Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 43: The Beauty of Paris’s Night

They stood there, waiting for the evening to arrive on top of the Arc de Triomphe. While waiting on it, they discussed something.

"So how did Bavaria react to the marriage?" Napoleon II asked.

"How do I put this, well they were shocked and surprised at it. You see, I was supposed to attend your birthday and the lighting ceremony and to also see the state of the capital of the French Empire. But when I returned, they found out that I’m married to the crown prince."

Napoleon II let out a short breath.

"That must have caused... discussion."

"That’s one way to say it," she replied. "My father was summoned twice in a week. The court wanted explanations. Timelines. Assurances."

"And?" he asked.

"And then they saw the benefits," Elisabeth said. "Trade guarantees. Rail access. Security." She looked at him again. "Politics moves faster when numbers are involved."

"But this is not a politically motivated marriage," Napoleon II said. "This is me wanting you to become the Empress of the French Empire, because I like you."

She turned fully toward him.

"And what if there’s someone more beautiful than me?" Elisabeth asked. "More charming. More... suitable."

Napoleon II didn’t answer right away.

"Then she would still not be you," he said.

Elisabeth blinked.

"You don’t choose an Empress the way courts choose gowns," he continued. "I don’t need the most admired face in Europe. I need someone who can stand here, look at this city, and understand why it was built this way."

She studied him, searching for hesitation. There was none.

"You weren’t selected," he said. "You weren’t traded. You weren’t offered."

He turned to her.

"I chose you."

Elisabeth’s grip tightened on the railing.

"You really mean it...I thought I can read it in romance novels..."

Napoleon II laughed softly, and then noticed that the sky was starting to darken.

"Oh look at the city lights now," Napoleon II pointed out.

Elisabeth didn’t answer right away.

She leaned forward slightly, hands resting on the stone, eyes moving across the city as the last of the lamps came alive. One by one. Then in lines. Then entire streets at once. The boulevards below turned into bands of light, steady and even, stretching outward until the horizon blurred.

She inhaled quietly.

"It looks like the city is breathing," she said.

Napoleon II didn’t respond. He watched her instead.

The glow reflected in her eyes. Not surprise. Recognition. As if she understood what it took to make this possible—wires, generators, labor, planning—without needing it explained.

"This didn’t exist when I was a child," she continued. "Cities went dark after sunset. Now..." She gestured downward. "People can walk. Work. See." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Yes," he said.

This is why he was advancing science, not only as an advantage to other nations but also to show it to the people who appreciate it greatly.

"Now that it’s evening, we should get going now and return to the Versailles Palace. They must be looking for us now."

"I’m sure they would be," Elisabeth finished, a faint smile forming. "My mother worries easily."

"They won’t be left wondering much longer," Napoleon II said.

They descended from the Arc in silence, the city still alive beneath them. The carriage was already waiting, lanterns lit, driver standing straight. Guards moved first, clearing the immediate space without drawing attention.

Napoleon II helped Elisabeth into the carriage and followed. The door closed. The city lights slid past again, slower now, the streets thinning as they moved away from the center.

The ride back was quieter than before. Elisabeth rested her hands in her lap, posture relaxed but alert. Napoleon II watched the road ahead through the window, noting intersections, patrols, the steady rhythm of movement. Paris at night was controlled, not asleep.

Versailles came into view just past the final stretch of road. The palace stood illuminated, windows lit in a deliberate pattern, courtyards alive with subdued motion. Servants moved between entrances. Guards stood at their posts, uniforms catching the light.

The carriage slowed, then stopped at the main approach.

Napoleon II stepped out first. The moment his boots touched the stone, he saw the movement near the entrance.

Elisabeth’s parents were already there.

Her mother stood a step ahead, posture tight, hands clasped. Her father paced once, then stopped when he saw the carriage.

Elisabeth descended immediately, moving faster than before.

"Mother," she said.

Her mother reached her at once, hands on Elisabeth’s arms, eyes scanning her face.

"Where were you?" she asked, not angry, just strained. "You didn’t arrive with us. No one could tell us where you had gone."

"We were informed you were escorted," her father added, his tone controlled but sharp. "But hours passed."

Napoleon II stepped forward.

"She was with me," he said calmly.

Both of them turned to him.

"I took responsibility," he continued. "I wanted to show her part of the city before returning. She was never unguarded."

Elisabeth’s mother hesitated, then nodded once.

"I should have known," she said quietly. "Still... next time, a message."

"That’s fair," Napoleon II replied. "And I apologize for the worry."

Elisabeth’s father studied him for a moment longer, then inclined his head.

"Thank you for explaining," he said. "We were concerned."

"You won’t be again," Napoleon II said. "Everything is prepared."

He gestured toward the palace.

"Your accommodations are ready. West wing. The rooms have already been arranged according to your preferences." He paused. "Dinner is waiting as well."

Elisabeth’s mother exhaled, tension easing from her shoulders.

"Then let us not keep anyone waiting," she said.

They moved inside together.

The interior of Versailles was warm, lamps reflecting off polished floors and pale stone. Servants appeared as if summoned by proximity alone, taking coats, offering directions. The atmosphere was formal, but not stiff.

Napoleon II walked beside Elisabeth, matching her pace.

"Are you all right?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," she said. "They just worry."

"They should," he replied. "It means they care."

She glanced at him, then nodded.

The dining hall was already set. Long table. Simple arrangements. No excess decoration. Enough for family and close attendants.

They took their seats without ceremony.

Conversation resumed slowly at first. Travel. The train. The comfort of the carriages. Elisabeth answered most of the questions herself, her earlier awe now tempered into calm explanation.

"It was smooth," she said. "Quiet. Faster than I expected."

Her father nodded. "Rail changes everything."

"Yes," Napoleon II said. "That’s the point."