Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 141: The Exposition Part 2

At the upper deck, they had a clear view of the entire exposition grounds.

The wind was stronger at that height, steady and cool. Guards positioned themselves along the perimeter railing, leaving the central span open for the Imperial family.

Napoleon II stepped forward first.

Below them, the exposition stretched in geometric order. Long exhibition halls formed parallel lines. Smoke drifted from demonstration engines in controlled plumes. Rail tracks cut clean paths between industrial pavilions. The crowd moved in currents along designated corridors, thousands of figures reduced to motion and color.

To the west, beyond the main grounds, stood the newly constructed palace in the Gardens of the Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot.

Its façade was broad and symmetrical, framed by iron supports concealed behind stone cladding. Glass vaulted over its central nave, catching the afternoon light. Flags of participating nations hung from evenly spaced columns along the front.

Marie Louise rested a gloved hand against the railing.

"It is larger than I expected," she said.

"It was designed to house heavy machinery," Napoleon II replied. "Steam engines, turbines, agricultural prototypes."

Beyond the Palais de Chaillot, the Seine curved through the city. Steam vessels moved steadily along its surface. Further still, railway lines radiated outward from Paris like spokes from a hub.

Elsa leaned forward slightly.

"It feels like the whole world is down there," she said. "Look at how many people are visiting."

"It’s expected to even reach a million," Napoleon II casually added. "That’s just how long anticipated the fair would be. And speaking of fair, the demonstration would commence in ten minutes."

"Where will it be coming from?" Napoleon I asked.

"It’ll come from the north and would make a flyover and release a colored smokes that will resemble the tricolor flag of the Empire of France," Napoleon II said evenly.

Napoleon I glanced toward the northern horizon.

"I assume the crowd has been informed."

"They have been informed that a demonstration will occur," Napoleon II replied. "They do not yet know what that entails."

Below, stewards began moving along the central avenues, guiding people away from the cleared air corridor. Guards signaled with raised flags to keep the thoroughfare open.

Ten minutes passed in measured anticipation.

Then a tone echoed across the exposition grounds. The horn speakers mounted along the pavilions crackled briefly before a clear amplified voice projected over the crowd.

"Attention, honored guests. In moments, an aerial demonstration will commence. Please remain within designated areas and look to the northern sky."

A ripple of confusion moved through the masses.

"Aerial?" one foreign delegate asked another.

"What is a flyover?" a merchant from Lyon muttered, shading his eyes though the sky was still empty.

Children pointed upward instinctively. Some adults laughed, uncertain whether it was a form of fireworks or balloons.

The speakers continued.

"You are advised to observe the sky directly above the central corridor."

Napoleon II kept his gaze fixed northward.

At first there was nothing but open blue.

Then a faint mechanical hum reached the tower.

Elsa leaned forward.

"I hear it," she said.

The sound grew louder, steady and rhythmic.

From beyond the city rooftops, a formation of three aircraft emerged, flying in disciplined alignment. Their propellers spun in blurred arcs. Sunlight flashed along their wing struts.

Gasps rose from below.

The machines crossed over the outer edge of the exposition, engines resonating across the grounds.

As they reached the center, colored smoke began to stream from the rear of each aircraft—blue from the left, white from the center, red from the right.

The trails expanded behind them in three parallel bands.

For a moment, the sky itself carried the tricolor of France.

The reaction was not uniform.

Near the central pavilion, several women instinctively stepped back, clutching parasols to their chests. A child began to cry at the unfamiliar roar, only to be lifted by his father and turned upward so he could see properly.

Foreign officers did not retreat. They stood still, eyes tracking the formation with trained attention. One Prussian attaché removed his hat and narrowed his gaze, calculating speed and altitude. A British naval observer pulled a small notebook from his coat and began writing without taking his eyes off the sky.

The engines passed directly overhead.

The vibration carried through the steel framework of the Bonaparte Tower. It was not violent, but it was undeniable.

Napoleon I did not move.

"They maintain alignment well," he said.

"Yes," Napoleon II replied. "Independent engines. Coordinated timing. They trained for weeks."

Below, the crowd’s confusion gave way to recognition.

"It flies!" someone shouted.

"It is heavier than air!" another voice answered.

The three aircraft continued forward, then banked in synchronized motion. Their wings tilted with measured precision. The smoke trails curved across the sky, the three colors bending in a wide arc above the exposition grounds.

Applause began in scattered pockets.

Then it grew.

Workers removed their caps and waved them overhead. Students pointed upward, shouting explanations to one another. A group of American engineers began clapping in steady rhythm. Ottoman delegates exchanged quick words in low tones.

The formation completed its arc and passed over the Seine. Steam vessels below reduced speed as crews leaned out to observe. Along the riverbanks, pedestrians stopped mid-stride, craning their necks.

When the aircraft returned over the exposition for a second pass, the crowd was ready.

There was no confusion this time.

Hats lifted in salute. Flags waved from pavilion balconies. The colored smoke thickened, the three bands now layered across the sky in bold contrast.

Charles-Louis stepped closer to Napoleon II.

"Foreign press correspondents are recording every detail," he said.

"Good," Napoleon II answered.

As the engines roared overhead again, Marie Louise placed a hand lightly against her chest, steady but composed.

"It changes perception," she said. "No border feels distant if this becomes common."

Napoleon I nodded once.

"It changes war," he said

The three aircraft began their final climb. The smoke trails thinned as the pilots reduced output. The machines gained altitude, their outlines shrinking against the blue.

The sound softened gradually.

Below, applause continued even after the aircraft had become small shapes against the horizon.

The tricolor remained suspended in the sky for several long seconds before the wind began to disperse it.

Napoleon II remained at the railing, watching until the formation disappeared entirely.

Then he looked down at the thousands gathered beneath the tower.

"Now, they should be spooked."