It is a sunny day in Paris. A number of little birds are chirping on the balcony, a gentle breeze is blowing, and there isn't a cloud in the sky. The city streets are full again. People are discussing the latest news. The Third Coalition War has begun. Great Britain, Austria, Russia, Naples, and Sweden have once again declared war on the Empire. And as always, their emperor is thrashing the enemies.

Alexander looks out the window. This is already the third time such a major war has broken out. For his own motherland, this will likely be another defeat. Just a few years ago, he served the Grand Duke of Russia, who has since become Tsar again. Even then, he had noticed that his country was not in a good position militarily against France.

He lets out a deep sigh and walks to the table where his violin lies. He tunes his violin to play a piece. He has to perform again tomorrow.

He laughs as he plays. A cheerful laugh that hasn't left his face for ages. He learned from his Tsar to always laugh, even when the whole world is against you.

Then he heard a stone clatter against the window. He stopped playing immediately and stood up. He walked to the window and opened it, looking for the person who had thrown the stone.