Chapter 36 Recognition And Decision

There's no mistaking it, it was King Louis XVI. Walking beside him is the Queen, Marie Antoinette. Although Napoleon hadn't seen them in person, he had seen a lot of paintings of them displayed at his university.

"Monsieur Lavoisier, what is the meaning of this?" Napoleon asked Lavoisier, who simply grinned in delight.

"Well, I informed the king about this new invention of yours and he took interest on it. Why is there a problem?"

"Of course not, Monsieur Antoine. It's just that I'm surprised to see the King..." Napoleon chuckled nervously.

"Very well then, you'll have the honor of being graced by His Majesty's presence. Come with me," Antoine stepped off the steam locomotive.

Napoleon and Ciela followed suit, walking down the red carpet that was laid out on the street.

When they got closer to the King and Queen, Antoine, Napoleon, and Ciela bowed their heads respectfully.

"Sire, this is Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte, the inventor of the steam locomotive and steam engines," Antoine announced with a touch of pride in his voice.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Napoleon straightened his back, gathering his composure as he prepared to address the monarchs before him. He lifted his head, meeting the gaze of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, who regarded him with curiosity and interest.

"Your Majesties, it is an honor to stand before you today," Napoleon began, his voice steady despite the underlying nerves. "I am deeply humbled by your presence."

Sure is, King Louis XVI was known for his robust figure. Scanning his appearance, Napoleon couldn't help but observe the King's generous girth, which contrasted with the Queen's elegant and slender figure. However, Napoleon quickly reminded himself to focus on the significance of the moment and set aside any personal observations.

"Your name, it sounded Italian, are you sure you are French?" King Louis asked, gazing at Napoleon with scrutiny.

"Well, specifically I'm from Corsica, Sire," Napoleon replied, maintaining his composure despite the King's scrutinizing gaze. "Though Corsica is part of the French territory, my family roots trace back to Italy. But I assure you, my loyalty and dedication are undeniably French."

King Louis XVI nodded, seemingly satisfied with Napoleon's response. The Queen, Marie Antoinette, leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"That lady behind you, is she your fiance?"

When Marie asked that question, Napoleon and Ciela's faces blushed slightly.

"Uhm, no, Madame, Ciela is my personal assistant," Napoleon responded, trying to conceal his slight embarrassment. "She has been an invaluable collaborator in my endeavors, assisting me with the development and implementation of my inventions."

Ciela, standing by Napoleon's side, maintained her composure despite the Queen's direct attention. She gave a polite nod and a warm smile, acknowledging the Queen's curiosity.

"I am honored to serve Monsieur Buonaparte and witness his genius at work," Ciela spoke with a gentle tone.

"That's sad, you two would make a good pair," Marie Antoinette teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She enjoyed observing the slight blush on Napoleon and Ciela's faces, relishing in the playful banter.

Napoleon, momentarily taken aback by the Queen's remark, recovered quickly and offered a lighthearted response.

"You surely know how to jest, Your Majesty," Napoleon replied, his lips curling into a wry smile.

"Seeing the success of your invention, we would like to personally invite you to a celebration here in Versailles this evening. We hope you will honor us with your presence," King Louis XVI interjected, his voice resonating with regal authority.

Napoleon's eyes widened in surprise, grateful for the unexpected invitation. He bowed respectfully before the monarch.

Ciela's observation held an air of truth, as the grandeur of the ballroom and the extravagant displays of wealth showcased the opulence of the French monarchy. Napoleon couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease at the stark contrast between the lavishness surrounding them and the poverty that plagued many of the country's citizens. Yet, he also understood that this celebration was an opportunity for him to make connections with high society.

As Napoleon and Ciela made their way through the crowd, they caught glimpses of familiar faces.

"Laplace, Lavoisier, Charles," Napoleon called.

"Oh, monsieur Napoleon is already here with his lovely assistant," Antoine said. "Just in time, the King is about to formally welcome you."

He extended his arms toward where the King and Queen were.

On the stage at the front of the ballroom, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette stood side by side, radiating regal poise. The King raised his hand, commanding attention, and the crowd fell into a respectful silence.

"Welcome, esteemed guests," King Louis XVI began, his voice carrying through the hall. "Tonight, we gather not only to revel in the splendor of this occasion but also to honor the genius of Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte and his remarkable invention, the steam locomotive, and engines."

Applause rippled through the crowd, and Napoleon and Ciela exchanged a glance, smiling.

"For your contribution, I, King Louis XVI, under the counsel of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences, do hereby bestow upon you the noble title of Marquis, Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte," King Louis XVI proclaimed, his regal voice resonating through the hall. He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing. "May this distinguished title stand as a symbol of our profound appreciation for your remarkable ingenuity and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of our beloved nation."

As the King's proclamation echoed through the hall, a collective gasp of awe swept through the crowds. The idea of giving a man from a third estate the prestigious title of Marquis was unprecedented and caused a stir among the aristocracy.

"Is the king serious?" One of the aristocrats whispered to another, their voices filled with disbelief.

"Just because of that metal? He was granted a title?" one of them expressed.

"Unbelievable, maybe a seat in the French Academy of Sciences is fine but granting him the title of Marquis is sure is taking it far," one of the noblemen murmured, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and disdain.

Napoleon, standing among the guests, absorbed the reactions swirling around him. As expected, it won't be received well by the real aristocrats as they would call it intrusion. But even he was shocked at the announcement. Why did the King grant him the title of Marquis?

'I'm changing history at an unprecedented level,' Napoleon thought to himself.

Napoleon cleared his throat, a seat in the French Academy of Sciences would do. He doesn't want to earn a title as it would be useless in the next four years. It wouldn't do him any good if the revolution started and targeted those nobles. He doesn't want that.

"Sire, if I may," Napoleon spoke up. "I am truly honored by your recognition and the title bestowed upon me. However, I must humbly request that you reconsider this generous gesture."

The King and Queen exchanged a glance, surprised by Napoleon's request. The murmurs in the ballroom grew louder as the guests began to speculate about Napoleon's response.

Antoine, who stood nearby, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Napoleon's unexpected request.

"What are you doing, Napoleon?" Antoine asked but was ignored.

Napoleon continued, his gaze fixed on the King. "I deeply appreciate the significance of this title, but as a man of the people, I believe my focus should be on serving France and contributing to its progress rather than indulging in aristocratic privileges. The support and recognition, and being part of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences are more than enough to fuel my aspirations."

King Louis XVI, considered Napoleon's words carefully. He understood the weight of the request and the underlying principles that drove Napoleon's decision.

"Is that what you truly seek, Napoleon? Just a seat at the French Academy of Sciences?" King Louis asked.

"That is correct, Your Majesty. That's more than enough. And besides, I don't think I would fit the traditional mold of an aristocrat,"

King Louis sighed. "Very well, if that is your decision, I shall respect it. I am now retracting the bestowed title of Marquis."

Napoleon heaved a sigh of relief. "Safe."