In this episode of The Countdown of Monte Cristo, the narrative shifts to Paris—to the Tuileries Palace, where King Louis XVIII brushes off warnings of unrest in the south. As Villefort speeds toward the capital, we enter the king’s private study: a scene of philosophical jests, annotated poetry, and political blind spots.
The fate of Edmond Dantès is about to become entangled with the fate of France itself. Dumas reminds us: personal ruin often begins with someone else’s political comfort.
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King Louis XVIII hears Duke Blacas’ report of unrest brewing in the south
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Blacas urges surveillance in provinces known for Bonapartist loyalty
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The king, calm and quipping, prefers poetry to politics
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Dumas reveals a monarchy out of touch—with both its enemies and its consequences
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