In the commune of Roverbella, two hours after the decisive battle between French and Austrian forces, Napoleon and Wurmser were in the drawing room of one the city's best apartments.
They sat across one another, their gazes meeting as if to ascertain and study the measure of their opponent. The room was adorned with elegant furnishings, a stark contrast to the chaos and destruction that had unfolded on the battlefield just hours ago. The air crackled with tension as both men were keenly aware of the significance of this meeting.
Napoleon, exuding confidence and authority, leaned back in his chair, his piercing gaze fixed upon Wurmser. He studied the defeated commander with a mixture of respect and curiosity. Wurmser, though physically fatigued and emotionally drained, maintained a stoic composure, refusing to show any signs of weakness.
After a moment of silence that felt like an eternity, Napoleon broke the ice.
