I don’t think that is a “Turn about”. At least not technically. It is the purpose of a sword to smite things, but that is not true to the same level for a head. Although it is nice to see Maledicta getting ahead in life.
My experience is that the French enjoy other peoples and are very gracious as long as you make at least some effort to meet them half-way. I have thoroughly enjoyed all my visits to France, and spoke French every time.
Perhaps he’s a relation to Sir Bodsworth Rugglesby III? (OK, that is an extremely obscure reference).