Joseph put on a mysterious air. "It is a device capable of providing a continuous, controllable electric current."
"H-how is that possible?" Coulomb exclaimed. "Wouldn't that mean lightning could be recreated in a laboratory?"
As far as he knew, lightning was the only continuous electric current in the world; everything humanity could produce was merely static electricity.
Yet the Crown Prince had just told him they were to design some kind of "battery" that could provide a continuous current.
"You may regard it as a weak form of lightning. In fact, controllability and measurability will be our focus from now on."
Coulomb could no longer contain himself. He bowed, then headed for the door. "Your Highness, I shall go to the laboratory at once..."
The next day.
Joseph went to inspect the Third Laboratory's progress. He had only just returned to Versailles Palace when he saw Talleyrand arrive to request an audience, accompanied by several Russians.
After thinking it over, he recalled that the tall man at the front seemed to be Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bezborodko. He could not help but feel surprised.
There should not have been any major matter at this time. What had brought him here?
Could Catherine II have suffered a stroke early and gone to see God?
Only when Bezborodko smiled and placed a hand over his chest in salute did he finally breathe a sigh of relief. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Count Bezborodko. Welcome to Paris."
"His Majesty the Tsar asked me to bring you some gifts, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Bezborodko bowed again and gestured toward the boxes carried by the servants behind him. "I hope they please you."
"Please convey my thanks to His Majesty." Joseph nodded in return, casually picking up a set of