?There''s no mistaking it, it was King Louis XVI. Walking beside him is the Queen, Marie Antote. Although Napoleon hadn''t seen them in person, he had seen a lot of paintings of them disyed at his university.


    "Monsieur Lavoisier, what is the meaning of this?" Napoleon asked Lavoisier, who simply grinned in delight.


    "Well, I informed the king about this new invention of yours and he took interest on it. Why is there a problem?"


    "Of course not, Monsieur Antoine. It''s just that I''m surprised to see the King..." Napoleon chuckled nervously.


    "Very well then, you''ll have the honor of being graced by His Majesty''s presence. Come with me," Antoine stepped off the steam lotive.


    Napoleon and Ci followed suit, walking down the red carpet that wasid out on the street.


    When they got closer to the King and Queen, Antoine, Napoleon, and Ci bowed their heads respectfully.


    "Sire, this is Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte, the inventor of the steam lotive and steam engines," Antoine announced with a touch of pride in his voice.


    Napoleon straightened his back, gathering hisposure as he prepared to address the monarchs before him. He lifted his head, meeting the gaze of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antote, who regarded him with curiosity and interest.


    "Your Majesties, it is an honor to stand before you today," Napoleon began, his voice steady despite the underlying nerves. "I am deeply humbled by your presence."


    Sure is, King Louis XVI was known for his robust figure. Scanning his appearance, Napoleon couldn''t help but observe the King''s generous girth, which contrasted with the Queen''s elegant and slender figure. However, Napoleon quickly reminded himself to focus on the significance of the moment and set aside any personal observations.


    "Your name, it sounded Italian, are you sure you are French?" King Louis asked, gazing at Napoleon with scrutiny.


    "Well, specifically I''m from Corsica, Sire," Napoleon replied, maintaining hisposure despite the King''s scrutinizing gaze. "Though Corsica is part of the French territory, my family roots trace back to Italy. But I assure you, my loyalty and dedication are undeniably French."


    King Louis XVI nodded, seemingly satisfied with Napoleon''s response. The Queen, Marie Antote, leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    "Thatdy behind you, is she your fiance?"


    When Marie asked that question, Napoleon and Ci''s faces blushed slightly.


    "Uhm, no, Madame, Ci is my personal assistant," Napoleon responded, trying to conceal his slight embarrassment. "She has been an invaluable coborator in my endeavors, assisting me with the development and implementation of my inventions."


    Ci, standing by Napoleon''s side, maintained herposure despite the Queen''s direct attention. She gave a polite nod and a warm smile, acknowledging the Queen''s curiosity.


    "I am honored to serve Monsieur Buonaparte and witness his genius at work," Ci spoke with a gentle tone.


    "That''s sad, you two would make a good pair," Marie Antote teased, a mischievous smile ying on her lips. She enjoyed observing the slight blush on Napoleon and Ci''s faces, relishing in the yful banter.


    Napoleon, momentarily taken aback by the Queen''s remark, recovered quickly and offered a lighthearted response.


    "You surely know how to jest, Your Majesty," Napoleon replied, his lips curling into a wry smile.


    "Seeing the sess of your invention, we would like to personally invite you to a celebration here in Versailles this evening. We hope you will honor us with your presence," King Louis XVI interjected, his voice resonating with regal authority.


    Napoleon''s eyes widened in surprise, grateful for the unexpected invitation. He bowed respectfully before the monarch.


    "Your Majesty, it would be my utmost pleasure to attend the celebration in Versailles. I am humbled by your gracious invitation," Napoleon responded.


    Ci, too, acknowledged the invitation with a graceful nod, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    "We are delighted to hear that," Queen Marie Antote chimed in, her voiceced with genuine enthusiasm. "It will be a splendid asion to celebrate your remarkable achievements, Monsieur Buonaparte."


    ***


    Six hourster, the news of the sessful demonstration of the steam lotive spread across the nearby cities of Paris and Versailles, making it the main topic for the people to discuss.


    Napoleon and Ci stood in avishly appointed room within the grand Versailles Pce, preparing themselves for the uing celebration.


    Napoleon had donned a suit that exemplified thetest trends in mid-1780s fashion. The coat, made of rich midnight blue velvet, was tailored to perfection, entuating his athletic build. The widepels were intricately embroidered with gold thread, depicting delicate floral patterns. The coat tapered down to a slim waist, creating a ttering silhouette that exuded grace and sophistication.


    Ci, with her skilled hands, carefully adjusted each button of the coat, ensuring a wless fit. Her fingers lingered momentarily as if savoring the significance of the moment. The buttons themselves were miniature works of art, crafted from ornate gold filigree and adorned with precious gemstones.


    Beneath the coat, Napoleon wore a crisp white linen waistcoat, its high cor cascading down to a delicately ruffled jabot that peeked out from beneath his chin. The waistcoat was adorned with intricate silver embroidery that added a touch of elegance and refinement to his ensemble.


    His breeches, made of the finest ck silk, hugged his legs tightly, emphasizing his stature and providing a contrast to the richness of the coat. ck silk stockings, meticulously tailored, stretched up to his knees,pleting the ensemble. A pair of polished ck leather shoes, embellished with silver buckles, adorned his feet.


    "So this is what it feels like to be rich, huh?" Napoleon remarked, his gaze sweeping down to take in the intricate details of his suit. "I must admit, the clothing does have quite a stylish allure."


    As his eyes lingered on his attire, Napoleon avoided ncing at the mirror directly, mindful of Ci still standing in front of him.


    Of course, he was not the only one dressed for the asion. Ci had embraced the fashion of the era, donning a sumptuous gown of palevender silk. The fabric flowed gracefully, draping her form in an ethereal manner. Delicate floral patterns adorned the gown, intricately embroidered with silver thread, which shimmered under the soft glow of the room''s chandeliers. Cascading ruffles adorned the neckline and sleeves, adding a touch of femininity and whimsy to her ensemble.


    The bodice of the gown entuated Ci''s slender figure, thevender silk hugging her curves in all the right ces. A satin sash cinched at her waist, tying into a beautiful bow at the back,pleting the elegant silhouette. The skirt billowed out, gracefully pooling around her feet.


    Ci''s hair had been meticulously styled, swept up in an borate coiffure adorned with delicate flowers and sparkling hairpins. Her curls cascaded down, framing her face with a touch of natural elegance. The gown''s low neckline exposed Ci''s neck, which possessed a luminous quality. Its smooth and snow-white appearance captivated Napoleon like he is being drawn to it by an unseen force.  His gaze lingered down on her corbone, making him aware of the rapid beat of his heart. He could feel a growing warmth spreading throughout his body, and he knew that staring at it a bit longer would cause him to lose himself in a sea of desire.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    With a slight shake of his head, Napoleon tore his gaze away. Ci, who noticed his lingering gaze, giggled.


    "Does my neck attract you that much, Master~?" Ci blurted out yfully and showed her neck alluringly.  "You can stare at it for as long as you want."


    Napoleon cleared his throat. "Ci, you really shouldn''t say such a thing to a man like that. What if I did something to you?"


    "Depends...are you going to do something to me?" Ci teased.


    Napoleon shook his head. "Nope. Let''s go, the others must be waiting for us."


    He offered her his arm as if inviting her to intertwine her arm with his. Ci dly epted the offer, her fingers gently curling around Napoleon''s forearm.


    Together, they stepped outside of the room and went to the ballroom where the elites of France gathered for the celebration. As they entered the grand ballroom, the sound of lively music filled the air, apanied by theughter and chatter of the guests.


    The ballroom was a sight to behold, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and opulent decorations. The walls were adorned with luxurious tapestries, depicting scenes of grandeur and elegance. The polished marble floor reflected the soft glow of the candlelight, creating an enchanting ambiance.


    The banquet table was lined with an array of delectable delicacies, disying the culinary expertise of the royal chefs. Sparkling crystal sses filled with champagne and fine wines adorned the table, and confectionaries such as cakes and pastries were artfully arranged.


    "This is too overwhelming," Napoleonmented as they walked deeper into the ballroom. "So this is where France''s money is beingvishly spent."


    "And they are doing it quite often, Master," Ci added.


    Ci''s observation held an air of truth, as the grandeur of the ballroom and the extravagant disys of wealth showcased the opulence of the French monarchy. Napoleon couldn''t help but feel a mix of awe and unease at the stark contrast between thevishness surrounding them and the poverty that gued many of the country''s citizens. Yet, he also understood that this celebration was an opportunity for him to make connections with high society.


    As Napoleon and Ci made their way through the crowd, they caught glimpses of familiar faces.


    "Lace, Lavoisier, Charles," Napoleon called.


    "Oh, monsieur Napoleon is already here with his lovely assistant," Antoine said. "Just in time, the King is about to formally wee you."


    He extended his arms toward where the King and Queen were.


    On the stage at the front of the ballroom, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antote stood side by side, radiating regal poise. The King raised his hand,manding attention, and the crowd fell into a respectful silence.


    "Wee, esteemed guests," King Louis XVI began, his voice carrying through the hall. "Tonight, we gather not only to revel in the splendor of this asion but also to honor the genius of Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte and his remarkable invention, the steam lotive, and engines."


    Apuse rippled through the crowd, and Napoleon and Ci exchanged a nce, smiling.


    "For your contribution, I, King Louis XVI, under the counsel of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences, do hereby bestow upon you the noble title of Marquis, Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte," King Louis XVI proimed, his regal voice resonating through the hall. He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing. "May this distinguished title stand as a symbol of our profound appreciation for your remarkable ingenuity and unwaveringmitment to the progress and prosperity of our beloved nation."


    As the King''s promation echoed through the hall, a collective gasp of awe swept through the crowds. The idea of giving a man from a third estate the prestigious title of Marquis was unprecedented and caused a stir among the aristocracy.


    "Is the king serious?" One of the aristocrats whispered to another, their voices filled with disbelief.


    "Just because of that metal? He was granted a title?" one of them expressed.


    "Unbelievable, maybe a seat in the French Academy of Sciences is fine but granting him the title of Marquis is sure is taking it far," one of the noblemen murmured, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and disdain.


    Napoleon, standing among the guests, absorbed the reactions swirling around him. As expected, it won''t be received well by the real aristocrats as they would call it intrusion. But even he was shocked at the announcement. Why did the King grant him the title of Marquis?


    ''I''m changing history at an unprecedented level,'' Napoleon thought to himself.


    Napoleon cleared his throat, a seat in the French Academy of Sciences would do. He doesn''t want to earn a title as it would be useless in the next four years. It wouldn''t do him any good if the revolution started and targeted those nobles. He doesn''t want that.


    "Sire, if I may," Napoleon spoke up. "I am truly honored by your recognition and the title bestowed upon me. However, I must humbly request that you reconsider this generous gesture."


    The King and Queen exchanged a nce, surprised by Napoleon''s request. The murmurs in the ballroom grew louder as the guests began to specte about Napoleon''s response.


    Antoine, who stood nearby, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Napoleon''s unexpected request.


    "What are you doing, Napoleon?" Antoine asked but was ignored.


    Napoleon continued, his gaze fixed on the King. "I deeply appreciate the significance of this title, but as a man of the people, I believe my focus should be on serving France and contributing to its progress rather than indulging in aristocratic privileges. The support and recognition, and being part of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences are more than enough to fuel my aspirations."


    King Louis XVI, considered Napoleon''s words carefully. He understood the weight of the request and the underlying principles that drove Napoleon''s decision.


    "Is that what you truly seek, Napoleon? Just a seat at the French Academy of Sciences?" King Louis asked.


    "That is correct, Your Majesty. That''s more than enough. And besides, I don''t think I would fit the traditional mold of an aristocrat,"


    King Louis sighed. "Very well, if that is your decision, I shall respect it. I am now retracting the bestowed title of Marquis."


    Napoleon heaved a sigh of relief. "Safe."