Bab 318: Brief Moments Before the Decisive Battle

Napoleon's gaze shifted to the office door, which creaked open slowly. In walked a young woman, appearing to be in her late teens. She was dressed in a vivid red gown, her hair neatly tied back, falling in loose tendrils around her face. As she stepped further into the room, her posture straightened, revealing a blend of nervousness and resolve.

She curtsied and introduced herself, "Your Majesty, I am Marie Walewska. It is a great honor to meet you."

"How old are you, woman?" Napoleon asked.

"I'm eighteen years old, Your Majesty," Marie replied, still in a curtsy. Her voice was soft yet carried a sense of earnestness. 

"Marie Walewska, I don't have all the time in the world, so we will make this quick. Why did you wish to see me?"