Adapting

Napoleon struggled to adapt to his new life in a world devoid of modern technology. Without computers to distract him or the internet to browse, he found himself constantly bored and restless. He longed for the days when he could play video games or connect with friends online.

But even if he had access to these luxuries, he wouldn't be able to enjoy them freely. In Corsica, where he now lived, the locals were hostile towards his family for what they perceived as a betrayal. They believed that Carlo, his new father, had accepted a bribe from the French to secure a position in King Louis XVI's court. The same people who once respected him for being a pro-Corsican now saw him as a traitor.

Napoleon couldn't even go outside without fearing for his safety. The Corsican kids were particularly vicious towards him, as they blamed him for his family's actions. He felt trapped and alone in this strange new world.

Fortunately, the luxuries of the modern world mentioned above were provided by the system the Goddess of Fate gave him upon his reincarnation in this world.

It is more like a web browsing tool than a system that helps a person strengthen themselves by completing a quest as he read in the novels. Oftentimes, he would stay in his bedroom for hours staring at the user interface reading books, and watching videos.

That's right, it seems like his tool can play videos. Making it easy for him to pass the time.

He is currently browsing the history of France as he viewed that the country that he was in right now was based on that country. If he wants to survive in this world, he'll have to know the events that happened prior to France becoming a republic.

The revolution was sparked by a growing dissatisfaction among the French people with the monarchy and the aristocracy, who were seen as corrupt and out of touch with the needs of the common people.

He learned about the storming of the Bastille, a prison that represented the tyranny of the monarchy, and how it became a symbol of the people's power over their oppressors. He read about the Reign of Terror, a period of intense violence and political repression, and how it ultimately led to the downfall of the monarchy and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, or so his rise to power.

While browsing his tool, he wondered if the history would play out the same just like in his previous world.

As he thought about it, there was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Napoleon asked.

"It's Joseph. May I come in?" came a reply from the other side of the door.

Napoleon waved his hand in the air, prompting the floating computer screen to disappear and sat up straight on his bed.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing a small boy with curly brown hair and bright blue eyes stood in the doorway.

Joseph was a year older than Napoleon, and had a cheerful disposition that seemed to contrast with Adrian's somber mood. He wore a simple tunic and trousers, both made of rough wool, and carried a small basket of fruit in one hand. His other hand was hidden behind his back, and Napoleon wondered what he was holding.

"Bonjour, Napoleon!" Joseph said with a wide grin, walking into the room. "I brought you some apples and pears from our orchard."

He held out the basket for Adrian to take, revealing the object in his other hand: a small wooden figurine, expertly carved to resemble a horse.

"And I made this for you!" Joseph exclaimed, holding out the figurine.

"You always look sad, and I thought it might cheer you up. Consider this as an advance birthday gift."

"Really…" Napoleon couldn't help his lips to form a smile. "Thank you brother."

"I'm glad that you like it. Well, I'm concerned that you have been staying all day in your bedroom. I wonder why that is? Is it because no one wants to play with us?"

"That's one of the reasons, brother but the other one is that I'd rather stay alone in this bedroom and read some books."

"Not much of a problem, but do come out and play with us sometimes. Not everyone is hostile to us, you know." Joseph said with a smile.

Napoleon nodded, appreciating his brother's concern. "I'll try to come out more often," he said and looked at him.

He had been studying more about Joseph Buonaparte and how he would play in history. According to his studies, Joseph was a prominent figure in the politics and military affairs of the Napoleonic era, serving as King of Naples, King of Spain, and as the head of the Bonapartist government in exile.

In 1795, Joseph was appointed as the French ambassador to Rome, and he played a significant role in the establishment of the Roman Republic in 1798. After Napoleon's rise to power, Joseph became one of his closest advisors and served as a key figure in the French government.

In 1806, Napoleon appointed Joseph as King of Naples, and he served in this position until 1808 when he was transferred to Spain to become King of Spain. Joseph's reign in Spain was marked by numerous challenges, including a popular uprising against his rule, as well as conflicts with British and Portuguese forces. Despite these difficulties, Joseph was able to implement significant reforms in Spain, including the abolition of the Inquisition, the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, and the promotion of education and infrastructure development.

Not only that, Joseph Bonaparte was considered to be a capable and intelligent politician and administrator, As King of Naples, Joseph was credited with instituting significant economic and social reforms, including the construction of new roads and bridges, the improvement of agriculture, and the establishment of a centralized system of government. These reforms were widely seen as positive and beneficial to the people of Naples.

However, Joseph's tenure as King of Spain was much more controversial, as his attempts to modernize and centralize the Spanish state were met with widespread resistance from the Spanish people, who saw him as a foreign usurper. Despite his efforts to promote education and infrastructure development, Joseph's rule in Spain was marked by social unrest, economic turmoil, and military conflict, which basically was caused by his lack of understanding of Spanish culture and politics.

According to some writings, Joseph was loyal to Napoleon, and served a key figure in his rise to power. Meaning, the man standing in front of him is a person of great importance. It'll be in Napoleon's best interest to keep a close relationship with him as he'll serve as a tool for his rise to power.

While lost in thought, their mother, Letizia, arrived in Napoleon's room.

"Joseph, your friends are outside asking if you want to play with them," Letizia said, her voice silky smooth. Napoleon's gaze flickered to her mother's belly, based on its current size, her due date must be approaching soon.

Joseph turned to his mother with a smile. "Thank you, Mother. I think I will join my friends outside for a little while."

"Can you tag Napoleon along with you?" Letizia asked, looking at Napoleon.

Joseph turned and looked at his brother. "Do you want to come with me, Napoleon? I'll introduce you to my friends."

Napoleon smiled at the offer. He had been feeling cooped up in their house lately, and some fresh air and new acquaintances would do him some good. "Yes, I would like that very much," he replied, getting up from his chair.

Letizia smiled at Napoleon's response. "Wonderful. I'm sure you boys will have a great time together. Just be back before dark."

"Yes mother!" Napoleon and Joseph intoned together before leaving the bedroom.