#Mariinsky Palace

[avrelia]

I watched RRR over the weekend, and beyond how awesome it was, one moment was the most surprising. Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv behind the dancing people in Naatu Naatu. I couldn’t’ believe it the great Indian blockbuster and Kyiv? A huge Bolliwood dance number in front of the residence of the Ukrainian president? Seems unlikely. But this is the age when unlikely stuff happens. Especially when Ukraine is concerned. It was indeed filmed in front of Mariinsky Palace.

The reason for this unexpected filming location was COVID and related travel restrictions. It was being filmed in 2021, and Indian actors couldn’t go to UK, while UK actor couldn’t go to India, so the production team started looking for middle ground, and found it in Ukraine. As Mariinsky Palace is the official residence of the Ukrainian president, it was not considered as a filming location, but the director S. S. Rajamoulifell in love with it, and eventually, the arrangements were made.

So lots of non-Indian dancers and extras you see there are not British, but Ukrainian. The movie also used other filming locations and movie studio in Ukraine, but they are not as instantly recognizable.

More on the palace

More on filming

[simplicius-simplicissimus]

St. Petersburg: A stroll through the city

[mothmvn]

hmm. i think it's time to rewatch season 1 of doctor who empathising primarily with the 9th doctor rather than rose for a change

[rnope-c1e]

LMAO

Oh what a shitshow

Skibidi Toilet was shown in the Legislative Assembly and criticized by the Commissioner for Children's Rights in St. Petersburg, Anna Mityanina. The ombudsman also does not like the voice assistant "Alice" from Yandex and the title of the last year’s publication by ЗАКС.ру about her report:

«I want to turn now to those Telegram channels, the media, which, after each of my speeches, allow themselves such snide headlines: "Defender from the Internet in the Mariinsky Palace." I have talked and will talk about information security and hygiene. Both children and parents should be taught that it is dangerous and very harmful to health. Please take this into consideration.»

This is hysterical

[thugnificent714]

1st Reserve Apartment

Consisting of rooms 290-301 (located in the south western corner of the inner courtyard), these rooms were occupied by Grand Duchess Maria Nicholaevna, daughter of Nicholas I and sister of Alexander II, and her husband Maximilian de Bauharnais, 3rd Duke of Leuchtenburg, grandson of Napoleon and Josehphine. The coupled lived in these rooms for only 5 years after which they moved into Maria's new palace, the Mariinsky Palace, in 1844. On December 17,1837 a fire broken out in the Field Marshal's Hall and burned for 3 days. The palace was rebuilt by 1838 and Maria and Maxililian were the first to occupy these rooms following the renovation.

Room 300

Room 301 was an anteroom through which you gained entry into room 300, Maria's Small Study.

Room 299 Maria's Dressing Room

Room 298 Bedroom

Room 297 Duke's Dressing Room

Room 296 Maria's Study

Room 295 Yellow Drawing Room

Room 294 Large Drawing Room

Room 293 Duke's Salon

Room 292 Duke's Drawing Room

Room 291 Duke's Study

Room 290 Duke's Valet Room

[ernanileal]

Mariinsky Palace (1744-52) - Kiev - Built for the Russian Empress Elizaveta Petrovna. Official residence of the President of Ukraine...

[adini-nikolaevna]

Which of Nicholas I children was his favorite? Or which one did he like more and was closer to him? Did he miss his daughter, Queen Olga of Württemberg, when she was away? Did they stay in touch? Can you tell me your 2 favorite children?

In general, the family of Nicholas I was very close-knit, and he loved all his children dearly, but I suspect that Alexander II, as his firstborn and heir, was his favorite son (although he worried that “Sasha” was too sensitive). Maria Nikolaevna, who was called Mary by those close to her, was probably his favorite daughter. She resembled him physically, especially in profile, which is why she was often painted with her head slightly turned, but her steely will was equal to that of her father—there is a story about Nicholas and Mary having an epic staredown that made everyone nervous because neither father nor daughter was willing to give in. As the emperor’s eldest daughter, Mary was expected to make a splendid dynastic marriage, but refused to leave Russia, and then she fell for Maximilian, Duke of Leuchtenberg, who was a minor prince and the step-grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte to boot. Not quite the catch that Nicholas must have had in mind, but for Mary, he agreed to the match. He granted Maximilian the style of “imperial highness, ” as well as the couple’s children, who would be Prince/Princess Romanovsky and treated as Russian grand dukes/duchesses. As a wedding gift to Mary, Nicholas gave her her very own palace, which was even named after her (the Mariinsky Palace), and after the marriage took place, he insisted that his daughter was called “the Grand Duchess Maria” rather than “the Duchess of Leuchtenberg,” which probably didn’t sit well with her husband, but no one (save for his eldest daughter) ever contradicted the Iron Tsar!

[blackpilledkremlintsarina5294]

May 30, 2003

Vladimir Putin on the renovation of the Constantine Palace.

“It was the opening night of ‘War and Peace’ at the Mariinsky Theatre. I was waiting for my guests. A young man approached me about the issue of the Constantine Palace. When I returned to Moscow, I put it on the backburner but kept going back to it: No, it is too expensive, we don’t have the money now, and there are more important matters… And then we appealed to our large private companies, which covered 99.90 percent of restoration costs, some $300 million. We only allocated 5 to 10 billion rubles so as to have the right to monitor the project. By the way, I never saw that young man again. If he is listening to us now, I ask him to contact [St Petersburg Governor Valentina] Matviyenko. We have things to discuss.”

[harri-etvane]

For the Wip Game:

1. Eat

Shevchenko - Testament

Hello anon!

1.Eat is another of those vague google docs that I don't think I'll ever end up posting. It was a really vague concept around how food is so very tied to ones memories. I wanted it to be a reflective piece with Ukrainian national dishes as focus points, mostly for Volodymyr, as a way to connect to memories, moments, people & ideas from the past, but hope for the future as well. (I also have a terrible habit of giving characters bowls of soup or borscht whenever my brain is like ffs, give them some comfort and coziness damnit). It never really got off the ground because I think the idea was a bit.. too specific and a bit too similar to things I've already written.

Shevchenko - Testament is very much a work in progress; but here's a wee snippet:

Despite the sunlight pouring into the gardens of Mariinsky Palace, too-bright, especially after today, Maks feels the hairs on the back of his neck rise, a slow tendril of fear snaking around his heart, pressing there. Something feels off, wrong - something he can't quite put his finger on. There's something missing.

[blueguitar]

Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv.

This is the backdrop for "Naatu, Naatu" in RRR.

[parttimereporter]

BIDEN MAKES SURPRISE VISIT TO UKRAINE

AP DISPATCH FROM KYIV:

President Joe Biden paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Monday to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a defiant display of Western solidarity with a country still fighting what he called “a brutal and unjust war” days before the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.

“One year later, Kyiv stands,” Biden declared after meeting Zelenskyy at Mariinsky Palace. Jamming his finger for emphasis on his podium, against a backdrop of three flags from each country, he continued: “And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you.”

Biden spent more than five hours in the Ukrainian capital, consulting with Zelenskyy on next steps, honoring the country’s fallen soldiers and seeing U.S. embassy staff in the besieged country.

This is how the DAILY BEAST heralded the surprise trip:

Joe Biden arrived in ten hours on a train ride from Poland normally priced at $50 to celebrate Presidents’ Day with Voldoymyr Zelensky. Wearing his signature Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses, Amtrak Joe strolled the capital’s streets accompanied by the promise of an additional $500 million in weapons for Ukraine and the blare of klaxons warning of a possible Mig-31 jet fighter heading south from Belarus and armed with a Kinzhal hypersonic missile. The Ukrainian military has no defense against attack from hypersonic missiles.

MORE..

According to AFP, the alarm was heard when Biden and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, flanked by armed security, were exiting St Michael’s Cathedral where the leaders had a meeting. The siren did not cause any panic, the news agency said...

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 4.2

1513 – Having spotted land on March 27, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León comes ashore on what is now the U.S. state of Florida, landing somewhere between the modern city of St. Augustine and the mouth of the St. Johns River. 1755 – Commodore William James captures the Maratha fortress of Suvarnadurg on the west coast of India. 1792 – The Coinage Act is passed by Congress, establishing the United States Mint. 1800 – Ludwig van Beethoven leads the premiere of his First Symphony in Vienna. 1801 – French Revolutionary Wars: In the Battle of Copenhagen a British Royal Navy squadron defeats a hastily assembled, smaller, mostly-volunteer Dano-Norwegian Navy at high cost, forcing Denmark out of the Second League of Armed Neutrality. 1863 – American Civil War: The largest in a series of Southern bread riots occurs in Richmond, Virginia. 1865 – American Civil War: Defeat at the Third Battle of Petersburg forces the Army of Northern Virginia and the Confederate government to abandon Richmond, Virginia. 1885 – Canadian Cree warriors attack the village of Frog Lake, killing nine. 1902 – Dmitry Sipyagin, Minister of Interior of the Russian Empire, is assassinated in the Mariinsky Palace, Saint Petersburg. 1902 – "Electric Theatre", the first full-time movie theater in the United States, opens in Los Angeles. 1911 – The Australian Bureau of Statistics conducts the country's first national census. 1912 – The ill-fated RMS Titanic begins sea trials. 1917 – American entry into World War I: President Wilson asks the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war on Germany. 1921 – The Autonomous Government of Khorasan, a military government encompassing the modern state of Iran, is established. 1930 – After the mysterious death of Empress Zewditu, Haile Selassie is proclaimed emperor of Ethiopia. 1954 – A 19-month-old infant is swept up in the ocean tides at Hermosa Beach, California. Local photographer John L. Gaunt photographs the incident; 1955 Pulitzer winner "Tragedy by the Sea". 1956 – As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiere on CBS. The two soaps become the first daytime dramas to debut in the 30-minute format. 1964 – The Soviet Union launches Zond 1. 1972 – Actor Charlie Chaplin returns to the United States for the first time since being labeled a communist during the Red Scare in the early 1950s. 1973 – Launch of the LexisNexis computerized legal research service. 1975 – Vietnam War: Thousands of civilian refugees flee from Quảng Ngãi Province in front of advancing North Vietnamese troops. 1976 – Prince Norodom Sihanouk resigns as leader of Cambodia and is placed under house arrest. 1979 – A Soviet bio-warfare laboratory at Sverdlovsk accidentally releases airborne anthrax spores, killing 66 plus an unknown amount of livestock. 1980 – United States President Jimmy Carter signs the Crude Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act. 1982 – Falklands War: Argentina invades the Falkland Islands. 1986 – Alabama governor George Wallace, a former segregationist, best known for the "Stand in the Schoolhouse Door", announces that he will not seek a fifth four-year term and will retire from public life upon the end of his term in January 1987. 1989 – Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev arrives in Havana, Cuba, to meet with Fidel Castro in an attempt to mend strained relations. 1991 – Rita Johnston becomes the first female Premier of a Canadian province when she succeeds William Vander Zalm (who had resigned) as Premier of British Columbia. 1992 – In New York, Mafia boss John Gotti is convicted of murder and racketeering and is later sentenced to life in prison. 1992 – Forty-two civilians are massacred in the town of Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 2002 – Israeli forces surround the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, into which armed Palestinians had retreated. 2004 – Islamist terrorists involved in the 11 March 2004 Madrid attacks attempt to bomb the Spanish high-speed train AVE near Madrid; the attack is thwarted. 2006 – Over 60 tornadoes break out in the United States; Tennessee is hardest hit with 29 people killed. 2012 – A mass shooting at Oikos University in California leaves seven people dead and three injured. 2014 – A spree shooting occurs at the Fort Hood army base in Texas, with four dead, including the gunman, and 16 others injured. 2015 – Gunmen attack Garissa University College in Kenya, killing at least 148 people and wounding 79 others. 2015 – Four men steal items worth up to £200 million from an underground safe deposit facility in London's Hatton Garden area in what has been called the "largest burglary in English legal history." 2020 – COVID-19 pandemic: The total number of confirmed cases reach one million. 2021 – At least 49 people are killed in a train derailment in Taiwan after a truck accidentally rolls onto the track. 2021 – A Capitol Police officer is killed and another injured when an attacker rams his car into a barricade outside the United States Capitol.

[greenbagjosh]

Day 2 and 3 - 10th and 11th October 2009 in Kyiv (original post)

Привет, как ты? Сегодня мы совершим пешеходную экскурсию по Киеву.

Привітання, як справи? Сьогодні ми здійснимо пішохідну екскурс��ю по Києву.

Прывітанне, як справы? Сёння мы зробім пешаходную экскурсію па Кіеву.

Today, Saturday the 10th October 2009, is the great walk day in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. The weather is supposed to be cloudy and cold, maybe in the upper 40s / around 8 or 9 Celsius. Rain is not forecast until Sunday the 11th.

What time zone is Ukraine in? In 2009, it was the same as in Bucharest, Athens, Istanbul, Sofia and Nikosia, as well as Kaliningrad and Minsk, using daylight savings time, so one hour ahead of most of Central Europe, and one hour behind Moscow and St. Petersburg. At that time of the year, the sun rises no earlier than 8 AM (go up north to about 60N latitude, it may not even rise until 8:45 AM!). So that makes waking up a bit difficult for those who came from lower latitudes. We will make it to breakfast time somehow! I showered and got dressed and put my camera in my day bag. Somehow I went the wrong way down the hall, and ended up with a view of an Orthodox church Микільський собор / Mykilʹsʹkyy Sobor, and I found the other USSR-era elevator that served the even floors, as opposed to the odd floors.

The hostel building itself did not have a specific breakfast room, so there was a restaurant close to Vulitsa Mykoly Pymonenka. I had some coffee with eggs, bacon and toast. I probably sat at the table for half an hour, thinking about the Lonely Planet walk route. I wondered if I would also have time to see the Пам'ятник жертвам нацизму / monument to victims of Nazism site, called “Babin Yar” and near the Dorohozhychi metro station.

After breakfast, I walked to a ticket kiosk and bought a ticket for the trolley bus. I caught the bus at Vulitsa Hoholivska and went to the Lukianivska metro station. Just like on the metro, the busses also had the “Обережно, двері закриваються.” announcement with next stop. I bought a few more turquoise tokens for the metro, and rode the green line to Zoloti Vorota, changed to the red line at Teatral’na (did not hear the Natalya Morozova song that time, but the next time I was not so lucky), rode one stop to Kreshchatyk and exited to Maidan Nezalezhnosti, the central independence square, where the walk supposedly started. My only goal was to complete the walk before sunset and not get turkey-dropped, a common “lost-wallet” scam of some unscrupulous locals.

The walk started off, crossing the Vulitsa Kreshchatyk, which was blocked off to normal vehicular traffic for the weekend, and follow along Arkhitektora Horodetsko to the Mykola Yakovenko statue. That led to the Gorodetsky House that had chimera gargoyles sculpted on the outside, and also the presidential administration building. In the Ukraine you can take photos of the outside of the presidential administration building without the local police and secret service really caring too much, but if you do the same in Minsk, Belarus? You can get into big trouble, but more about that later.

After the presidential palace, I walked southwest on Vulitsa Bankova, to Vulitsa Liuteranska, and to the end of Vulitsa Shovkovychna, where the Ukrainian Parliament building is located, and has its own traffic signal (I think you may have seen the parliament building in the video). At that time, about maybe 11 AM was a demonstration at the Mariinsky Park next door. I spent maybe ten minutes listening and realizing I did not understand well enough what was going on, so I walked further towards the Dnieper.

Saturdays when the weather is good in Kiev, couples making their wedding photos like to go to the Mariinsky Park for example. I must have counted six or seven couples in total, having photo parties and such. Even at one stage, I saw a Chrysler 300C extended limo driving along the driveway. The park consists also of the grounds of the Dinamo soccer stadium, Park Bridge and Museum of Water, as well as the Friendship of Nations Arch. I think that is where I saw my final wedding couple, or so I thought.

After crossing the Congress Center at Vulitsa Mykhaila Hrushevskoho, I took a break at Volodymyrska Hill, I ate some beer nuts and drank one of my bottles of Kvass. I think I was at the halfway point, and it was around 1 PM. I did not run into any turkey droppers. Not yet anyway.

After the Volodymyrska Hill, I walked to the St. Michael’s monastery. Nearby is the funicular train, marked in Cyrillic as “Фунікулер”, that descends to almost the shore level of the Dnieper at the Metro station Poshtova Ploshcha. And it costs about 1.70 UAH per ride. The monastery chapel explicitly forbade the wedding parties to film at that spot, as there was a written sign in Ukrainian to that effect. I took some photos of the golden domed monastery before moving on to the bell tower of Saint Sophia. The clouds gave way at that moment and it must have warmed up to the mid 50s, or about 12 to 14 C.

After the Saint Sophia bell tower, I walked along Vulitsa Volodymyrska to the Golden Gate Park. I think this is where the first failed turkey drop happened. The turkey drop is some scam where a local has some money in a plastic bag and he drops it, and if someone picks it up, they are the turkey. That is how I understand it. If there is any money, it is best to leave it alone and nothing will happen. Until the next person anyway. Information on that scam at https://www.lonelyplanet.com/.../for-all-the-great-kiev.... The next one would be along the Булвар Tarasa Shevchenko after St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral. Don’t think anything of that turkey drop and then walk further to enjoy a bit of the Taras Shevchenko Park, before taking a break at the Shalena Mama café. I had a glass of Kvass there, though they served meals, and I was more in the mood for a bowl of borsht at the Viola’s Bierstube. Sadly since after my visit in October 2009, the Shalena Mama closed down years after, and was replaced by a Domino’s Pizza. Gosh, even Kiev is not immune to globalization.

I found the Viola’s Bierstube just at the intersection of Bulvar Tarasa Shevchenka and Vulitsa Khreshchatyk. There is, or rather, was, a statue of Lenin, at that intersection, but it was replaced with a big stone with Ukranian engraving. Across the road is an underground mall, connected to the Bessarabsky Market. In the Viola Bierstube I had a beer and a bowl of borsht – passing on the four ounces of complimentary mustard that they seem to freely give out, they do the same thing at the original Bierstube on Vulitsa Velyka Vasylkivska near the Ploshcha Lva Tolshtoho / Palats Sportu metro station. I was careful not to spend too much, as most places in Ukraine do not accept credit cards. After making it to the Bessarabsky Market, I had reached the end of the walk as stated in the Lonely Planet Guide. I think it was getting around 7 PM or so, and sunset was around 7:30 PM. I had other places I wanted to visit, but I was feeling worn out. Even the original Bierstube was a bit difficult to find but I think I found it on Monday the 13th.

I went back to the hostel, left my day bag in the room and went to Vino e Cucina on Sichovykh Striltsiv for pizza. The pizza was good. I went to bed after walking back home. At some point, I would have to get a train ticket for Minsk in Belarus for Monday evening arriving in Minsk on Tuesday the 14th. I would try my luck the next day at the Кіїв Пассажірскії rail station.

Tomorrow Sunday 11th October 2009 is the pilgrimage to the Lavra, a large campus of Ukrainian Orthodox chapels, near the Arsenal’na metro station. Also the city military museum (some content there can be disturbing) with the Motherland Monument, Indian food, rickety tram ride on a USSR-era Tatra unit, and the monument to WWII victims. To cap it off, a dinner on Khreshchatyk and breakdancing just like from the early to mid 1980s. Stay tuned for more!

Спокойной ночи и до завтра!

На добраніч, і до завтра!

Дабранач, і да заўтра!

[russicnroses]

Here is Volume 2, Chapter 4 of BlOOD+ RUSSIAN ROSE. This chapter in particular includes extended versions of the original texts to heighten the details. There are a total of 47 pages.

145, 146, 147

Saya prepares for an outing, enveloped in the anticipation of the day ahead. Just as she slips into her attire, Tanya enters the room, her expression radiating a sense of intrigue. With an air of flourish, Tanya presents Saya with a lavish bouquet of deep red roses alongside an elegantly wrapped box, claiming them to be a gift for her. This unexpected gesture piques Saya's curiosity, but it is soon overshadowed by confusion. She grapples with the mystery of the sender, pondering the unlikely possibility of anyone in Russia who might have sent such a gift, especially since no card accompanies the flowers. Tanya, brimming with enthusiasm, suggests that the roses could be from a gentleman who admired Saya at a recent ball. This notion briefly warms Saya’s heart, as she finds joy in Tanya’s excitement rather than the gift itself. However, the atmosphere shifts when Tanya suddenly falters, her confidence wavering. This change unsettles Saya, who senses an underlying tension. Tanya expresses concerns regarding the sender's ignorance of local customs, particularly the significance of even numbers of flowers in Russian tradition, which are associated with funerals. As they contemplate the bouquet, the weight of the conversation deepens. Despite Tanya’s attempts to reassure her, the unease lingers in the air, thickening with uncertainty. Seeking distraction, Saya decides to open the box that came with the bouquet. Inside, she discovers a breathtaking black dress, intricately designed with layers of frills and lace. The beauty of the dress is overshadowed by a creeping sense of dread, as Saya questions whether it resembles mourning attire. Further investigation reveals opera tickets tucked within an envelope, yet the absence of a sender's name only amplifies Saya’s discomfort. The implications of the gifts weigh heavily on her mind, stirring a sense of foreboding. Tanya, sensing the gravity of the situation, warns Saya that this might be a prank devised by someone looking to vex the nobility, urging her to dismiss the bizarre circumstances.

148, 149, 150

Tanya, despite her initial enthusiasm, must know that ordinary citizens wouldn't go to such lengths. Saya questions her about the package, asking if Tanya was the one who received it. Tanya responds that she usually goes out to clean early, which is how she found it on the porch. She reflects on how she was swept up in the excitement of receiving what she believed was a gift from a charming gentleman, but now feels regret for not noticing the number of flowers. Saya ponders the situation, realizing that Tanya is the only one who knows about the gift. A sense of dread begins to settle in her chest, reminiscent of the unsettling gaze she felt at the ball in the Winter Palace—could it have been Alexei? The thought creeps in that someone is approaching her with ill intentions. She steels herself, understanding that there are those in the city who harbor malice toward her. Recognizing the gravity of her thoughts, Saya resolves to face whatever lies ahead alone, wishing to protect her friends, including Haji, from potential harm. Surprised by Saya’s sudden change in expression, Tanya looks up at her with concern. Saya quickly puts on a smile, asking Tanya to keep this matter a secret so as not to worry anyone. As Saya arrives at the Mariinsky Theatre, she gazes up at the building's contrasting architecture, the circular hall rising behind the straight lines of the facade. The theater is alive with patrons arriving in carriages and cars, similar to her own entrance. Though the attendees are dressed beautifully, the atmosphere is less grand than the palace ball she had attended. Upon finding her box seat at the top, Saya discovers another red rose placed upon the chair, identical to the one from the bouquet. With a bitter expression, she picks it up and looks down at the already packed audience. Even if there were familiar faces among them, she realizes she wouldn't be able to spot anyone, and indeed, there are no familiar faces to find in Russia. From her seat, Saya can fully appreciate the opulent design of the hall. The arched white ceiling is adorned with intricate gilded inlays, featuring profiles of past emperors against a red backdrop. The grand chandelier, the largest and most extravagant she has ever seen, sparkles in the center. Above the orchestra is a painting of angels, and the curtain for the stage is lavish, made from multiple layers of fabric with golden fringes. Everything is new to Saya, yet she finds no room to enjoy the spectacle. Anxiety grips her as she wonders what the purpose of her invitation to such a place could be. Despite her contemplation, she cannot discern any answers. Eventually, the orchestra begins to play, and as the music ceases, the audience falls into a hushed silence, waiting for the performance to commence.

151, 152, 153

On stage, actors dressed as soldiers begin telling a story about a beautiful princess who falls in love with a captured prophet. Because of her royal status, the princess expects love from the prophet. However, the prophet refuses her advances. As the performance continues, Saya, though paying more attention to the audience, notices everyone is focused on the play. In the next scene, the princess’s stepfather, the king, asks her to dance. She initially refuses, but when the king promises to reward her with anything she desires, she starts to dance.

The princess, wearing seven veils, begins her sensual dance, gradually removing each veil. Her once innocent expression turns seductive, captivating the audience, including Saya. After finishing her dance, the princess kneels before the king and demands her reward: the head of the prophet. The audience is shocked by her request. The king and the people on stage are thrown into disarray as the princess demands the prophet's head to be presented to her.

Saya finds herself instinctively hugging her arms. On stage, the king sings a lament about hearing the ominous sound of large wings in the sky—a sign of great misfortune. Meanwhile, the princess orders the prophet's execution. Despite knowing that the prophet’s head is just a puppet, Saya is unsettled, as it reminds her of a past event. The scene ends with the princess, now enthralled by her power, kissing the blood-soaked head of the prophet.

154, 155, 156

Saya is watching a theater performance when a sudden dizziness overwhelms her, triggered by memories from her past life. Chaos erupts as a chiropteran crashes through the skylight, sending shards of glass raining down and the audience into a frenzy. People panic, rushing toward the exits, trampling each other in their desperation. Despite her best efforts, Saya struggles to calm them, her voice drowned out by screams and the confusion in the theater. Amid the chaos, Saya spots the chiropteran targeting a trapped woman whose dress is caught in a chair. Without hesitation, Saya forces her way through the crowd and slams into the creature, knocking it away. She’s thrown to the ground in the process, feeling the sharp pain in her back, but quickly rises. Her eyes scan the darkened theater just as the chiropteran takes flight again, retreating to the chandelier above, its massive wings causing it to sway dangerously. The chandelier begins to groan under the weight, its chains fraying, and shards of crystal start to rain down. As the chandelier’s structure weakens, Saya feels a moment of paralysis, her body frozen as the massive fixture threatens to collapse. In the split second before disaster strikes, Haji appears, swiftly lifting Saya from the ground and carrying her to safety. The chandelier crashes into the seats below with a deafening roar, sending dust and debris flying through the air. In the aftermath, Saya catches her breath, her mind racing as she wonders how Haji knew to find her here.

157, 158, 159

Saya has just been safely lowered to the ground by Haji, who quietly offers her a katana. His calm demeanor reassures her as she accepts the weapon and prepares for battle. Facing a chiropteran, she unsheathes the katana and, in a moment of focus, draws her blood along the blade to enhance her power. She leaps into the air to strike the creature but suddenly experiences dizziness, causing her to misjudge her attack. Although she manages to sever the chiropteran’s arm, the creature quickly regenerates and escapes through a broken skylight. As Saya kneels, recovering from the encounter, she notices the severed arm on the ground, wrapped in a familiar fabric. Before she can investigate further, a woman in the audience screams, having become trapped in her dress among the debris. Realizing the scream is directed at her, Saya feels self-conscious about her disheveled appearance. Haji steps in to assist, blocking the woman’s view of Saya. Eduardo also arrives, calmly freeing the woman from her predicament and lifting her away. Despite the chaos, the woman seems to forget her fear in Eduardo's presence, gazing at him in admiration. As he leaves with her, he tells her to forget what she witnessed, insisting she has seen nothing—an assertion he repeats firmly. The section ends with Kirill approaching Saya, relieved to see her unharmed. He explains they weren’t specifically looking for her but were patrolling when the situation escalated.

160, 161, 162

In these pages, Saya and her loyal chevalier, Hagi, as they confront the rising chaos in Petrograd. The city is on the brink of collapse, with violent riots breaking out and flames consuming entire neighborhoods. Kirill, one of their allies, informs them that two of their companions, Maxim and Valery, are working to help aristocrats escape the turmoil, hinting at a growing revolution. However, the danger intensifies with the appearance of chiropterans—dangerous, bat-like monsters. Kirill remarks that it feels as if someone is orchestrating this series of catastrophic events, planting a seed of suspicion in Saya’s mind. She begins to feel an overwhelming sense of dread, realizing that their troubles are far from over. Moved by the urgency of the situation, Saya and Hagi spring into action. Hagi, ever-attentive to Saya’s unspoken commands, lifts her effortlessly into his arms, and together they leap onto the roof of a nearby theater. From this vantage point, they can see the full extent of the destruction. Petrograd, once a grand and beautiful city, is now a burning battlefield. Smoke and flames rise from multiple points, and the streets are filled with panic and confusion. Above them, dark clouds churn in the sky, moving with unnatural speed. The moon’s occasional glow casts an eerie light on the scene, heightening the sense of foreboding. Amidst this chaos, Saya notices something even more alarming—countless chiropterans filling the night sky, all flying toward a single destination. As she watches the creatures’ path, Saya realizes they are heading toward the Hermitage Palace, where she had recently met the young crown prince. The memory of his innocent smile flashes in her mind, and she fears for his safety. She feels an overwhelming responsibility to protect him. Clutching her sword, she whispers, "I have to go." Hagi, understanding her resolve without needing to ask, picks her up again and leaps into the night. They land near the palace square, which is now filled with terrified citizens fleeing in every direction. Undeterred by the chaos around her, Saya pushes forward, making her way toward the Winter Palace. As she moves against the flow of the crowd, her determination solidifies. She knows the danger is only growing, and time is running out, but her resolve to face whatever awaits her at the palace is unshakable.

164, 165, 166

Saya and Hagi arrive at the grand Winter Palace, which remains eerily pristine despite the chaos that has engulfed Petrograd. The white and gold facade of the palace gleams in stark contrast to the turmoil outside. Inside, the atmosphere is thick with silence, a heavy stillness that only amplifies Saya's unease. As they ascend the stairs, Saya calls out for the royal family, her voice echoing through the empty halls. There is no response. The palace feels unnaturally deserted. Just as she prepares to move on, she hears faint, almost mocking laughter. Alarmed, she exchanges a glance with Hagi, who nods in acknowledgment. They follow the sound to the grand ballroom, where they discover Grigori, seated on the throne, exuding an air of smug superiority. Grigori, seated on the imperial throne as though he were the emperor himself, regards Saya and Hagi with a lazy, self-assured smile. His posture radiates arrogance, his elbow casually resting on the armrest as he gazes down at them. Saya instinctively recognizes him as the "Gray Cardinal," the mysterious figure of power. As she gathers her courage, she asks about the royal family, particularly the prince and princess. Her voice is firm, but there's a subtle tremor as she struggles to suppress her unease. Grigori, however, evades her question, offering no direct answers. Instead, he cryptically welcomes Saya, telling her that the chaos in the city—the flames, the violence—is all part of a grand performance staged for her. Confused and disturbed, Saya barely has time to react before Grigori begins to approach her. Sensing the threat, Hagi immediately steps in, hurling a knife toward Grigori in a swift, protective gesture. Grigori dodges Hagi's first knife effortlessly, barely moving as it flies past him. However, Hagi’s second throw finds its mark, grazing Grigori's cheek. Saya watches, stunned, as the small cut on his face heals instantly, as though the injury never existed. Her heart sinks as she realizes what this means—Grigori is a chiropteran. Yet, unlike the monstrous chiropterans she’s fought before, Grigori retains his human form, which unnerves her even more. This is something new, something far more dangerous. She whispers in disbelief, trying to process what she’s just seen. Grigori, sensing her shock, lets out a low, mocking laugh, his words dripping with venom as he taunts her, pointing out how well she, too, has learned to "pretend" to be human. Hagi, his anger boiling beneath the surface, readies another attack. With a flash of his blade, he launches another knife, but before it can reach its target, Grigori vanishes into thin air, leaving nothing but the echo of his chilling laughter behind, taunting them in the empty ballroom.

167, 168, 169

As Saya processes the dire situation, Haji is violently struck down by Grigori, who appears suddenly and without warning. Grigori, now revealing his Chiropteran form, moves with terrifying speed and power, hurling Haji toward the throne. Before Saya can reach him, Grigori stomps on Haji’s chest, causing a pained groan to escape from Haji’s lips. The force of Grigori’s blow leaves Haji gasping for breath, his body trembling under the weight of the attack.

Saya cries out in desperation, but Grigori shows no mercy, taunting her. His sadistic pleasure is clear as he urges her to stop resisting and come with him quietly. He coldly reminds her that he had already sent for her several times, expecting her eventual submission, but now revels in the suffering he is causing. In that moment, Saya begins to understand the true menace Grigori poses. Grigori openly admits that he is the mastermind behind the Chiropterans, controlling them to further his sinister agenda. He begins to recount how he manipulated the Empress of Russia, playing on her devotion to her son to establish numerous field hospitals. These hospitals, which the citizens revered as acts of divine mercy, were in fact part of Grigori’s dark scheme. With cold amusement, Grigori mocks the royal family and the citizens, who blindly worshipped their rulers and fell for the illusion of compassion.

As Saya recalls the events of the masquerade ball and the rumors of the Empress’s actions, pieces of a horrifying truth begin to emerge. She remembers reports of wounded soldiers going missing, and the fabric she saw earlier—the same material used in military uniforms—confirms her suspicions. In growing horror, Saya realizes that Grigori has been turning these soldiers into Chiropterans, using the chaos of war as a cover. She demands answers, but Grigori, showing no remorse, smugly confirms her worst fears, proud of his manipulation. Grigori elaborates on his twisted plans, explaining that the soldiers were nothing more than expendable pawns to him—men already left for dead by the war. To him, turning them into Chiropterans was a practical solution, a way to make use of the endless supply of bodies provided by human conflict. He speaks with chilling indifference, viewing the war as a perfect opportunity to create more Chiropterans without raising suspicion. Grigori then briefly mentions a “rat” that infiltrated his operation, which Saya instantly recognizes as Rodion, her heart sinking. As the realization of Rodion’s danger sets in, Grigori casually shifts the conversation, discussing plans to burn the city to the ground, marking the beginning of a new era in which Chiropterans would dominate.

He coldly offers Saya the chance to join him, promising that with her help, their research would advance rapidly, and they could conquer the world together. However, Saya stands her ground, declaring that she came to Russia not to join him, but to destroy the Chiropterans. Her defiance angers Grigori, and in retaliation, he violently grabs Haji by the hair, forcing him to his knees. With a cruel smirk, Grigori exposes Haji’s neck, taunting Saya with the threat of further harm, daring her to challenge him.

170, 171, 172

Grigori taunts Saya, stating that even if she cuts his throat, he and Haji cannot die that easily. He holds Haji at his mercy, his claws lightly grazing Haji's neck, threatening to strike deeper at any moment. Haji, enduring the pain, gazes at Saya with teary eyes, silently urging her to strike, knowing that to defeat the Chiropterans, Saya must be willing to cut him down. Saya, however, is frozen in place, unable to lift her sword against him. Grigori mocks Saya's hesitation and presses his claws into Haji's neck, leaving a red mark on his pale skin. Then, with sadistic pleasure, Grigori tears Haji’s shirt, exposing his chest. Without warning, Grigori drives his sharp claws into Haji’s body, causing him to cry out in pain. Blood spurts from the wound, staining Grigori’s silver hair and, for the first time, a hint of anger flickers across his face. He drives his claws deeper into Haji, causing further agony. Haji lets out a tortured scream as the pain overwhelms him. Unable to bear it any longer, Saya rushes forward, yelling for Grigori to stop. She raises her sword, intending to strike him down, but before she can, Grigori pulls his arm from Haji’s body and swiftly knocks Saya away. His superhuman strength sends her flying across the room, where she crashes into a column, the impact knocking over a candle. Saya, determined, rises quickly and faces Grigori, vowing that she will not allow him to hurt Haji any further. Grigori, unfazed by her threat, releases Haji, who falls to the floor, his pale face framed by his disheveled hair. As the curtains catch fire behind her, Saya readies her sword, her resolve firm despite the flames engulfing the room. With a fierce battle cry, Saya charges at Grigori, leaping into the air and bringing her sword down with all her might. Grigori’s eyes narrow as he blocks the blow, his silver hair whipping around him. He retaliates, knocking Saya back again, but this time she lands gracefully, her focus sharper than before. Realizing that Grigori is responsible for the Chiropteran attacks in Petrograd, Saya is determined to cut him down. She swings her sword, and though Grigori dodges, she quickly counters, their weapons clashing with sparks and loud ringing sounds. Both combatants jump back, only to leap at each other again, clashing in midair and landing hard on the floor. As Saya catches her breath, she notices her shoulder is bleeding, but despite the pain and frustration, she knows she is still holding her own. Across the room, Grigori also struggles to regain his breath, showing signs of fatigue from their intense fight. Just as they prepare to face off again, someone rushes into the hall from the entrance.

173, 174, 175

Saya, weakened and exhausted, hears the sound of footsteps rapidly approaching. As the figures come into view, they reveal themselves to be Valeri, Eduard, and Kirill, who have all rushed to the palace. Kirill immediately identifies Grigori’s mutated arm and exclaims about the Chiropterans. The group quickly draws their weapons and forms a defensive circle around Grigori. Despite their efforts, Grigori remains unfazed, smiling as he rises from the broken glass on the floor. Maxim stands by Saya’s side, placing a protective arm around her. Saya, confused and fearful, looks up at Maxim, but her attention is drawn away when Haji, who had been collapsed in front of the throne, manages to stand, albeit shakily.

Haji, gravely injured and struggling to stay upright, urges Saya to stay away from Maxim, expressing distrust. Saya, alarmed and confused, tries to understand Haji’s warning, but he focuses his intense gaze solely on Maxim. Haji accuses Maxim of being dangerous and of having always acted recklessly when it comes to Saya’s safety. As Maxim tightens his hold on Saya, he aims a gun directly at Haji. Without hesitation, Maxim fires, hitting Haji and causing blood to spatter. Saya, in shock, screams in horror as she witnesses the violence. She tries to rush to Haji’s side but is restrained by Maxim’s firm grip on her shoulder.

Maxim, showing no hint of warmth or compassion, shoots Saya twice in the chest with a cold, detached demeanor. Saya collapses to the floor, blood pouring from her wounds as she experiences overwhelming pain. Valeri, shocked and heartbroken, cries out in disbelief at Maxim’s actions. Saya, tasting her own blood and struggling to maintain consciousness, gazes up at Maxim, unable to comprehend the betrayal. Grigori, seemingly amused by the unfolding drama, remains indifferent to the guns pointed at him by Valeri and the others. Maxim, kneeling beside Saya, delivers a hollow apology, his voice carrying a false tone of tenderness that starkly contrasts with his previous kindness.

176, 177, 178

Maxim, maintaining his unchanged smile, leans in close to Saya's ear and whispers coldly, "Your existence is a sin." This chilling declaration leaves Saya in shock and confusion. As she struggles to process this betrayal, Maxim continues, recounting the tragic fate of his family. He explains that all the children born into their generation died prematurely, with only he and Ilya surviving into adulthood. He reflects on how Red Shield chose Ilya for research, leading to his death due to experimental drugs. Saya recalls a night when Maxim played the piano, highlighting the contrast between his past kindness and his current betrayal. Maxim reveals his disillusionment with Red Shield's methods and the role of Joel, the organization's founder, in their corrupt practices. This backstory builds up to his current resentment and betrayal. Maxim's recounting of past events reveals his deep-seated resentment. He explains that upon learning about Saya entering Russia, he attempted to dismiss his dark thoughts by going to church, only to witness disturbing events involving a creature feeding. Grigori, who enjoys the unfolding drama, adds that this revelation led him to realize Red Shield's involvement. Valeri, now aware of the deeper manipulations, confronts Grigori, accusing him of inciting Maxim. Grigori dismisses Valeri’s accusations with a dismissive attitude, stating that humans are often too simplistic and fail to understand the complexities of the situation. The confrontation underscores the fractured alliances and deepening conflicts within the group. Grigori, with a dismissive attitude, explains that his dealings with Maxim were merely transactional. He describes how Maxim, despite the dire circumstances, did not attempt to flee when offered power. As he taunts Saya, he comments on her appearance in a black dress, savoring her discomfort and pain. Saya, feeling the pain from her injuries, realizes that Grigori's remarks are aimed at her suffering, not her attire. She musters the strength to glare at him defiantly, but Grigori’s response is a mocking smirk.

179, 180, 181

In the place where Grigori had been moments ago, a cello case is now embedded in the ground. Haji, still bearing wounds that have not yet fully healed, stands with his disheveled hair hanging loosely. Despite his injuries, Haji swiftly throws a knife at Grigori. Grigori's arm instantly transforms into a Chiropteran limb, and he deflects the knife with ease. With a slight leap, Grigori appears right in front of Haji. He wears a cold, cruel smile on his thin lips as he unsheathes his claws. As Haji is thrown back, blood drips from the gaps in his fingers where he is pressing his face. Unable to get up immediately, Haji is further kicked by Grigori, who taunts him about the sensation of darkness and despair. Grigori revels in Haji’s pain, encouraging him to scream and struggle in the hopeless darkness, knowing no one will come to his aid. Eduard snaps out of his shock and, with a grim determination, fires his gun at Grigori. Kirill quickly follows suit, unleashing a barrage of bullets. Despite their desperate efforts, the ammunition quickly runs out, and Grigori remains unaffected. He brushes the gunpowder from his hair with irritation, as though their futile attempts have disturbed his poetic performance. He remains calm, even though his cassock is riddled with bullet holes. Grigori mocks them, suggesting they haven’t yet realized the futility of their actions. As the battle continues, Grigori maneuvers behind Eduard, slashing his back and crushing his wrist. Kirill shouts in alarm, surprised that Eduard was caught off guard. Grigori's face comes close to Kirill’s, and he comments on Kirill’s attractive face, before seizing Kirill’s wrist. Kirill, unable to endure the pain, drops his gun. Grigori continues to apply pressure, and Kirill emits a sound of bone-crushing agony. Grigori takes perverse enjoyment in watching Kirill’s face contort in pain, noting the added spectacle of his suffering. Kirill, now kneeling and struggling to suppress his sobs, has sweat and tears mingling on his face. Grigori brushes his long hair back with a nonchalant gesture, as if nothing significant has occurred. He announces that he will be leaving soon, and the city is about to be consumed in flames. Saya, in a haze and barely conscious, feels Maxim’s hand on her shoulder. She vaguely recalls that just days ago, those same hands had played the piano for her. Now, with a sense of betrayal, she instinctively pushes Maxim’s hand away. Maxim's hand reaches out again, more forcefully, as a thin, resolute voice reverberates through the hall.

182, 183, 184

Valeri, who was previously lost in a daze, regains his composure and demands that Grigori release Saya. His face, though still showing signs of youth, is set with determination as he aims his gun directly at Grigori. Despite his desperate plea, Grigori dismisses him with a condescending remark and raises his hand to transform it into a monstrous, clawed form. Before attacking, Grigori makes a cruel decision to have Maxim deal with Valeri, seeing the potential for further entertainment in making Maxim betray his comrades. Grigori is excited by the prospect of the chaos and betrayal this will cause. Valeri, now faced with Maxim, is stunned and begs him to stop, insisting that Maxim is not the kind of person who would commit such an atrocity. He tries to hold onto his belief that Maxim is still one of them. Maxim, however, reveals his deep betrayal and lack of loyalty to the Red Shield, admitting that he has always been a traitor at heart. Despite Valeri’s heartfelt pleas and his refusal to accept this betrayal, Maxim remains resolute and demands that Valeri use his gun against him. The situation ends tragically with Maxim shooting Valeri, who collapses to his knees, his glasses falling off, and his gun dropping as he gazes up at Maxim in disbelief and sorrow. Driven by a surge of anger that surpasses the pain from her injuries, Saya gathers her remaining strength and fiercely attacks Grigori. Her sudden and intense assault catches Grigori by surprise, and he struggles to defend himself against her relentless strikes. Despite her weakened state and the debilitating effects of her injuries, Saya’s resolve is unyielding. Her fury and determination push her to continue fighting, and she manages to force Grigori to retreat. Her defiance and refusal to succumb to Grigori’s cruelty highlight her unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming darkness and personal suffering.

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Grigori's irritation is evident as a faint crease forms on his brow. He orders Maxim, who is standing motionless, to fire a few more shots at Saya. He coldly explains that even these shots will help keep her subdued for a while. Valeri, who is holding his wound and still in pain, shouts at Maxim to stop. Meanwhile, Saya is relentlessly attacking Grigori with her sword, unable to control her fury. Despite barely managing to dodge her attacks, Grigori shouts back at Maxim, promising him the power he has always desired—power to destroy the organization—if he follows his orders. Maxim, showing no emotion, readies his gun, while Saya remains focused solely on Grigori, attacking with intense persistence. She leaps and strikes, refusing to be deterred even when her blows are deflected or pushed back. Grigori counters her attacks with crossed claws, resulting in a fierce struggle of strength and skill. Grigori's command to shoot Saya is met with Maxim's inner turmoil. He aims his gun at Saya, but his green eyes narrow in pain and indecision, making it hard for him to apply pressure to the trigger. Grigori, frustrated by Maxim's hesitation, clicks his tongue and hurls Saya away with force. As Saya collapses on the floor but quickly stands again, Grigori appears in front of Maxim. He coldly remarks on Maxim’s loss of control and the nature of humanity’s frailty. In the next moment, Grigori drives his sharp claws through Maxim's chest, pulling them out with the same casual demeanor. Maxim’s face contorts in pain, and blood spills from his mouth, soaking his wound. The sight of Maxim’s suffering causes the anger that had driven Saya to dissipate, leaving her in shock as she calls out Maxim's name in despair. Driven by a mix of exhaustion and frustration, Saya staggers towards Maxim, but Grigori silently moves behind her and easily overpowers her, twisting her arms painfully behind her back. He dismisses her struggle with a cold, indifferent attitude, preparing to end the confrontation. Saya, in agony and on her knees, groans as Grigori tightens his grip, likely causing bone fractures. Grigori’s chilling words reflect his disdain, as he contrasts his earlier treatment of his master with a cold, calculated demeanor. He forcibly tilts Saya’s head up by grabbing her short hair, making her glare at him. Saya, deeply pained by Grigori’s declaration that her existence is a sin, is further struck by the ease with which life can be extinguished. She desperately searches for the sword she dropped in the struggle, but Grigori, noticing her defiance, kicks the weapon away with evident annoyance, dismissing her resistance as futile.

189, 190, 191, 192

Grigori, irritated and dismissive, continues to pull on Saya’s hair while she is on the brink of despair. Suddenly, a grand chandelier crashes down from above, narrowly missing Saya and hitting the floor with a deafening impact. Eduardo, having secretly retained a few bullets, had fired at the chandelier’s support, causing its dramatic fall. Saya, her energy rekindled by the sudden turn of events, sees Haji arriving. Haji gently lowers Saya to the ground and then advances towards Grigori with an intense, furious expression in his blue eyes. Grigori narrowly avoids Haji’s aggressive swings with a cello case. Despite his irritation, Haji relentlessly continues to strike, forcing Grigori into a tense struggle. Grigori, frustrated and calculating, escapes through a shattered window into the courtyard, disappearing into the encroaching darkness. Saya, momentarily stunned by the noise, snaps back to reality and picks up her sword. She looks around and sees Maxim, injured and slumped on the floor, with Valeri kneeling beside him, appearing dejected. Eduardo and Kirill, also wounded, are observing the scene with concern. Saya finds a silver pocket watch that Maxim had always carried and opens it to reveal a photograph inside. Kirill remarks about hearing rumors of someone named Iliya. Saya places the watch back in Maxim’s hand, and he tightly grips it, mumbling a remorseful comment. The photograph and Maxim’s last words evoke a deep sense of loss. Saya is deeply moved as she reflects on Maxim’s previous moments of vulnerability, including his fleeting tremble when ordered to confront Valeri and his disheartened demeanor under the moonlight. Maxim’s murmured words reveal his inner turmoil and guilt as he faces his end. Valeri, showing quiet strength despite his injuries, takes Maxim’s hand and presses his lips to their matching ring. He speaks solemnly, offering a prayer for Maxim’s forgiveness from God. Saya watches Valeri, noting his dignified composure in the face of personal grief, realizing that he might be the most wounded of all despite his outward strength. As Maxim breathes his last, Saya is abruptly awakened by a loud explosion from the city, indicating that the riots are still ongoing. Recognizing that Grigori’s influence is exacerbating the turmoil, Saya decides to pursue him to end the chaos. She instructs her companions to focus on evacuating the townspeople and ensuring the city's safety. Determined, Saya leaps through the broken window into the dark night, with Haji silently following her. Their next actions are crucial to resolving the conflict and protecting the city from further destruction.

[thugnificent714]

To continue with my research on the rooms of the winter palace, I would like to draw your attention to the rooms occupied by Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna (Eldest daughter of Tsar Nicholas I) and her husband, Maximilian Joseph Eugene Auguste Napoleon de Beauharnais, 3rd Duke of Leuchtenberg. Also known as the 1st Reserved Apartment, this suite of 11 rooms (rooms 301-290) is located at the end of the Dark Corridor of the private apartments and runs along the inner courtyard side of the southwestern and southern wings (rooms above the famous Gates of the Palace). The couple were married on 2 July 1839 in the Grand Church of the Winter Palace. As Tsar Nicholas I's eldest and favourite child, she was given this suite of rooms following her marriage to the Duke as they waited construction of her own Palace which was completed in 1844 (known today as the Mariinsky Palace in St. Petersburg).

Room 167 - Small Fieldmarshal Hall

This room was used for the ceremonial change of the Palace guards. It allowed access to the 1st Reserved apartment (door located behind the view of the screenshot) and the apartments of future Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II (doors shown in picture).

Room 301- Anteroom of the 1st Reserved Apartment

No paintings exist for this room but it served to received guests into the apartment suite.

Room 300- Small Study of Grand Duchess Maria

Room 299- Grand Duchess Maria's Dressing Room

Room 298- The Duke and Grand Duchess' Bedroom

Room 297- The Duke of Leuchtenberg's Dressing Room

296- Large Study of Grand Duchess Maria

Room 295- Yellow Salon of Grand Duchess Maria

Room 294- 1st Reserved Apartment Drawing-Room

Room 293- The Salon of the Duke of Leuchtenberg

Room 292- Drawing-Room of the Duke of Leuchtenberg

Room 291- The Study of the Duke of Leuchtenberg

Room 290- The Duke’s Valet/Wardrobe

This room was for the Duke's valet or manservant who tended to the Duke's clothes.

[uniqueeval]

Analysis: High on symbolism, Modi’s Ukraine visit expected to smoothen bilateral relations

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