Chapter 83 Carrying Out The Will



Five days after the Battle of Lodi, Napoleon arrived in Milan. The local Italians living there stood on the side of the streets, waving their hands as they cheered and whistled.

"They are cheering for us..." Murat observed. "Why is that?"

"It's simple," Napoleon replied with a slight smile playing on his lips, as he rode alongside Murat, his trusted cavalry commander. "They are cheering because they see in us the heralds of change, the agents of liberation."

As they continued their journey through the jubilant crowds, Napoleon gestured toward the people lining the streets.

"These Italians have long yearned for freedom from foreign oppression," he explained. "For centuries, they have been subject to the rule of foreign powers, their aspirations for self-determination suppressed."

Napoleon's voice carried a sense of conviction and passion as he continued, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the cheering Italians. And as if caught in the hype, Napoleon waved his hand back at the locals.

Arriving at the Palazzo Serbelloni of Milan, Napoleon dismounted his horse and convened an emergency meeting inside. The participants of the meeting were his division generals, who were sitting around the table.

"Gentlemen," Napoleon's voice resounded with firm authority as he addressed the assembled officers. "We find ourselves poised upon the threshold of a historic juncture, teeming with immense possibilities. The Italian populace has embraced us as their liberators, and it is imperative that we embody this noble role in every aspect of our conduct. I entrust each of you with the crucial responsibility of instilling within your troops the values of honor, dignity, and civility."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in.

"Let it be unequivocally clear that acts of uncivilized behavior have no place within our ranks. Looting and pillaging shall be met with zero tolerance. Those who dare to indulge in such base actions will face swift and severe repercussions, as we shall not hesitate to eliminate the perpetrators on sight. Furthermore, we shall display utmost respect for the sanctity of churches and the beliefs they represent. The destruction or disparagement of these sacred places and the cherished faith of the Italian people shall not be countenanced. Our duty is to safeguard their spiritual heritage and protect their religious sentiments. In our pursuit of liberation, let us rise above the chaos of conflict and embody the noble ideals that have propelled us forward. Our actions shall serve as a testament to our integrity, discipline, and humanity. We must inspire not just fear, but also reverence and gratitude in the hearts of the Italian people."

After saying that, the Generals exchanged glances at one another, as if confused as to why Napoleon would order them such a thing.

"May I ask why, General?" Berthier raised his hand.

"I want to prevent rebellions in our conquered territories," Napoleon revealed. In real history, Napoleon suffered many revolts in the cities that the French had taken over from the Austrians due to their misconduct towards the people. If he wants to finish the Italian campaign as quickly as possible, he must ensure the support and cooperation of the local population. That way, they won't be delayed by quelling down uprisings and can focus their efforts on defeating the Austrians.

"Well, we can simply squash any rebellion, General Bonaparte..." Massena flippantly said.

"That's true, Massena, but it's a waste of time," Napoleon interrupted and continued. "Crushing rebellions may be a temporary solution, but it comes at a cost. We cannot afford to squander our resources and precious time suppressing uprisings when our ultimate goal lies in defeating the Austrians and solidifying our hold on Italy. It is a matter of strategic efficiency. As General yourselves, I believe that you understand what I'm trying to convey," Napoleon stated, his gaze sweeping across the room. The generals nodded in understanding, and their initial confusion giving way to a growing appreciation for the broader strategy at play.

"Now that we have captured the capital city of the Lombardy region, we shall also take this opportunity to set up a client state for France. I'm thinking of the Republic of Lombardy. I'll draft the new constitutions later in my room."

"What about the Austrians that are still held up in the citadel?" General Augereau asked, raising his hand.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

"Oh, I almost forgot about them," Napoleon chuckled slightly. "I'd say they are to be exterminated should they refuse to lay down arms. We'll assign four battalions to do that but for now, I want you to prepare for future battles. We haven't defeated the Austrians completely. We will chase them next week, for now, we will take a rest. That's all, if there is no question, you are dismissed."

After the meeting, Napoleon was escorted by the manservants of the Palazzo Serbelloni to the bedroom.

"Here it is, sir," the manservant said as he swung the door open, revealing a neoclassical bedroom adorned with luxurious furnishings and elegant tapestries. Napoleon stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room, taking in its opulence.

The first mate hurried over, his eyes widening as he saw the approaching boat. "What do you make of this, sir?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Mr. Hardy, but I sense there's something significant about this encounter," Nelson replied, fixed on the lady. "She must be an Émigré."

Nelson observed the lady more closely as the boat drew closer. She sat with poise and elegance, her strawberry-blonde hair cascading in gentle waves around her shoulders. Her attire suggested refinement and wealth, yet there was a hint of weariness in her eyes. She seemed out of place in the small boat, surrounded by rowers who were clearly of lower social standing.

As the tatarne reached HMS Agamemnon, the lady's eyes met Nelson's, and he was momentarily captivated by her charm. She rose to her feet and spoke.

"Please...help me! My family was chased out by the revolutionaries...I have no place to go."

Based on her words alone, Nelson immediately confirmed that she was indeed an Émigré. As a gentleman, he couldn't let a woman of her stature be left stranded at sea. Nelson motioned for his crew to lower a small boat and assist the lady onto the HMS Agamemnon. Once she was safely on deck, Nelson approached her with a courteous bow.

"Madam, I am Commodore Horatio Nelson, at your service. May I inquire as to your name and how I may be of assistance?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

The lady smiled gratefully. "I am...Ciela...and I seek refuge..."

"Very well, Lady Ciela, you can stay in my private quarters."

Hearing that, Ciela smiled warmly, but underneath the smile was a hidden darkness, a calculated spark in her eyes that hinted at a malevolent scheme taking shape.

***

An hour later, Ciela stood on the deck of the ship, surrounded by corpses of the crew of the HMS Agamemnon. Blood stained her hands, her expression twisted with a mix of triumph and cold determination. The once pristine white dress she had worn was now spattered with evidence of her ruthless actions.

Nelson, wounded and disoriented, lay on the deck, gasping for breath as he struggled to comprehend the betrayal before him. He had never expected such an act from the very woman he had shown kindness and offered refuge.

"Why, Lady Ciela?" Nelson managed to choke out, his voice barely a whisper.

"I am but an instrument, carrying out the will of a greater force. My purpose was never to seek your protection; it was to ensure your demise."

Nelson's brows furrowed, his mind racing to make sense of Ciela's cryptic words. Before he could utter another word, she reached down and gripped his collar, pulling him up to meet her gaze.

"Do you know what you represent, Commodore? You are the embodiment of the British Empire, a symbol of the very oppression that my husband fights against," Ciela spat, her voice laced with venom. "Your death will serve as a blow to their arrogance."

After saying that, Ciela drove down the stiletto straight to Nelson's heart, ending his life.

"Lady Ciela, we have planted the explosives on the hanging magazines," one of the men she hired whispered to her, interrupting the grim scene. She nodded, releasing Nelson's lifeless body and turning her attention to the next phase of her plan.

Once she destroyed the ship, she would cut up loose ends, ensuring that no one suspected her involvement in Nelson's death. With a calculated gaze, Ciela commanded her hired men to carry out their assigned tasks swiftly and efficiently.

Ten minutes later.

Explosions reverberated through the air as the HMS Agamemnon succumbed to the devastating power of the hidden explosives. The ship erupted in flames, billowing smoke and sending debris flying in all directions. It was a spectacle of destruction that would soon be witnessed by those on the nearby shores.

Ciela watched from the tartane, a smile gracing her lips.

"Now, there's one last thing that needs to be done," Ciela said, glancing over her crew.