章 416: Prelude to Great War

February 1st, 1822.

In the stately office of Emperor Napoleon at the Palace of Versailles, the atmosphere was tense and expectant. The office, though elegantly furnished, bore the marks of a military command center with maps and documents spread across the desk and walls.

Napoleon sat behind his desk, his expression stern and contemplative. He was reviewing a series of dispatches when Armand briskly entered the room, carrying a new set of documents.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Armand began. "I bring urgent news from the Eastern front."

Napoleon looked up, his keen eyes meeting Armand's. "Report," he commanded, his voice betraying no emotion.

Armand stepped forward, laying the documents on the desk. "The Kingdom of Poland has fallen. Russian forces have successfully captured Warsaw. King Josef Anton Poniatowski has retreated to Berlin, seeking refuge and support from the Germans."