"Sir, you called for me?" Napoleon asked upon entering the office of the headmaster.
"Indeed, Napoleon. Please have a seat, I have some news to tell you," the headmaster replied, gesturing to the chair in front of him.
Napoleon took his seat and prepared himself for whatever was to come.
"Napoleon, listen, I did give you my word to inform you that if I were to hear back from the University of Paris about your research, I will tell you right away. And that day has come."
"Did my work get through?" Napoleon asked, looking expectantly at the headmaster.
"Well, it's best that you read it for yourself because I don't know how to word it for you," the headmaster handed him the letter which Napoleon quickly opened and perused.
"Dear Napoleone Buonaparte, we are pleased to inform you that your thesis 'Principle of Thermodynamics' has been accepted for presentation at our upcoming scientific conference. Your work has impressed our reviewers and we believe it will be an important addition to the discussions on the science of heat in the scientific community. Do also expect renowned physicists, chemists, and mathematicians to be in attendance at the conference, and we are certain that your presentation will be met with great interest and acclaim. Please let us know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend the conference so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Congratulations on this accomplishment, and we look forward to your participation. Best regards, Augustin de la Fontaine, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Paris."
After finishing reading the letter, the headmaster smiled warmly and spoke.
"Congratulations, Mr. Buonaparte. You are making a mark in history for being the youngest scientist to have a paper accepted for presentation at the University of Paris. How are you feeling?"
"I honestly don't know what to say…" Napoleon said, chuckling. "At first I thought they would reject it because it is challenging caloric theory, which was the widely accepted theory in the field of heat."
The headmaster nodded in understanding. "Yes, it takes courage to challenge the status quo. But that is the essence of science, isn't it? To constantly question and seek answers to better understand the world around us."
Napoleon smiled in agreement. "Thank you, sir. I will be on my way now to tell this news to my family and personal assistant. If there is nothing else, I'll leave you be."
"There is one, Mr. Buonaparte," the headmaster said. "Since your work is accepted by the University of Paris, the institution has decided to give you a monetary award for your exceptional research. It's not much, but it's a token of appreciation for your hard work."
Napoleon was surprised but grateful. "Thank you, sir. I'm honored."
"We will deliver it to your dormitory next week. That's all, prepare for your presentation next week."
Napoleon rose to his feet and bowed to the headmaster in gratitude before making his way out of the office. As he walked through the corridors of the school, his mind raced with excitement and nerves. It felt to him that he is getting closer and closer to one of his goals. Should he pass the presentation, his connection with the best scientists and engineers of the era would be guaranteed. However, that won't be the end of it, as Napoleon would have to ensure their safety in the future.
Scientists like Antoine Lavoisier died during the Reign of Terror due to their association with the monarchy and their perceived aristocratic sympathies. Now, having them executed would be a huge loss not only for Napoleon but for France. He intended to gather all renowned scientists that lived during the French Revolution and established a council or a ministry that would work on his modern sciences.
The only way to protect them is to become a military, which is what he was doing right now.
Five minutes later, Napoleon arrived at his dormitory. As always, Ciela would open the door for him and greet him with the brightest smile on her face.
"Welcome back, Master~! How was your day?" she asked excitedly.
Napoleon smiled at Ciela's cheerful demeanor and replied, "It was a good day, Ciela. My thesis has been accepted for presentation at the University of Paris's scientific conference."
Ciela's eyes widened in excitement. "That's amazing, Master! Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Ciela," Napoleon said, his smile widening.
"You must be tired, Master…that's no good. Come, I got everything ready for you, so all you need to do is sit here," Ciela said, pulling Napoleon by the arm.
Napoleon allowed himself to be led by Ciela to his desk where she had arranged his notes and papers neatly. He sat down and sighed, feeling the tension leaving his body.
"Thank you, Ciela. You always know what I need," he said, looking up at her with a grateful smile.
Ciela smiled back. "So Master, what would you like to do first? Dinner? Bath? Or perhaps, me."
Napoleon stared at Ciela for a while, allowing her words to sink into her and realize that she had just made a suggestive comment. He felt a slight heat rise to his cheeks but quickly composed himself.
"Where are you learning those words? Now this is making me curious about your past."
Ciela gulped and looked down, feeling a bit bashful. "I'm sorry, Master."
"Well, we already talked about that so let's not bring that up. Let's prepare for what's ahead of us. You will come with me to my presentation at the University of Paris."
"Eh? Why?" Ciela asked. "Would it be appropriate to have your personal maid come by you?"
"Kids who are in nobility have their own butler and maid coming along with them in school, so you coming with me shouldn't be a problem. And let me remind you, you are not my personal maid, you are my assistant, I prefer to call you that way because it sounds cool and professional," Napoleon explained and continued. "After all, you have helped me with my thesis, so there's no reason for you not to be there."
Ciela's eyes sparkled with joy. "Of course, Master! It would be my pleasure to accompany you. I'm absolutely sure that you'll do splendidly, and I'd be so happy to be by your side and cheer you on!"
"You sure are enthusiastic huh?" Napoleon remarked. "Now, that aside, we have to look formal on the day of the presentation, so I will have to buy you a dress that fits the occasion. Don't worry about the money as the school has given me a monetary reward."
"If you say so, master," Ciela bowed her head reverently.