Fall of Mantua

The day after, Napoleon watched as Ciela boarded her carriage surrounded by French troops handpicked by the Directory.

Ciela swung the curtain aside and waved to Napoleon, a mixture of excitement and sadness in her eyes. He stood by the entrance of the grand ducal palace, his heart heavy with the knowledge that they would be separated once again.

Napoleon returned the gesture with a solemn nod, his gaze fixed on Ciela's carriage as it slowly moved away. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Murat walked forward and stood next to him.

"So how was your day yesterday, General?" Murat asked, grinning goofily. "Let me guess, was it fulfilling?"

"Ah you have no idea, Murat," Napoleon said with a smug look on his face. "You can only imagine."

Napoleon's playful response earned a chuckle from Murat, who was well acquainted with the passionate love shared between Napoleon and Ciela. As the carriage disappeared from sight, Murat turned his attention back to Napoleon.