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Chapter 398  A Melancholic and Wistful Chapter

In his office, Napoleon was engaged in his daily duties as the Emperor of France. His desk was cluttered with papers that needed his attention. He was busy reviewing, signing, and stamping documents – a routine that was a crucial part of his role in governing the nation.

The room was quiet except for the occasional rustling of papers. Napoleon\'s focus was partly on the documents in front of him and partly on the fact that it\'s nearing Christmas soon and he doesn\'t even feel it. Possibly because his children are away, Tristan is in Spain, Francis is in Germany, Aveline is in Italy, and Daphne is in Canada. All of them are doing their respective task in strengthening the Empire, but at the cost of them not being here in the Palace of Versailles. It\'s just sad. "Are you all right, Your Imperial Majesty?" Armand, standing by the window, asked as soon as he noticed the Emperor\'s melancholic face.

Napoleon glanced up, momentarily pulled from his thoughts. "Yes, Armand, I am fine," he replied, his voice steady but carrying a hint of the wistfulness he felt. He quickly refocused on the documents before him, pushing aside personal sentiments to attend to the matters of state. "Your Imperial Majesty, it\'s rare for me to see you in that state. What\'s troubling you? I can really offer you someone to talk to, such as myself. Working for you in the last seventeen years made me not just a trusted advisor, but also someone who understands you."

Napoleon appreciated Armand\'s offer. "It\'s just the quietness of the palace without my children," he admitted. "The holiday season amplifies their absence. Like, this month is supposed to be the liveliest month for every family. Yet…I feel empty. Only my wife and I are here. So this is the feeling when you are growing old and your children have their own lives…"

Armand listened attentively. "It\'s a common sentiment among those with great responsibilities, Your Imperial Majesty. Your children are making their mark in the world, thanks to the path you\'ve paved for them. Are the Imperial Highnesses not going to be able to attend this year\'s Christmas?"

Napoleon shook his head and chuckled weakly. "There is a slim chance of that happening. You are lucky Armand, because you get to spend your day with your family this coming Christmas. They are, after all, in Paris." Armand gave a small, understanding nod. "Indeed, I am fortunate in that regard, Your Imperial Majesty. But remember, the palace may be quieter, but you are not alone. You have your wife and the people who serve and respect you. Perhaps we could still make the holiday season special in our own way. Oh…how about this? Her Imperial Majesty is in the Palace, why don\'t you take a break and spend time with her in the palace garden? It might make you feel a bit better, and it\'s a good way to take a brief respite from your duties," suggested Armand.

Napoleon considered the suggestion for a moment. "That might be a good idea," he agreed. "A short walk with her in the garden could indeed be refreshing."

He stood up, signaling the end of his work for the moment. "Arrange for some tea to be served in the garden, Armand. I will join the Empress there."

Armand quickly set about making the arrangements. Meanwhile, Napoleon left his office, moving through the halls of the palace to find his wife. The idea of a quiet moment away from the responsibilities of the state was appealing.

Arriving at Ciela\'s office, Napoleon knocked. "Come in," Ciela\'s voice called out from inside. Napoleon entered, finding Ciela engrossed in her own set of documents. She looked up, her expression softening upon seeing Napoleon.

"Darling, what brings you here at this hour?" she asked, setting aside her papers.

"I was thinking we could take a short break together. Armand has arranged for tea in the garden. It might be a nice change of pace for both of us," Napoleon suggested.

"This sudden huh?" Ciela smiled at the idea. "That sounds lovely. Let\'s do that."

The two of them made their way to the garden, where a small table had been set up with tea and some light snacks. The winter air was crisp, and the garden had a tranquil atmosphere, which both of them enjoyed.

"Now…darling, what\'s the problem?" Ciela asked.

"What do you mean?" "Darling, we have been together for almost four decades. A wife knows by just looking at her husband if they are feeling down. So, tell me, what\'s on your mind?" Ciela prodded gently.

Napoleon sighed, the concern in Ciela\'s eyes making it impossible for him to maintain his usual facade. "It\'s just... the palace feels so empty without the children around, especially with Christmas approaching. I miss them," he admitted.

Ciela reached across the table, placing her hand over his. "I miss them too, but they are out there, doing the job that we have both envisioned." "They are true," Napoleon agreed. "I didn\'t expect you\'d miss them more than I do," Ciela giggled. "Well…it\'s different," Napoleon replied, a small smile appearing on his face. "I always thought I was too busy with state affairs to feel their absence deeply. But it turns out, their presence in the palace was a larger part of my life than I realized."

"Oh…how about I comfort you?" Ciela offered. "You know, our favorite position?"

Upon saying that, Ciela patted her lap as she moved to a nearby bench. Napoleon, with a small nod and a hint of a smile, obliged and carefully positioned himself with his head resting in Ciela\'s lap. It was a comforting, familiar gesture that they had shared many times over the years.

As he lay there, looking up at the beautiful face of his wife, he felt at peace. "Damn, we really are getting old?" Ciela narrowed her eyes, "Why are you looking at me when you said that?" "Oh no no…I don\'t mean it like that," Napoleon quickly clarified, noticing Ciela\'s playful yet stern look. "I meant that we\'ve come a long way together. Time has passed so quickly."

Ciela chuckled lightly. "Indeed, it has. But that\'s the beauty of it, isn\'t it? We\'ve shared so much together."

"But everything has an end…I\'m scared Ciela…that one day…you, or possibly me..will."

Ciela placed a finger on Napoleon\'s lips and she hushed. "Don\'t say that, Napoleon. Let\'s not think about the end. We are here now, together, and that\'s what matters," Ciela said gently. Napoleon grabbed her hand and squeezed it softly. He feared that one day he might lose her, after all, no one is born immortal. But just like she said, they have to cherish these moments.