章 178: Exposition des Produits de L'industrie Française (Exhibition of Products of French Industry) Part 2

Napoleon's eyes remained fixed on the moored ship before him, a formidable structure that stood as a testament to the ingenuity of the French. It was yet another unexpected marvel that had taken him by surprise. He had anticipated being the one to introduce novel concepts to his nation, but now, at this moment, he realized he had underestimated the capabilities of his compatriots.

The ship's sleek steel hull exuded strength and modernity, a departure from the familiar timber-built vessels that had long dominated naval fleets. Its paddlewheels, driven by steam engines, presented a revolutionary advancement in propulsion, rendering the ship independent of the winds that had once dictated the course of maritime exploration.