The Imperial Doctor bowed respectfully and exited the room, leaving Napoleon and Ciela alone.

Napoleon reached out, taking Ciela's hands in his. "It seemed that the Goddess wanted me early in heaven."

"Don't you say that!" Ciela chided him though she was not angry with him. "The Goddess huh? That bitch! How come she took you away from me?!"

"Honey…calm down," Napoleon said gently, trying to soothe Ciela's distress. "We have to think about the future dear. I mean, the Empire must keep going forward."

"Forget about the empire, I want you!" Ciela exclaimed desperately. "I can't imagine a life without you. You can't leave me, Napoleon."

Napoleon held her gaze, his eyes filled with empathy and love. "Ciela, my dearest, I wish I could change what's happening, but we must face this reality. My greatest pain is knowing how much my absence will hurt you and our children. But remember, we have built a strong family, and you have the strength to lead them when I'm gone."

Ciela's eyes brimmed with tears as she struggled to accept the inevitable. "But I need you, Napoleon. How can I be strong without you by my side?"

"You have always been my strength, even when you didn't realize it," Napoleon reassured her. "You are strong, capable, and you have a compassionate heart. Our children and the empire will need that strength."

As they talked, Napoleon continued to comfort Ciela, reminding her of the love they shared and the legacy they had built together. He spoke of their children, their accomplishments, and how proud he was of the family they had raised.

Slowly, as they spoke, Ciela began to come to terms with the reality of the situation. Her initial resistance gave way to a sorrowful acceptance. She knew that no amount of wishing could alter Napoleon's fate.

Finally, overwhelmed by a mix of grief and acceptance, Ciela burst into tears. Napoleon pulled her into an embrace, holding her close as she sobbed.

Napoleon simply reciprocated the embrace, tears also trickling down his cheeks. Thinking about it, he had lived quite a long life. He is fifty years old and has achieved a lot thanks to his blessing. Though he knew he could still do more, it seemed fate had other plans.

Looking at his current achievement, it seems that it's more than enough. It's just sad that he is going to die soon. He experienced death before, but he doesn't know how it would be different when there is no second chance. Would he go to heaven or hell? Or is he simply going to cease to exist?

That thought made his heart ache with uncertainty."So…how are we going to tell our sons and daughters?" Ciela broke the silence.

Napoleon took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "We need to be honest with them. They deserve to know the truth about my health," he said calmly. "We should gather them together, and make it a family meeting."

Ciela wiped the tears from her eyes and looked at Napoleon tenderly. "This is going to cause some problems in the inheritance of the throne."

Napoleon shook his head. "I don't think there'd be any problem. I have decided that it is going to be Francis. Tristan already has his own empire, the Spanish Empire. Though I believe that either of them can serve the French Empire well."

Ciela nodded in agreement, understanding Napoleon's reasoning. "Francis has a good head on his shoulders, and he's compassionate, just like you. He'll be a good ruler. So when are we going to set up this meeting?"

Napoleon hummed in thought. "Maybe in February? When the discussions of the peace treaty concluded."

"Very well…February it is…" Ciela agreed, her voice heavy.magic

***

In the following weeks, Napoleon followed the development of the peace treaty and the Kingdom of Poland agreed that they would never take huge territory from the Russian Empire. With that, the signing of the treaty was set in stone on February 5th, 1823.

In the city of Versailles. The world leaders gathered in the Halls of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles. Napoleon stood and walked toward the podium and preparedlights

to address the assembly.

He made himself presentable in front of the delegates, successfully appearing that he didn't have any illnesses. He cleared his throat and began.

"Two decades ago, a peace treaty was signed within this hall that ended the conflict that plagued the European continent. Today, this new treaty marks another historic moment where we come together not just to end conflict, but to begin a new era of cooperation and understanding. Let this treaty be a testament to our commitment to peace and our dedication to the well-being of our nations and peoples."

After the speech, there was a warm applause. The delegates from various nations approached to sign the treaty, marking a significant step towards lasting peace in Europe. Napoleon, witnessing the event, felt a profound sense of accomplishment. His vision for a peaceful Europe was becoming a reality.

Back in the palace, preparations for the family meeting were underway. On the day of the meeting, their children gathered. Francis, Tristan, Daphne, and Aveline looked at Napoleon and Ciela curiously.

"Father…you said you have an important matter to discuss with us. What is it?" Francis was the first to ask.

"Yes Father, is it about congratulating and thanking us for taking part in the war, there's no need," Tristan added goofily.

"Tristan, be proper," Aveline scolded gently, sensing the serious atmosphere.

"Whatever is it father, we'll listen," Daphne said.

Napoleon, gathering his strength, looked at each of his children. "My dear children, what I am about to tell you is not easy," he began. "I have been diagnosed with advanced gastric cancer. The doctors have given me only a few months to live."

The room fell into a stunned silence as the reality of Napoleon's words sank in. Each child reacted differently: Francis's face paled, Tristan's playful demeanor vanished, Daphne's eyes filled with tears, and Aveline reached out to grasp her mother's hand tightly.

"This is why I'm going to announce who will inherit the throne before I die," Napoleon continued. "Based on the laws of the line of succession of the French Imperial Throne. Francis Bonaparte is the first in line to inherit the throne. He will become the Emperor of the French Empire."

Francis, still reeling from the news, nodded slowly, accepting the responsibility. "I will do my utmost to uphold your legacy, Father. I promise to lead with honor and integrity, as you have."

Napoleon nodded and flickered his gaze to Tristan. "As for you, Tristan. I know there is a contest between you brother, but respect the law and my decision."

"I understand, Father. I will honor your decision and support, Francis."

Daphne, on the other hand, was crying, tears trickling down her cheeks as she stood there firmly. She wanted to hug her father but she couldn't because they were being addressed by the Emperor.

Aveline was the same as Daphne.

"Father…how long will you live?" Aveline asked.

"Months," Napoleon answered.

"Is it okay for us to stay in the Palace of Versailles…I want to cherish the last moments of your life here," Aveline said.

"No problem," Napoleon said.

"Us too," Francis stepped forward, followed by Daphne and Tristan.

"Okay…" Napoleon said, smiling.