Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 183: The Headquarters

Napoleon II immediately went to his automobile and are now headed to the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense, the Hôtel de Brienne.

The doors shut behind him, and the vehicle pulled away from the square without delay.

Outside, the crowd was still holding. Not as loud as before, but the energy had not disappeared. Groups remained gathered along the edges of the barriers, some still talking among themselves, others watching as the Emperor’s vehicle moved through the cleared route.

Across from him, Charles-Louis had already opened a folder.

"Initial dispositions are ready," he said. "Berthier has assembled the senior staff at the Ministry. They are waiting."

Napoleon II leaned slightly back against the seat, one hand resting along the armrest.

"Current positions?"

"Forward units are already moving into staging areas near the Lombardy frontier," Charles-Louis replied. "Rail transport has been prioritized. Infantry, artillery, and supply trains are moving in sequence."

"And Austria?"

"Mobilizing, but slower. Their coordination is not as tight. Reports indicate delays between command layers."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"That won’t last."

"No, Sire."

The automobile turned onto a wider avenue, its pace steady as it moved through the morning traffic. Civilians stepped aside when they recognized the escort, but there was no panic. The city was still moving as it always did.

Twenty minutes later.

The facade of the Hôtel de Brienne came into view. Guards were already in position outside the entrance. Officers stood along the steps, waiting.

The automobile slowed as it approached the steps, then came to a complete stop in front of the entrance.

An officer moved immediately, opening the door.

Napoleon II stepped out without hesitation.

The guards straightened as one. No salute was called out. It was understood.

He moved up the steps at a steady pace. Charles-Louis followed a step behind, still holding the folder.

Inside, the shift was immediate.

The building was already operating at a different tempo.

Staff officers moved through the corridors carrying documents, stopping only long enough to exchange short instructions before continuing. Messengers passed in the opposite direction. Doors opened and closed in sequence, never left unattended.

He moved straight through the corridor, his path clearing ahead of him as officers stepped aside.

At the far end, Berthier was already waiting.

He stepped forward as Napoleon II approached.

"Your Imperial Majesty."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"Report."

Berthier turned at once and began walking.

"The war room is prepared. All senior commanders are present. Updated maps have been laid out based on the latest reports from the frontier."

Napoleon II matched his pace.

"Any changes since the last update?"

"Minor adjustments only," Berthier said. "Austrian forward elements are concentrating near the Lombardy region, but no major engagement yet. They are still positioning."

Napoleon II’s expression remained steady.

"They’re buying time."

"Yes, Sire."

They reached the double doors at the end of the corridor.

Two guards stood on either side.

They opened the doors the moment Napoleon II approached.

Inside, the war room was already active.

A large table occupied the center, covered with detailed maps stretching across northern Italy and the surrounding regions. Markers had been placed along key positions—French units, Austrian formations, supply routes, rail lines.

Officers stood around it, already in discussion.

The moment Napoleon II entered, the room shifted.

Voices stopped.

Everyone straightened.

Napoleon II walked directly to the table.

He did not acknowledge the room.

His attention went straight to the map.

"Show me," he said.

Berthier stepped forward, placing one hand near the Lombardy region.

"Our primary force is moving along this axis," he said, tracing a line forward. "Rail transport has allowed us to concentrate faster than expected. Infantry divisions are already nearing full strength at the staging areas."

Napoleon II leaned slightly forward, studying the placement.

"And here?"

"Austrian forward line," Berthier replied. "Still forming. Their units are present, but not fully coordinated. We’ve identified gaps between their corps."

Napoleon II’s finger moved across the map, stopping at one of those gaps.

"How wide?"

"Approximately thirty kilometers, Sire. Lightly held."

Napoleon II straightened slightly.

"That’s where we break them."

The officers around the table remained silent.

Berthier nodded once.

"That was our assessment as well."

Napoleon II looked at the rest of the map.

"Timing."

Berthier answered immediately.

"If we push within the next seventy-two hours, we can hit before they consolidate."

Napoleon II’s gaze remained fixed on the map.

"And supply?"

"Secured," Charles-Louis said from behind. "Rail lines are clear. Ammunition and food supply are already moving forward. No delays reported."

"And this plan of breaking through the gap would make this war short right?" Napoleon II asked, analyzing the map.

"Yes, Sire," Berthier said, finishing the thought without hesitation. "If we break through that sector before they consolidate, we split their forces. Once divided, they won’t be able to regroup fast enough to mount a coordinated defense."

Napoleon II’s eyes remained on the map.

"And after the breakthrough?"

Berthier shifted one of the markers forward.

"We drive through the gap and pivot inward," he said. "One force pushes toward their rear lines, targeting supply and communication. The second force holds pressure from the front, preventing withdrawal in an organized manner."

Napoleon II nodded once.

"Encirclement."

"Yes, Sire."

Charles-Louis stepped closer, opening another section of the folder.

"Rail logistics will support rapid reinforcement once the breach is achieved," he added. "We can rotate units forward without slowing the advance."

Napoleon II tapped the table once.

"No delay after contact."

"None," Berthier said. "Once engagement begins, momentum is maintained."

Napoleon II shifted slightly, looking across the table at the other officers.

"Casualty projections."

A colonel near the edge of the table answered.

"Lower than a prolonged campaign, Sire. The objective is to avoid drawn-out engagements. Short, decisive action reduces overall losses."

Napoleon II gave a short nod.

"That’s the only acceptable outcome."

A brief silence followed.

Napoleon II looked back at the gap on the map.

"They think they have time," he said. "They expect us to wait while they organize."

No one responded.

"They’re wrong."

Berthier adjusted his stance slightly.

"Orders can be issued within the hour, Sire."

Napoleon II straightened.

"Do it."

Berthier turned immediately.

"Dispatch to all forward commands," he said. "Preparation for offensive within seventy-two hours. Priority movement to designated sectors."

"And so the war begins."