The rise of the Neo-Roman Empire sent shockwaves throughout Europe. What had started as a coup in Italy had transformed into a full-fledged resurgence of an empire long thought dead. France, fresh from its victories against the coalition, now faced a dangerous new adversary, one whose ambitions mirrored Napoleon's own.
The Gathering Storm
As Napoleon sat in his war council, maps sprawled before him, his generals debated the best course of action. Some argued for immediate intervention—France could not afford another powerful empire rising in the heart of Europe. Others advised caution, noting that war fatigue had set in among the French people, and France needed time to consolidate its own strength.
Napoleon, however, understood that time was no longer a luxury. General Vittorio Severus was not simply rebuilding Italy; he was assembling an army that could rival France's own. Reports from spies indicated that Severus had taken great interest in modern warfare. He had begun replicating stolen French technology, forming a war machine that, while still inferior, was rapidly growing more sophisticated.
The Rise of the Legions
In Rome, Severus wasted no time reforming his armies. Adopting the name of the legions of old, his forces were disciplined, well-equipped, and fueled by nationalist fervor. Factories in Milan and Naples churned out weapons and prototypes of crude tanks and aircraft, attempting to catch up with French innovations.
Propaganda spread throughout Italy, painting Severus as the true successor to the Caesars. The Mediterranean, once a French-controlled stronghold, now became a contested region as the Neo-Romans deployed fleets to challenge France's naval dominance.
A Diplomatic Standoff
Napoleon, seeking to avoid a premature war, attempted diplomacy. French envoys were sent to Rome, proposing an alliance rather than a conflict. Severus, however, saw through the offer. He did not want to stand beside Napoleon—he wanted to surpass him. In a dramatic display, he rejected the French delegation and proclaimed that Rome would reclaim its rightful place at the head of Europe, with or without France's cooperation.
The rejection was a clear sign that peace was impossible. Napoleon understood that war with the Neo-Roman Empire was now inevitable. The only question was when and where the first blow would land.
Preparing for War
In response, France began reinforcing its borders in the south. Garrisons in southern France were strengthened, and naval patrols in the Mediterranean were doubled. Napoleon ordered the acceleration of technological advancements, knowing that Severus would attempt to steal and replicate any new weapons. Engineers and scientists were pushed to develop even more advanced war machines, ensuring that France would always maintain the upper hand.
Meanwhile, France's allies watched with unease. Some, weary of constant war, hesitated to take sides. Others, particularly Austria and Spain, saw an opportunity. If the Neo-Roman Empire could weaken France, the balance of power in Europe would shift once more.
For now, an uneasy silence loomed over Europe. The world held its breath, waiting for the storm to break. In Paris and Rome, two titans prepared for the clash that would determine the future of the continent.
The battle for Europe was far from over. It had only just begun.