February 9th, 1801, Republic of France, Lunéville.
Joseph Bonaparte's carriage rolled to a stop outside the Treaty House in Lunéville. It was a sunny afternoon, and the air was crisp. French soldiers were stationed around the building, along with a group of Austrian guards. Their job was simple: protect the important people from both countries who were here to sign a treaty ending the war.
Napoleon had chosen Joseph to sign the treaty on behalf of the French Republic because he was occupied with various responsibilities as the First Consul of France. Additionally, sending Joseph to sign the treaty added a personal touch and signified the importance of the treaty to Napoleon, aiming to convey sincerity and genuineness to the Austrian Empire.
"Your Excellency," one of the French troops tasked with protecting Joseph called. "The representative of the Austrian Empire is now waiting for you in the drawing room inside the Treaty House."
