Chapter 870: Chapter 8 French Style_3
Mr. Samson indeed had many topics that could serve as conversation starters.
Louis also beca interested in Samson and carefully asked: “When you fix the head of a condemned criminal in the wooden slot, what kind of feeling is that?”
When it ca to professional matters, Samson visibly cald down and explained thoroughly: “That is handled by my assistant. He first shaves the criminal’s hair, then places a basket below, and the head and body would drop into it one after the other. My job is to ensure the preparations are done swiftly and well. Once everything is ready, I release the rope carrying the blade, and the condemned is beheaded.”
Great Dumas further inquired: “So… after being decapitated, does the criminal still feel any pain?”
Samson took a sip of coffee and nodded: “Yes, sir. His face would still twitch, and his eyes would keep moving, the entire head appearing to be raging with fury. However, there was one exception. It was in 1793, when I was still my father’s assistant. We were ordered to execute Louis XVI. Our entire family deeply revered His Majesty the King, but they forced us to do it.
After the execution, the supervisor ordered to display the King’s head to the crowd to prove its authenticity. My legs were trembling with fear, but I still had to do it. I gritted my teeth, grabbed the King’s hair, and lifted the head.
Everyone present saw it, that handso face remained so peaceful, noble, without any signs of distortion or anger. My father suddenly collapsed in fright, fortunately I was beside him and supported him.
I saw his expression of terror and tears of sorrow, so I quickly used my body to shield his face. Because I knew, if the authorities saw his reaction, both of us would be sent to the gallows.”
Arthur couldn’t help but ask after hearing this: “It seems being an executioner is indeed a tornt for a person. Have you never thought of changing careers to do sothing else?”
Samson looked at the kind British gentleman and confessed: “I have thought about it. I once wanted to join the army, beco a soldier, and then a general. But my father told that society holds deep prejudices against people in our line of work, making it hard for to succeed in the army, so I eventually gave up. However, there’s nothing particularly bad about being an executioner. My father told that at least our family has carried this duty for generations, and we haven’t heard of anyone coming forth to accuse us.”
Victor interjected: “Your father should have added: ‘Except for those who have been beheaded, they’ll complain.’
Samson was a bit annoyed upon hearing this: “Please don’t joke, Mr. Victor, I was talking about a historical issue!”
Victor pursed his lips: “Not entirely.”
Samson continued: “My father was just an ordinary person, he acted according to his lifelong habits. He wasn’t particularly good nor bad and hadn’t seen much of the world. Unlike , he didn’t know what socializing was about at all.
Seeing that Samson seed genuinely upset, Victor tactfully changed the topic: “Arthur, Alexander, you have yet to introduce to the gentleman beside you. Samson has shared his legendary experience, and I’m also interested in this gentleman’s story.”
Arthur and Great Dumas exchanged glances and almost simultaneously said: “Are you sure you want to hear it?”
Victor, even more intrigued, raised his coffee cup and asked: “Does he harbor so kind of unspeakable secret from Britain?”
Arthur picked up a napkin and wiped his mouth: “Not exactly, but as far as I know, he is said to be born in the Palace of Versailles.”
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