Napoleon II remained silent for a few seconds, then shifted his gaze toward Charles-Louis.
"Speaking of the future," he said, "I am considering sothing else."
Charles straightened slightly. "May I ask what that is, Your Imperial Majesty?"
"An exhibition," Napoleon II replied. "But not a local one. Not confined to Paris. An international exposition."
Charles frowned slightly. "An exposition? Like a fair?"
"In structure, yes," Napoleon II said. "But not for livestock, textiles, or seasonal produce. I am speaking of a grand display of industrial and scientific achievent."
Charles leaned forward a little. "You an inviting foreign delegations to observe our factories?"
"More than observe," Napoleon II said. "We would construct a large exhibition hall. Purpose-built. Within it, we would display our inventions. The automobile. The electrical systems. Advanced locomotives. Machine tools. Agricultural equipnt. Communication devices. And in three years, if the brothers succeed, an aircraft."
Charles remained quiet, processing.
Napoleon II continued.
"We would invite representatives from Britain, Prussia, Russia, Austria, the Ottoman Empire, the Arican states, and others. Engineers, rchants, diplomats. They would walk through our halls and see with their own eyes what France has beco."
"And what would that accomplish?" Charles asked.
"Perception," Napoleon II replied at once. "Perception shapes politics. It shapes trade. It shapes alliances."
He tapped one finger lightly against the carriage window as they passed another tram line.
"If other nations see that France leads in industry and engineering, they will think twice before challenging us militarily. They will seek partnership instead. They will want access to our technology. Our machines. Our expertise, which is what they are doing right now."
"So it is not rely spectacle," Charles said slowly. "It is strategy."
"Exactly."
The carriage turned into a wider avenue leading toward the outer road to Versailles.
Napoleon’s tone remained even.
"Industry is the new battlefield. Steel output. Engine efficiency. Rail networks. Energy production. Those decide the strength of a nation more than cavalry numbers."
Charles considered that.
"And you wish to show the world that France is ahead."
"Yes."
He paused briefly before adding, "And I want the French people themselves to see it. Not just the elite. Workers. Students. Engineers. Let them walk through a hall and see what their Empire has built. Pride matters. It binds a nation."
Charles gave a slow nod.
"When would this exposition take place?"
"In three years," Napoleon II answered. "The sa deadline I gave the brothers for the aircraft. The automobile company will have expanded by then. Aviation research will have a prototype. Electrical and technical infrastructure will be further developed. It will be the right mont."
"And where would such an exposition be held?" Charles asked.
"In Paris," Napoleon II said without hesitation. "It must be in the capital."
The carriage passed under a row of trees planted in perfect intervals.
"We would design a temporary exhibition structure," Napoleon II continued. "Large spans. Iron frawork. Glass panels to allow natural light. A demonstration of engineering in itself."
Charles raised an eyebrow. "A building that is itself a display?"
"Yes."
He allowed a faint smile.
"If we are to host the world, we do not hide behind stone walls. We show them what we can build."
Charles looked thoughtful.
"Would other nations not attempt to copy what they see?"
"They will," Napoleon II said plainly. "But by the ti they replicate one generation, we will already be working on the next."
The carriage hit a smoother stretch of road. The motion steadied.
"And what would this exposition be called?" Charles asked.
Napoleon II glanced at him.
"Perhaps sothing simple," he said. "The Exposition of the French Empire. Or the Universal Exposition of Industry and Science."
"Hmm...that’s good, Your Imperial Majesty. I’ll talk with the Ministries that would be involved in the creation of this exposition," Charles finished. "Finance, Interior, Comrce, Public Works. It will require coordination."
"Yes," Napoleon II said. "It will require all of them. That is why it must be planned early."
"Finance will ask for projected returns," Charles said. "They will question the cost of such a structure. Iron and glass at that scale will not be cheap."
"They will receive their projections," Napoleon II replied calmly. "Foreign rchants will attend. Contracts will be signed during the exposition itself. Licensing agreents. Machinery exports. Even tourism. Hotels, restaurants, transport. The city will profit."
Charles nodded slowly.
"And security," he added. "With so many foreign dignitaries gathered in one place, it becos a sensitive event."
"That falls under the Interior," Napoleon II said. "Discreet but visible protection. Enough to reassure, not intimidate."
The carriage wheels rolled steadily.
Napoleon II continued, "Each ministry will have its section within the exposition grounds. Military engineering displays artillery and naval models. The Ministry of Science presents electricity, engines, communication systems. Comrce presents finished goods ready for export."
"And the colonies?" Charles asked.
"They will have their own pavilion," Napoleon II replied. "Raw materials, agricultural output, maps showing rail and port expansion. It will demonstrate not only technology but reach."
Charles looked out the window briefly before returning his gaze.
"This is ambitious."
"Yes," Napoleon II said simply.
He leaned back slightly.
"We are entering an era where influence will not only be asured by territory but by innovation. If we define the standard, others must follow."
Charles considered that carefully.
"And you wish this exposition to be recurring?" he asked.
Napoleon II gave a slight nod.
"If successful, yes. Not every year. Perhaps every five. Each one larger than the last."
The road curved gently.
"And if the aircraft flies by then?" Charles asked.
"Then we schedule a demonstration," Napoleon II answered without hesitation. "Not over a crowded district. A controlled field. Foreign delegates will witness powered flight with their own eyes."
Charles allowed himself a small smile.
"That alone would change the perception of what is possible."
"Exactly," Napoleon II said. "When people see sothing impossible beco routine, their expectations shift. And when expectations shift, markets shift."
"We will begin discreet planning," Charles said. "Feasibility studies. Preliminary cost estimates."
Napoleon II nodded once.
"Do it quietly at first. When we announce it, it must already be certain."
Charles inclined his head.
"It will be done."
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