Chapter 298 The Historic Moment



January 1st, 1804.

It was the first day of the New Year. Normally, it should be like any other New Year's Day, but this is different.

Eight o'clock in the morning. Inside the Palace of Versailles, the intermittent roars of the cannons have roused Napoleon from his sleep. He lifted his upper body and yawned.

The door of his bedroom opened with Ciela entering inside, and walking over to his side.

"Darling, it's the signal. You have to wake up," Ciela said, shaking him.

Napoleon rubbed his eyes, his sleep-fogged mind gradually clearing.

"Today is our day, darling," Ciela said excitedly. "Today we will become the Emperor and Empress of France!"

"Ahh—it is today huh?" Napoleon said softly.

"What's with that boring reaction?" Ciela pouted.

Napoleon chuckled softly before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. His robe hung loosely on his frame, and he knew he had no time for the usual morning routine. Every moment counts today, and he needs to be prepared.

"Take a bath and be ready for the ceremony," Ciela said. "I'll be meeting you in three hours." Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Napoleon nodded and began the preparation. He took a bath, ate his breakfast, and headed to his room where he was being dressed by his servants.

The servants worked with practiced precision, dressing Napoleon in the regal attire that befitted an Emperor. His white velvet vest, adorned with intricate gold embroidery and diamond buttons, gleamed in the soft morning light that filtered through the windows of the palace. The crimson velvet tunic, rich in color and texture, flowed elegantly over his form. Over this, they carefully placed a short crimson coat. Then, the servants placed a wreath of laurel on his brow.

As outlined in the itinerary, Napoleon was donned by cathedral staff a long white satin tunic intricately embellished with gold thread embroidery. Over this, he wore the weighty coronation mantle. Ciela, too, was attired in a white satin empire-style dress adorned with matching gold thread embroidery, and she carried a substantial coronation mantle.

These mantles were exceptionally heavy, each weighing a staggering 80 pounds. Walking under such weight was impossible for the royal couple alone, so four distinguished dignitaries assisted Napoleon, while Napoleon's sister provided support to Ciela.

After that, they made their way to the altar. Arriving at the altar, they faced the Pope. Francis and Aveline were escorted to the side where they'll watch the ceremony unfold. The cathedral was now hushed as the Pope began the solemn coronation rites.

Along the coronation rites, there would be pauses in the middle for the musicians to perform hymns, adding a touch of divine reverence to the proceedings. In addition, Napoleon was handed the Scepter of and Sword of Charlemagne.

After that, the coronation proper began, which took another hour of listening to the singing of a hymn and versicle. It was also in that part of the ceremony where they were anointed with chrism.

Following this, the culmination of the coronation approached—the crowning. Traditionally, the Pope would perform this significant act, placing the imperial crown on the Emperor's head, signifying his ascent to the throne. However, Napoleon made changes on that part. Just like the original Napoleon, he planned to crown himself Emperor, signifying that the Pope doesn't have power over the Emperor but rather it's only the Emperor who holds power.

Napoleon already informed the Pope about the changes, so after the Pope's recital part, he sat back on the chair.

Napoleon turned and grabbed the Crown of Charlemagne and crowned himself and then crowned the kneeling Ciela with a crown tiara.

After Napoleon's enthronement the Pope began, "May God confirm you on this throne, and may Christ give you to rule with him in his eternal kingdom. May the Emperor live forever."

After saying that, the mass was finished, and the Pope retired to the Sacristy. The Pope's job was done. But not for Napoleon.

With his hands on the Bible, Napoleon solemnly recited the oath of office. His voice resonated through the vast cathedral as he swore to uphold the honor and integrity of France, protect its borders, and ensure the welfare of its citizens.

As he concluded the oath, a hushed silence fell over the cathedral. As if on cue, the organ began to play with the people inside chanting repeatedly.

"Long Live the Emperor!"

Napoleon and Ciela, now crowned and anointed, made their way out of the cathedral. The day is not yet finished, there are a lot of things to do.