Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 134: Capital of Europe

"There it is, the Bonaparte Tower," Napoleon II pointed at the rising silhouette ahead.

The automobile rolled to a slower pace as it approached the Champ de Mars. Evening had settled fully over Paris. The electric lamps lining the avenues cast steady orange light across the open grounds. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Elsa leaned forward between the seats.

"I see it!" she said.

The tower rose beyond the exhibition halls, its iron lattice illuminated from below. Light traced its legs upward, turning the structure into a glowing framework against the dark sky. The upper platform lights blinked faintly, marking its height.

"It’s taller than the palace," Elsa whispered.

"Yes," Napoleon II said.

The chauffeur guided the Niépce automobile along the designated perimeter road. Guards stationed at intervals recognized the vehicle at once and stepped aside. No formal announcement. No procession. Just the quiet passage of the Emperor’s car through his own project.

Elisabeth shifted slightly in her seat, one hand resting over her stomach.

"Are we heading there?"

"Hmm... you know what? We can," Napoleon II said.

Elsa turned to him so quickly her shoulder brushed Elisabeth’s arm.

"Really?"

"Yes. We will go up."

The automobile slowed near the main entrance under the first arch of iron. Workers were still present, but fewer now. A foreman stepped forward, hat already in hand when he recognized the Emperor.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

"Continue your tasks," Napoleon II said. "We are only visiting."

"Yes, Sire."

Napoleon II stepped out first and offered his hand to Elisabeth. She accepted it without comment. Elsa followed, boots touching the gravel with a small crunch.

From beneath, the structure felt different. The iron legs curved upward like ribs. Rivets lined every seam. The electric lamps fixed along the lower beams cast angled shadows across the ground.

Elsa tilted her head back until she nearly lost balance.

"So tall."

He guided them toward the lift entrance installed along one leg of the tower. The mechanism had been tested repeatedly. Enclosed cabin. Counterweight system. Steel cables inspected that morning.

The attendant inside stiffened when he saw them.

"Prepare it," Napoleon II said.

The doors were opened. The cabin was compact but solid, walls reinforced with iron panels and small glass sections.

Elsa stepped inside first, hands clasped in front of her, trying to imitate composure.

Elisabeth entered next. Napoleon II followed last. The attendant secured the gate and engaged the mechanism.

There was a brief jolt. Then motion.

The cabin began to rise along the angled track of the tower’s leg. The sound of cables sliding over pulleys filled the enclosed space.

Through the glass panels, the ground slowly dropped away. The automobile below shrank. Workers became smaller shapes. The electric lamps formed a widening pattern.

Elisabeth remained still, one hand resting lightly against the wall.

"It’s beautiful from this view," she said.

"It’s going to be more beautiful when we reach the top floor, but of course, we are going to tour this tower. There are three accessible decks. The first for public observation. The second for dining and reception. The third for restricted access."

"Restricted?" Elsa asked.

"For engineers. And for me."

The lift slowed and locked into place at the first platform. The attendant opened the gate.

Cold air rushed in. The iron flooring vibrated faintly under their steps as they exited.

The first deck was wide, ringed with railings reinforced by crossbars. Electric lamps were mounted at intervals, casting a steady glow over the metal grating. A few workers stood at a distance, pausing discreetly before returning to their tasks.

Elsa hurried forward but stopped herself before running. She gripped the railing and peered over.

Elisabeth walked at a measured pace, one hand resting lightly on her abdomen. She turned slowly, taking in the sweep of Paris.

The Seine curved through the city like a dark ribbon edged with light. Bridges formed bright lines across the water. Carriages and automobiles moved like slow insects along the boulevards.

"Yes."

He gestured toward the inner staircase and secondary lift that led higher.

They ascended again, this time more vertically. The second deck was narrower but more refined. Enclosed sections with glass panels protected against the wind. Tables were arranged inside a partially finished dining hall. Polished wood flooring contrasted with exposed iron beams.

"This will be a restaurant?" Elisabeth asked.

"For foreign dignitaries," Napoleon II said. "And for those who can afford the experience."

They proceeded to the next level.

The final lift carried them higher than the public platforms. The cabin creaked once before steadying as the counterweights adjusted. When the doors opened, wind struck harder, colder, cleaner.

The highest accessible observation deck was narrower, encircled by reinforced railings and fitted with mounted telescopes bolted to iron posts. Electric lamps were fixed low along the floor, their light shielded from direct wind. Above them, the antenna structures stretched further into the night.

Paris spread in full beneath their feet.

From this height, the electric grid revealed itself. Streets formed clean lines of white and amber light. Major boulevards glowed brighter. Industrial quarters pulsed with steady illumination. Neon signage flickered along commercial avenues, casting colored halos against the dark.

Elisabeth turned slowly, scanning the horizon. Her gaze stopped toward the west, beyond the dense core of the city.

"There," she said quietly.

On the far side of the Seine, past the older districts, silhouettes rose—angular, vertical forms that interrupted the traditional roofline of Paris. Steel frames stood exposed on several of them. Others were partially clad in stone and glass. Cranes hovered overhead like skeletal arms.

"They are taller than the rest," she said. "What are those?"

"Skyscrapers," Napoleon II answered.

Elisabeth looked at him.

"That is what you call them?"

"Yes."

He stepped closer to the railing and pointed.

"That district is called Quartier d’Industrie Nouvelle. It is where the financial houses and industrial syndicates are building their headquarters. Away from the historic center. Designed for vertical growth."

Elsa squinted.

"They’re not finished."

"Most are under construction," he said.

"I see, Paris has grown so much."

"Indeed. The world is envious now," Napoleon II said. "The view is breathtaking here. Truly, Paris has become the capital of the European continent. And the city of lights."