Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 70: Paris and Le Bon Marche

The carriage slowed as it passed through the gates and onto the broad road leading into Paris.

Elisabeth leaned forward slightly and looked out the window.

They arrived at Paris.

The streets were wide. Deliberately so. Two carriages could pass without slowing. Sidewalks stretched along both sides, raised and clean, separated from the road by neat stone curbs. Rows of trees lined the avenues, giving it a scenic vibe.

Most importantly, there was no stench.

No stagnant water. No refuse piled at corners. No open gutters running along the street. Drainage grates sat flush with the stone, spaced at regular intervals.

The carriage rolled deeper into the city. Buildings stood uniform in height, stone façades aligned in clean lines. Balconies matched. Windows matched. Even the spacing between doorways followed a pattern.

On the sidewalks, people moved with purpose.

Men wore dark coats and black top hats, polished shoes striking the stone in steady rhythm. Many walked beside women dressed in muted colors, arms offered, gloved hands resting lightly on sleeves.

No shouting. No carts blocking the road. No animals wandering freely.

The carriage passed a large intersection. At its center stood a tall iron post with a round clock mounted near the top. The face was white, numbers bold and clear. The hands moved steadily.

Elisabeth’s eyes lingered on it.

"That clock," she said. "It’s different."

Napoleon II followed her gaze. "How so?"

"It’s too precise," she replied. "And there’s no visible mechanism. No pendulum. No winding."

He nodded. "Good observation."

She turned toward him. "How does it work?"

"It’s powered by compressed air," Napoleon II said.

She blinked. "Air?"

"Yes. Underground pipes run beneath the streets. They connect to a central station. A master clock there keeps the exact time."

"And the others?" she asked.

"They listen," he said. "Pulses of compressed air travel through the pipes at fixed intervals. Each clock receives the signal and adjusts itself accordingly."

Elisabeth thought for a moment. "So they never drift."

"Exactly."

"And if one fails?"

"It’s corrected at the next pulse."

"We also have that in Versailles right? So how do a common man get one in their homes?"

"They’ll pay a subscription," Napoleon II said.

"A subscription?" Elisabeth repeated.

"Yes. A small monthly fee to acquire their services. You pay them monthly and they’ll give you an exact time."

As they were talking, Elisabeth’s attention drifted to a passing tram opposite their carriage.

She followed it with her eyes. "That one is electric," she said.

"Yes," Napoleon II replied. "Direct current. Supplied from a substation every few blocks."

The carriage continued forward. The tram disappeared down a side street, replaced by another intersection.

The carriage slowed again as traffic thickened near a commercial district. Shop windows lined the street, glass polished clear. Mannequins displayed coats, dresses, shoes. Prices were marked plainly, police roaming the streets.

The carriage came to a gentle stop.

Outside, Le Bon Marché stood ahead. Wide entrance. Tall windows. Light spilling onto the pavement. People moved in and out freely, couples, families, clerks on break. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Napoleon II reached for the handle.

Elisabeth placed her hand on his arm, just for a moment. "You know I have been to Paris a lot but I still can’t believe what I am seeing. It’s too futuristic and modern compared to other cities I have been to."

He looked at her. "Didn’t I say that I am going to make Paris the most beautiful city in Europe? The other major cities of France are following suit. Paris is a blueprint that every city copies. And it is mandated by law."

He stepped down first, then offered his hand. She took it and joined him on the street.

She stepped down beside him, boots touching clean stone.

No one stopped.

No one bowed. No one turned. No sudden hush, no ripple through the crowd.

A man passed them carrying a bundle of newspapers under his arm. Two women walked by, talking quietly, their pace unbroken. A shop clerk held the door open for a customer without looking twice at them.

The disguise held.

Elisabeth glanced around, careful not to move too quickly. Her shoulders eased, just a little.

"They don’t recognize us," she said under her breath.

"It means the disguise works.But there are people surrounding us who know our true identity. They are to keep us safe," Napoleon II said and Elisabeth looked around and noticed some men who were discreetly bowing their heads, acknowledging their presence.

"So, shall we head into the largest supermarket in the world?" Napoleon II asked.

Elisabeth nodded. "Yes."

She stepped toward the entrance with a steady pace.

Two uniformed guards stood at either side of the doors. Their posture was relaxed but alert. As the flow of people moved forward, one of them raised a hand.

"Pardon," he said.

Napoleon II stopped without comment. The guard ran his hands briefly along the coat seams, checked pockets, then stepped back. The second guard did the same with Elisabeth, quick and professional, eyes never lingering.

"Clear," one of them said.

They were waved through.

The moment they crossed the threshold, the cold air vanished.

Warmth wrapped around them evenly. Elisabeth felt it first and slowed without realizing.

"It’s warm," she said quietly. "It’s like in the Versailles again, the hvac system..."

Napoleon II nodded, confirming her words.

Inside, the space opened wide.

Crowds filled the floor. It was dense but orderly. Rows of counters stretched into the distance. Clerks moved quickly behind polished wood. Shelves were stacked high with goods, fabric, perfume, tools, books, food. Electric lights worked overhead, casting an even glow on the shopping floor.

"There’s too many people."

"It’s a go-to for the people of Paris to shop and dine. So, our first agenda would be to have some snacks. You like confectionaries right?"

"I do," Elisabeth said and added. "Strawberry cake."

"Strawberry cake it is," Napoleon II said and led the way to the first shop they’ll visit in Le Bon Marche, the first mall in the city of Paris, and in Europe, and possibly the whole world.