In real history, our musketeer Monsieur D'Artagnan, renowned throughout France and abroad thanks to a writer of extraordinary talent, had, through Cardinal Mazarin's favor, already become the acting captain of a company of guards. But here, at a time when the King had begun to reveal his talents and Mazarin had appropriately yielded ground, that position of acting captain was given to Sébastien Vauban. Though young, he had already taken part in many campaigns, and his achievements were enough for Prince of Condé to summon him from Flanders to Paris and reward him—though, because of Vauban's loyalty to the King, the Prince could ultimately be said to have made a wedding dress for another. He was also exceedingly modest, so although he drew some envy, he did not provoke anything like the resentment Monsieur D'Artagnan had faced upon taking up the post.
D'Artagnan also understood perfectly well that his birth was ordinary and that he was a Gascon, utterly unlike most musketeers—as mentioned before, Gascons had always been seen as rebellious provincials. Thus, though he regretted failing to obtain the position, he did not brood over it too deeply. Perhaps it was precisely this innocent optimism that made the King close to him and willing to employ him, even though D'Artagnan's private conduct was truly open to endless criticism.
And Monsieur D'Artagnan, as he had done every time before, whether receiving orders from Cardinal Mazarin or His Majesty the King, accepted his assignment cheerfully, without the slightest reluctance. The King encouraged him with a few words and gave him a purse. "This is money for equipping yourself," Louis said. "There are one hundred Gold louis." The noble monarch paused with an unreadable expression. "If possible, I think you may require support from others as well."
D'Artagnan curled his neatly trimmed