Chapter 370 Emperor's Day With a Hiccup
August 19th, 1821. It was a day of celebration of the French Empire as it was the date of the birthday of the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte. It was a national holiday, and therefore schools were closed. People from all walks of life took to the streets, which were adorned with banners and flags, the tricolor of blue, white, and red fluttering proudly in the summer breeze. The sounds of military bands filled the air, playing rousing anthems that stirred the soul and kindled a fierce pride in the hearts of the citizens.
Throughout the cities and towns, parades marched with soldiers in crisp uniforms, their boots thumping in unison on the cobblestone streets. The clinking of their sabers and the rhythm of the drummers provided a cadence to the festivities. Onlookers cheered and waved from balconies draped in lush garlands, their faces bright with joy for the glory of the Empire and their beloved leader.
In the countryside, the celebrations were no less fervent. Farmers and villagers gathered in the town squares, where tables groaned under the weight of food and drink. Wine flowed freely, and the air was perfumed with the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries, a bounty provided in honor of the Emperor's birthday.
In their colonies across the world, the day was also observed, albeit with less fervor than in the homeland. Colonial administrators organized smaller-scale events, with local troops parading and officials giving speeches about the strength and reach of the French Empire. The local populace participated in the celebrations, which they were required to.
Back in France, the official ceremonies were elaborate and highly organized. In Paris, dignitaries and military leaders gathered at the Tuileries Palace, where Napoleon was standing on an erected platform with a podium in front of him.
Since France was in the middle of the influenza outbreak and they were able to contain it in the southern region, Napoleon made sure that the virus wouldn't get to the north. To do so, he had mandated everyone to wear a facemask, implemented guidelines for public gatherings, and had limited travel from the affected regions.
Health checks were common at the festivities, with doctors present to oversee the health protocols. Despite these precautions, the atmosphere remained celebratory, though with an undercurrent of seriousness due to the health concerns.
Napoleon, aware of the need to maintain both morale and health, balanced his public appearances with messages about the importance of following the health guidelines. His speech at the Tuileries Palace reflected this, as he commended the efforts of the healthcare workers and the obedience of the citizens to the containment measures. He reassured the populace that with discipline and unity, the nation would overcome this challenge as it had others.
After the speech, Napoleon would retreat into the Tuileries Palace, and into the opulent bedchamber that is just as grand in Versailles.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Armand approached with two letters on a silver tray, bowing respectfully as he presented it to Napoleon. The Emperor, still clad in the regal attire he wore for his public appearance, took the letters with a nod, indicating that Armand could leave. Once alone, Napoleon broke the seal and unfolded one of the letters to read the contents.
[Your Imperial Majesty and beloved Father,
On this August day commemorating your birth, the entire realm celebrates your life and leadership. It is with a heavy heart that I must convey my absence from the festivities that honor your name. The intention of our return to our cherished homeland was indeed to stand united as a family in celebration; yet, fate has laid before us a path of duty we cannot forsake.
The formidable adversary we face now is not one of flesh and steel but of virulent nature. As the sovereign of our great Empire, you are acutely aware that certain events, much like the tempest's course, are beyond the reins of our command, this pestilence included.
In light of these trials, I have dedicated myself to the task you entrusted to me – combating this invisible foe that plagues our people. My report herein enclosed details the chronicle of our endeavors from the inception of this scourge, tracing back to patient zero, through to the advances we have made towards a vaccine.
Although distance separates us on this significant day, my thoughts remain steadfastly with you and our beloved France. May this missive find you in good health and high spirits, as the nation rejoices in your honor.
With the utmost respect and filial affection,
Francis Bonaparte]
After reviewing the letter, Napoleon felt a sincere appreciation for his son's words. He recognized the truth in Francis' message: the family had indeed come back to France with the intent of celebrating not only his birthday but also that of their mother, whose birthday followed his and was commemorated with the national holiday known as the Empress's Day.
If only the outbreak didn't happen, they would probably be celebrating in Versailles at the grand dining hall, enjoying the company of his family. The tables would have been adorned with the finest china and crystal, and the air filled with the sound of a live orchestra. Instead, the current circumstances demanded a more subdued observance.
Napoleon's thoughts were briefly lost in what might have been, but he was quickly brought back to the reality of the situation. The second letter in his hand required attention—a correspondence likely containing the development reports of the vaccine synthesis.
Even in the modern day, there's no cure for Spanish flu, only preventative measures and supportive care that are effective.
He opened the second letter and read the contents. [Day 1: The team extracted viral samples from Albert under controlled conditions. These samples were the purest form of the virus, untainted by the immune response of a symptomatic patient.
Day 2: In parallel, laboratory mice were prepared for initial testing. These animals were genetically modified to mimic the human immune response more closely.
Day 3-5: Viral cultures were grown, allowing the virus to multiply to sufficient quantities necessary for the upcoming procedures. These were then attenuated, a process of weakening the virus so it could not cause disease but still invoke an immune response.
Day 6: Attenuated viruses were introduced to the mice. Their immune response was monitored closely, looking for signs of antibody production without significant illness.
Day 7-9: Observations continued, with daily blood samples taken from the mice to measure antibody levels and assess the strength and duration of the immune response…
For day 10, August 19th, 1821. Dr. Durand and his time would be able to determine if the mice produced antibodies without causing diseases. They'll isolate the said antibodies and begin testing them for their protective efficacy. If these tests are successful, they will move on to the next phase, which will involve human trials.
I'll update you father once I find anything conclusive. That would be all. Happy birthday.]
Finishing the letter, Napoleon could feel that they were getting closer to solving this outbreak. His investments have truly paid off, specifically in education. He had not expected that the doctors and scientists that his system produced would be this talented.
Suddenly—there was a knock on the door.
"Who's there?" Napoleon asked.
"It's us Father," came a reply from a feminine voice that Napoleon quickly recognized. It belonged to Daphne, who entered the room. Trailing behind her were Tristan, Aveline, and Ciela. The family but without Francis.
"Father, there's still a lot of things that need to be done at the reception," Tristan paused as he noticed unfolded letters in his hand. "Could that be from Francis?"
"He is giving me an update about the situation in Southern France, and it is getting better and better as the doctors and the scientists are nearing finding a vaccine."
"Well, that's good news, Father. But I wonder how long he would stay there? I'm afraid I might not be able to see him again, as I am bound for Madrid by the end of the month."
"Me too, father," Aveline stepped forward. "They want my presence there."
"Don't worry, he'll get here. Give him another week. I assure you, we will have a good family dinner together before parting ways once again," Napoleon said with a determined voice.