Chapter 333 Epilogue: Post-Treaty of Versailles

Chapter 333 Epilogue: Post-Treaty of Versailles

January 14th, 1805. A month has passed since the landmark signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The chiseled stone edifices of power, grandeur, and tradition were now standing amid a transformed European geopolitical landscape. The winds of change, driven by the ink of the Treaty, had shifted borders, melded nations, and redefined sovereignties. In this new dawn of political reconfiguration, emerged the Kingdom of Germany and the Kingdom of Poland, each carving its distinct identity on the European map.

Maximilian, the Electorate of Bavaria, had been declared the King of the freshly minted Kingdom of Germany. In parallel, Józef Poniatowski ascended as the King of Poland. New novel chapters are published on

The newly formed Kingdoms weren't content with the mere symbolic change in titles and territories; they were ambitious and eager to enact substantial reforms that would improve the lives of their subjects and the prosperity of their realms. In Poland, King Józef Poniatowski was particularly proactive. The ink of the Treaty of Versailles was barely dry when he initiated a series of radical reforms, aiming to propel Poland into an era of modernity and progress.

One of the most significant reforms was the abolition of serfdom. For centuries, the peasantry had been shackled by this system, their lives dictated by the whims and commands of feudal lords. But King Józef, recognizing the inherent injustice and the impediment it posed to national progress, dismantled this archaic system. It was a move that didn't just liberate the serfs but unshackled the nation's potential, opening avenues for economic growth, social progress, and innovation.

Similarly, in Germany, King Maximilian was not a passive observer. The creation of the Kingdom provided an unprecedented opportunity to reform, revitalize, and reinvent. With the consolidation of the German states into a unified entity, a wave of administrative, legal, and economic reforms swept across the nation. Centralization of authority, standardization of laws, and the introduction of a common currency were among the primary initiatives aimed at homogenizing the diverse and often disparate German states into a cohesive, unified nation.

Alongside that, a week after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, or twenty-four days ago, Napoleon hosted another diplomatic meeting with the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway, Kingdom of Germany, Kingdom of Poland, Russian Empire, Austrian Empire, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Portugal, Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Swiss Confederation, and the Republic of Italy to sign trade deals and establish economic partnerships that would encourage trade, industry, and prosperity across Europe. Napoleon was at the forefront, recognizing the potent opportunity to bolster the economy and enrich the nations whilst strategically placing France in a vantage position.

The agreements focussed on easing trade restrictions, lowering tariffs, and enabling the free flow of goods, services, and capital between the nations. Each country presented its offerings and needs, creating a diverse tapestry of economic opportunities waiting to be explored. Napoleon, however, ensured that the agreements were subtly skewed in favor of France.

Back in the Republic of Italy, it was turned into the Kingdom of Italy. Its territory covers the whole of the Italian peninsula, the Island of Sicily and Sardinia, the Illyrian provinces, Istria, and Dalmatia.

In Milan, on January 14th, 1805, Napoleon was in the Milan Cathedral where a crowning ceremony was being held. Just as he had told his vice-president, Francesco Melzi d'Eril, he would declare himself King of Italy.

Just like what he did in Notre Dame, Napoleon grabbed the crown of the Iron Crown of Lombardy and placed it atop his head. He did the same thing to his wife, Ciela, placing a crown atop her head, declaring her the Queen of Italy. The audience, comprised of Italian dignitaries and French officials, watched in silent awe.

After that, there was a chant reverberating inside the Milan Cathedral. "Imperatore dei Francesi e Re d'Italia!" Or in English, "Emperor of the French and King of Italy!"

His gaze flickered at his daughter, Aveline, who looked at him in awe. Soon, he would pass this title to her and become the Queen of Italy.

"Time flew so fast darling," Ciela said. "We are already thirty-five years of age, yet there's still much left to do."

"I know, my bucket list isn't yet completed," replied Napoleon. He was reflective, reminding him that his time here in his world is numbered. He would have to make the most out of it, meaning he'll have to introduce technology that he so wanted to introduce a long time ago. Fortunately, the peace in Europe would give him that opportunity. After all, his missions in Europe are over, now to the new frontier.