The Fox of France

While most French people chose to return to France by sea, one Frenchman opted to journey to St. Petersburg alongside the Russians. This individual was Victor Treveil. Having departed from the Ministry of Truth, he now stood as a member of the newly formed non-governmental organization in France—the French Olympic Committee. Rumors whispered, however, suggesting he still received a special allowance from the Ministry of Truth.

Victor's forthcoming task involved traveling across Europe with the Olympic flame, not just to safeguard it but also to advocate the "Olympic spirit." As planned by the French Olympic Committee, he would liaise with local media, encouraging the establishment of their own "Olympic committees" and ultimately gather them into an organization—the International Olympic Committee, transcending nations, beliefs, and races to pursue unity for all mankind.

His initial duty led Victor to Russia, where he aimed to persuade the Tsar and other influential nobles to support this proposal and permit the creation of a non-governmental "Russian Olympic Committee."

Prepared by the Russians was a four-wheeled carriage for Victor. However, considering the local road conditions, he preferred riding on horseback.

The Russians had no qualms about this slight request from their guest. Hence, General Bagration instructed his adjutant to offer his horse to Victor, replacing his ride with the duty of guarding the flame. He then, torch in hand, rode alongside Victor.

Mounting the horse, Victor displayed adept horsemanship. Having received some equestrian training in his youth and further rigorous training in Toulon and elsewhere, his equestrian skills were impressive. His swift mounting drew cheers from the Russian cavalry officers surrounding him.

Victor noted that most of these officers were young nobles, clearly interested in the Olympic flame.

Interestingly, while the Catholic faith differed significantly from the Eastern Orthodox faith in France, in acknowledging the divinity of Jesus, they found common ground. Hence, General Bagration's statement carried persuasive weight, deterring further debate on the matter among the French.

Quickly changing the subject, Victor inquired about the weather in the north of Russia.

"I've heard that in Moscow, during winter, it gets so cold that if someone goes out without a hat and stays outside for a bit, they can rub their ears and have them come off—is it really that cold?" Victor asked.

"Who told you that?" General Bagration frowned slightly. "Moscow is indeed cold, but not to that extent. Some of our cavalrymen are from Moscow; do you see any missing ears among them? But compared to the warmth of Paris, Moscow winters are indeed severe. For instance—have you heard of the 'tin epidemic'?"

"The one Aristotle mentioned?" Victor queried.

"Yes, precisely. A couple of years ago, someone brought me a tin-made flask from Europe—well, given the cold here in Russia, men often enjoy a sip or two—during one winter, I took this flask with me while sledding, and guess what happened?"

"What happened?" Victor asked.

"The tin flask bulged on its own, turning from silver to grey, and soon, these grey spots expanded until the entire tin flask turned into a pile of ash. Seems this problem only occurs in extremely cold places."

"Really? I have buttons on this coat made of tin. Would they turn to powder in Moscow?" Victor joked.

"No, no, not in summer. Moscow summers are quite pleasant, actually."

"In that case, if I ever travel to Moscow in winter, I'll have to avoid wearing clothes with tin buttons. Otherwise, I might freeze without any buttons," Victor chuckled.

As they rode side by side and conversed, by the time they reached General Bagration's encampment, they had transitioned to addressing each other informally using "you."