Chapter 126 Docking At Toulon



Napoleon stepped off the gangway and onto the solid ground of the port. As his boots touched the cobblestones, a wave of excitement washed over him. The locals had gathered to welcome him, their voices rising in a chorus of adoration.

"Vive Napoléon! Vive Napoléon!" they chanted, their voices echoing through the air.

A smile crept across Napoleon's face as he acknowledged their fervent cheers. The people of Toulon had gathered in large numbers, their faces filled with admiration and hope. They waved French flags and raised their voices even louder, their chants growing in intensity.

He walked along the dock, his loyal officers and soldiers following closely behind. The cheers and applause continued a testament to the deep respect and admiration the locals held for him. It was as if they had forgotten his involvement in the siege of Toulon.

Napoleon's elite bodyguard, commanded by Bessières, formed a protective ring around him as they made their way through the jubilant crowd. The people of Toulon parted before them, creating a path for their revered general.

Among the crowd was someone closely related to Napoleon. Joseph Bonaparte, his older brother, and Caroline Bonaparte, his younger sister, approached him. The protective ring momentarily pushed them away but Napoleon gestured to let them pass. When the soldiers let them through, Joseph and Caroline greeted him warmly.

"Brother!" Joseph exclaimed, embracing his brother tightly. "Do you hear their chants, brother? Just say the word, and I assure you that fifty million French citizens will stand behind you."

Napoleon chuckled in response to Joseph's enthusiastic declaration.

"Oh, I brought Caroline with me," Joseph continued, gently pulling Caroline closer by the arm.

Caroline, feeling a mix of shyness and excitement, stepped forward and waved a hand to her brother. "Hello... brother."

Napoleon's attention shifted to his younger sister. She possessed a tall and slender frame, accentuated by her elegant dress. Her lustrous, jet-black hair flowed down to her waist, framing her beautiful face with a radiant shine.

"Hello little sister," Napoleon said, smiling. He then leaned forward and planted a kiss on both of Caroline's cheeks. She blushed, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, and her eyes sparkled with joy.

"Napoleon, why don't I take you to the finest restaurants here in Toulon? I'm sure you must have been weary on the long journey," Joseph suggested.

Joseph's expression turned serious, his eyes glinting with resolve. "That is why we have devised a plan, Napoleon. We have garnered support from influential figures and assembled a network of loyalists. You can bring your generals on board with this and I'm sure they won't hesitate to join us in our cause. With the military on your side, the Directory is nothing but a house of cards waiting to collapse."

Napoleon glanced at his sister, and she nodded. He sighed. "Very well, what is the plan?"

"We'd talk about that once we are in Paris. For now, let's enjoy this moment."

"General Bonaparte."

Napoleon glanced to see who called him, it was General Murat. "We have sent a telegram to the Directory announcing your arrival in Toulon," he reported.

"Great, how about you join us at the table, Murat?"

Murat shook his head. "I don't want to disturb your family..." he trailed off as his eyes landed upon Caroline, her beautiful face capturing and charming him. He found himself momentarily lost in her presence, a flicker of attraction stirring within him. Murat had always been known for his charisma and charm, but this encounter felt different, as if a new spark had been ignited.

Caroline, sensing the change in atmosphere, looked up and met Murat's gaze. A faint blush colored her cheeks, but she maintained her composure, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.

Napoleon's eyes darted between Murat and Caroline, and a smile slowly spread across his face.

"So, it's the same in this world, huh?" he thought to himself, recalling that Murat and Caroline were destined to be a couple in the future.

"Well, Murat, this is my brother, Joseph, and this is my little sister Caroline," Napoleon introduced, breaking the enchanting moment between Murat and Caroline.

Murat quickly composed himself and nodded politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you both," he said, his voice carrying a touch of admiration. He extended his hand towards Joseph, who reciprocated the gesture with a firm handshake.

"Likewise, General Murat," Joseph replied.

As Murat turned his attention to Caroline, his gentlemanly nature took over. With a graceful and gallant movement, he lightly took hold of Caroline's hand and planted a gentle kiss on the back of it, his eyes never leaving hers. Caroline's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of pink, a mixture of surprise and pleasure dancing in her eyes.

"Mademoiselle Caroline, the pleasure is truly mine," Murat said charmingly.

Caroline's heart fluttered at the compliment, and bowed her head gracefully.

Napoleon observed the interaction between Murat and Caroline with amusement, realizing that fate had already begun weaving its threads.