Joy for Some, Sorrow for Others

December 10, 1788.

All of Paris shivered beneath the cold, dry wind, and the news of insufficient grain supplies arriving from other provinces from time to time made this winter seem colder still.

Only the news of victory in North Africa gave people a little cheer in this grueling winter.

The French people were on the eve of their national awakening, already able to share in their country's achievements and glory. For a time, every street and alley buzzed with lively discussion of the news.

When the Royal Guard Legion returned to its Paris base, crowds had already gathered outside the camp to welcome them with cheers and warm smiles.

Meanwhile, a grand victory celebration was also being held at Versailles Palace.

Joseph stepped wearily out of the rail carriage and immediately heard cheers crashing like a tsunami. Looking up, he saw thousands of nobles crowding both sides of the road across Versailles Palace Square, stretching all the way to the palace gates.

He rallied his spirits and waved to the crowd, immediately drawing another burst of enthusiastic cheers.

To be honest, he had spent more than half a month traveling from Tunisia to Paris, and what he wanted most now was to sleep for an entire day in a soft bed.

But Joseph also knew that people could not always do as they pleased. The occasions that demanded his attention still had to be dealt with.

He looked toward the carriage behind him. Berthier, Joanne, several agents from the Police Intelligence Division, and Hilada, who represented Tunisia, stepped out one after another.

They evidently had never experienced such a grand spectacle. They stood stunned for several seconds before the Master of Ceremonies' quiet urging brought them to their senses, and they hurried to stand behind the Crown Prince.

The