Everyone craned their necks toward one direction. The city was utterly silent, save for the occasional chirp of birds.
Golden Iris flags hung from the windows of every building. The nobles' were embroidered in silk, while the poor cut Fleur-de-lis patterns from paper painted gold. The streets seemed to surge with a sea of golden flowers.
The instant brilliant sunlight swept over the tip of Notre-Dame de Paris's bell tower, a tsunami-like roar suddenly erupted from the far end of King's Road. Then the Court Orchestra struck up the impassioned The Song of Departure.
"He's here! The great Child of Divine Grace!"
The cry was like a spark falling into an oil barrel. The thousands lining both sides of the road exploded into frenzy, nearly descending into religious ecstasy as they shouted desperately, "Long live His Highness the Crown Prince!"
"May God bless France's God of War!"
"Louis! Louis who conquers all!"
First came the Guard Grenadier Battalion, riding past in Bearskin Caps and holding their military banners high. Then the Crown Prince appeared at the end of the road, dressed in a Hussar officer's uniform and a dark-blue cloak. His handsome features now carried a little more composure and majesty as he smiled and waved to the crowd.
Everyone began shoving madly forward. The nimble climbed the roadside trees, while children were lifted overhead by their parents.
Fortunately, the Paris Police and the Intelligence Bureau were working together desperately to maintain order. Otherwise, a stampede could have broken out at any moment.
No wonder the people were so excited.
This time, France had faced the siege of several hundred thousand enemy troops. Every Parisian had seen entire formations of recruits boarding trains for the front almost every day, making it clear just how fierce the fighting had been.
Even