Chương 34: The Rise to Prominence Begins

During his three-week stay in Corsica, Napoleon found himself immersed in a vibrant family atmosphere, engaging with his beloved siblings and parents. Seeking to captivate their attention and ignite their curiosity, he eagerly shared the wealth of knowledge he had acquired during his time at the prestigious Brienne-le-Château. Not content with mere pleasantries, Napoleon delved into the realms of science and mathematics, unveiling the fascinating intricacies of these disciplines to his fascinated siblings.

With infectious enthusiasm, he took on the role of a mentor, guiding his younger brothers and sisters through the complexities of scientific principles and mathematical equations, opening their minds to a world of intellectual discovery. Through his efforts, Napoleon not only fostered a deeper bond within his family but also kindled a thirst for knowledge that would shape the destinies of his siblings, setting them on a path of intellectual excellence and ambition that would soon benefit him.

However, all things must come to an end, and as the time came for Napoleon to bid farewell to his cherished family in Corsica, a bittersweet ache settled in his heart. The Port of Ajaccio stood before him, its bustling activity mirrored the internal flurry of emotions within him.

As he gazed upon the ships bobbing in the azure expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, a sense of both anticipation and melancholy coursed through his veins. The time spent with his siblings had been precious, a respite from the demanding pursuits of his ambitions.

He turned around and faced his father, mother, and siblings whose facial expressions mirrored his own mix of emotions. His father, Carlo Bonaparte maintained a composed countenance, hiding the pang of sadness that tugged at his heartstrings. His mother, Letizia, held back tears, her eyes filled with both pride and longing. And his siblings, each with their unique personalities, wore expressions ranging from solemnity to a brave attempt at hiding their sorrow.

"Are you coming back, big brother?" Elisa's voice trembled with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as she posed the question that weighed heavily on everyone's mind. Her youthful eyes searched Napoleon's face for reassurance, yearning for a promise that their separation would not be indefinite.

Napoleon's gaze softened as he knelt before his younger sister, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek.

"Of course, Elisa. Why would you ask such a question?" Napoleon's voice was filled with tenderness, his eyes locking with hers, seeking to convey the depth of his sincerity.

"You promise?" Elisa's voice quivered.

Napoleon's hand remained on her cheek. "I promise you, Elisa, with every fiber of my being," he vowed.

"If you need anything from us, don't hesitate to reach out," Joseph interjected, his voice carrying the weight of his loyalty and support.

"Will do, brother," Napoleon replied, rising to his feet and warmly shaking Joseph's hand. The firm grip conveyed not just brotherly solidarity but also a shared understanding of the responsibilities and challenges that lay ahead.

"Master…the ship is departing soon," Ciela informed as she returned by his side.

"Be safe on your journey, Napoleon," Carlo Bonaparte said. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Napoleon's shoulder, silently conveying his support and love.

Napoleon turned to face his father, his gaze meeting Carlo's. "Thank you, Father," he replied and continued. "I will carry your guidance with me, always."

He then turned to his mother, whom he hugged tightly.

Letizia clung to her son, her heart heavy with a mixture of pride and a mother's longing to keep her child close.

"Napoleon, my dear," Letizia whispered. "You have grown into an extraordinary young man. Remember to stay true to yourself, and let your ambitions be guided by wisdom and compassion."

Napoleon held his mother even tighter, taking in her comforting presence. "I will, Mother," he assured her, his voice filled with determination. "I will honor our family and make you proud."

As the ship prepared to set sail, a resonant tolling of bells echoed through the air, signaling the imminent departure. Napoleon reluctantly released his mother from his embrace.

But before heading towards the ship, Napoleon gently patted each of his siblings on the head, a gesture filled with affection and unspoken reassurance.

"Take care of each other," Napoleon whispered to his siblings.

With that, Napoleon turned towards the awaiting ship, its sails billowing in the sea breeze. Ciela stood by his side.

"Are you ready to return to Paris, Master?" Ciela asked.

Napoleon nodded.

As they approached the ship, the crew members hurriedly prepared for departure, their footsteps echoing on the wooden planks. Napoleon ascended the gangplank with a determined stride, his mind already racing with plans and ambitions for the future.

Napoleon glanced back at the port one last time, catching a glimpse of his family standing together, their figures etched in his memory. The tolling of bells continued to reverberate through the air, signaling the passengers to board the ship. With a final wave, Napoleon bid his family farewell.

***

On January 25th, 1785, two years had passed since Napoleon's departure from Ajaccio, Corsica. During this time, he had achieved significant milestones in his life, including attending the prestigious Ecole Militaire. While in real history, financial constraints limited his studies to only one year, in this alternate reality, Napoleon's invention had brought him substantial wealth, enabling him to fully dedicate himself to his education. The Ecole Militaire provided him with a comprehensive curriculum that shaped his intellect and honed his strategic thinking.

Napoleon's invention of steam engines and accompanying equipment had a transformative effect, igniting an industrial revolution in France. The textile industry experienced exponential growth, thanks to the power loom and the utilization of steam-powered machinery. Factories sprouted like mushrooms, transforming once-sleepy towns into bustling centers of industry, and the landscape was dotted with their presence.

Beyond revolutionizing the textile industry, Napoleon's invention sparked advancements in various other sectors. Ironworks and foundries flourished, producing machinery, tools, and infrastructure essential for the expanding industrial complex. Mining operations experienced a surge in response to soaring demand for raw materials. Rivers and canals served as vital arteries of commerce, facilitating the transportation of goods and fueling trade within France and beyond its borders.

Yet, the true symbol of industrialization was yet to be conceived by Napoleon himself—the steam locomotive. This ambitious project was assigned to him by the French Academy of Sciences as a test to determine his acceptance as a member. However, Napoleon could not complete it within a year due to numerous constraints, such as resource availability and technical challenges that needed to be overcome.

Nonetheless, thanks to his persuasive argument justifying the delay, the project persisted. With the additional time granted, Napoleon successfully finished the steam locomotive project in 1785, which corresponds to the current year in this alternate reality.

Napoleon and Ciela walked along with Antoine Lavoisier and other members of the French Academy of Sciences.

"Napoleon, this better be it," Antoine said. "You have spent more money than we have previously agreed."

"Don't worry, monsieur Lavoisier. Everything is ready for the demonstration," Napoleon said, glancing at Ciela. "Right Ciela?"

Ciela nodded confidently. "Yes, Master. The steam locomotive is prepared and in perfect working order. We have conducted extensive tests and made the necessary adjustments. It is ready to showcase its capabilities."

"Do tell me of the details of the demonstration," Laplace asked.

"We will be boarding the steam locomotive at the Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris," Napoleon explained. "From there, we will embark on a journey to Versailles."

"Versailles? That's 30 kilometers away from here, right? And it will approximately take three hours to get there via carriage."

"Well, Laplace, the thing is, the steam locomotive isn't a carriage. My steam locomotive can go up to a speed of 30 kilometers per hour, which means we can reach Versailles in just one hour," Napoleon proudly announced.

As they arrived at the makeshift train station, Antoine and other members of the French Academy of Sciences gazed at the long black locomotive, standing proudly on the tracks. The locomotive was an imposing sight, a marvel of engineering and innovation. Its massive metal frame glistened under the sunlight, while the wheels, meticulously crafted and polished, exuded strength and resilience. The steam engine, nestled within the locomotive, emitted a low hissing sound, hinting at the immense power it held within.

Napoleon approached the locomotive with a mixture of pride and anticipation. He had poured countless hours, resources, and expertise into its creation, overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way. Now, as he stood before his masterpiece, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and accomplishment.

Not only the members of the French Academy of Sciences were impressed but the passerby also. The Parisians, ranging from nobility to the working class, had gathered around the makeshift train station.

Their inquisitive gazes scanned along the contours of the steam locomotive, wondering what it is. Ever since the construction of the railway tracks, the Parisians wondered what these iron rails were meant for. And now, before their very eyes, stood the answer—an invention that promised to revolutionize transportation.

Even the coachmen gathered around the demonstration, their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. The sight of this new invention, capable of propelling itself without the need for horses, sparked both wonder and unease within them. They had spent their lives mastering the art of driving carriages, relying on their expertise and the trust of their passengers to earn a living. Now, faced with the possibility of being replaced by this mechanical marvel, they couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.

"Ciela, please escort them to their respective cars," Napoleon instructed, gesturing toward the passenger cars that were attached to the steam locomotive.

Ciela nodded and gracefully led the members of the French Academy of Sciences. As Napoleon watched them board the cars, he could feel the excitement brimming within him. This is it, the start of his rise to prominence, if the demonstration proved successful, he would become a member of the French Academy of Sciences.

"This is going to be exhilarating."

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