The Death Knell of the Adulterer

Although Louis XVI's birthday had passed, the temporary suspension of the dress code remained in effect at Versailles Palace Square over the following days, so many Paris citizens still came to sing, dance, enjoy themselves, or watch free plays.

Small vendors also gathered there, all hoping to seize this last opportunity to earn a few more coins.

People chatted about what they had seen and heard over the past few days, their lively laughter keeping the warmth of the celebrations alive.

The royal families and dignitaries from various countries, meanwhile, were freed from the earlier round of tedious ceremonial activities and finally had time to enjoy Paris properly. Eden Amusement Park and other attractions welcomed another surge of visitors.

At 8:40 p.m., Madam Galan arrived at her music hall, looking relaxed and delighted, ready to begin that evening's musical salon.

By leveraging the influence brought by the King's birthday celebrations, she had become a highly sought-after musical master at Versailles Palace. Her salon had become a musical "holy land" that aristocrats and celebrities competed to attend. Without some real standing, one could not even get through the music room's doors.

Although Godoy's status was low, he had fortunately begun attending the salon relatively early and possessed solid musical skills. With Luisa spending several hundred livres to smooth his way, he had managed to retain a place there.

When several servants arranging the instruments saw the Crown Princess of Spain enter the hall with her guard, they exchanged discreet nods, then turned to check the balcony's position and adjusted the guitarist's raised chair slightly.

Following Luisa, Godoy bowed respectfully to Madam Galan and offered a few compliments before a footman led him to his seat among the performers. Luisa, meanwhile, was taken to the elevated seats for distinguished guests opposite them.