Eagle's Glory

Then, he stepped forward, opened the door of the carriage, and the passengers inside stepped out.

The visitor, who claimed to be the Count of Monte Cristo, opened his wallet slightly, then threw a gold coin at the coachman, and followed the servant straight in without waiting for the change.

After entering, he remained silent, and the servant didn't ask another word, and quickly led him through the small courtyard to the mansion.

The design of the room is quite spacious, and the extravagant style of the imperial era can be seen everywhere. The windows are covered with expensive red silk curtains, there are golden lacquered railings on the stairs from the first floor to the second floor, and there are thick blankets on the floor of the living room. , and the other furniture was also covered with gold lacquer and covered with flowered silk.

From all kinds of furnishings, it can be seen that when this mansion was completed, its owner was in the glory period of his life, so he spared no expense to build this residence.

However, under the sharp eyes of Edmond Dantès, there is no hiding the other side of the mansion's splendor - all the furniture in the living room is no longer the style that is popular today, and there are not many valuable displays It is obviously well-maintained, and signs of decay can be seen.

Obviously, this family has now reached a stage of desperation. Although it is not hopeless and unsustainable, it can still maintain the style of a noble family only by relying on the various ingenious methods of the family to support it.

When he left Monte Cristo Island, Edmond Dantès already knew about the Marquis de Treville, so he was not surprised to know his current situation.

Victor de Treville, the second son of the former Duke of Treville, fled France with his brother during the horrors of the Great Revolution and lived in seclusion in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Later, Emperor Napoleon came to power and expressed his preferential treatment to the nobles in exile many times. After years of exile in foreign countries, Victor de Treville returned to France in 1805 and joined the army as he wished under the emperor's favor. .Although he didn't have time to catch up with the Battle of Austerlitz, in the Battle of Jena and Auerstadt, which was fought between France and Prussia in 1806, Victor, as a cavalry officer, charged bravely and led his men on the Great Plains of North Germany. All the way to Berlin, he was rewarded and promoted by His Majesty the Emperor, and became famous for it.

In the next few years, he continued to fight bravely and received a lot of rewards from the emperor. The emperor also specially made him a marquis, making him a titled nobleman even as his second son.

Therefore, the Marquis of Treville built this mansion and let his descendants take root here.

However, the good times didn't last long, and the empire was eventually destroyed. The future of the Marquis of Treville also plummeted, and the source of income was greatly reduced.However, he did not change his original intention because of this, and still publicly expressed his unwillingness to serve the Bourbon royal family many times.

Therefore, he was also forced to retire from the army, and was never reused by the court, and his family fortune also declined.

For the Bonaparte family, this is a rare and time-tested loyalty, so the master of Edmond Dantès also regarded the Marquis de Treville as an important helper and entrusted him to perform tasks for him.

And Edmond Dantès came to Paris for this task.

After Edmond Dantès came to the living room, the Marquis de Treville soon came to the living room to receive this strange guest who came without warning.

The Marquis looked about 50 to [-] years old, with a square face, a broad forehead, and his gestures were full of battle-tested boldness.Although it is obvious that he has a lot of gray hair on his temples, he can still see the power contained in his tall and thin body. The evil spirit of habitual life and death.

At this moment, he was looking at Edmond Dantès in front of him with his evil eyes.

"Count of Monte Cristo? Interesting title—are you Italian?"

Although this seemed to be a very common question, Edmond Dantès knew that it was a secret signal, and he had to reply as agreed, otherwise he would not be able to get any entertainment and would be driven away immediately.

"I am neither Italian nor French, I am a lord floating on the sea, serving God and his spokesperson." Edmond Dantès replied calmly, while looking at the other party with calm eyes.

At this moment, the eyes of the Marquis de Treville softened a lot.

He showed a knowing smile, then nodded slightly, and stretched out his hand to Edmond Dantès, "Mr. Earl, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, General." Edmond Dantès held the opponent's hand and said respectfully to the opponent.

For this former war hero and loyal predecessor, Edmond Dantès must pay due respect.

Then, he took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to the Marquis de Treville.

"This is a letter from His Majesty, please read it."

The Marquis de Treville became serious in an instant. He picked up the letter in a respectful manner, opened it, and read it quietly.

After reading it, he smiled wryly, "It seems that His Majesty is not satisfied with my progress, he urged me to speed up the progress."

"Your Majesty is very sympathetic to your difficulties. He knows that you have to face difficulties in completing your mission in France." Edmond Dantès quickly comforted the other party, "However, His Majesty's plan is now at a critical moment, and he needs Get help as soon as possible, and then implement his next plan, and this must rely on your efforts..."

"Yes, I know." Treville nodded slightly, indicating that he was fully aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. "I will do my best to complete my task, please rest assured."

At this moment, footsteps came from the second floor of the mansion, and then Edmond Dantès clearly noticed a young lady walking down the stairs with the help of a maid.

He quickly stopped his words, and then looked at the other party carefully.

This is a very young and beautiful young woman with blond hair, blue eyes, and very delicate facial features, and her abdomen is obviously slightly bulging, obviously she is several months pregnant.

"This is my daughter-in-law, Alice." The Marquis de Treville didn't seem to intend to end the conversation between the two, but explained to Edmond Dantès in a low voice.

"Your daughter-in-law?" The Count of Monte Cristo raised his eyebrows slightly, as if curious.

In any case, the daughter-in-law must have been an outsider. He never thought that the Marquis de Treville would be so relieved.

And she's pregnant!

Considering His Majesty's high hopes for the Marquis, Edmond Dantès felt that his actions were not serious.

Under his gaze, the young woman walked down the stairs with a little difficulty, and then slightly saluted Edmond Dantès.

"Mr. Earl, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Edmond Dantès was a little embarrassed. He didn't know how to deal with this young lady who suddenly appeared. After all, he came here with a mission.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am."

"Don't be restrained, sir." Alice raised her head and looked at him without flinching, "Please don't treat me as an outsider, I know everything that happened between the Treville family and His Majesty, and I am also one of them." When I was in Switzerland, I followed my husband to meet His Majesty, and we had a good conversation—”

Then, she gently stroked her belly, and then smiled slightly, "Speaking of which, the child in my belly has been named by His Majesty, so you can completely trust me without any worries."

Although her words sounded like a fabricated story, Edmond Dantès couldn't help but believe her words.

Judging from the attitude of the Marquis of Treville, he did not shy away from his daughter-in-law, which shows that this lady is also his colleague.

And if she has a good relationship with His Majesty, in a sense, her status should still be higher than his, and she must not be treated lightly.

"What about your husband? Where is he?" Edmond Dantès asked casually.

He casually asked a question, but it seemed to touch Alice. The lady's expression became a little dim for an instant, but soon returned to normal. "Edgar was invited to the club to participate in an activity yesterday, and he hasn't returned home yet. He probably won't be back until tonight. But please rest assured, with my father-in-law and I here, everything can be handled."

So, what I need to deal with now is the former imperial cavalry general and his daughter-in-law? .

Well, this is not unacceptable.

Edmond Dantès calmed down, the task was the most important to him now, so he ignored this small change, and then looked at the Marquis de Treville.

"General, I am here not only to bring you difficult tasks, but also to bring you help. Not only my personal help, but also financial help—" He held his hands Reaching into his arms, he took out a small bag from his hidden pocket. "Your Majesty asked me to bring these to Paris to sell, part of which is the funds he sent you. He thinks that if you have enough funds, things should go more smoothly."

After speaking, he opened the small bag.

The dazzling light of gemstones and diamonds instantly dazzled the Marquis de Treville and Alice.

But after all, they grew up in the upper class, and their immunity to jewelry is stronger than ordinary people, so they quickly regained their composure.

"These are very precious jewels. It seems that His Majesty has found enough patrons." Alice said happily. "Great, this is excellent news for His Majesty and for us."

"I think so." Edmond Dantès nodded slightly.

Only he knows who this precious "patron" is.

Then, he returned to the topic, "I need to sell these gems in Paris at a reasonable price as soon as possible, and His Majesty needs the money, so, Marquis de Treville, can you introduce some bankers with similar capabilities? "

The Marquis of Treville was a little hesitant. After all, he had been in the army for many years, and since the restoration he had been forced to do something special, so he didn't have many opportunities to deal with bankers.

Instead, Alice nodded slightly, "My natal family does know a few. If necessary, I can find a way to get in touch—but I will find the one with a strict mouth, please don't worry."

At this time, Edmond Dantès probably understood why the Marquis de Treville had his daughter-in-law involved.

"Then...can you introduce Mr. Tanglar's silver number to me?" he asked calmly.

"Danglars...I seem to have heard of this name before." Alice frowned slightly, "Okay, I can try, but Mr. Earl, why must it be him, does His Majesty know him?"

"No, I want to know him." Edmond Dantès lowered his eyes slightly, trying not to show his hatred.

Because he is my life-and-death enemy, I must explore his reality and gain his trust, so that I can pierce his chest with a sharp sword one day in the future——

Edmond Dantès didn't say these words, but just recited them silently in his heart.

If he tells the Marquis of Treville now, maybe this fellow will help him, maybe he can even gather people to secretly give Tanglars a black gun, but... no!

How could the crimes they committed end with just one shot?They are so cheap!

Before coming to Paris, he went back to Marseilles, where he heard all the bad news and understood the tragic experience faced by his relatives after he was taken away.

Pain and anger turned this man into a bloodthirsty avenger overnight.

Through various channels, he found out the whereabouts of those enemies.

Then he came to Paris,

After knowing all the truth, in the name of his father, Edmond Dantès made the oath that was engraved in the deepest part of his heart. He will deal with the enemies who have taken everything from him in the most thorough and vicious way. He not only wants to take their lives, but also takes away everything they have spent their entire lives building, whether it is property, titles, or the dignity of nobles, he wants to take them all and trample them under his feet.

Only in this way can he let his wounded soul howl with satisfaction!All the price he paid was the real compensation.

This is Edmond Dantès' personal hatred, and he hopes to take revenge by himself.

"Therefore, when the LORD has given you rest from all your enemies around you, and you have found peace in the land which the LORD is giving you for your inheritance, destroy all the Amalekites, so that they will be remembered no more. Do not forget this !"　　

48, service

Unnoticed, Edmond Dantès arrived in Paris, and then quietly visited an important member of the Bonapartists, the prestigious Marquis de Treville.

His mission went very smoothly, and he easily gained the trust of the Marquis of Treville, and then handed over His Majesty's personal letter to the Marquis, and then it was time for him to perform another mission.

However, he also needs the help of the Treville family for this task, because he has no friends or connections in Paris, and he wants to sell the precious gemstones at a reasonable price as soon as possible without disturbing the market. , definitely need the help of this noble family.

After the initial meeting, the Marquis de Treville and Alice kindly invited him to lunch.

Although Treville's house has long since lost its former splendor, in order to entertain the Count of Monte Cristo, a distinguished guest, without losing their dignity, they still arrange the lunch very delicately.

Start with an appetizer of mushroom and lettuce soup, then well-cooked beef ribs, followed by herring and fresh shrimp, as well as pudding and small desserts as embellishments. The various meals are really rich.

Edmond Dantès was already physically exhausted during this journey, and suffered a severe mental blow, so he couldn't help moving his index finger when he saw this big meal.

Of course, in order to maintain the title of earl bestowed upon him by His Majesty the Emperor, he tried his best to follow the etiquette taught to him by Father Faria, respectfully accompanying his masters to dine.

However, after all, he spent more than ten years in the prison of Chateau d'If before. Although Father Faria taught him the proper etiquette, it is impossible for him to have a place to practice it. Running around, he didn't have enough opportunities to get used to it, so it was obvious that the movements were quite rusty.

The Marquis de Treville and Alice exchanged glances, and they also saw that the title of the Count of Monte Cristo might not be worthy of the name, but it was temporarily sealed by His Majesty to catch the ducks on the shelves - from the name of the fief, it might be a bit of a bad taste.

However, even so, they only tacitly understood each other, and no one showed any contempt for the Earl because of this, after all, now is not the time to put on airs.

Besides, since His Majesty says he is an earl, then he is an earl, no.

While the guests and hosts were chatting, the sumptuous lunch came to an end, and the Marquis de Treville got up to leave.

"Okay, Earl, I need to leave here for a while." The Marquis said while raising the autographed letter in his hand, "Now with His Majesty's autographed letter in hand, our fellow party members will definitely cheer for it, and I will be more convincing in the future, and I will urge them to find enough qualified volunteers to serve His Majesty as soon as possible. In fact, many people are already eager to try..."

Hearing what the Marquis said, Edmond Dantès couldn't help feeling relieved.

"It would be best if that's the case, and I wish you all the best, General."

The Marquis de Treville nodded to him, then turned around and strode out of the restaurant and out of his own mansion, exuding a resolute aura.

At this time, Alice stood up slowly, and slightly knelt to Edmond Dantès.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Earl, due to the rush of time, we didn't make too many preparations... If there is any place where the hospitality is not good, please forgive me."

"I am very satisfied with your family's hospitality, Madame." Edmond Dantès replied hastily, "Don't say such things again, otherwise I am really ashamed."

Seeing Edmond Dantès so easy to talk to, Alice also smiled.

"Then please come with me, I'll take you to the guest room to rest. You'd better not stay in a hotel during this time, I think staying at our home as a guest is the best choice - this will also facilitate our subsequent communication, Collaborate with each other to carry out His Majesty's mission."

"I have listened to your arrangement, Madame." Edmond Dantès also felt that this arrangement was the best, so he followed her advice.

"Then please follow me." Alice stood up, and then walked towards the second floor with Edmond Dantès.

After all, she was a pregnant woman, and it was a bit difficult for her to go upstairs with her big belly. Because the Marquis would not be disturbed during lunch, there was no one around her to help her.

Edmond Dantès couldn't stand it anymore, so he reached out to support her, and he was also thanked by Alice.

"You are a very generous man," she said with a smile.

"It's not worthy of praise, as any educated person would do, Madame." Edmond Dantès replied solemnly.

With his support, the two walked to the door of a room on the second floor, and opened the room.

This is a well-furnished room with a bed, a desk, books on the bookshelf, and oil paintings on the wall as decorations. It seems that it is indeed a room for guests.

"I will wrong you to rest here during this time." Alice said to him with a smile, "If you need anything, just tell the servants, and I will let them treat you as the most honored guest."

"You don't have to worry about me, ma'am." Edmond Dantès was a little embarrassed, "I don't have high requirements for life, and I have no reason to yell at your house. I just need to finish it as soon as possible. The mission His Majesty entrusted to me will be fine."

"It seems that you are a focused and rational person! I can't help but feel happy for His Majesty, he found the right person." Alice smiled deeper. "But you don't need to be too nervous, Mr. Earl, it's hard for you to come to Paris. You can occasionally experience life in this city like an ordinary tourist. I think it's very beneficial for you to relax properly. "

Although what she said was reasonable and very considerate, Edmond Dantès could only sigh in his heart.

How can he be happy before the day when his revenge is avenged?

"Don't worry, I'm already working hard to help you complete the task—" As if seeing what he was thinking, Alice turned back to the topic, "Although I very much hope that I can come to help you in person, but Please forgive me, my body does not allow me to run around, so... I can only find a reliable guide for you, and let her help you find the right person to exchange those gems."

"Her?" Edmond Dantes heard it sensitively. "A lady?"

"Yes, to be precise, it is my own sister, Agnes." Alice nodded gently, "Don't worry, although she is not our accomplice, she is also willing to do me a little favor. I She's been notified and should be here soon—"

Then, she looked at the window facing the street, her eyes lit up.