Joseph nodded, held the girl's slender fingers, said another round of farewells, and only then turned and climbed into the carriage.
Eman signaled for the Royal Guards to set out. Only then did Camellia and several maids come trotting over from the distance, carrying the Crown Prince's clothes chests, cooking utensils, and the like—things she had brought from Paris earlier.
Joseph watched as the young maid packed the items into the carriage behind them. He hesitated for a moment, only to see the young doctor walk lightly over to the carriage and wink at her. "His Highness will be in your care for this period of time."
"Mm. Please rest assured, I will make His Highness's life just as it is in Versailles Palace." The young maid nodded seriously and embraced Perna. "I hope the war ends soon, and then everyone can return to Versailles Palace."
The carriage had only just begun to move when a rapid clatter of hooves came from the road to the north. A carriage came racing over, then was stopped by a squad of the Crown Prince's guards.
Mr. Fouche got down first, followed by a tense-looking Sander.
The two came before Joseph, and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau bowed first. "Your Highness, I brought Mr. Sander here. We arrived in Brussels at noon, and only afterward learned that you had already set out."
Sander also hurried forward and bowed. "Esteemed Your Highness..."
Joseph glanced at the marching column that had already gone far ahead, then gestured to the two of them. "Get in. We'll talk as we go."
The guards raised the Crown Prince's Flag, fluttering in the wind, and escorted the convoy as it set off once more.
Inside Joseph's carriage, Sander pressed both hands to his chest and said to Joseph