moonlit garden where a duel is taking place. The atmosphere is thick with tension as shadows move and a life is lost, highlighting the theme of conflict and mortality. Following this, we see Vaudreuil grappling with the weight of his experiences and memories, revealing a complex nature filled with both ambition and a yearning for freedom. As he embarks on a journey from the garden towards the sea, the narrative captures his emotional struggles and his relationships with those around him, including his servant Baptiste. The beginning sets a vivid stage for the unfolding adventure, marked by the Marquis's desire for both connection and escape, ensuring the reader is intrigued by what comes next. (This is an automatically generated summary.)