A grand banquet celebrating William III's birthday was underway in the Hall of Mirrors of Berlin's City Palace.
Not only had all the nobles of standing in Prussia arrived, but most of the countries in North Germany had also sent envoys to offer their congratulations.
Yet Queen of Prussia, who should have been one of the focuses of the banquet, left the hall early on the grounds that she had drunk too much.
However, she did not return to her bedroom to rest. Instead, she appeared in a reception room on the second floor.
Governor of Essens from France sat on the sofa in an exceptionally elegant pose, smiling at Queen Louise. "Actually, we could have discussed these matters over drinks in the banquet hall, Your Majesty."
Louise personally poured him a glass of Wine, then pushed three Bills of Exchange before him. "The music is too noisy. Some important matters are better discussed here."
Baron Trudaine picked up the Bills of Exchange and glanced at the total of 250,000 Thalers written on them. His expression did not change. "It seems I have a chance to be of service to Your Majesty regarding the Alphonse-Boutin Ironworks?"
"I would be deeply grateful."
Baron Trudaine pushed the Bills of Exchange back. "You know, I cannot spend these silver coins in Paris. If Your Majesty could exchange them for Francs, that would help me immensely.
"Oh, and half must be paid in advance. After all, this is no easy matter to handle."
Louise had not expected him to be so forceful. She could only lean forward and retrieve the Bills of Exchange.
"Very well, if you insist..."
She had barely spoken half a sentence when, from the corner of her eye, she noticed the Frenchman's gaze seemed to sweep over her chest.
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