After indulging in a passionate evening together, Napoleon and Ciela found themselves back in the rhythm of their daily lives the next morning. The sun's gentle rays filtered through the window, illuminating the room as Napoleon dedicated himself to his customary routine of physical exercises. He pushed his body to its limits, ensuring that he remained in peak physical condition.
As Napoleon engaged in his morning workout, his muscles rippled and flexed with each movement. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, evidence of the exertion he was putting himself through. After his intense workout, Napoleon paused for a moment to catch his breath and wipe the perspiration from his brow.
Moments later, he resumed his routine for another thirty minutes, pushing himself to squeeze out every last ounce of energy. The exhilaration of the workout coursed through his veins, leaving him invigorated and ready to take on the day's challenges.
Finishing his exercises, Napoleon strode towards his private bathing chamber, filled with a mixture of hot and cold water that he found revitalizing. He relished the moment of solitude, allowing the warmth of the water to soothe his aching muscles and wash away the remnants of his intense workout.
After the refreshing bath, Napoleon stepped out of the water and reached for a plush towel. He wrapped it around his waist, his sculpted physique on display, and walked over to the mirror. He meticulously groomed himself, trimming his beard and arranging his dark hair. It was time to prepare for the day ahead.
Napoleon approached his wardrobe. He carefully selected his equestrian attire, a tailored ensemble consisting of a crisp white shirt, black riding breeches, polished riding boots, and a dark blue jacket adorned with golden epaulets that were crafted to fit his frame.
Leaving his private chambers, Napoleon strode confidently through the corridors of Château de Chantilly, his boots echoing with each resolute step. The palace staff, familiar with his routine, bowed respectfully as he passed, and he acknowledged them with a nod, his mind fully absorbed in the day's agenda.
As he approached the Great Stables, the fragrance of hay and the sound of whinnying horses greeted him. The vast structure, adorned with elegant arches and ornate details, housed an impressive collection of steeds.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe grooms and stablehands, aware of his arrival, hurried to prepare the horses for his presence.
"Is it ready?" Napoleon asked.
"Yes, General. We have prepared your favorite mount, Ebony," the head groom walked forward, reeling a white stallion.
Napoleon approached Ebony, his hand outstretched to stroke the horse's sleek mane. The stallion neighed softly in recognition.
"Good job," he said. "Now saddle him up."
The stablehands swiftly moved into action, preparing the horse with practiced efficiency. Within moments, Ebony was fitted with a well-worn saddle and bridle, ready for Napoleon to mount.
Napoleon tightened the girth, ensuring a secure fit, and then swung himself onto the horse's back with ease. He adjusted his position, settling into the saddle with familiarity.
With a gentle squeeze of his legs, Napoleon urged the stallion forward. Ebony responded, his powerful muscles propelling them forward in a smooth stride. The ground beneath them seemed to blur as they picked up speed, the wind whipping against Napoleon's face.
They rode around the stables, Napoleon guiding Ebony with subtle shifts of his weight and gentle rein movements as they circled the perimeter. Moments later, he decided to take Ebony out of the stables and explore the sprawling estate surrounding Château de Chantilly. The lush green fields and picturesque landscape beckoned, offering a refreshing change of scenery.
"So peaceful here," Napoleon muttered under his breath. Unlike in his original world, he didn't get a chance to travel often in the countryside, so this view was a welcome respite from the city's skyline he was accustomed to.
Thirty minutes later, Napoleon returned to the stables, his face adorned with a satisfied smile. He dismounted Ebony with ease and handed the reins to one of the stablehands.
"Did you enjoy the ride, General?" the stablehand asked.
Napoleon patted Ebony's neck affectionately before turning to the stablehand with a nod.
"Indeed, it was a splendid ride. Ebony performed admirably, as always, and in that regard, I'll take him with me in my campaign in Italy."
"I'll make sure that Ebony is ready for that journey, General," the head groom replied with a respectful nod.
"As expected, I'll see you here," a feminine voice sounded in the stables, and the staff working in it immediately stood in attention as Ciela stepped into the stables.
"I was about to head back to eat breakfast with you," Napoleon said as he walked over to Ciela and kissed her tenderly on the lips. "How about our babies? Have they woken up?"
"They're still peacefully sleeping. Now that you are done why don't we head there together and check on them?"
Napoleon shook his head. "Before that, there's something that I need to test. Beaumont!"
"Yes, General?" Beaumont, who arrived in the stables along with Ciela, responded promptly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"I want you to go to the office and grab a wooden box that I've left on my desk," Napoleon instructed.
Beaumont, ever the dutiful aide, nodded and swiftly made his way toward Napoleon's office. Within minutes, he returned, carrying a finely crafted wooden box.
Napoleon grabbed it from him and opened the box. He picked up what was inside, which is a .357 revolver,
"I want to test this," Napoleon said.
"No you'll wake our children," Ciela opposed.
"Don't worry, darling," Napoleon reassured her, understanding her concerns. "I'll test this revolver far away from the château, where their sleep won't be disturbed. Speaking of which. Beaumont, I want you to prepare a target dummy for me, do it now."
Beaumont nodded and swiftly went to fulfill Napoleon's request. Within thirty minutes, the dummies were arranged in a vast open field, situated far from the château. Napoleon positioned himself at a distance, clutching a .357 revolver in his hand, while Ciela observed attentively as her husband loaded the firearm with bullets.
"You might want to cover your ears, darling," Napoleon said, glancing at Ciela with a playful smile. He knew the loud bangs of gunfire could be startling, especially with the revolver he had on hand.
Ciela nodded, stepping back a few paces as she covered her ears with her hands.
Seconds later, Napoleon aimed at the dummy and pulled the trigger. The deafening roar of the pistol and the kick of the recoil echoed through the field. The bullet hit its mark, piercing the center of the target dummy.
Napoleon whistled in satisfaction. "This revolver will serve me well in Italy…" he sighed. "Time flies so fast. Next month we'll be embarking on our campaign."
Ciela approached Napoleon and reached for his hands, enveloping them in her gentle grasp.
"Well, we better spend your remaining time here together wisely. Yesterday we spoke about electricity, right? Why don't you work on that now?"
"You are right."