December 20, 1848, 7:00 AM.
The continuous drizzle that lasted a day and a night finally ceased at 6 AM on the 20th, the clouds shrouding the sky over Paris dissipated, and the sky began to clear.
Even though Paris was already clear in the depths of winter, a slight chill could still be felt piercing through coats to the bone. To counteract this chill, Parisian middle-class and wealthy merchants added a wool lining to their formal attire. This allowed them to maintain their elegance while adding a bit of warmth.
Since today was Thursday, the people of Paris began another day of their diligent work.
Jerome Bonaparte, who was about to preside over Paris and indeed all of France, stood by the window dressed in a black fitted suit, wearing the Legion of Honor and the Great Shoulder Straps, gazing into the distance. The direction he looked was where the Bourbon Palace, which he was soon to visit, was located.
