Though he had long been prepared, Count Széchenyi was still stunned by the spectacle that night. All manner of luxurious carriages filled the entire square, and even out in the frigid winter air, he could smell the scent of expensive perfume.
Royals and heads of government from various countries, dressed in splendid formal attire and under the tight protection of guards, entered first. They were followed by the great nobles of the Austrian Empire, then the Empire's high-ranking officials and Vienna's local celebrities.
Last came the musicians and music critics.
As for the ordinary ticket-buying audience, they had to enter in advance, mainly for safety reasons. On one hand, it avoided congestion; on the other, it made screening easier.
Of course, there was also the intention of having the ordinary audience serve as the atmosphere crew.
To be honest, although Franz himself had little appreciation for music, he was quite looking forward to this concert. After all, it counted as witnessing history.
Yet Franz had barely taken his seat when Bordeaux came running in, flustered.
Franz instinctively looked toward the emergency exit. It sounded absurd, but it was not impossible that someone might use this opportunity to make trouble for the Royal Opera House.
But Bordeaux's next words made Franz's scalp tingle.
"Your Majesty, His Majesty the Tsar has arrived."
"Holy fucking shit!"
Franz burst out with a curse. Yes, the news was simply too explosive; even he had never expected it.
The Radetzky March had already begun onstage, and Nicholas I had already arrived before Franz.
"Oh, my dear son-in-law, and His Majesty the Emperor of the West Roman Empire."
Nicholas I spread his arms and embraced Franz tightly, and the latter immediately slipped into character.
"God bless. What wind has blown Your Majesty, the great Emperor of the