Reincarnated as Napoleon

Chapter 76 Astonishing Progress And Call Of Duty

?

Napoleon dedicated the following weeks to meticulously drafting detailed plans for an electric generator, electric motors, and light bulbs. These intricate schematics were promptly dispatched to his team of skilled engineers in Paris, led by Charles Coulomb, who was entrusted with the task of transforming the designs into a functioning prototype.

Under Napoleon's careful guidance, the engineers began their work, diving into the technical complexities of the project. They encountered a series of challenges along the way, facing technical difficulties that threatened to hinder their progress.

The engineers diligently analyzed the potential hurdles they faced, tackling issues such as energy conversion efficiency and the intricate wiring needed for the motors. Each obstacle presented a unique problem to solve, pushing their expertise and problem-solving abilities to the limit.

Day after day, the engineers immersed themselves in experiments, making adjustments to the components and testing different configurations. They sought innovative approaches to overcome the obstacles and devoted countless hours to finding solutions.

Napoleon maintained regular correspondence with his team, exchanging detailed letters to provide additional guidance and share insights from his research. His strategic thinking complemented the engineers' technical expertise, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Thanks to their perseverance and collaboration, the engineers steadily made progress. They resolved the challenges they encountered, finding creative solutions to the intricate wiring and optimizing the efficiency of their designs.

As the weeks passed, the engineers neared the completion of a functioning prototype. The final stages of assembly and fine-tuning approached, and Napoleon decided to visit the engineers in Paris with Ciela.

March 7th, 1796.

Arriving at the power motive depot, Napoleon and Ciela were greeted by a scene of bustling activity. The air was thick with the scent of oil and the sounds of clanking metal. Rows of steam-powered machinery stood before them, with pistons pumping and wheels turning, emitting a steady hum that reverberated through the workshop.

But the one thing that caught their attention is the steam-powered generator. Its massive iron frame stood tall, adorned with pipes and valves that snaked across its surface. Steam billowed from the vents, filling the air with a slight haze as it dissipated into the surrounding space.

The engineers, clad in rugged attire, scurried about, fine-tuning the various components of the steam generator. They adjusted valves, monitored pressure gauges, and meticulously inspected the intricate machinery with precision tools in hand.

Napoleon and Ciela approached the generator, their eyes drawn to the spinning flywheel at its core. It rotated with a steady rhythm, driven by the power of steam, transmitting energy to electric motors that the engineers also had successfully integrated into the system. The motors hummed softly, their gears turning smoothly as they converted the energy from the generator into mechanical motion.

Aside from the electric motor, Napoleon also saw light bulbs on the table awaiting installation. These bulbs, unlike any they had seen before, were delicate glass orbs with slender filaments suspended within.

With a flip of the switch, the light bulbs were brought to life, emitting a warm and inviting glow.

"So what do you think, General?" The head engineer of the project, Charles-Augustin de Coulomb asked. "Have we succeeded in meeting your expectations?"

Napoleon gazed at the softly glowing light bulbs. To think that the French engineers would be able to pull this off in just a month was impressive. It was right for him to appoint Charles as the head engineer as he is the one who has extensive knowledge of theoretical electric principles and their practical applications. Napoleon turned to Charles with a proud smile.

"Well, you didn't just succeed in meeting my expectations, Charles, you have exceeded them beyond measure. With this you can forget about our machining equipment powered by steam through line shafts, instead, it'll be powered by these electric motors," Napoleon said proudly before turning to Ciela.

"Darling, I want you to patent this technology immediately, see to it that we secure the rights to these innovations."

Ciela nodded. "I will make it my priority, darling."

Napoleon let out a satisfied hum as he flickered his gaze back to the light bulb. He had just sped up the progress of technology by decades. The world was on the brink of a revolution, and Napoleon was determined to seize this opportunity to propel France to the forefront of innovation.

It's sad that he won't be able to witness it being developed and marketed as in the following weeks, he'll go to the frontline, commanding the Army of Italy.

March 23rd, 1796.

In the Château de Chantilly. Napoleon and Ciela were in the courtyard enjoying afternoon tea.

"I have secured patents for the steam-powered generator, electric motors, and light bulbs. Soon, we will hold a demonstration in Paris at the Tuileries Palace where we will install the first electric street lights," Ciela informed Napoleon and sighed. "This is going to be a huge undertaking. As you know, in this era, there are no pre-existing sockets, plugs, and no electrical wiring. If we want to light up the nation, we'll have to build everything. Starting from constructing a power plant."

Napoleon sipped his tea and placed it back on the saucer. "I will keep in touch with our engineers through correspondence while I'm in the frontline."

"It's probably going to be our most expensive investment thus far," Ciela said. "I hope that your friends in the French Academy of Sciences will invest in this technology. We have secured a deal with Coulomb and Lavoisier."

"Don't worry, those men are passionate about scientific progress so they'll invest," Napoleon assured.

As they were having a conversation, Beaumont arrived at the courtyard.

"General," Beaumont called. "You have a visitor."

"Who is it?" Napoleon asked, glancing at him.

"Based on the uniform General, they appeared to be soldiers," Beaumont replied

"I think they are here for you, darling," Ciela chimed in.

Napoleon's expression turned somber. This was it, the day when he would leave Paris and his family to serve the French Army.

"Escort them here, Beaumont," Napoleon ordered.

"Understood," Beaumont nodded and swiftly left to bring the soldiers to Napoleon.

Moments later, Beaumont returned, accompanied by two soldiers in military attire. Napoleon recognized one of them easily—wearing an open-necked shirt, a velvet cloak, and a white feather adorning his cap.

"Murat…" Napoleon uttered.

"Yes General it's me!" Murat replied with a wide grin. "I'm here to pick you up, sir."

"Wait wait…you are Murat?" Ciela rose to her feet and approached Murat with surprise and excitement evident in her voice.

Murat shifted his gaze towards Ciela and was awed immediately by her beauty.

"Oh my! What a fine lady we have here," Murat exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with admiration. He took a step forward, extending his hand to Ciela. "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Joachim Murat, General Bonaparte's aide-de-camp. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, madam."

Ciela, though taken aback by Murat's flamboyant and charming demeanor, couldn't help but be intrigued by his charisma. She gracefully accepted his outstretched hand and replied.

"The pleasure is mine, Sir Murat."

Murat bowed slightly and planted a soft kiss on the back of Ciela's hand.

"Madam, I must say, your beauty is truly captivating. General Bonaparte is a fortunate man to have such a remarkable partner by his side."

Ciela blushed and waved her hand shyly, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "Thank you…"

"So these are your children, General Bonaparte?" Murat asked, looking at the twins lying on a stroller.

"Yes, the girl's name is Aveline, and the boy's name is Francis," Napoleon replied with a smile.

"Well, General, we will leave at eight o'clock in the evening. Please, use the time to say your farewells and make the necessary preparations," Murat informed.

"Thank you, Murat."

"Sir."