The Empire

Chapter 1

8 years later...

October 17, 1797, Campo Formio

France and Paris arrived in Campo Formio with a French delegation tasked with signing peace with Austria. As they left Paris, Eugène was very excited at the thought of having the opportunity to personally sign the agreement that ended the first anti-French coalition. Now that they were there, he noticed the beauty of the park next to the manor house where the signing of the peace was to take place.

The park was picturesque, with numerous avenues where the trees were taking on ever stronger autumn colours. The smell of fresh flowers and leaves was in the air, and birds could be heard singing in the distance. The manor house where the signing of the peace was to take place was small but very charming. Eugène admired its red brick façade, decorated with ornaments and a balcony with cast iron railings.

As they strolled through the park, France reflected on his victory over Austria and was pleased to have achieved so much. He was proud of the fact that he had managed to bring the war to an end and sign the peace, and now had the opportunity to admire the beauty of Campo Formio, the place where his victory would soon be sealed.

His friend noticed that Eugène was somewhat thoughtful and asked what was bothering him. Eugène replied that a thought was going through his mind about how much the world was changing and the implications for Europe of what was now happening. Paris nodded, agreeing with what Eugène had said.

The autumn sun gently illuminated the park, casting warm hues on the trees, grasses and shrubs. The leaves were turning warm golds and reds, and a breeze made them fall to the ground, forming carpets of colour.

France pointed out the beauty of autumn and said: "Look how beautiful these colourful leaves look. This is the perfect time for a walk."

"Yes, autumn is my favourite time of year. I like the warm colours and the calmness it brings."

France smiled and replied: "Yes, that's true. This is the time when nature slows down and allows us to stop for a while and enjoy its beauty."

As they walked through the park, Eugène noticed that the trees were starting to lose their leaves and the branches were becoming more exposed. He asked his friend: "Do you think this means that winter will be harsh?"

"Yes, that's for sure. Winter is already on the horizon, but for now, let's enjoy this beautiful autumn while it's pleasant to walk."

Eugène stopped for a moment, looking at the trees, and then said: "Autumn is a time of change... a time when nature prepares for winter. It's a time... when we should also put our lives in order and prepare for what the future holds."

"Yes, it's true. Autumn reminds us that everything is changing and that we need to learn to adapt to change. And the first big change is about to take place. You've rubbed everyone's nose in it, even your mother's."

Eugène smiled and they continued their walk, content to look at the colourful leaves that fell across their path, until they reached the manor house. They noticed a carriage harnessed to four steeds waiting at the entrance. A richly dressed woman got out of it, accompanied by a young man and a little girl of about eight years old.

France recognised them immediately, or at least the two adults. She was Imperial Austria, with Vienna standing at her side. He wondered just who the girl was.

Austria and her companion, Vienna approached Eugène 'and Paris, but showed no politeness or respect. The woman was clearly upset that she had to come here to sign her surrender, and Vienna was impatient and angry that he had to be in such a place.