"What are you insinuating, Ciela? That I'm not the real Napoleon?" Napoleon's footsteps echoed through the room as he approached Ciela, who instinctively leaned back in her chair, her heart pounding.
"I-I didn't mean it that way," Ciela stammered, her voice betraying a mix of fear and concern. "I'm just trying to express that you seem different from the Napoleon I knew..."
Napoleon's eyes narrowed, his gaze penetrating Ciela's. He took a moment to steady himself before responding. "But isn't that akin to suggesting..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Ciela interrupted, her voice trembling. "I apologize if my words came across as disrespectful or dismissive, Napoleon. What I meant to say is that you possess knowledge and ideas that seem far beyond your time."
Napoleon's stern expression softened, curiosity mingling with his growing confusion. "Knowledge beyond my time? What do you mean?"
Ciela took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "In the year 1784, concepts such as thermodynamics and steam engines were yet to be introduced. But you, at the tender age of fourteen, possess a deep understanding of these modern ideas. It's as if you have a glimpse into the future."
Napoleon's mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to tread carefully, keeping his secret hidden at all costs. He couldn't let Ciela or anyone else know that he too hailed from the 21st century.
"So are you saying that my knowledge is fake?" Napoleon asked, his voice tinged with a hint of skepticism.
Ciela shook her head gently, her eyes filled with empathy. "No, Napoleon, that's not what I'm suggesting at all. Your knowledge is undoubtedly real, but it could be coming from a different source altogether."
Napoleon's brow furrowed in confusion. "A different source? What do you mean?"
Ciela glanced around the room, making sure no one else was within earshot. She leaned forward, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Have you ever heard of the concept of a multiverse, Napoleon? It suggests that our universe may not be the only one, but rather one of many existing parallels to each other."
Napoleon's expression turned skeptical. "Parallel universes? That sounds like a far-fetched notion, Ciela. How could such a thing be possible?"
Ciela paused for a moment, considering her words carefully. She knew she had to convince Napoleon that his unique knowledge could be attributed to a natural, albeit extraordinary, phenomenon. "It may sound fantastical, but many scientists believe in the possibility of a multiverse. According to this theory, each universe could have its own unique set of physical laws, governing the behavior of matter and energy. It's conceivable that in this universe, scientific understanding is more advanced compared to my own world."
A glimmer of hope sparked within Napoleon's eyes, mixed with a sense of relief. If Ciela believed that his knowledge could be explained by the concept of a multiverse, then perhaps he could maintain his charade and protect his secret.
"You may be onto something, Ciela," Napoleon responded, his voice tinged with both curiosity and caution. "Perhaps this multiverse theory can provide an explanation for my unconventional knowledge.
Ciela nodded, a sense of understanding passing between them.
"Napoleon, if this theory holds true, it means that you are indeed the real Napoleon, just from a different universe."
Napoleon smiled. "Yeah, that may be the case…still, I can't believe that such phenomena exist. That's why your manner of speech is so alien to me."
"So, what are you going to do to me now, Napoleon? Now that you learned of my true identity," Ciela said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you going to abandon me?"
Napoleon placed a hand on her shoulder and pressed it gently. "I won't. I told you, I simply wanted to know the truth and swore that I will keep it. My impression of you won't change and you can work for me as my personal maid. I believe that you, being with my side, would help me rise through the ranks. Also, I have taught you knowledge and martial arts. So it would be a waste to let go of your potential."
Ciela's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and gratitude flooding her expression. "You mean...you still trust me? Even after everything I've revealed?"
Napoleon offered her a reassuring smile. "That's right."
"Then," Ciela grabbed Napoleon's hand and placed it on her cheek. "I'll do my best to serve you," she softly whispered.
"G-Good," Napoleon's heart skipped a beat at the intimate gesture. He could feel the warmth of Ciela's cheek against his palm, the softness of her skin sending a shiver down his spine. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as their connection deepened.
Moments later, Napoleon moved his hand away from her cheek and cleared his throat.
"Just to make it clear, I'm the only one who knows your true identity right? That you are not from this world but to a world that is centuries ahead of our time," Napoleon said.
Ciela nodded, her gaze fixed on him.
"Okay, we will keep it that way. We should return downstairs, my family might be looking for us."
With a nod, Ciela and Napoleon descended the stairs, and in the dining room of Napoleon's manor, he found his family still eating their food. Letizia waved her hand at her son, beckoning them to join again.
As they returned to their seat, Napoleon glanced at his father, Carlo Bonaparte. According to Letizia, Carlo is suffering from an unknown disease that is affecting him within.
Napoleon made sure to keep track of his family members' data in his system. According to it, Carlo Bonaparte would die of stomach cancer on 24 February 1785. If the disease he is having is stomach cancer, then there's nothing Napoleon could do to change the course of events. Having that disease in the late eighteenth century is a death sentence due to the limited medical knowledge and treatment options available at the time.
He may not have connected deeply with his new family in this world but he felt a pang of sadness that Carlo would die inevitably. It's even sad to realize that only he and Ciela know of his impending death.
Napoleon glanced around at his family and saw their joyous laughter, the innocence of their conversations, and the love they shared. It was a bittersweet sight, knowing that their happiness would eventually be overshadowed by the impending loss.
"Everyone," Napoleon spoke, and the conversation between his siblings and parents stopped. "I won't be able to stay here longer as I have a business to manage in Paris. Next year I will attend Ecole Militaire. You don't have to worry about anything about me, as I can provide for myself. I will make sure to send money monthly to help with the household expenses."
Letizia reached for Napoleon's hand and held it tightly. "Napoleon, my dear son, we understand your ambitions and your need to pursue your own path. But remember, no matter where life takes you, you will always have a place in our hearts and in this home. We are proud of you, and we will support you in any way we can."
His siblings, too, expressed their understanding and support, assuring him that they would be there for him whenever he needed them.
His father, Carlo Bonaparte, remained silent, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. Napoleon could sense his father's weakening health, the weight of the unknown disease taking its toll on his body. Despite their differences and the secret he held, Napoleon couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion for the man who raised him in this world.
Napoleon stood up from his seat and approached his father, his expression somber yet determined. "Father, I know we may not see eye to eye on many things, but I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done for me. You've provided me with a home, an education, and a family. Your sacrifices will always be remembered."
"Come on, you are making it sound like I'm going to pass away," Carlo chuckled. "Let's just enjoy our food."
Napoleon's heart sank at his father's attempt to lighten the mood. He knew that the impending tragedy was no laughing matter, but he also understood that his father was trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of uncertainty.
"You are right, father. I'm making this family gathering a bit heavy. Let's focus on the present moment and enjoy our time together," Napoleon said, mustering a smile.
The atmosphere lightened as the family resumed their meal, laughter, and conversation filling the room once more.