March 25th, eight o'clock in the morning. Napoleon and his aides-de-camp rode their horses toward Nice, the Army of Italy Headquarters. Along the way, they engaged in conversation to pass the time.
"Wait... General Bonaparte," Junot exclaimed, unable to hide his astonishment, "you were the inventor of the steam locomotive that we rode yesterday?"
Napoleon smiled at Junot's reaction. "Yes, indeed," he confirmed. "I took an interest in engineering during my time in the artillery. It's remarkable what technology can achieve."
Marmont chimed in, his disappointment evident in his tone. "Junot, you should have done some research about our General before meeting him. It's standard procedure."
Rubbing his head in embarrassment, Junot replied, "I... I don't know. I'm not particularly keen on reading scientific journals, much less about someone."
