entanglements of the court in this vibrant era. The opening of the book sets the stage by depicting the joyous atmosphere of Lunéville in 1698 as Léopold returns to reclaim his ancestral duchy. Celebrations abound, highlighting the hope for a brighter future after decades of oppression and woe. Maugras introduces key characters, particularly Léopold, whose youthful charm endears him to the populace, and foreshadows his tumultuous relationships, notably with Madame de Craon, who becomes a significant influence in his life. This segment captures the essence of the court's dynamics and the shifting fortunes of both the land and its leaders, setting a rich context for the developments to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)