Chapter 46 The First Morning Together



Eight hours later, Napoleon found himself seated in Ciela's office, a rather tense atmosphere enveloping the room. Across the desk, he perused one of the reports detailing their ambitious railroad enterprise. The words on the page danced before his eyes, painting a vivid picture of progress and connectivity.

"Hmm," he pondered aloud, his voice resonating with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "So, if I understand correctly, our latest endeavor involves connecting Versailles to Bordeaux? A rather ambitious project, wouldn't you say?"

Ciela nodded in affirmation. "Indeed, Napoleon. The primary objective of our railroad company is to forge vital connections between major cities, facilitating seamless transportation and enhancing logistic capabilities. Bordeaux is an important port city that holds significant strategic and economic value," Ciela explained and continued. "With its prime location in southwestern France. Bordeaux serves as a critical hub for trade and commerce. Its bustling port handles vast quantities of goods, both imported and exported, making it an economic powerhouse. By connecting Versailles to Bordeaux through our railroad, we can unlock tremendous potential for growth. The Committee of Transportation of the National Constituent Assembly realized this prospect and so they gave us a contract."

Napoleon leaned back in his chair, mulling over the implications of such an extensive undertaking.

"But we are in the middle of the revolution, and not to mention there are royalists," Napoleon interjected, his brows furrowing with concern.

Ciela nodded, acknowledging the complexities of the situation. "You're right, Napoleon. The revolution has indeed stirred tensions and given rise to opposing factions. Bordeaux, being a city with a history deeply rooted in monarchy, does have its share of royalists who may see the construction as an invasion from the revolutionary government."

"So, what are your plans on navigating through it?"

"We simply tell the citizens living there that this construction project is not a political one. Also, to smooth things out, we can hire local workers from Bordeaux itself. By involving the citizens in the project and providing them with employment opportunities that generate revenue for the city, there's a small chance of opposition."

Napoleon hummed in satisfaction, pleased by Ciela's answer. "Well, it seems like you know how to deal with them. Anyways, while I was in Valence, I was curious about something."

"What is it?" Ciela asked.

"Is there a concept of fast long-distance communication in the 21st century?" Napoleon revealed. "You see, I have been contemplating a method for fast communication, something that you can get in an instant instead of having to wait weeks or months."

Ciela propped her chin up and hummed in thought. "Well, we do but I don't think it can be built in this era. Also, I'm not an expert in electronics so I won't be of help."

The patterns generated by this device that you call telegraph are dot and dash. I need to come up with an alphabet to represent these patterns..."

As Napoleon was explaining the telegraph, she couldn't help but admire his brilliance. The way he explained it to her made it look so easy, and to think that she would learn technology from a man in the past is absolutely mind-boggling. Like shouldn't it be the other way around? Because she came from the future. But that's not the case here.

"Well, Napoleon, the inventor of the telegraph in our world is named Samuel Morse. Along with his invention is a chart called Morse code, which is what you are describing. Morse code uses a combination of dots and dashes to represent letters and numbers. It's a clever way of encoding information using a simple system of short and long signals."

"Morse code huh?" Napoleon repeated. He was familiar with it and he already had a sheet of it from his system. Just like earlier, Napoleon is simply eliminating Ciela's suspicion. Should he utter the words Morse code, it would be a problem for him. "If it's called Morse code in your word, then in this world, it must be Bonaparte's code."

Ciela chuckled at Napoleon's suggestion, finding his attempt at humor endearing. "Bonaparte's code, huh? Well, it does have a nice ring to it," she replied with a smile. "Well, it is your invention so you have the right to name it whatever you like. Speaking of invention, you don't have a prototype right? Since my money is your money, I will give you the funds to make a prototype. And once you have the prototype, we can demonstrate it to the French Academy of Sciences."

"Okay," Napoleon rose to his feet and walked over to her. He leaned and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Wha...what are you doing you dummy?!" Ciela blurted out, her cheeks flushing with a mix of surprise and embarrassment. She instinctively reached up to touch her forehead, her fingertips tingling from the lingering warmth of his kiss.

Napoleon straightened himself. "Well, since we are living together, wouldn't that make us a couple? We shared a bed and we spent time together. It seems only natural to me. You don't mind, do you?"

"You seemed to be growing more bold and straightforward, Napoleon..." Ciela replied bashfully.

"But aren't you in the beginning? You keep teasing me, alluring me, and enticing me with your charm," Napoleon said, his voice filled with playful teasing. "I believe it's only fair that I do the same to you."

"Moah...Napoleon you dummy..!"

"Seeing your flushed cheeks and bashful voice makes me want to give you another kiss on the forehead."

Ciela's heart skipped a beat at his words, her face turning even redder. She found herself at a loss for words, her mind filled with a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and a hint of excitement. It was true that their relationship had grown closer over time, but the sudden display of affection caught her off guard.

"Well for now I will pat your head," Napoleon paused, reaching out to gently pat Ciela's head.

Ciela didn't protest, instead, she closed her eyes, savoring the tender touch of his hand on her hair. It was a simple gesture, yet it made her feel cherished and protected.