Napoleon II stepped forward and closed the distance between his father and the men waiting a few paces back. They had not moved during the demonstrations. They had watched in silence, hands folded, posture precise. All wore dark coats cut in the new industrial style like in the late nineteenth century.
"These gentlemen," Napoleon II said, "are not newcomers."
He turned slightly and gestured to the first man on his right.
"Étienne Laforge. Director of Manufacture Laforge et Fils."
The man bowed once, shallow but respectful.
"Your Majesty."
Napoleon II continued. "His foundries supplied barrel steel to the Grand Armée during the Italian campaigns. At Marengo. At Ulm. At Austerlitz."
Napoleon I studied Laforge more closely now. The man's hands were clean, but the knuckles were scarred.
"I remember the name," Napoleon I said. "Your barrels were reliable."
"We improved the process since then," Laforge replied evenly. "We had to."
Napoleon II moved to the next man.
