Five o'clock in the afternoon and all the Imperial Household Staff of the Palace of Versailles were busy in preparation for the incoming Congress of Paris.
Tables were being set, floors polished, and every detail was double-checked to ensure perfection. Beaumont, the experienced Lord Chamberlain, supervised the hustle and bustle with a keen eye, his directives clear and concise. The international delegates were expected to arrive within the hour, and every member of the staff was acutely aware of the importance of their roles.
Napoleon, on the other hand, was in his study, reviewing the final notes and documents for the Congress. His desk was strewn with papers, maps, and treaties. The magnitude of this event was not lost on him; decisions made during this Congress would chart the course of Europe's future.
Ciela was in her quarters, attended by her maids, who were helping her dress for the evening. The atmosphere was palpable, a mix of excitement and anxiety. She was to stand beside Napoleon, a symbol of grace and power as the world's eyes turned towards France.
Back in the hallways, the clattering of dishes and faint conversations filled the air. The aroma of the evening's banquet wafted through the palace, which would be served in the evening.
As the clock approached six, final preparations were underway. The gardens were in perfect condition and the halls were adorned in anticipation of the guests. Amid these preparations, the Palace of Versailles came to life as the electric lights were turned on. The entire estate, from the intricately decorated halls to the meticulously groomed gardens, was instantly illuminated
Napoleon glanced at the clock, took a deep breath, and steeled himself. This was the moment of truth, a juncture that would solidify his legacy.
With papers in hand, he left his study, and went to the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles, standing with his wife, Ciela, and his children Francis and Aveline.
One by one, delegates from different nations began arriving in their carriages. The first carriage arrived, bearing the crest of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway. Crown Prince-Regent Frederick VI stepped out, dressed in resplendent attire. He was received warmly by Napoleon and Ciela, exchanging pleasantries before being escorted by the servants to the Halls of Mirrors.
Soon after, another carriage adorned with the emblem of the Austrian Empire made its entrance. Ludwig von Cobenzl, the State Chancellor of the Habsburg Monarchy, disembarked with a composed demeanor. Formal greetings were exchanged, and Napoleon, with his family by his side, welcomed Cobenzl personally before the Austrian delegate was also directed towards the Halls of Mirrors. Every arrival was marked with the same level of formality and respect, setting the tone for the interactions that were to follow during the Congress.
Tsar Paul I of the Russian Empire, Prime Minister Karl August von Hardenberg of Prussia, Regent Alfonso de Castellano of Spain, and Viscount Castlereagh, the Foreign Secretary of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, each made their entrance.
As this was happening, additional carriages pulled up to the entrance of the Palace of Versailles. The delegates from the Electorates of Saxony, Württemberg, Baden, Bavaria, and every Grand Duchies within the Holy Roman Empire, arrived in succession. The carriages, each bearing the distinct crests of their territories, halted smoothly before the grand steps of the palace.
The delegates, having been welcomed, were now escorted to the iconic Hall of Mirrors.
"Okay, this is it. I'll see you later in dinner," Napoleon said as he planted a kiss on Ciela's cheek.
"Good luck over there, darling," Ciela replied with a supportive smile, squeezing Napoleon's hand reassuringly.
"Father, you said that I'll meet someone important? Where is that person?" Francis asked curiously.
"Ah that," Napoleon chuckled. "You will meet that person tomorrow morning."
"Could you tell me who would it be, father? Why are you keeping it a secret?" Francis's curiosity was apparent, but Napoleon simply ruffled his son's hair.
"You'll see, Francis. Patience," Napoleon replied with a smile. "Now, I have to join the delegates. We are on a strict schedule tonight," he added before walking towards the Hall of Mirrors where the delegates were gathered.
Inside, the seating was arranged in a manner that reflected the stature and significance of each participating nation and state. The electric lights cast a clear, bright ambiance that highlighted the opulent surroundings and the distinguished gathering. Each delegate took their seat, the flags of their respective nations displayed prominently before them.
Napoleon watched their reactions keenly, seeing that they were puzzled by the microphone installed in front of their chairs, and the cameras that were set up in the far back center of the room. This technology was new to many, and Napoleon saw it as another opportunity to underline France's advancement and sophistication.
As the last of the delegates settled, Napoleon stood to address the assembly. The silence was almost tangible as each representative turned their attention to the host of the evening.
He cleared his throat and began speaking.
"Good evening, first off, I would like to thank you all for coming to this esteemed Congress. We have gathered here with a united goal – to forge pathways of cooperation, peace, and prosperity for our nations and for the entire continent of Europe," Napoleon stated. His voice was amplified by the microphone. The sound system, one of the latest innovations, ensured that every word was heard clearly by all present.
"I know that many of you have come from great distances, with one delegate hailing from St. Petersburg," Napoleon said, glancing at the Emperor of Russia, Tsar Paul I, who nodded in acknowledgment. "But rest assured that what we are about to discuss in this meeting would be of utmost importance. Okay, what else do I have to say? Oh right, welcome to France. I hope that your trip here was comfortable and that your stay will be both pleasant and productive."
"Now, let us focus on the agenda at hand," Napoleon's tone shifted to a more serious note. "Our first order of business is to negotiate the terms of peace, aiming to conclude the ongoing war involving the Empire of France, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Russian Empire.
Secondly, we will discuss the proposed establishment of a new Kingdom of Germany and address matters related to the creation of the Kingdom of Poland.
Third on our agenda is the consideration of recognizing the Italian annexation of the Kingdom of Naples.
Lastly, we shall deliberate on the prospect of gaining overseas colonies peacefully in the new frontier of Africa. Or what I would call, the Scramble for Africa."
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