interactions in this complex environment. The opening of the novel paints a vivid picture of the "Corpo de Deus" procession, characterized by elaborate displays of piety, local competition for the most extravagant displays, and the expectations surrounding this important day. Amidst the pomp and ceremony, hints of discontent surface, revealing the populace's mixed feelings towards their foreign rulers, particularly the French soldiers present. The narrative introduces characters like D. João V, who has transformed aspects of the procession, and figures from the French military, including Junot and Lagarde, as they grapple with the growing unrest in the city. This opening sets the stage for the unfolding drama that blends historical events with elements of fiction, inviting the reader into a world where the supernatural and political strife intersect. (This is an automatically generated summary.)