The news of victory reached Paris, and the City Defense Headquarters erupted in cheers. The staff eagerly embraced Shire, and people from the rear rushed forward to shake his hand.
Shire's gaze searched the crowd for Gallieni, but he couldn't find him.
Major Fernan answered, "The General is being questioned in the House of Representatives. I'll go tell him the good news!"
...
When Gallieni returned from the House of Representatives, he had a smile on his face.
This was rare for the usually stoic Gallieni.
His familiar staff knew that even when the German Army was repelled, Gallieni merely commented, "They realized Paris is just a place filled with exhaust fumes, dirty water, and garbage."!
However, today he wore a smile, lightening the usually oppressive atmosphere of the headquarters, like opening the windows of a long-sealed room and letting in fresh air with the scent of flowers.
