Chapter 372 Reporting back to Versailles

Chapter 372 Reporting back to Versailles

August 25th, 1821.

At eight in the morning, Francis Bonaparte was aboard a flight to Paris.

From his vantage point by the window, the expanse of the city unfolded beneath him. The view highlighted Paris's architectural style, with its network of roads, alleys, and broad avenues intersecting among iconic Napoleonic buildings.

At night, the scene would be animated by the glow of streetlights, the movement of vehicles, and the lit interiors of buildings. Now, under the soft morning light, the city looked different—more subdued and functional, less about the grandeur of its illumination and more about the day-to-day life of its inhabitants as they commenced their routines.

As he was looking down below from the window, Francis noticed blimps hovering above the city. It's one of the go-to places for tourists visiting Paris. People say that Paris is beautiful when seen above. And those blimps, like aircraft, can transport people from one point to another.

The plane started its descent, the details on the ground becoming sharper as they approached Orly Airport. Francis's thoughts shifted from the scenery to the day's agenda.

It has been confirmed that the vaccine worked in some individuals. So the only thing the government would do is to ensure the mass production of the vaccine and have it injected into the population.

As Orly Airport came into view, the plane's engines hummed a steady descent, cutting through the morning air.

Landing smoothly on the tarmac, the plane taxied to the terminal. Francis gathered his briefcase, which contained all the necessary documentation. He stood up from his seat and headed over to the exit, stepping out into the brisk morning air of Paris.

The first thing he did when setting foot again in Paris was he breathed in the fresh air.

"It's good to be back," Francis commented before putting on his facemask. He had been in a place where the influenza virus was rampant. He doesn't want Paris to be the next hotspot.

Francis moved through the terminal and went through sanitation protocols, which included passing through a disinfection mist that resembled white smoke, designed to neutralize pathogens. Francis briskly walked through the misting station and there he was blown with white smoke.

Francis chuckled softly as he looked at his cute little sister pouting. "But didn't father already give you a domain to rule? I believe it's Canada."

"That's true...but I'm not in Canada yet, so..." Daphne trailed off.

"Well, you'll get there soon enough," Francis reassured her. "Who knows, when I return to New France, we'll be neighbors and we can visit one another in respective domains. Just wait for it, you'll have your time. Okay?"

"Okay," Daphne said. "I missed you brother, and to be honest I was scared that something might happen to you while you are in Toulouse. Like you could get caught with a virus—"

Armand, with a discreet cough, stepped forward. "I apologize for the rudeness of interrupting the Imperial Highnesses," he said, bowing his head slightly, "but your father has a very strict schedule for today, and unfortunately, we can't afford a delay."

Francis flickered his gaze to Armand and gave him a nod. "We'll talk more later, Daphne."

"Okay brother, I'll stay in my room," Daphne responded, a touch of reluctance in her voice. She gave him another quick hug before turning away, her footsteps echoing softly as she withdrew.

Francis followed Armand, who led the way. They traversed the ornate hallways of the palace, their pace businesslike.

Reaching the heavy double doors of the Emperor's office, Armand opened them without ceremony, and Francis stepped inside and saw His father standing by the window, his back to the door, but he turned as Francis entered.

"Father," Francis greeted with a bow.

"Take a seat, Francis," Napoleon gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "We have a lot of things to talk about today."

"Understood, Father," Francis said, raising his head.