Bavaria West.
In the suburbs of Neidlingen, a line of knights holding dolphin and iris banners passed along the muddy road. Behind them was the convoy of the Crown Prince of France, surrounded by a large number of guards.
Inside the carriage, Joseph rubbed his sore shoulders and turned to look out the window at the ancient town. This place was a famous battlefield during the Thirty Years' War, the Neidlingen battle, but with the passage of time, it had now returned to serenity and peace.
The blonde girl sitting opposite him saw his movement and hurriedly stood up, whispering:
"Your Highness, allow me to give you a massage."
Joseph was startled, mainly because he had never been afforded such attentive service during previous long journeys, but he quickly nodded and smiled:
"That would be very kind of you."
