The conductor of the Court Orchestra swept his hand up with force, and Bach's First Orchestral Suite ended amid its lingering notes.
Joseph walked toward the edge of the floor, while Sophie was still muttering beside him:
"There were rumors that Madame Adelaide even fell in love with one of her guards, but His Majesty Louis XV sent the man off to some remote mountain region with four thousand livres.
"Later, that poor woman desperately saved up a dowry for herself so that she might have a marriage. Now she does have a great sum of money, but her youth has already faded..."
Joseph escorted her back to the circle of noble young ladies, then returned to Archbishop Brienne's side.
"Your Highness, your dancing truly grows more outstanding by the day."
"Indeed. That turn just now even had Viscount Lejeune full of praise."
"Your Highness's steps perfectly matched the soul of the music..."
Brienne and the others first went through the usual round of compliments.
However, it was truly difficult to find any shining points in the Crown Prince's dancing, so everyone soon turned the topic back to serious matters.
Mirabeau spoke first. "Your Highness, regarding the improvement of public order in the Rhineland, I have thought of the 'Star of France.'
"And as the opening date is close at hand, I believe we could set the finals in Cologne and increase the prize money, in order to divert the people's attention."
Joseph nodded slightly.
"Happy Therapy" had always been an effective means of dealing with riots.
If the people were all busy paying attention to singing and dancing competitions, they would naturally neglect smashing, looting, and robbing. Especially when they could fill their bellies—wouldn't earning legitimate prize money smell sweet?
However, Joseph immediately thought again that the cornerstone of