Chapter 28: Roland's Choice

By the time Roland had passed his graduation exams, it was April, and the weather was gradually warming. Soon after, he received a letter from home, urging him to return to Paris immediately. Upon Roland's arrival, Napoleon held a celebratory banquet to honor his graduation from the military academy.

The attendees of this banquet were all members of the Bonaparte family, including André's grandmother, parents, uncle, aunt, and Napoleon's newly wedded wife Joséphine, along with her son Eugène and daughter Hortense. Also present was André's aunt Carolina's husband, General Murat, a highly talented cavalry commander and Napoleon's right-hand man. Ultimately, he was appointed by Napoleon as the King of Naples.

Roland's parents, Louis and Julia, were overjoyed at his return. The adage goes, "A mother's worry travels with her child," and indeed, Julia had been exceedingly anxious while Roland was fighting in distant Turin. If Louis hadn't been so adamant about not undermining Roland's future, Julia would have gone to Turin herself to find him.

However, not everyone in the family welcomed Roland's achievements. His remarkable military success in Turin had sparked intense jealousy, particularly from Louis's brothers, Joseph and Lucien. Even though they were the elder sons of the Bonaparte family, it was Napoleon who commanded the family now, and Roland's exceptional talents only heightened their fears that he might become the next Napoleon, potentially relegating them to the fringes of the family—a situation they were determined to prevent.

For now, their jealousy was merely simmering, as the family was under Napoleon's leadership, and Roland had a strong relationship with Napoleon. They dared not act against Roland, knowing that their father, Napoleon, and Louis would not tolerate any harm coming to him.

As the banquet began, everyone raised their glasses in a lively toast to Napoleon. Following the battle in Turin, Napoleon's influence in France was more solidified than ever, and his power and authority had only increased. Many people gathered around him, showering him with compliments.

Napoleon, well-accustomed to such gatherings, handled the toasts and attentions effortlessly. Meanwhile, Roland, the guest of honor, kept a low profile, sitting quietly in a corner, observing the Bonaparte family.

Although he was now a member of this family, his identity as a time-traveler often made him feel detached from this world, and he still tended to see himself as an outsider.

"Oh, my dear nephew, what are you thinking about sitting here all alone?" Just as Roland was lost in thought, a familiar voice called out. Looking up, he saw Napoleon standing in front of him with a glass of red wine.

Seeing Napoleon, Roland quickly stood up and replied, "Oh, uncle, it's nothing. I'm just not very used to these kinds of gatherings."

"Is that so? I was wondering why you had slipped away. But you can't do that, you know. As a member of the Bonaparte family, you must get used to attending banquets, especially since the guests are your elders. You'll have to get accustomed to it in the future."

"Of course, Uncle. I'll keep that in mind," Roland nodded and responded promptly.

"By the way, Roland! I have something I want to ask you, think carefully before you answer," Napoleon's expression suddenly turned serious as he stared intently at Roland, his eyes sparkling with intensity.

"What is it, Uncle Napoleon?" Roland's expression also grew solemn, realizing from Napoleon's demeanor that the upcoming question was very important and certainly related to him.

"Roland, you have passed your graduation exams at Brienne Military Academy, which means you'll soon be looking for a job. What are your thoughts?" Napoleon asked with concern.

"Where do you think I should go, Uncle?" Roland countered.

"Do you want to join the logistics or combat units? The logistics unit is safer and you would be stationed in Paris permanently. This would mean you wouldn't be far from home, which is what your father desires," Napoleon explained.

"The other option is the combat unit. You already know something about them. Combat units spend most of their time on the front lines; it's definitely dangerous. But along with the dangers, there are many opportunities. If you choose to join the combat unit, I will use my influence to have you in my unit. With your abilities, it would be no problem to become a general after a decade or so," Napoleon detailed the pros and cons of both the logistics and combat units.

"What do you think? Which one do you prefer? Of course, you don't have to rush your answer. I advise you to discuss it with your father," Napoleon suggested.

"Combat unit!" To Napoleon's surprise, Roland answered immediately without hesitation.

"Have you decided so quickly? Don't you want to think it over?" Napoleon was taken aback; such a life-altering decision would normally require much thought, and even he would not be so resolute.

"Are you really sure? You know that being in the combat unit means going to the front lines, and you might not always be as lucky as you were in Macken Village," Napoleon continued, mistaking Roland's determination for youthful fervor.

"I've made up my mind. Honestly, Uncle Napoleon, I've considered this issue a long time ago," Roland affirmed his choice.

"Good! Roland, you are truly my nephew, indeed courageous. A fellow like you should not be wasted in the logistics unit. From now on, follow me. I believe you will shine on the battlefield just like me. Hahaha!" Napoleon was very pleased with Roland's choice; he had not misjudged his nephew, who was a hero like himself.

"But Uncle Napoleon, if I am to join the combat unit, there is one issue," Roland couldn't help but remind an elated Napoleon.