At the upper deck, they had a clear view of the entire exposition grounds.
The wind was stronger at that height, steady and cool. Guards positioned themselves along the perimeter railing, leaving the central span open for the Imperial family.
Napoleon II stepped forward first.
Below them, the exposition stretched in geometric order. Long exhibition halls formed parallel lines. Smoke drifted from demonstration engines in controlled plumes. Rail tracks cut clean paths between industrial pavilions. The crowd moved in currents along designated corridors, thousands of figures reduced to motion and color.
To the west, beyond the main grounds, stood the newly constructed palace in the Gardens of the Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot.
Its façade was broad and symmetrical, framed by iron supports concealed behind stone cladding. Glass vaulted over its central nave, catching the afternoon light. Flags of participating nations hung from evenly spaced columns along the front.
