Although Prussia has officially returned previously occupied areas such as Poznan and Gdansk Port to Poland, such hatred doesn't easily dissipate.
The master of ceremonies on stage continued to receive small balls from Prince Charles and then opened them for announcement: "The second group…
"The third group…
"Northwest Europe Division, the first group—Brunswick Team, Hesse Team, Bavaria Team, Thuringia Team!
"Second group—Holland Team, Flemish Team, Oldenburg Team, Cologne Team…"
Yes, this seemingly random drawing of groups had actually undergone some "backstage" interventions instructed by Joseph, ensuring every group had highlights—
Either the countries were arch-enemies, or it was a Catholic team vs. a Protestant team, or they were two sides that had recently fought fiercely on the battlefield.
Once the drawing ceremony ended, Joseph and his entourage returned to the Palace of Versailles, and it was not yet six o'clock in the afternoon.
