Eagle's Glory

Because Aigron had ordered before, Chanel and André Davout had already started to work, arranging tables, chairs and lights on the balcony to prepare for the next dinner.

Except for Father Faria, who was physically handicapped, several of his important subordinates were present, and Edgar and Agnes, as new guests, naturally became the guests of honor at the banquet.

When Aigron and Teresa attended together, everyone was there and everything was ready.

The table is filled with all kinds of dishes and fine wines, and candles are placed all around. The stars in the sky spread out above everyone's heads like a scroll, and the endless waves of the sea are not far away. , it seemed as if the cheers of the audience were cheering for them.

Because she was going to show up in front of everyone today, Teresa dressed up in a rare way. She wore a long skirt she brought over and a jeweled flower ornament on her chest. She looked dignified and luxurious. The reappearance of the court ball—only the little crown presented by His Majesty the Emperor is missing on the head.

Because of such a beautiful and luxurious attire, the girl attracted everyone's attention as soon as she appeared on the stage, and her eyes slowly wandered in front of everyone with the help of the candlelight.

Her gaze didn't stay on the people she already knew, but slowly swept over, until finally, she fell on the two strangers on the opposite side.

One is a blond young man with a handsome face and a gentle smile; while the other...is a young girl.

She was wearing an ordinary skirt, her hair was tied into a bun and placed behind her head. Her pretty face was very expressive, with a half-smile, and it could be seen that she was an optimist; while her eyes were piercing and very Smart, seems to be able to observe the surroundings carefully.

At this moment, Agnes also looked at Teresa curiously, and the two looked at each other with interest for a moment, and then showed friendly smiles at the same time.

"Who is she..." Agnes was a little curious, and asked Edgar next to her in a low voice. "Why do you seem to be very close to your Majesty?"

"She is Princess Teresa, His Majesty's Austrian fiancée." Edgar tried hard to hide the sourness and annoyance in his heart, and explained to Agnes in a low voice, "Although there were twists and turns before, she insisted on running to the His Majesty is here, so His Majesty seems to have accepted it."

"No wonder!" Agnes suddenly realized, "I'm just saying, how can ordinary people have such a bearing...We don't have such a beautiful princess in France now."

This is also a thing, after all, after the bloody storm of the Great Revolution, the Bourbon royal family was not prosperous, the whole family of Louis XVI died, his sister Princess Elizabeth was also sent to the guillotine, and only his eldest daughter Marie-Terre survived. Princess Lésa, who later married her cousin Louis-Antoine de Bourbon, the son of her uncle, the Comte d'Artois, is now approaching 40.

Later, the Earl of Artois became King Charles X, and Louis-Anthony became the crown prince as the eldest son. The two had nothing to do after their marriage; after the second son, the Duke of Berry, was killed, only one posthumous son remained.

Therefore, there is no princess of the same age left in the royal family of Bourbon. Although Agnes' words may sound disrespectful to the royal family, it is also true.

Under everyone's gaze, Aigron sat down on the seat with Teresa.

Then, Aigron spoke first, kicking off the dinner party.

"Recently, we are all busy with our affairs, so we haven't gathered together for a long time. Today I specially gathered everyone together to relax." He said, smiling at everyone, "Thanks to your efforts, we Everything is going well now, and today... another important person came and participated in our cause!"

He raised his hand and pointed to Edgar, "Although he is a newcomer, he is by no means a newcomer. Some of you may already know him. Let me introduce to others—he is Mr. Edgar de Treville, the only son of the Marquis of Treville. Although the Marquis was unable to come in person because of his heavy responsibilities, he dedicated his only son to our cause... This loyalty really touched me and admiration!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the others applauded Edgar one after another.

Although Edgar himself has neither fame nor prestige, the Marquis of Treville is extraordinary in the eyes of everyone. His loyalty and qualifications are impeccable, and he is also one of the leaders of the Bonapartists. , so his only son has also been respected as a matter of course.

After everyone cheered for Edgar, Aigron looked at Agnes again, "Next, please let me introduce another guest, Miss Agnes de Nordrien... as we can all see, She is a beautiful girl, but she is not only outstanding in appearance, but also in extraordinary skill. She is one of the very few people of the same age who are qualified to fight against me! Yes, she is beautiful and powerful, worthy of the pride of France, let us honor her Have a toast!"

"Cheers!" After Egron's introduction, not only people who knew Agnes were booing, but even people who didn't know her were very interested, and they looked at Agnes in unison.

Being so watched by everyone, Agnes was a little shy, she lowered her head and dared not speak, but of course she was also very happy in her heart, after all, who doesn't like to be complimented and praised?What's more, it's even more rare that this praise comes from such an incredible person.

After taking a sip of his wine, Aigron looked at Edmond Dantès. "Edmund! You should have known Agnes by now."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Edmund Dantès replied in a low voice, "When I went to Paris before, thanks to the help of the lady, I was able to easily contact the banker in the name of the Nordrien family, which was very convenient. I have fulfilled my task, I still remember this kindness. In addition... I can be regarded as half a student of Miss Agnes. She once taught me some sword skills, which benefited me a lot. Unfortunately, the time was too short so I didn’t I’m very sorry that I didn’t have time to learn so much.”

After recognizing Agnes just now, he was surprised and also very happy, but because His Majesty was present, he didn't dare to say hello - because of his previous experience, he has always been full of affection for Alice and Sister Agnes And respect, so very happy to see Agnes join her cause.

"Mr. Count of Monte Cristo, if you are willing, I can teach you again when I have the opportunity." Agnes said with a smile.

"Actually... I was also educated by Miss Agnes." At this moment, André Davout suddenly said shyly, "I once challenged Miss Agnes beyond my control, and then I was taught by Miss Agnes." She easily defeated... At that time, I realized how weak I was, but it also strengthened my confidence to become stronger."

After finishing speaking, he looked at Agnes solemnly, "Miss Agnes, I'm sorry that I was too embarrassed to mention those past events when we first met... I don't think you can remember how you defeated me, because that's very important to me. You are just an experience that is not worth mentioning, but I will always remember it. It is a pity that I have more important things to do now. I want to challenge you again after your Majesty's career is successful. Maybe I will still fail miserably. But at least I'll make myself look a little better, at least make you remember—"

"You've let me remember you now." Agnes's eyes lit up, and she replied solemnly, "It's not terrible to lose, what's terrible is that you get depressed because you're afraid of losing face, and let yourself fall into a situation where you can accomplish nothing...You Being able to face up to failure and muster the courage to try again has really touched the essence of a swordsman. With this kind of ambition, you can definitely do well in other things! I want to have a subordinate like you, too. Your Majesty's luck."

"Thank you!" André Davout was so relieved to be praised by Agnes that he almost shed tears.

The others were also moved by Agnes' words and nodded.

It is indeed an admirable demeanor...Even Teresa, who has always been critical of others, can't help but secretly feel aggrieved by Agnes' performance.

At this moment, Teresa felt a little rejoiced.

She secretly thanked herself for making that crucial decision——

If I was indulging in sorrow and pain, did not go to Rome to meet Queen Letizia and then happened to meet His Highness, did not agree to continue to stick to the marriage contract, did not force my parents to make concessions and then made the trip, I missed a step, even if it was just a step At this time, it is impossible for him to arrive at His Highness's side in time, and Edgar and Agnes will naturally come on time, so God knows what will happen next...

No, Teresa, are you timid?

She woke up suddenly.

She was annoyed and even a little ashamed of her momentary hesitation and rejoicing.

This is by no means what I should have thought.

The union between you and His Highness is due to the grace of God and favored by fate, so why should you have any fear?

Agnes is indeed excellent, but I will not lose my color.

In an instant, she regained her composure.

She raised her head, faced Agnes directly, and greeted her with a sincere smile.

"Miss Agnes, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's a pity that I only learned about your deeds today, but this does not detract from my admiration for you."　　

129, commemoration and celebration

"Miss Agnes, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's a pity that I only learned about your deeds today, but this does not detract from my admiration for you."

These were Teresa's first words to Agnes.

Her expression was courteous, and her tone was very polite enough to appear genial and friendly.

"Your Highness...you are too polite, I can't afford it." Agnes smiled a little embarrassedly, "It is also my honor to meet you."

After she finished speaking, her eyes flickered, and she didn't know what to say in embarrassment.

Although she was born in a Duke's family and has been in and out of the court since she was a child, she has no experience in dealing with princesses and princes, let alone flattering others, so she doesn't know how to deal with Her Highness Teresa's kindness.

But out of instinct, she knew that since Teresa was the young man's fiancée, she would also be the mistress her sister and brother-in-law would submit to in the future, and if she was lucky, she might even become the queen of France, so she didn't dare to create This time, I don't want to leave a bad impression in the other party's heart and implicate the innocent sister.

Deep down in her heart, she was also a little curious, what kind of character is Her Majesty Teresa, that after experiencing such a tragic blow, she still steadfastly followed the young man?

"Please don't be reserved, you can speak freely with us." Teresa saw Agnes' embarrassment, so she continued to greet her with a smile. "And, I think we could be friends."

After finishing speaking, she nodded to Aigron, then stood up, and walked to Agnes on her own initiative, and Agnes also stood up subconsciously due to etiquette.

So, the two people looked at each other face to face, looking at each other with the help of candlelight.

The two girls are very beautiful, but each has its own aura - one is dressed up, with both the charm of a girl and the dignity of a princess; the other is plainly dressed, but has an undisguised heroism and pride.

It's so beautiful... Even if they sighed at each other in their hearts at the same time.

"Miss Agnes, would you like to be my friend?" Teresa put down her thoughts, and asked the other party kindly.

Then, she stretched out her silk-gloved hand, "There are too few girls here. Although I can understand the reason and can bear it, seeing a girl of the same age always makes people feel relaxed. Not much, especially... She is still so good and admirable! Thank God, let me meet such people, you don't have to worry about me being difficult to get along with, they all know that I am by no means a picky or harsh person ..."

Teresa's words were not entirely deliberate compliments. Although she only heard a scrap of Agnes' experience, it was enough to make her think highly of Agnes in her heart.

She is a person who likes legends and extraordinary things, so she will inevitably have respect for a girl like Agnes who is outstanding among her peers.

As for the slight defensiveness caused by Aigron, that's another matter, she can control herself.

Agnes was still a little sluggish, and she was a little overwhelmed by Princess Teresa's treatment as soon as they met, which was beyond her interpersonal experience.

Fortunately, at this moment, out of the corner of her eye, she saw her brother-in-law's wink, and immediately woke up.

"Of course!" She nodded quickly, then stretched out her hand, and carefully held His Highness Teresa's hand. "Your Highness, thank you for giving me such an honor, I am very happy to be your friend."

So, under the gaze of everyone, the two girls held hands.

Human beings' instinctive appreciation of beauty made them all burst into applause, and even Aigron couldn't help applauding lightly.

After holding it for a while, Teresa withdrew her hand and looked at Agnes with a smile.

"Have you fought many times?" she asked in a low voice.

"Well... not too many, especially recently, since no one challenges me anymore." Agnes replied leisurely, and then proudly added, "Besides, since I graduated from the teacher, I have not I lost."

"It's amazing!" Teresa admired sincerely, and then smiled embarrassedly, "To tell you the truth, in fact, since I met Aigron, every time he fights with someone, it makes me a little sad. My father once was his teacher, so I was instinctively afraid of swords! However, I am looking forward to seeing your performance, it must be a grand and magnificent performance."

"If you're interested, I'll invite you to watch next time I compete with anyone." Agnes didn't mind, "But I think everyone is not free right now."

"It's okay, let's wait for the future, I believe there will be a chance soon." Teresa nodded firmly, and then she asked, "Does your father know that you are here?"

"Of course he doesn't know now, after all, he is politically opposed to the Bonaparte family, so we can only hide it from him." Agnes snickered, "But he should already know by now, but that How about it? He can neither send someone to arrest me, nor can he publicize the matter, so he has to acquiesce! Of course, when I return to China, he will definitely scold me, but that is a matter of the future Let’s talk about it later~”

Teresa couldn't help laughing along with her.

After laughing, she felt some feelings again—the two of them seemed to be deeply doted on by their father, and they made him furious with such willful behavior.

Agnes probably could be forgiven easily, but she wondered if she could make up for the rift with her father?

"Although we have to do some unavoidable things for various reasons, my father is a father after all, and we must make up for him in the future." She expressed her feelings.

"Yeah, you're right." Agnes nodded, and then she twitched the corner of her mouth, "I will apologize to my father when I get back, if my father wants to beat me, then I'll stand obediently and let him beat me —to make him the first and only one who can hit me so hard I can't fight back..."

"Hahahaha..." Although she was a little sad, Teresa was still amused.

Next, she raised her skirt and saluted again.

"Okay, let's stop here first, so we can't waste other people's time."

"Well, Your Highness!" Agnes also quickly saluted.

During the short contact, she had a very good impression of Princess Teresa—as Her Royal Highness said, although she came from the ancient Habsburg family, she is indeed a person who does not put on airs, and does not rely on blood. And no one in sight.

She felt that this would also make her feel better in the days to come - after all, she would definitely have a lot of opportunities to get in touch with Princess Teresa in the future.

Under the gaze of everyone, the two girls sat down again, and the focus of their eyes fell on the young man again.

Aigron was in a very happy mood—after all, who would not be happy after watching the scene just now?

The glass of wine he just drank made his chest and abdomen feel slightly hot, but it also gave him surging passion.

He looked up at the starry sky, then stood up leisurely.

"This starry sky is so beautiful..." He sighed sincerely, "What's even more beautiful is that I can enjoy it freely. Thinking back to a year ago, I feel like a lifetime away... Yes, the world is completely different Well, a year ago I was lonely and cynical in a palace; a year later I was already gathering my supporters to fight for me. By the favor of fate, I came here and got your support Help, fate has brought us all together, let us gather for the same goal, and work hard for the same cause!"

Then, he picked up the wine glass smartly, and then looked at the people present, "Everyone, I am not an omnipotent genius, nor am I a sage who can count on everything. I know even more how many difficulties and obstacles there are in the road ahead." ... But I believe that things are man-made. There have been too many miracles in this era, and even my birth was a miracle... A genius went from nothing to owning a powerful empire in a few years, and then defeated a A strong enemy, and then married a princess of an ancient royal family, and gave birth to his own heir. Isn't this the miracle experience we have just witnessed? I was part of the miracle, and I will lead you to continue this miracle , This is the mission given to me by God, and it is my obligation - listen to my orders, for the empire, for victory! Apart from this, we have nothing, and we don't need anything else!"

"Long live!" As soon as he finished speaking, the people present responded with cheers.

Then, everyone raised their glasses, saluted Aigron, and drank.

Although Agnes was a little hesitant, due to the atmosphere at this time, she also followed the example of others - presumably, she will become more and more used to this in the future.

After delivering the toast, Aigron looked at Edgar. "Edgar, you are an excellent painter, so I would like to ask you, can you draw down the scene tonight so that I can keep it forever?"

"Of course I will carry out your order." Of course, Edgar agreed immediately without saying a word. "I will try to make it the crowning glory of my career, Your Majesty."

"Well, that's good." Aigron nodded, then thought for a while, and then offered his own suggestion, "By the way, let's use the moment Teresa and Agnes shook hands just now for the composition of the picture, let them Being in the center of the painting, I think that is the display of beauty..."

"Okay, Your Majesty! I will draw according to your wishes." As long as it is Aegron's request, Edgar will of course not make any doubts or objections, and agrees without hesitation.

"Then I'll wait for you to present your work." Aigron nodded with great satisfaction, "I firmly believe that you will never let me down."

"Mr. Treville." Teresa also interjected at this time, "I heard from Eggron that you are a very good painter, aren't you?"

"It's not excellent, but I have studied painting for many years, Your Highness." Edgar replied respectfully. "While I was in Paris, I painted for many people, generally well received."

"Then when you drive with me from now on, you should polish your Highness's glorious image more." Teresa looked at him expectantly, "I'm looking forward to your next work."

"This is also what I want to do." Edgar nodded with a smile, "I will let all the French see the glorious image of His Majesty, and then they will make a comparison. After all, it is a vibrant conquest. Is the king more powerful, or an old, decaying king? That's an answer they can easily come up with."

"Yeah, people will make wise judgments." Theresa deeply agrees.

Then, she encouraged Edgar, "The Treville family is not only a famous family, but also the leader of those Bonaparte supporters in France. Your father is widely respected, and Egron also needs his help... I ask you Next, serve Your Highness well. I assure you that if there is no accident, if we come to Paris, your family will be one of the most respected courtiers in our court. Aigron and I will never forget the contributions of others. "

Compared with the cordial and friendly attitude towards Agnes, Teresa maintained a polite and cold respect for Edgar.

It's not that Edgar's performance is not good, or that his appearance and behavior are not good-looking, but because the frivolous demeanor he showed did not please Teresa. She has long been terribly tired of this pompous but mediocre behavior.

But even so, due respect still has to be shown.

From her point of view, although Agnes and Edgar's current family reputation and status are very different, they are both aristocratic families in terms of genealogy-it is precisely for this reason that Duke Nordrien gave birth to his daughter Alice. With all her strength, she held her nose and agreed to their marriage.

Although she was on Aigron's thief ship, as a member of the Habsburg royal family, she instinctively valued the prestige and role of the aristocratic society—so, the Treville family also gained her attention.

In her opinion, Aigron's arrival in France will not be a bloody massacre of the Great Revolution, but will continue Napoleon's established line, implementing enlightened policies and reconciling with the aristocracy, and the Treville family will undoubtedly be a very good bridge .

In order to achieve this goal, she does not mind giving the Treville family a transcendent status in the future court.

Of course, if she could see the dirty little thoughts hidden in Edgar's heart now, I'm afraid she would definitely not have such an attitude...

"I heard your baby is about to be born?" she asked Edgar again.

"Yes." Edgar nodded, and then added, "When His Majesty was chatting with my wife earlier, he gave this child a name as a gift. If it is a boy, it will be called Charles; Xia Lu."

"Then let's toast this child together." Teresa picked up the glass, "I will prepare a precious gift for this child...May God bless this child!"