Chapter 6: Applying to Military Academy

Napoleon's decisive victory at Toulon naturally became a matter worthy of extensive praise by the French authorities. This triumph served as a potent morale booster for a France grappling with uncertainty, and the government unleashed its full propaganda machinery to extol the French army's success at Toulon.

Even in the small town where Roland resided, the impact was palpable. Now, every individual was aware that the nation's military had routed the Royalist rebels and the invading British at Toulon. Among them, Napoleon gradually began to capture the public's attention due to his exploits in the Battle of Toulon.

Within a mere two weeks after the war's conclusion, Napoleon was unorthodoxly promoted to the rank of brigadier general. On October 25th, he assumed the role of commander of the National Guard, succeeding Barras. Today, Napoleon's name had spread throughout France.

As Roland had anticipated, Napoleon wasted no time in aiding his family after achieving fame. He enthusiastically invited his brother Joseph's family and his brother Louis' family to live in Paris, utilizing his military influence to secure military procurement officer positions for both Joseph and Louis.

This position was vastly superior to Louis' previous employment; at the very least, he wielded authority and was no longer subjected to the indignities of his former role. Consequently, Louis eagerly accepted Napoleon's invitation. Roland's mother, Julia, did not object to Louis' decision either.

After all, Paris was the capital of France, a majestic and bustling metropolis. Living there was undoubtedly preferable to the countryside. Thus, the couple promptly decided to move to Paris to join their elder brother.

This decision perfectly aligned with Roland's desires. After all, Paris was the heart of France. Only by being there could he closely interact with the upper echelons of French society and have the opportunity to realize his dreams. Moreover, Paris housed his dream institution: the Brienne Military Academy.

It was France's premier military academy, attended even by Napoleon himself. Therefore, if Roland aimed to enter the military in the future, attending this academy was undoubtedly the best choice.

...

Louis wasted no time in action. After deciding to move to Paris, he swiftly settled his affairs in the countryside within just two days. Subsequently, he embarked on the journey to Paris with Roland and his mother.

With no pressing schedule, the trio leisurely traversed the countryside, admiring the nearby scenery. This relaxed pace meant that it took them a month and a half to arrive in Paris.

Louis' residence in Paris was near the famous Rue de la Chaussée d'Antin, conveniently close to Napoleon's residence, just half an hour away. Although Paris in 1795 was not as bustling as in later years, it was already a renowned metropolis. At the very least, there was far more variety there than in the countryside.

With Louis securing a new position, the financial situation of Roland's family improved significantly. Moreover, as it was their first time in such a large city, Roland spent the next two days almost entirely exploring Paris.

Roland spent most of his time immersed in the library. The collection there far surpassed any he had encountered before, spanning a wide array of subjects.

He particularly focused his attention on books related to chemistry and military affairs. These meticulously chosen volumes greatly aided him, especially in understanding chemical reactions, crucial for any endeavors he might undertake in gunpowder development.

With confidence in his acquired knowledge from the future and the wisdom gleaned from these texts, Roland believed he could pioneer revolutionary weaponry. Lack of a structured system or external assistance compelled him to create his own, a belief that these insights would become his arsenal of triumph in the future.

As for his penchant for military literature, the rationale was straightforward: in an era engulfed by conflict, only a steadfast and victorious army could afford the freedom to pursue one's aspirations.

Thus, an intriguing sight unfolded at the Parisian library: a seemingly underaged lad engrossed in dense volumes on chemistry, history, and military strategy. Initially doubted for his comprehension, he soon became a fixture at the shelves, altering perceptions as observers envisaged a remarkable destiny for the young scholar.

...

One evening, after a customary dinner, Roland diverged from his usual retreat to his quarters and instead ventured into Louis' study. At the age to consider applying to the Brienne Military Academy, he sought his father's endorsement, knowing it was imperative for his aspirations.

Upon entering the study, Roland found Louis engrossed in ledgers. Approaching quietly, he asked, "Father, may I have a word?"

Upon hearing this, Louis immediately set aside his ledger and turned to Roland, saying, "What's on your mind, my dear Roland? Do you wish to speak with me?"

With a smile on his face, Louis addressed Roland affectionately. He cherished his son deeply; despite Roland's youth, he had displayed remarkable intelligence from a tender age, never causing his father any worry. Though Louis had been busy and absent from home frequently recently, it hadn't affected the bond between father and son.

"Well, father, the thing is... next year, I plan to attend school," Roland began after a moment's pause.

"Oh, is that so? No problem at all! Which school do you have in mind? Just let me know, and as long as it pleases you, I'll make arrangements," Louis waved his hand casually, speaking nonchalantly. With his current status and connections acquired during his time as a military supply officer, Louis had little difficulty in arranging such matters. Moreover, being the younger brother of a French general only added to his influence.

"Really? That's wonderful! Father, I wish to attend the Brienne Military Academy," Roland exclaimed joyfully.

"Oh! The Brienne Military Academy, you say? Simple enough. Tomorrow, I'll make the arrangements... Wait a moment. Did you just say you wanted to attend that particular school?" Initially nonchalant upon hearing Roland's words, Louis soon detected something amiss in his son's tone.

His own son aspiring to enroll in a military academy? This was preposterous.