November 29, 1802.
Saint Petersburg.
The candles on the gilded chandelier atop the Winter Palace Saint George Hall were burning vigorously, casting a dazzling glow on the dense medals and sashes in the hall.
The court orchestra was not playing the usual soothing waltz for the banquet but had switched to the spirited "March of Peter the Great."
Indeed, only this tune could match the brilliant victory the Russian Army had recently achieved in Austria.
By the oak table near the window, three officers were drinking heartily, with more than half the wine bottle already emptied.
"I really envy you," remarked the gaunt-faced Major Igor, swirling his wine glass to the young man beside him, "entering Pest with His Majesty the Emperor, what an immense honor that must be."
Yes, just a month and a half ago, Alexander I personally went to Pest to attend the signing ceremony of the Austria-Hungary armistice agreement.
