," the student, who is in his higher years, replied.

"Thank you," Napoleon nodded in appreciation, and continued towards the main entrance, with Ciela following closely behind.

As they entered the building, Napoleon was struck by the grandeur of the interior. The walls were adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures, and the floors were made of polished marble. The sound of voices and footsteps echoed throughout the halls, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.

A few minutes later, the doors at the back of the room opened, and a hush fell over the crowd as a distinguished-looking man in a suit walked in. Napoleon tapped Ciela's shoulder, getting her attention.

"What is it, Master?" Ciela asked.

"You see that man who just entered? That's Antoine Lavoisier, the renowned chemist, and scientist," Napoleon whispered to Ciela. "He's one of the most brilliant minds of our time," he continued, his eyes fixed on Lavoisier as he made his way to the front row of seats.

"He's made groundbreaking discoveries in the field of chemistry, including the discovery of oxygen and the law of conservation of mass. He is also the proponent of the Caloric Theory, a theory that we are debunking later."

Ciela looked impressed. "I see."

Followed by Antoine Lavoisier, distinguished individuals also entered the salle des actes. Based on their appearance he can tell that they are big shots. Pierre-Simon Laplace, Jacques Charles, Charles Augustin De Coulomb, Louis Nicolas Vauquelin, Claude Louis Berthollet, and many others he couldn't name as he could recognize them. Still, this proved that the Kingdom of France was teeming with intellectual scientists, which is an indispensable asset.

If only he could get his hands on them in the future, he would be able to rapidly industrialize France. The thought of it is making him excited.

Napoleon took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He needed to focus on the present, on their presentation. He opened his notes and scanned through them once again, ensuring that he had everything in order.

As he looked up, he saw that Lavoisier was now talking with the other scientists in the front row. They were discussing something, probably related to their field of work.

The Dean of the Faculty of Sciences cleared his throat, signaling the start of the event.

"May I now call upon Napoleone Buonaparte to come forward and present their thesis," the Dean said, gesturing towards him.

Napoleon and Ciela stood up and headed over to the front. He could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on them. He took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice clear and confident.

"Good afternoon esteemed members of the Faculty of Sciences, distinguished guests. My name is Napoleone Buonaparte from the Brienne-le-Château, and this is my assistant, Ciela. We are here to present our thesis on the Principle of Thermodynamics, showing the relationship between work and heat."