Chapter 438 The End
?In the month of December, Napoleon's health condition began to worsen. Lying on his bed, he was surrounded by his sons and daughters, and his wife, Ciela.
They were all looking at him, teary-eyed. Ciela grabbed his hands, squeezing it gently on hers.
"Napoleon..." Ciela sobbed.
"Cie...la," Napoleon said weakly before glancing at his children, Francis, Aveline, Tristan, and Daphne. They all have a somber look as it pained their heart to see their father struggling.
Not only was his relatives present, but his Marshals such as Lannes, Murat, Ney, Berthier, and Davout were also there, standing solemnly at the foot of the bed. Each of them wore expressions of deep respect and sadness, their eyes reflecting the years of battles fought and victories won under Napoleon's command.
The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional sob and the labored breathing of the once-great Emperor. The air was thick with the sense of an impending end, a moment that they all dreaded yet knew was unavoidable.
Napoleon, gathering what little strength he had, looked at each of his marshals. "My faithful companions," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "You have served me and the Empire with unwavering loyalty. Our journeys together... they will forever be etched in the annals of history."
Lannes stepped forward, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sire, it has been our greatest honor to serve under your command. Your legacy will live on through the ages," he said.
Murat, always flamboyant yet fiercely loyal, added, "Your vision, Sire, transformed not just France but the world. We are forever indebted to your leadership."
Ney, often called the bravest of the brave, remained silent, his stoic demeanor a stark contrast to the sadness in his eyes. His presence alone spoke volumes of his respect and devotion to Napoleon.
Davout, always the strategist, nodded in agreement with his fellow marshals, his usually stern face softened by the situation.
Napoleon turned his gaze back to his family. Francis, who was set to inherit the throne, looked particularly burdened by the weight of the future. Napoleon reached out a trembling hand to him. "Francis, the Empire... I entrust it to your care. Lead with wisdom... and courage."
Francis knelt beside the bed, taking his father's hand. "I will, Father. I promise to uphold your legacy and lead our Empire to greater heights," he said, his voice firm despite the clear emotion in his eyes.
***
Meanwhile, in the celestial realm. Napoleon found himself surrounded with the same scene during his first encounter with the Goddess of Fate, Ciel.
"So, how was it?" A familiar voice echoed, and Napoleon turned around to face Ciel, who was smiling warmly at him.
"I didn't expect to die so early," Napoleon commented. "I thought I would be able to outlive the original Napoleon, turns out I was only two years ahead of him."
Ciel nodded, her expression understanding. "Life is unpredictable, even for someone like you, Napoleon. But you've left a significant mark on the world, which is something."
Napoleon sighed, looking thoughtful. "I did what I could for France, for my family. Yet, there's always a feeling that there was more to be done."
"That's the nature of life and leadership," Ciel replied. "No matter how much one achieves, there's always the question of what more could have been done. But remember, the legacy you've left behind is not just in what you did, but also in the people you influenced and the family you raised."
Napoleon looked at her, a sense of realization dawning on him. "You're right. I suppose it's time for me to let go and trust them to carry on."
Ciel smiled. "Exactly. Now. I'll give you two choices. To die peacefully or to be reborn once again with your memories intact but your blessing lost?"
Napoleon took a deep breath, a sense of peace settling over him. "I think I'm done. I have lived a very fulfilling life."
"Very well, I shall respect that wish."
"But I do have one request," Napoleon said.
"What is it?"
"I want to see how the French Empire progresses with my son at the helm," Napoleon revealed.
"I see...in that case allow me to show you a glimpse of the future—"
With a flick of her hand, a globe materialized in front of Napoleon, glowing brightly. There he saw the French Empire with Francis leading it.