There's no mistaking it, it was King Louis XVI. Walking beside him is the Queen, Marie Antoinette. Although Napoleon hadn't seen them in person, he had seen a lot of paintings of them displayed at his university.

"Monsieur Lavoisier, what is the meaning of this?" Napoleon asked Lavoisier, who simply grinned in delight.

"Well, I informed the king about this new invention of yours and he took interest on it. Why is there a problem?"

"Of course not, Monsieur Antoine. It's just that I'm surprised to see the King..." Napoleon chuckled nervously.

"Very well then, you'll have the honor of being graced by His Majesty's presence. Come with me," Antoine stepped off the steam locomotive.

Napoleon and Ciela followed suit, walking down the red carpet that was laid out on the street.

When they got closer to the King and Queen, Antoine, Napoleon, and Ciela bowed their heads respectfully.

"Sire, this is Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte, the inventor of the steam locomotive and steam engines," Antoine announced with a touch of pride in his voice.

Napoleon straightened his back, gathering his composure as he prepared to address the monarchs before him. He lifted his head, meeting the gaze of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, who regarded him with curiosity and interest.

"Your Majesties, it is an honor to stand before you today," Napoleon began, his voice steady despite the underlying nerves. "I am deeply humbled by your presence."

Sure is, King Louis XVI was known for his robust figure. Scanning his appearance, Napoleon couldn't help but observe the King's generous girth, which contrasted with the Queen's elegant and slender figure. However, Napoleon quickly reminded himself to focus on the significance of the moment and set aside any personal observations.

"Your name, it sounded Italian, are you sure you are French?" King Louis asked, gazing at Napoleon with scrutiny.

"Well, specifically I'm from Corsica, Sire," Napoleon replied, maintaining his composure despite the King's scrutinizing gaze. "Though Corsica is part of the French territory, my family roots trace back to Italy. But I assure you, my loyalty and dedication are undeniably French."

King Louis XVI nodded, seemingly satisfied with Napoleon's response. The Queen, Marie Antoinette, leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"That lady behind you, is she your fiance?"

When Marie asked that question, Napoleon and Ciela's faces blushed slightly.

"Uhm, no, Madame, Ciela is my personal assistant," Napoleon responded, trying to conceal his slight embarrassment. "She has been an invaluable collaborator in my endeavors, assisting me with the development and implementation of my inventions."

Ciela, standing by Napoleon's side, maintained her composure despite the Queen's direct attention. She gave a polite nod and a warm smile, acknowledging the Queen's curiosity.

"I am honored to serve Monsieur Buonaparte and witness his genius at work," Ciela spoke with a gentle tone.

"That's sad, you two would make a good pair," Marie Antoinette teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She enjoyed observing the slight blush on Napoleon and Ciela's faces, relishing in the playful banter.

Napoleon, momentarily taken aback by the Queen's remark, recovered quickly and offered a lighthearted response.

"You surely know how to jest, Your Majesty," Napoleon replied, his lips curling into a wry smile.

"Seeing the success of your invention, we would like to personally invite you to a celebration here in Versailles this evening. We hope you will honor us with your presence," King Louis XVI interjected, his voice resonating with regal authority. Napoleon's eyes widened in surprise, grateful for the unexpected invitation. He bowed respectfully before the monarch.

"Your Majesty, it would be my utmost pleasure to attend the celebration in Versailles. I am humbled by your gracious invitation," Napoleon responded.

Ciela, too, acknowledged the invitation with a graceful nod, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"We are delighted to hear that," Queen Marie Antoinette chimed in, her voice laced with genuine enthusiasm. "It will be a splendid occasion to celebrate your remarkable achievements, Monsieur Buonaparte."

***

Six hours later, the news of the successful demonstration of the steam locomotive spread across the nearby cities of Paris and Versailles, making it the main topic for the people to discuss.

Napoleon and Ciela stood in a lavishly appointed room within the grand Versailles Palace, preparing themselves for the upcoming celebration.

Napoleon had donned a suit that exemplified the latest trends in mid-1780s fashion. The coat, made of rich midnight blue velvet, was tailored to perfection, accentuating his athletic build. The wide lapels were intricately embroidered with gold thread, depicting delicate floral patterns. The coat tapered down to a slim waist, creating a flattering silhouette that exuded grace and sophistication.

Ciela, with her skilled hands, carefully adjusted each button of the coat, ensuring a flawless fit. Her fingers lingered momentarily as if savoring the significance of the moment. The buttons themselves were miniature works of art, crafted from ornate gold filigree and adorned with precious gemstones.

Beneath the coat, Napoleon wore a crisp white linen waistcoat, its high collar cascading down to a delicately ruffled jabot that peeked out from beneath his chin. The waistcoat was adorned with intricate silver embroidery that added a touch of elegance and refinement to his ensemble.

His breeches, made of the finest black silk, hugged his legs tightly, emphasizing his stature and providing a contrast to the richness of the coat. Black silk stockings, meticulously tailored, stretched up to his knees, completing the ensemble. A pair of polished black leather shoes, embellished with silver buckles, adorned his feet.

"So this is what it feels like to be rich, huh?" Napoleon remarked, his gaze sweeping down to take in the intricate details of his suit. "I must admit, the clothing does have quite a stylish allure."

As his eyes lingered on his attire, Napoleon avoided glancing at the mirror directly, mindful of Ciela still standing in front of him.

Of course, he was not the only one dressed for the occasion. Ciela had embraced the fashion of the era, donning a sumptuous gown of pale lavender silk. The fabric flowed gracefully, draping her form in an ethereal manner. Delicate floral patterns adorned the gown, intricately embroidered with silver thread, which shimmered under the soft glow of the room's chandeliers. Cascading ruffles adorned the neckline and sleeves, adding a touch of femininity and whimsy to her ensemble.

The bodice of the gown accentuated Ciela's slender figure, the lavender silk hugging her curves in all the right places. A satin sash cinched at her waist, tying into a beautiful bow at the back, completing the elegant silhouette. The skirt billowed out, gracefully pooling around her feet.

Ciela's hair had been meticulously styled, swept up in an elaborate coiffure adorned with delicate flowers and sparkling hairpins. Her curls cascaded down, framing her face with a touch of natural elegance. The gown's low neckline exposed Ciela's neck, which possessed a luminous quality. Its smooth and snow-white appearance captivated Napoleon like he is being drawn to it by an unseen force. His gaze lingered down on her collarbone, making him aware of the rapid beat of his heart. He could feel a growing warmth spreading throughout his body, and he knew that staring at it a bit longer would cause him to lose himself in a sea of desire.

With a slight shake of his head, Napoleon tore his gaze away. Ciela, who noticed his lingering gaze, giggled.

"Does my neck attract you that much, Master~?" Ciela blurted out playfully and showed her neck alluringly. "You can stare at it for as long as you want."

Napoleon cleared his throat. "Ciela, you really shouldn't say such a thing to a man like that. What if I did something to you?"

"Depends...are you going to do something to me?" Ciela teased.

Napoleon shook his head. "Nope. Let's go, the others must be waiting for us."

He offered her his arm as if inviting her to intertwine her arm with his. Ciela gladly accepted the offer, her fingers gently curling around Napoleon's forearm.

Together, they stepped outside of the room and went to the ballroom where the elites of France gathered for the celebration. As they entered the grand ballroom, the sound of lively music filled the air, accompanied by the laughter and chatter of the guests.

The ballroom was a sight to behold, adorned with shimmering chandeliers and opulent decorations. The walls were adorned with luxurious tapestries, depicting scenes of grandeur and elegance. The polished marble floor reflected the soft glow of the candlelight, creating an enchanting ambiance.The banquet table was lined with an array of delectable delicacies, displaying the culinary expertise of the royal chefs. Sparkling crystal glasses filled with champagne and fine wines adorned the table, and confectionaries such as cakes and pastries were artfully arranged.

"This is too overwhelming," Napoleon commented as they walked deeper into the ballroom. "So this is where France's money is being lavishly spent."

"And they are doing it quite often, Master," Ciela added.

Ciela's observation held an air of truth, as the grandeur of the ballroom and the extravagant displays of wealth showcased the opulence of the French monarchy. Napoleon couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease at the stark contrast between the lavishness surrounding them and the poverty that plagued many of the country's citizens. Yet, he also understood that this celebration was an opportunity for him to make connections with high society.

As Napoleon and Ciela made their way through the crowd, they caught glimpses of familiar faces.

"Laplace, Lavoisier, Charles," Napoleon called.

"Oh, monsieur Napoleon is already here with his lovely assistant," Antoine said. "Just in time, the King is about to formally welcome you."

He extended his arms toward where the King and Queen were.

On the stage at the front of the ballroom, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette stood side by side, radiating regal poise. The King raised his hand, commanding attention, and the crowd fell into a respectful silence.

"Welcome, esteemed guests," King Louis XVI began, his voice carrying through the hall. "Tonight, we gather not only to revel in the splendor of this occasion but also to honor the genius of Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte and his remarkable invention, the steam locomotive, and engines."

Applause rippled through the crowd, and Napoleon and Ciela exchanged a glance, smiling.

"For your contribution, I, King Louis XVI, under the counsel of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences, do hereby bestow upon you the noble title of Marquis, Monsieur Napoleone Buonaparte," King Louis XVI proclaimed, his regal voice resonating through the hall. He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing. "May this distinguished title stand as a symbol of our profound appreciation for your remarkable ingenuity and unwavering commitment to the progress and prosperity of our beloved nation."

As the King's proclamation echoed through the hall, a collective gasp of awe swept through the crowds. The idea of giving a man from a third estate the prestigious title of Marquis was unprecedented and caused a stir among the aristocracy.

"Is the king serious?" One of the aristocrats whispered to another, their voices filled with disbelief.

"Just because of that metal? He was granted a title?" one of them expressed.

"Unbelievable, maybe a seat in the French Academy of Sciences is fine but granting him the title of Marquis is sure is taking it far," one of the noblemen murmured, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and disdain.

Napoleon, standing among the guests, absorbed the reactions swirling around him. As expected, it won't be received well by the real aristocrats as they would call it intrusion. But even he was shocked at the announcement. Why did the King grant him the title of Marquis?

'I'm changing history at an unprecedented level,' Napoleon thought to himself.

Napoleon cleared his throat, a seat in the French Academy of Sciences would do. He doesn't want to earn a title as it would be useless in the next four years. It wouldn't do him any good if the revolution started and targeted those nobles. He doesn't want that.

"Sire, if I may," Napoleon spoke up. "I am truly honored by your recognition and the title bestowed upon me. However, I must humbly request that you reconsider this generous gesture."

The King and Queen exchanged a glance, surprised by Napoleon's request. The murmurs in the ballroom grew louder as the guests began to speculate about Napoleon's response.

Antoine, who stood nearby, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Napoleon's unexpected request.

"What are you doing, Napoleon?" Antoine asked but was ignored.

Napoleon continued, his gaze fixed on the King. "I deeply appreciate the significance of this title, but as a man of the people, I believe my focus should be on serving France and contributing to its progress rather than indulging in aristocratic privileges. The support and recognition, and being part of the esteemed French Academy of Sciences are more than enough to fuel my aspirations."

King Louis XVI, considered Napoleon's words carefully. He understood the weight of the request and the underlying principles that drove Napoleon's decision.

"Is that what you truly seek, Napoleon? Just a seat at the French Academy of Sciences?" King Louis asked.

"That is correct, Your Majesty. That's more than enough. And besides, I don't think I would fit the traditional mold of an aristocrat,"

King Louis sighed. "Very well, if that is your decision, I shall respect it. I am now retracting the bestowed title of Marquis."

Napoleon heaved a sigh of relief. "Safe."