The Fox of France

Chapter 393: The Coronation of the People's Chosen Ruler

If one were to speak of the will of God, it would manifest in such obvious ways that any scoundrel attempting to defy it would surely meet with failure. Thus, as the wooden gate swung open, Paulina, blessed by God, surged to the forefront, leaving those attempting to oppose the divine will, like the Englishman named Andy in the first lane, with his horse accidentally colliding with the one in the second lane. Though no accidents such as falling off the horse occurred, the Brit's speed was noticeably affected.

Furthermore, he found himself blocked by other horses, making acceleration and maneuvering difficult. Overcoming obstacles often relied on speed, and with the right velocity, clearing hurdles became significantly easier. Now, Andy had to exert considerable effort just to catch up, throwing the entire rhythm into disarray.

As for the Russian, Onegin, on the other side, he displayed considerable agility, avoiding collision with the seventh lane. However, in his effort to avoid contact, his rhythm was also disrupted. Thus, Paulina, familiar both with the track and her horse, had already gained a significant advantage after just the first lap.

Though Andy and Onegin eventually overcame the interference and caught up, the gap between them and Paulina had become quite evident, even widening—thanks to Paulina's inherent strength, especially on this particular track.

In the end, Paulina secured the championship in the equestrian obstacle race with absolute dominance.

In the subsequent speed racing and bi-directional discus competitions, Paulina once again claimed two championships, making her the most decorated individual in this Olympic Games. However, Paulina's legend came to a halt in the subsequent pistol shooting and rifle shooting competitions. Especially in the rifle event, where hitting the target with a score above five would secure the championship, Paulina mistakenly shot a nine. She couldn't even secure third place.

The final event of the Olympics was the marathon. Starting at the Shrine of the Ancestors and ending at the main Olympic venue, it covered a challenging distance of 42.195 kilometers. Surprisingly, many had signed up for this grueling event. Some even wore ancient Athenian military attire, carrying oxhide shields and short spears, turning a proper sports competition into a carnival.

However, these participants didn't run far, with most dropping out before even leaving Paris. When the athletes reached the outskirts of Paris, the original group of over a hundred dwindled to just over a dozen. But this wasn't the most embarrassing part; the most awkward aspect was that only two people persevered to the finish line. And, as per the tradition of future Olympics, there were three positions on the award podium.

With the conclusion of the marathon, all events in the Olympics came to an end, leaving only the closing ceremony. The closing ceremony followed the usual routine of future ceremonies: group exercises, various leaders giving speeches, and the mayor of the next Olympic host city... Oh, excuse me, they hadn't been chosen yet, so let's skip that part.

Of course, the closing remarks were reserved for the Pope and the ruling Bonaparte.

Firstly, the Pope expressed satisfaction with the successful and peaceful event, seeing it as in line with God's will, fostering confidence in a lasting European peace. He expressed confidence in Napoleon Bonaparte leading the French and European people into a golden age.

In the end, he stated that there was an important gift representing God to be entrusted to Napoleon Bonaparte.

After saying this, he gestured for Napoleon to come forward. Napoleon did so, and a bishop next to the Pope brought forward an exquisitely decorated box. The Pope opened it, revealing a crown inside.

"I, the servant of God, Pius VI, following God's will, now declare to confer upon Napoleon Bonaparte, the title of 'Emperor of the Romans.' Your Majesty Bonaparte, may God be with you."

While saying this, the Pope placed the crown on Napoleon's head.

At this moment, Napoleon seemed to react with surprise, saying, "Your Holiness, did you just turn the elected leader of the French Republic, the head of a democratically elected government, into an emperor? Are you sure..."

"God has already decided, let you be the Emperor of the Romans," the Pope said, "Besides, Your Majesty Bonaparte, you are the Emperor of the Romans by God's will. Do not doubt God's will. If God says so, it will come to pass. Just as God believes you can protect the devout Roman people."

"Since that is the case," Napoleon nodded, then turned around to address the astonished and excited crowd in the main stadium.

"I, Napoleon Bonaparte, the first elected leader of the French Republic, and anointed by God, the Emperor of the Romans. Today, I make the following commitment:

As the democratically elected first leader of the French Republic, I will continue to uphold the democratic system and republican form of government in France. I swear by God, France will always be a government belonging to the vast French people, a government dominated by the French people, and a government serving all the French people."

This statement, broadcasted through loudspeakers, reached everyone in the stadium, prompting cheers:

"Long live the First Leader! Long live France!"

"Long live democracy! Long live the republic!"

If it were Joseph speaking at this moment, he would surely wave to everyone and shout "Long live the people." However, Napoleon, not being a time traveler, refrained from engaging in such mimicry. Although he gestured for everyone to quiet down, he did not utter the phrase "Long live the people."

Once the cheers gradually subsided, Napoleon spoke again:

"At the same time, as the anointed one of God, Emperor of the Romans, I would like everyone to ponder a question: What is Rome? Who are the Romans?

What is Rome? Is it Virgil's poetry? Is it Pliny's 'Naturalis Historia'? Is it the Twelve Tables? Is it Diophantus's algebra?

Rome is the sum of all these, Rome is civilization, exploration, law, and freedom. Rome is human civilization!

So, what are the Romans? Anyone who aspires to seek the truth, follows the law, and pursues freedom, they are all Romans.

Ladies and gentlemen, I believe this is why God bestowed upon me the immensely honorable title of Emperor of the Romans and why, as the first leader of the French Republic, I, in my capacity, accept the crown of the Romans. Long live Rome, long live human civilization."