The Chouans

The Chouans is set in the aftermath of the French Revolution (and the execution of Marie Antoinette and Louis the XIV) when Napoleon is in power but there are outbreaks of civil war. The Royalists are still in rebellion and they have used the local Chouans to create an insurgency. Hulot, a professional soldier, has been sent to suppress it, and he's the only one in the whole story whose loyalty doesn't waver. He serves France, and he fights according to his code of honour.