Chapter 157: Roland's Good Friend

"I don't care what schemes they have. I only know that the great French army is invincible. Even if the Dutch and the Austrians really collude, I am not afraid. If I can defeat them once, I can defeat them again," Napoleon said dismissively.

Napoleon showed no concealment of his contempt for the Austrians. After the Italian War, he had thoroughly understood their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, he had no fear when facing the aggressive Austrians.

Just as Napoleon was speaking passionately, his newly appointed chief guard, Barrett, walked in.

"Oh, my dear chief guard, what are you coming in for? Don't you know we are having a very important meeting? What do you have to tell me? It better be urgent. Otherwise, I will be angry, very angry," Napoleon said. He was in high spirits, but being interrupted put him in a foul mood.

Barrett quickly straightened up and said, "Consul! There is indeed urgent news. Your nephew Roland was attacked at the banquet tonight. He received a heavy blow to the head but was fortunately discovered by soldiers attending the banquet. He has been sent to St. Mary's Hospital. The specific situation is still unknown."

"What? Roland was attacked. Who did it?" Upon hearing Barrett's words, Napoleon's face immediately darkened. He roared at Barrett.

Those present had never seen Napoleon so angry before. They did not dare to make a sound, thinking to themselves, "It seems Napoleon values his nephew Roland the most. The rumors that Roland will become Napoleon's successor must be true. We should take this opportunity to curry favor with the future consul candidate. After the meeting, we should visit him with some valuable gifts. We might gain Napoleon's favor because of it."

Watching the enraged Napoleon, this was the only thought in everyone's mind.

"Consul Napoleon, according to the information we have received, the conflict with His Highness Roland involved the children of the Ordoff family. The cause of the incident was that the son of Dorsal-Ordoff took a liking to His Highness Roland's female companion, which led to the conflict. During the scuffle, His Highness Roland was ambushed and struck on the head with a wooden stick by Xuren-Ordoff, rendering him unconscious. Fortunately, he was discovered in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable," Barrett said.

"What? Roland's injury is that serious? Damn it! Doesn't that bastard Xuren know that Roland is my nephew? He must have a death wish to dare attack him," Napoleon said angrily.

At this moment, he had nearly lost his composure. The banquet was hosted by him, and Versailles was his territory. To have his nephew attacked on his own ground made Napoleon feel both humiliated and furious.

"Well, it's still unclear for now. But Xuren-Ordoff has a bad reputation. He's a well-known playboy in Paris, notorious for his acts of bullying and harassment," Barrett explained.

"Hmph! Dorsal-Ordoff needs to control his son better. The bloodshed of the French Revolution was not for them to ride roughshod over the people. He'd better pray to God that Roland is fine. If not, I won't let him off easily," Napoleon said fiercely, his eyes flashing with anger. This made everyone present shiver. Some showed expressions of pity, undoubtedly those close to Ordoff. Others seemed to gloat, likely having grudges against him. A minor incident had divided those present into two distinct factions.

Napoleon now considered Roland as his successor, and Roland had been attacked, with the injury being to his head. What if he were turned into an imbecile? Who would then inherit his grand legacy?

"Consul, Roland is still at St. Mary's Hospital. Should we go and see him?" Barrett asked.

"Isn't that obvious? Of course, I have to go," Napoleon replied. He immediately grabbed his coat and headed out.

"By the way, inform that scoundrel Dorsal-Ordoff to come as well. Let him see what his precious son has done," Napoleon added grimly.

"Yes, sir, I'll take care of it right away."

...

The carriage sped through the quiet streets. Half an hour later, Napoleon arrived at St. Mary's Hospital under heavy guard. He went directly to Roland's room, leaving the smaller tasks of guiding and informing the hospital director to his aides.

When Napoleon entered the room, Roland was lying in bed, talking with Louis.

Napoleon pushed the door open and saw Roland lying on the hospital bed with thick bandages wrapped around his head. He hurried over and said, "Roland, are you alright?"

"Uncle Napoleon, you came!" Roland was surprised that Napoleon would come personally, feeling somewhat honored. He quickly replied, "I'm fine now, just a bit of a headache."

At that moment, the hospital director and the doctor who had examined Roland arrived and promptly saluted. "Greetings, Consul Napoleon."

"Hmm, at ease. I'm here today to check on Roland. His injury isn't serious, right?" Napoleon inquired.

"Consul," the hospital director said, "Prince Roland's injury, though on the head, which is the most fragile part of the body, is not serious. By God's grace, his strong physique has prevented any major harm. He only has a mild concussion and will not suffer any lasting effects."

Hearing this, Napoleon was finally relieved.

"Roland is my successor, and he is very important to all of France. Make sure he is fully healed, understand?" Napoleon commanded the hospital director.

"Yes, Consul. Please rest assured. I will ensure that Prince Roland is fully healed," the hospital director replied, trembling slightly at the confirmation of the rumors about Roland being Napoleon's successor. He felt grateful that he had personally overseen Roland's care and hoped for a reward once Roland recovered.

"And you are?" After giving his orders to the hospital director, Napoleon noticed Marlin standing nearby and asked about him.

Hearing Napoleon's question, Roland quickly answered, "Uncle, this is Marlin Hoffman. He saved me. He graduated from Brienne Military Academy with me and now serves in Uncle Murat's central cavalry division."

"Greetings, Consul Napoleon," Marlin said, stepping forward to salute Napoleon as soon as Roland introduced him.

"So you are one of Murat's men? Then you must have fought in the Battle of Florence!" Napoleon asked, looking at Marlin.

"Yes, Consul Napoleon. I fought alongside Roland," Marlin replied with measured confidence.

"Oh! So it's you. Roland has mentioned you before, saying you are a brave soldier. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you for saving Roland," Napoleon said, shaking Marlin's hand.

"You honor me too much, Consul Napoleon. Roland is my friend. When he was in danger, it was my duty to help. It's what I should do," Marlin responded.

"Having a friend like you is Roland's good fortune," Napoleon said with a smile. To be honest, Napoleon was very pleased that Roland had such a friend. Since ascending to the pinnacle of power, he had gained many things, but naturally, he had also lost many.

One of those things was friends. Often, friends are crucial, as they can help you in times of danger.

Napoleon knew this very well. Murat, Marmont, Davout, and Desaix were all his friends, and Napoleon owed much of his success to them. Without their support, no matter how capable he was, he could not have achieved his current success.