I am the Crown Prince of France

Joseph knew better than anyone that in history, it was London that turned gas street lamps into its calling card, boosting Britain's image and attracting talent and investment from around the world. Of course, this was also built on Britain's wealth and favorable investment environment. But there's no doubt that the London gas lamp project significantly accelerated Britain's development.

Now, Joseph planned to bring this big trend to France!

He continued to paint a vivid picture for Queen Marie Antoinette: "You can imagine, Paris, which used to fall asleep as soon as it got dark, will now be full of life under the glow of gas lamps. People will continue to go out at night, and shops will extend their business hours, resulting in higher income.

"At the same time, crimes like theft and robbery, which often happen under the cover of darkness, will be greatly reduced under the streetlights.

"Paris will become more prosperous, safer, and more attractive!"

There were also some benefits of gas street lamps that Joseph hadn't mentioned to Queen Marie Antoinette.

For example, once widely used, the cost of lighting would be much lower than candles and oil lamps, allowing more people to use them and improving their quality of life.

Moreover, affordable and bright lighting would extend factory operation hours. In simple terms, it would allow workers to work overtime.

Overtime, something most people despise today, was a huge leap in productivity in the late 18th century!

With the same factory and the same workers, I can produce 30% more than you, creating a production and cost advantage equivalent to a major technological breakthrough.

Of course, this would bring about worker health issues, which would need government legislation to address. Otherwise, with the ruthlessness of capitalists in this era, they would undoubtedly push workers to work 24 hours a day.

Lastly, gas lamps require large-scale gas production, which would boost the coal industry, and the by-product, coal tar, would drive the development of organic chemistry.

That's why Joseph placed such importance on this industry, planning the installation ceremony with the Queen in attendance. Once Paris is fully equipped with gas street lamps, he would use this momentum to host a "World Expo," catapulting Paris to the top of Europe's major cities!

When Queen Marie Antoinette heard how important a simple lamp could be, she immediately agreed:

"Alright, my dear, I'll definitely attend your ceremony."

"Thank you! You're truly the best mother in the world!" Joseph grabbed a nearby pastry and fed it to the Queen.

She smiled as she chewed, her eye catching a script lying nearby—she was a theater enthusiast, not only loving to watch plays but often performing herself. The script was for the second part of Battle Through the Heavens, which her troupe was preparing to perform.

The Queen suddenly remembered last night's events, and an idea popped into her head.

She turned to Joseph with a smile: "My dear, the lead actor in my troupe is sick. I think you'd be the perfect replacement—after all, my Prince is far more handsome than any actor!"

Hearing this, Joseph's face instantly fell. Not only did he dislike acting, but rehearsing and performing would also take up a lot of time. He had a pile of work waiting for him.

However, his mother had just agreed to attend the gas lamp ceremony. If he refused, it would seem ungrateful...

"Uh..." Joseph hesitated. "But we're only talking about one performance, right..."

As he spoke, his eyes caught the title of the script, and his heart sank. Battle Through the Heavens? If I'm the lead, does that mean I have to play Hunter Xiao? This character is so over-the-top—just getting through the first act without cringing to death would be a miracle...

He immediately shook his head. "This one won't work. Maybe another play next time."

But the Queen held onto him: "My dear, would you really refuse to help your helpless mother?"

"It's not that, it's just this script..."

"My birthday is coming up soon," the Queen played her trump card, "and this play is scheduled for that day. Couldn't you help fulfill my birthday wish?"

Joseph felt a headache coming on. With his mother putting it that way, how could he refuse...

He sighed in resignation. "Alright, fine."

"Wonderful, my dear!" The Queen hugged him tightly. "I'll invite all the nobles at Versailles to watch. I'm sure you'll give a brilliant performance!"

"Invite all the nobles?"

Joseph was taken aback. He knew his mother was exaggerating—a single theater couldn't hold that many people—but those invited by the Queen would certainly be influential nobles.

Hmm, this could be an opportunity. He thought to himself. Although the production lines for soda and casein glue weren't ready yet, it wouldn't hurt to advertise artificial board furniture and soda beverages in advance.

With the most distinguished nobles of Versailles gathered, they could create a massive ripple effect.

During the time before the product launch, he could also play on the scarcity angle. By the time the products hit the market, they'd sell like crazy.

Oh, and he'd have his mother endorse them too.

With that thought, the grim look on his face faded, replaced by a smile as he turned to the Queen:

"Dear mother, I've decided what to give you for your birthday. It's going to be some fantastic furniture..."

"Furniture?"

…

North Africa.

Tunisia.

Manuel Jacques de Chanel stepped off the gangplank, feeling much steadier on his feet now that he was on solid ground—the constant swaying at sea had nearly killed him.

After a moment, his servant Victor led his prized Gallic horse down from the transport ship. The poor animal seemed seasick too, with frothy spit still clinging to its mouth.

"Alright, the hardship is over!" Chanel grabbed the reins, raising his arms triumphantly. "Tunisia shall witness the arrival of its hero!"

He glanced back at the several hundred nobles who had traveled with him and ordered his servant: "Matthew, go buy some top-quality oats nearby. Bolt needs to be nursed back to health. I'm going to ask where the gathering point is."

But Matthew held out his hand pitifully. "Sir, I only have 1 livre and 6 sous left. I'm afraid I won't be able to buy much..."

Chanel frowned. He had financed his own trip to Tunisia to join the army, hoping to earn land and glory for his family. Ever since the Prince's speech, it had become fashionable for young nobles to go to the front lines. Noble ladies would ask young men, "Why haven't you gone to win glory with your sword?"

Reluctantly, Chanel handed over ten silver coins to his servant. "Go on, then. Be careful with the quality—don't let anyone cheat you."

From the time he left Paris until he arrived here, he had already spent 140 livres.

(End of Chapter)

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