Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only
50 kilometers north of Paris. Napoleon was walking down the city, carrying a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He hummed a tune as he glanced over the messy streets caused by the revolution.
"We are approaching the climax of the revolution," Napoleon muttered under his breath as he walked at a steady pace. The massacre in the Champ De Mars has only proved that there is a deep division within the National Constituent Assembly with the Jacobins calling for the removal of the King and the Moderates who wanted the king to remain as a figurehead.
The events unfolding in this world are unfolding similar to his real world. If things were to continue, then next year, the Austrian Empire would wage war with France, starting the war of the First Coalition, and then leading to an insurrection of 1792 where revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace as they were enraged by the threat of the Duke of Brunswick where he explicitly told that he would burn Paris to the ground if anything happens to the King. After that, the proclamation of France as a republic.
Stopping in his tracks, he looked up and gazed upon the edifice that loomed over him. The Château de Chantilly stood proud and majestic, its grandeur untouched by the chaos that consumed Paris. Napoleon had heard stories of this magnificent estate, a symbol of aristocratic opulence and cultural refinement.
The history of the Château de Chantilly stretched back centuries, its origins tracing back to the Middle Ages. Originally a fortress, it was gradually transformed into an elegant château by successive generations of the prestigious Montmorency family.
"Don't tell me...Ciela bought this?"
As Napoleon approached the entrance, an old man in a black suit, seemingly in his late fifties, walked towards the gate.
"Good morning, Monsieur Napoleon," he greeted as he opened the intricate metal gate. Napoleon offered a polite nod in response. He recognized the man, it must be Ciela's butler, Jacques Beaumont. He learned from him in one of Ciela's letters.
"Good morning. Is Ciela inside?" Napoleon asked as he stepped through the gate.
"Ah, Monsieur Napoleon," Beaumont replied with a courteous bow. "Mademoiselle Ciela is indeed inside, preparing for your arrival. She has been eagerly awaiting your visit."
Napoleon nodded appreciatively and followed Jacques Beaumont as they made their way through the stately halls of the Château de Chantilly. The opulence and refined beauty of the estate surrounded him, offering a stark contrast to the tumultuous streets of Paris. It was a sanctuary, a refuge from the chaos outside.
And as Napoleon entered the grand salon, his eyes were immediately drawn to Ciela standing in the center of the room, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the ornate windows. Her radiant presence captivated him, her every movement exuding grace and elegance.
Ciela wore a stunning off-the-shoulder dress, the vibrant hues of red and black plaid accentuating her slender figure. The fabric cascaded delicately, flowing gracefully with every step she took. The dress, tailored to perfection, hugged her curves in all the right places, hinting at her natural beauty beneath. The neckline accentuated her graceful neck, exposing her smooth shoulders, while the dress itself gently skimmed above her knees, revealing a glimpse of her shapely legs.
Underneath the dress, she wore a dark olive green halter top, adding an unexpected touch of modernity to her ensemble. The halter top embraced her slender waist, highlighting her hourglass silhouette. Her choice of attire showcased a harmonious blend of classic sophistication and contemporary flair.
Ciela's strawberry-blonde hair, a cascade of lustrous waves, fell effortlessly around her shoulders, framing her face like a gentle halo. Its vibrant hue caught the light, creating an ethereal glow that added to her allure. Her eyes, a captivating shade of blue, sparkled with joy, drawing Napoleon's gaze into their depths.
Completing her ensemble, Ciela wore black leather Mary Janes style shoes, their polished gleam reflecting the elegance of the surroundings. The black sheer tights added a touch of allure.
By highlighting the potential positive impact of her enterprise, Ciela garnered support from influential figures who saw the value in maintaining a thriving industry amidst the chaos of the revolution. She engaged in conversations and negotiations, presenting her railroad business as a symbol of innovation and progress that aligned with the revolutionary ideals of equality and prosperity for all.
To mitigate the risks associated with the revolution, Ciela also implemented strategic diversification. She expanded her business beyond just railways and ventured into other sectors that were less vulnerable to political upheavals. Such as clothing, textiles, and manufacturing. This diversification allowed Ciela to maintain a steady stream of income and ensure the survival of her business, even in the face of uncertainty.
But of course, this was a story told by Ciela from one of her hundreds of letters, and he was impressed by her abilities and skills. He wondered what Ciela's job was in the original world. Aside from Vtuber, she could possibly be a businesswoman or something that is similar to that. Nevertheless, Ciela proved to be an invaluable asset for him.
Her achievement may have overshadowed him, making him a bit insecure. However, he knew there would be a chance for him to prove himself, and be worthy to stand next to her.
"Oh, you see this cloth that I'm wearing?" Ciela asked, snapping Napoleon out of his reverie. "It's going to be in the next season's fashion collection. I designed it myself."
"That's impressive, Ciela," Napoleon replied, genuine admiration shining in his eyes. He looked around his surroundings again and spoke. "So this Château, how much did you pay for it? It must have cost a fortune."
Ciela chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, Monsieur Napoleon, let's just say I made a shrewd investment. The previous owner was in desperate need of funds, and I saw an opportunity."
Napoleon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You mean you acquired this château at a bargain?"
Ciela nodded, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Indeed... Oh, by the way, is it just me, or have you grown a bit taller? I believe the last time I saw you, you were around 180 centimeters. Now you must be at least 185 centimeters," she observed, her eyes scanning his figure with a mix of curiosity and admiration. "Truly, diets can have a remarkable effect on one's height."
As her gaze met him, she realized what he was hinting at. The passing years had been kind to Napoleon, enhancing his features and adding a certain allure to his presence. The lines of his face had sharpened, his jawline becoming more defined. His eyes are always captivating.
Napoleon chuckled at Ciela's observation. "Ah, you have always had a keen eye, but you failed to notice one thing."
Ciela tilted her head to the side as she scanned Napoleon's appearance for one last time. And from there in his right hand, was a bouquet of flowers. Her cheeks reddened slightly as she realized her oversight."
"I bought this for you," Napoleon extended the bouquet of flowers towards Ciela, a warm smile gracing his lips. The vibrant colors of the blossoms contrasted against the muted elegance of the grand salon, adding a touch of natural beauty to the opulent surroundings.
"For me?" Ciela's voice was filled with surprise as she reached out to accept the bouquet. She brought the flowers close to her face, inhaling their sweet fragrance. "They're beautiful, Napoleon. Thank you."
Napoleon watched Ciela with fondness, appreciating the way her eyes sparkled with joy. It was a beautiful sight, and he must admit, Ciela is becoming bad for his heart for making him feel a bit crazy.
Napoleon cleared his throat. "So, as for why am I here, Ciela. We have to talk about this revolution. I want to know something."
Ciela beckoned one of the maids standing on the periphery of the grand salon and requested a tray to be brought forth. The maid quickly complied, placing a tray with tea cups and a steaming pot of fragrant tea on a nearby table.
"Thank you," Ciela said, her eyes flickering to Jacques. "Jacques, could you please take this flower and place it in my office?" she instructed.
Jacques nodded and took the bouquet from Ciela's hand, giving a polite bow before leaving the room with the flowers. As the door closed behind him, Napoleon and Ciela settled on a pair of ornate chairs near the window, overlooking the Château's sprawling gardens.
"So, lieutenant, which part of the revolution would you like to discuss?"