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    The night had settled upon the city of Paris, its streets bathed in a soft glow that emanated from the electric streetmps lining the boulevards. A gentle mist hung in the air, adding an ethereal quality to the scene as carriages passed by, their wheels gliding silently over the cobbled streets.


    One of the carriages that graced the streets was that of Ci Bonaparte, making its way through the enchanting city. Seated next to her were her children, Aveline and Francis, their heads resting gently on her shoulders as they gazed out at the illuminated cityscape passing by.


    Seated across Ci was Talleyrand, who watched her and her children with genuine warmth in his eyes. The flickering light from the electric streetmps cast a soft glow on his face, entuating the lines that etched his distinguished countenance. He observed the tender bond between Ci and her children, a smile ying at the corners of his lips.


    "You have a truly beautiful family, Madame Bonaparte," Talleyrand remarked, his voice carrying a touch of admiration.


    Ci returned a radiant smile as she stroked the hair of her children affectionately. "Thank you, Minister Talleyrand. Though I must say that I hear it quite often when we are out and about in the city, people often stop to marvel at their bright smiles and lively spirits. It warms my heart to see them grow and flourish."


    Talleyrand nodded, his gaze lingering on Aveline and Francis. "Indeed, their vitality is contagious."


    "Mama... are we near?" Aveline interrupted.


    Ci chuckled softly, her fingers gentlybing through Aveline''s silky blonde hair. "Almost there, my darling. Isn''t that right, Minister Talleyrand?"


    Talleyrand leaned forward slightly, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "Indeed, Madame Bonaparte, we are just moments away from our destination. In fact, may I suggest that you dispense with the formalities and simply call me Talleyrand? My closest friends and colleagues call me Talleyrand."


    "Talleyrand it is, then. Thank you for the invitation and for apanying us on this delightful evening."


    The carriage turned a corner, and the silhouette of the Chateau de Valois loomed closer, its grandeur bing more apparent with every passing second. The soft glow from the electric lights within the chateau spilled out onto the grounds, casting an enchanting aura around the magnificent estate.


    "We have arrived," Talleyrand announced.


    The carriage came to a graceful halt, and the footman quickly opened the door, extending his hand to assist Ci and her children in stepping out onto the cobblestone path leading to the chateau''s entrance. The air carried the scent of blooming flowers, adding to the magical atmosphere that enveloped them.


    "I see that you have already installed electric lights in your chateau, Talleyrand," Cimented as she stepped onto the cobblestones, her eyes drawn to the mesmerizing glow emanating from the windows and pathways. The soft illumination breathed a sense of modernity into the centuries-old architecture.


    Talleyrand extended his arm, offering it to Ci as they made their way toward the entrance of the chateau. "Indeed, Madame Bonaparte. Your electric bulbs are brighter and cheaper than candles, though the instation of the electrical wirings and sockets costs a lot of money. But it is a small price to pay for the convenience and elegance it brings to the chateau."


    As they entered the majestic foyer of the chateau, their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet beneath them, Talleyrand continued. "The dinner is ready in the dining hall, and I must say, Madame Bonaparte, our chef has prepared a feast fit for royalty. I hope it pleases your pte."


    As they reached the entrance of the grand dining hall, the double doors swung open, revealing a scene of opulence. The room was bathed in warm, inviting light, a perfect harmony of candlelight and electric bulbs that danced and shimmered, casting enchanting shadows on the exquisite table setting.


    The aroma of delicately prepared dishes wafted through the air, tantalizing their senses and whetting their appetites. Elegant ce settings, gleaming silverware, and delicate crystal sses awaited their arrival. The table was adorned with fragrant flowers, their vibrant colors adding a touch of natural beauty to the already magnificent room.


    Ci and Talleyrand took their seats at the head of the table, with Aveline and Francis seated beside them.


    Ci and her children then began to feast on the food prepared by Talleyrand. Ci would often spoon small portions onto her children''s tes, ensuring they had a taste of each dish. Aveline and Francis eagerly sampled the various vors, their eyes widening with delight as they discovered new tastes and textures.


    As they savored the exquisite cuisine, lively conversations filled the dining hall. Talleyrand regaled them with stories of his travels and encounters with prominent figures, captivating both the children and Ci with his eloquence and wit. In return, Ci shared anecdotes of theirpany''s remarkable sess since its inception, dominating the market in major industries such as steel manufacturing, chemical production, textiles, transportation, oil and coal mining, and their groundbreaking ventures into electricity.


    As they enjoyed their desserts, Talleyrand''s gaze turned serious. He cleared his throat, capturing their attention. "Madame Bonaparte, if you would be so kind as to join me in my office for a moment. There is a matter of great importance that I wish to discuss with you."


    "Of course, Talleyrand. Please, excuse me for a moment," she replied, rising from her seat. She nced at Aveline and Francis, who were engrossed in their desserts and spoke softly. "My dears, I need to have a brief conversation with Talleyrand. Would you be alright staying here for a little while longer?"<novelsnext>I think you should take a look at </novelsnext>


    Aveline and Francis exchanged and nodded. "Okay, mama."


    With that, she followed Talleyrand out of the dining hall and made their way through the corridors of the chateau. Momentster, they reached Talleyrand''s office adorned with antique furniture and shelves lined with books.


    "Please, have a seat, Madame Bonaparte," Talleyrand gestured.


    Ci took a seat, her eyes fixed on Talleyrand, her curiosity mounting. "What is it that you wanted to discuss, Talleyrand?"


    "Well…Mrs. Bonaparte, are you familiar with these newspapers?" Talleyrand handed Ci the front pages of the newspaper herpany printed and disseminated.


    The headlines of the newspaper covered Napoleon''s sesses in Egypt, and how he was expanding French Republic territory overseas.


    "All of those headlines captivate the people of Paris, causing them to love and idolize Napoleon. I must say, your newspaper is good at spreading propaganda."


    "Correction, Talleyrand, it''s not propaganda, it''s the truth. My husband has reached Ma and is now The Emirate of Diriyah."


    "Well... it sounds too good to be true," Talleyrand responded. "But don''t misunderstand me, Madame Bonaparte, I am simply just impressed and awed at your husband''s sesses. Is there a reason why you started a newspaperpany?"


    Ci leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She sped her hands together and met Talleyrand''s gaze with a steady resolve. "Indeed, there is a reason, Talleyrand. The power of information is immense where it could shape public opinion."


    "And the public opinion towards Napoleon is good thanks to you," Talleyrand interjected. "Now a lot of people in France are hailing him as the hero of the republic. When the Army of Europe is failing, Napoleon''s Army of the Orient is winning. Some even called for his return…speaking of which, have you heard back from him?"


    Ci shook her head. "No, it''s been four months since hest wrote to me. Thest message I got from him is that he is preparing to invade Basra, Persia, Afghanistan, and Balochistan."


    "I see…well to tell you the truth, Madame Bonaparte, ording to the military reports, your husband is returning to France with some of his generals. Themand of the Army of the Orient is transferred to General Kleber. As for the operation, it didn''t go forward because the Directory didn''t send them the required numbers of reinforcements to conduct the operation."


    "Wait…my husband is returning?" Ci gasped softly and then sighed in relief.


    "Yes, Madame Bonaparte…I find it odd that Napoleon wouldn''t inform you about his return…maybe he wanted to surprise you? If that was the case then I blew it…Napoleon is going to scold me."


    "I can pretend that I didn''t hear that," Ci chuckled. "I''m d that he is returning. It''s been so long since Ist saw him."


    "Great…returning back to our discussion, so the newspaper, it''s making your husband a popr figure to the people of France, I do believe that you have a reason why you are doing that aside from disseminating the truth? Has Napoleon expressed his desire for political power to you?"


    Ci nodded solemnly.


    "I see now…you are giving him a huge help, Madame Bonaparte, The people now longed for Napoleon, some even want him to take control of France."


    "Whatever decision my husband makes, I will support him," Ci dered firmly. "Napoleon possesses extraordinary leadership qualities and a vision for a stronger, more prosperous France. If the people have faith in him, if they see him as the one who can bring stability and progress to our nation, then I believe it is worth considering."


    "Great…this is great," Talleyrand smiled.