By early June, the sun had become more diligent, bathing the whole world in bright light and leaving people feeling lighter and happier. The temperature had warmed considerably as well; the fireplaces in Versailles Palace no longer crackled, and the young ladies had even changed into thin dresses that better showed off their figures.
The first Senate meeting in France was being held in the golden Conference Hall.
Since all Senate seats had been designated by Joseph and the previous Cabinet's administrative framework was already in place, it quickly began operating.
At the head of the conference table, Joseph pinned a Medal of Distinguished Service to Archbishop Brienne's chest and said sincerely, "Thank you for your enormous contributions to France, and for your absolute loyalty to the nation. I believe that all French officials in the future will take you as their example."
Brienne bowed with some emotion. After taking a deep breath, he said thickly, "Your Highness, being able to serve you has been the proudest achievement of my life!
"As long as you have need of me, I will always be ready to heed your commands."
Just moments earlier, Joseph had formally accepted Brienne's request for retirement, granting him the status of Prince Archbishop as well as a Medal of Distinguished Service. In truth, Brienne had submitted his resignation as early as the beginning of the year due to his advanced age, but Joseph had kept him on until now in order to establish the Two Chambers smoothly.
However, he did not know that in another history, he had been arrested by the National Convention for treason six years earlier and had suffered a fatal stroke under brutal interrogation.
Over the years, as Chief Minister, he had consistently worked with Joseph on every reform. His abilities were fairly