Chapter 149 - The Sovereign Decree
One month later, the grand golden salon of the Élysée Palace in Paris was bathed in the warm, glorious light of a spring morning.
The President of the French Republic stood at the head of the historical council table, flanked by the Minister of Justice, the Minister of the Armed Forces, and the Chief of Staff of the French Foreign Legion.
Noah and Sophie stood in the center of the Persian carpet, wearing tailored formal clothing: Noah in a sharp dark blazer, his glasses sparkling; Sophie in an elegant ivory dress, holding her beloved plush bunny.
Ethan and I stood behind them, our hands laced tightly together, our hearts overflowing with an unshakeable, profound peace.
The military aide stepped forward, carrying a red velvet cushion holding two miniature rosettes of the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur—the nation’s highest civilian and military distinction.
"By authority of the French Republic," the President announced, his voice echoing off the gilded 18th-century moldings, "in recognition of the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service of Commandant Hélène de Saint-Germain, and the exemplary fortitude of her lawful heirs."
The President knelt before Sophie, pinning the tiny rosette to her collar with gentle reverence.
"Mademoiselle Sophie," the President smiled warmly. "Your mother was a hero of this nation. Her courage lives in you."
Sophie looked up at the President, curtsying gracefully. "Thank you, Monsieur le Président. My mother gave us her boots."
The President chuckled softly, then pinned the second medal onto Noah’s lapel.
"Monsieur Noah," the President said, shaking the ten-year-old’s small hand with genuine, executive respect. "The Republic owes your family a debt that can never be fully repaid. The Saint-Germain ancestral territories in Normandy and the Alps are hereby recognized as permanently sovereign under the guardianship of Victoria and Ethan Vance."
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The President handed me the official parchment decree bearing the Grand Seal of France.
"You fought for your children, Madame Vance," the President said softly, taking my hand in both of his. "And in doing so... you reminded this nation what family actually means."
