Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 133: Going Out

After countless meetings, Napoleon II allowed himself to take a rest. He visited Elsa’s room where he found Elisabeth bonding with her through reading children stories on the bed.

"I knew I’d see you here," Napoleon II said as he entered.

"Papa!"

Elsa pushed herself off the cushioned bench and ran across the carpet toward him.

"Walk," Elisabeth reminded without looking up from the book.

Elsa slowed at once, though her steps were still quick. She stopped a pace away from him, hands lifted.

Napoleon II bent and picked her up under the arms. He did not spin her. He simply held her against his chest.

"You were supposed to walk," he said.

"I did," Elsa insisted. "At the end."

He glanced at Elisabeth.

"She remembers instructions selectively," Elisabeth said, closing the book and marking the page with a ribbon. "It is a talent."

Napoleon II set Elsa down gently.

"What story?" he asked.

Elsa climbed back onto the bench and patted the space beside her. "The knight who builds a tower taller than the clouds."

Napoleon II paused.

Elisabeth watched him.

"That sounds familiar," he said.

"It is fictional," Elisabeth replied evenly. "Unlike certain iron structures rising in Paris."

Elsa looked between them. "Is it true, Papa? Is your tower taller than the clouds?"

"It is tall," Napoleon II answered.

Elsa leaned forward. "Can I see it?"

"Well we can see it later, since we are going out," Napoleon II said.

"Where? I don’t recall that we have a visit scheduled," Elisabeth said, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"We do not," Napoleon II replied. "It is not official."

Elsa straightened on the bench. "Are we going outside the palace?"

"Yay!"

Napoleon II sat next to Elisabeth and then caressed her back. "How are you feeling my darling?"

"I feel fine," Elisabeth said as she ran a hand over her belly. "After finding out that I am pregnant two weeks ago, I’d say that I got used to the feeling."

"Well at least it’s not a year’s rest, it’s almost a five year rest," Napoleon II chuckled.

"What can I say, you are good at pulling out," Elisabeth whispered, not wanting their words to be heard by Elsa.

"So get dressed, we are leaving in an hour. Also, we are using an automobile this time..."

"Automobile?" Elsa’s eyes lit up. "Those things that aren’t pulled by horses?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Yes, so get ready," Napoleon II said. "It’s almost dark, and you know Paris, it’s beautiful when it’s dark because?"

"It’s bright!" Elsa finished.

"Good girl," Napoleon II said.

Elsa slid off the bench again and hurried toward the wardrobe.

"Walk," Elisabeth said.

Elsa slowed immediately, though her hands were already pulling at the handles.

"Which dress?" she asked.

"The blue one," Elisabeth answered. "And boots. It will be cold."

Napoleon II remained seated for a moment beside Elisabeth. His hand stayed at the small of her back.

"You should not stand too long," he said quietly.

"I am not fragile," she replied.

"I did not say you were."

"You implied it."

He allowed a small breath through his nose. "I am adjusting."

"To what?"

"To the idea that there will be another child in this palace."

Elisabeth looked at him properly then. "You look more concerned than pleased."

"I am both."

Elsa turned around, holding the dress in front of her. "Papa, will the automobile be fast?"

"It will move without horses," he said. "That is enough speed for you."

"Faster than running?"

"Yes."

She grinned and disappeared behind a folding screen to change.

Elisabeth stood carefully. Napoleon II rose with her out of reflex, though she did not take his arm.

"I can walk," she said.

"I know."

He stepped aside and allowed her space.

Within the hour, the courtyard of Versailles was prepared. Instead of a carriage, the long-bodied automobile prototype designed by the Niépce brothers waited near the steps.

The vehicle was painted in deep black lacquer. Chrome trim traced the window frames. The front grille stood upright and rectangular, flanked by circular headlamps encased in polished metal. The hood stretched long and flat before tapering toward the cabin. Four doors. Extended wheelbase. Reinforced suspension. The Niépce crest fixed discreetly near the front fender.

In short, it’s the Mercedes-Benz S600.

Elsa stopped at the top of the palace steps.

"It’s bigger than I imagined," she said.

"This is what we will use in every visit," Napoleon II said as he swept his gaze where other similar vehicles were parked like a convoy.

Elisabeth descended the steps carefully, one hand resting lightly against the railing. Napoleon II remained half a step behind her without touching her.

A uniformed chauffeur stood at attention beside the automobile.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Napoleon II nodded once.

The rear door was opened. Elisabeth entered first, lowering herself into the leather seat. The interior was trimmed in pale fabric and polished wood panels. Brass fittings held the handles. Thick glass windows sealed the cabin.

Elsa climbed in next, then turned immediately toward the window.

Napoleon II entered last.

"It’s warm here, like in the palace," Elisabeth noted.

"It is because it has a heating system, similar to the heat pumps," Napoleon II said.

The chauffeur took his seat in front and engaged the ignition sequence. The engine turned over with a low vibration, then settled into a steady hum.

Elsa’s eyes widened, this was her first time riding an automobile and she was impressed based on the looks on her face.

"Is this the norm of transportation?" Elisabeth asked.

"Soon, the Niépce opened dealerships in every major city in France. That means in the future, roads will be dominated by automobiles."

"But not immediately," Napoleon II added. "Infrastructure must adapt first. Roads widened. Fuel distribution organized. Workshops trained."

Elisabeth nodded. "And the carriage makers?"

"They will either transition or disappear."

Elsa pressed her face closer to the glass as the palace gates opened.

Outside, the roads waited under electric lamps.

Napoleon II watched the city ahead through the windshield.

He rested one hand over Elisabeth’s and looked once at his daughter’s reflection in the window as the automobile carried them into the night.