Chapter 533: The King's Patent
Joseph continued reading the Paris High Court's judgment regarding Lavoisier and finally let out a sigh of relief—15 years in prison. At least it wasn't the death penalty, as imposed by the Jacobins during the French Revolution.
Indeed, Lavoisier's crimes didn't warrant such severe punishment. During the Revolution, when only "innocence" or "execution" were possible outcomes, the father of modern chemistry tragically lost his life.
But now, Joseph found himself in a dilemma. Lavoisier couldn't be sent to prison—not yet. His leadership was crucial for projects like the soda ash factory and the coal tar refinery. Without him, these critical ventures would grind to a halt.
"Looks like I'll have to make an exception and bail him out," Joseph thought. He glanced at the fine imposed—1.2 million livres.
His brows furrowed. After paying such a heavy fine, Lavoisier likely wouldn't have enough left for bail. This left Joseph with no choice but to seek a royal pardon from his father.
Why would someone as wealthy as Lavoisier resort to such petty fraud? Joseph pondered this question when a knock at the door interrupted him.
"Your Highness, Baron Breteuil requests an audience," Éman announced softly from outside.
"Let him in."
The Minister of Justice entered, followed by a bespectacled, middle-aged man.
After exchanging pleasantries, Breteuil introduced the man, "Your Highness, this is Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, a prosecutor from the Paris judiciary.
"He has long been dedicated to improving the efficiency of executions, and through tireless efforts, he has invented a new guillotine model."
Hearing this, Guillotin stepped forward eagerly. Opening the box he carried, he revealed a detailed model of the guillotine. Smiling broadly, he explained, "Your Highness, our current method of beheading is inefficient and often causes undue suffering to the condemned. Moreover, executioners are so highly paid that their salaries rival those of city commissioners.
"So, with the help of an experienced German craftsman, I developed this guillotine.
"This machine can significantly increase execution efficiency. Given the high volume of executions happening at Place du Louvre, it would be the perfect opportunity to deploy it."
Guillotin picked up the model, showcasing the rectangular frame with a sharp blade suspended in the middle. Joseph sighed inwardly. History's relentless inertia.
The guillotine had arrived, right on schedule.
He recalled that, in history, Guillotin had presented this invention to King Louis XVI. In this alternate timeline, it seemed fate had redirected the device toward him.
It made sense. Breteuil was Joseph's appointee, and the judiciary operated under his authority. A revolutionary invention like this, transforming justice and execution, would naturally be brought to him first.
To contemporaries, the guillotine was groundbreaking—a technological marvel akin to the advent of precision CNC machines in later centuries. Presenting it to the "big boss" was only logical.
Guillotin lifted the blade on the model, placed a cucumber in the wooden slot to simulate a neck, and pulled the lever.
The blade dropped with a dull "clunk."
Embarrassingly, it didn't slice through the cucumber completely but got stuck about two-thirds of the way down.
Sweating profusely, Guillotin quickly reset the blade. Offering a sheepish grin, he said, "Your Highness, just a minor malfunction. Please, let me try again…"
Joseph noticed the blade had a flat edge—a flawed design prone to such issues. He almost suggested the iconic angled blade improvement, which would complete the device as history remembered it.
But then, he paused.
Why not let his father take the credit? The improvement would bolster the king's sense of contribution and involvement in state affairs—a role he seldom played.
"His Majesty has a keen interest in mechanical engineering," Joseph said. "He might provide invaluable insights for your invention."
He decided he'd also take the opportunity to secure Lavoisier's pardon.
One Hour Later
Louis XVI examined the guillotine model with fascination. After a while, he grabbed a pen and paper, sketching furiously.
Following several revisions, he presented Guillotin with the design for an angled-blade guillotine.
Guillotin was stunned. His astonishment quickly turned to genuine admiration, and he showered the king with praise.
The admiration was sincere. For someone to see a complex invention for the first time and immediately suggest improvements equivalent to a new generation of the device—it was extraordinary.
To further support the project, Louis XVI provided a grant of 50,000 livres to construct prototype guillotines.
Breteuil eagerly proposed testing the prototypes at Place du Louvre.
After the Minister of Justice and Guillotin departed, Louis XVI, still brimming with excitement, turned to Joseph.
"Joseph, I hear you've been arresting many corrupt tax farmers lately?"
"Yes, Father," Joseph replied, slightly surprised. His father, usually engrossed in his workshops, was rarely this informed about political affairs.
"These people are deeply harmful," Joseph continued. "Their greed has stifled France's growth and stability. You can tell how much harm they've done just by watching the crowds cheer during their executions."
Joseph half-expected his father to plead for leniency on behalf of the tax farmers. Known for his soft heart, Louis XVI often struggled to refuse those who sought his help.
Instead, Louis XVI clapped him on the shoulder, pride shining in his eyes.
"My dear Joseph, you've grown into an extraordinary leader. To reform the tax system and bring these villains to justice—what you've accomplished for the nation and its people is truly remarkable. I dare say, no other crown prince in Europe could rival your excellence. Your mother and I are immensely proud of you. Thank God for such a son!"
Though Louis XVI was often dismissed as a poor administrator, he was far from unintelligent. He recognized the profound impact of his son's actions on France's future.
After a pause, he added, "And now, with my improved guillotine, I've contributed to your efforts in a small way. Together, we're building a better France."
Joseph smiled. "Indeed, Father, your invention will play a crucial role."
Though inwardly, Joseph noted that history might not record the guillotine as the king's proudest legacy.
After some discussion about the tax reform, Louis XVI suddenly lit up.
"Joseph, come with me to the workshop. I've finally completed a prototype of the rifled musket you suggested. Now, you must tell me how to double its rate of fire!"
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