Napoleon II remained silent for a few seconds, then shifted his gaze toward Charles-Louis.
"Speaking of the future," he said, "I am considering something 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 achievement."
Charles leaned forward a little. "You mean inviting foreign delegations to observe our factories?"
