Eagle's Glory

This is also the price that must be paid for victory.

With this unrepentant certainty he returned to his lodgings, when he found his guardian, Count Dietrichstein, waiting for him.

"Your Highness, you are finally back." Upon seeing Aigron, the count greeted him solemnly as usual.

"Is there anything to explain, sir?" he asked.

When he was young, the guardian appointed by His Majesty the Emperor almost never left his side, but although he grew older, the Earl was gradually withdrawing from his life, maybe he would be free before himself .

"The thing you entrusted to me last time, after a lot of fighting, finally got an ideal result." The earl replied in a low voice, "Prime Minister Metternich agreed to suspend your enlistment."

Before, he had asked the earl to fight for an extension of his enlistment, and the earl agreed to his request after some consideration.

It seems that he did not promise empty words, but did it seriously.

"Thank you for your help." He quickly thanked the other party.

However, the Earl just shook his head, not showing much relief.

"You don't have to thank me. I don't have the right to decide this matter. I just conveyed your request for you. The final decision is made by the Prime Minister. In addition, he did not meet your request unconditionally."

"Then what does he ask of me?" Aegron asked back.

"In a few days, September 9th will be the 5th birthday of Grand Duke Karl, and His Majesty will hold a large banquet for him." The count replied calmly, "His eldest daughter, Princess Teresa, will also be here for the first time. Stepping into the social world, His Majesty, like her father, hopes to honor Her Royal Highness with grand ceremonies."

Aegron probably understood something.

"Do you want me to curry favor with Her Majesty Teresa?"

"Indeed." The count nodded. "In detail, you danced the first two dances with her. I hope you can perform well enough. After all, the debut is of great significance to Princess Teresa... …she will definitely want to make good memories."

"This is a daunting task! If I screw up His Majesty's coming-of-age ceremony, what terrible consequences should I suffer? Even Grand Duke Karl can't spare me." Aigron couldn't help laughing,

"So you should show your due seriousness and deal with this task well." When the earl said this, his serious expression couldn't help but loosen, and he looked at the young man with a half-smile, " Objectively speaking, this is a very enviable job-at least the young people who will be there will hate you."

"I didn't expect that he would put forward such a condition." Aigron couldn't help shrugging, "It's really strange. Metternich seems to be more anxious than me about my life-long event!"

"Elders have always been more anxious than children since ancient times." The earl corrected Aigron, and then lowered his voice, "Your Highness, I admit that this is very obvious political considerations, not out of concern for you. But everything You can look at both sides, you won't lose anything if you obey his request, and it may even be very beneficial to you, isn't it?"

The truth is true, no matter what Metternich's plan is, at least in this matter, he is not completely a victim.Egron did not contradict this request. He had made up his mind a long time ago, even if it was false, he would first get involved with Grand Duke Karl.

In addition, Teresa does not seem to be a willful and arrogant person, even if she makes friends temporarily, there will be no loss.

And he doesn't seem to have any capital to refuse now. After all, Metternich has just made a rare concession to himself, and he will not be so easy to talk to if he is not sensible.

"Then tell Metternich, I'm flattered." After making up his mind, he solemnly agreed to the count, "Thanks to Grand Duke Karl and Princess Teresa for giving me the opportunity, I will try my best to complete this glorious work." task."

"Your Highness, I congratulate you for making the right decision." Seeing that the young man is so upbeat, the Earl couldn't help being happy, "Although there are not many days left to accompany you, our relationship over the years is bound to It will also be a memory I will never forget. Admittedly, you have had a difficult time, but I think God will love you after all, and I sincerely hope that in the remaining days I spend with you, I can see you turn around, and Turn it over and have a bright future."

I do have a bright future, but not here—Aggron replied in his heart.

"I also wish you all the best in the future, and if I really get lucky in the future, I will also repay you for taking care of me." He greeted the other party cordially.

Although this guardian was quite strict with himself when he was a child, at least he treated himself sincerely, so he still had some respect in his heart.

As for him monitoring himself, that's his responsibility, so what's so strange about it?

After finishing speaking, Aigron originally planned to return to his bedroom, but he found that the Earl didn't seem to have left.

"Sir, do you have anything else to say?" He was a little surprised.

"There is one more thing, although it is not very important, but I still want to mention it to you." The count looked a little embarrassed. "This time it's not official, it's purely private."

"Please tell me." Eggron nodded.

"You seem to have forgotten one thing." The count cleared his throat, "When you were injured, Her Royal Highness Sophie sent her maid to take care of you. It is undeniable that she took care of you very carefully. With her help, you were able to reply so quickly. I am very grateful to her for her contribution. However... your injuries have fully healed now, so there is no reason for her to stay by your side, why don't you send her back Bar?"

what? !

Aegron was shocked and angry at once.

Chanel was the first reliable follower he found here, and also an indispensable helper, how could he retreat at this time?

Seeing his expression, the count seemed to have guessed something.

"You...you are reluctant?"

"Yes, I can't bear it. I don't want her to leave for the time being." Aigron replied immediately, "Actually, I'm used to her meticulous care. If I don't have her now, I think I will be very sad..."

"Really? Meticulous attention to detail?" The count smiled knowingly, "Well, I think you've reached this age, even if you want to taste that feeling, there's nothing inappropriate about it, I can understand it."

Seeing the earl's strange and ambiguous smile, Aigron was a little dumbfounded.

However, even if he came up with such a guess, it didn't seem strange.

Rather, I often stay with Chanel, and Chanel is so docile and considerate, in the eyes of others, there must be similar guesses.

"But...don't forget, she's just a maid, and she's so insignificant that even comparing with you, it hurts your dignity, even for Your Highness Teresa." While he was still thinking, the count continued He continued, "Since you are planning to make friends with His Highness Teresa, it is best to deal with this little matter before then, so as to avoid some unexpected situations that would embarrass His Highness."

Like His Royal Highness Sophie, the Earl was quite contemptuous when he mentioned Chanel. This was not intentional, but a kind of common sense that seemed to be a matter of course—after all, the feudal hierarchy has not completely disappeared in this era, even if the Great Revolution originated Isn't France in the land still ruled by kings and nobles?

Although he knew that the earl was planning for himself, Aigron suddenly felt a little upset for Chanel.

This is his first follower, and he is so loyal and reliable, how can he be so underestimated?

One day she will become a duchess, jumping on the heads of most people, and see how you despise her then.

"I see, your suggestion is indeed reasonable." He agreed vaguely, "If one day Princess Teresa and I really come to that step, then I will send Chanel away at that time. It will end in this way, and it will not cause any trouble to Her Royal Highness. As for it, it is still too early, and everything has not started yet, so there is no need to be so courteous, right?"

He knew in his heart that his promise was tantamount to no promise at all, after all, he was just using Teresa as a cover.

He can write as many blank checks as he wants.

The count pondered for a moment, and finally nodded helplessly.

"Since you think so, let's do it first, but I suggest you not to be too nice to her, or she may have unreasonable thoughts, and it will be troublesome to dismiss it at that time. In addition, I hope you will be more restrained, after all Although you are young, you still have a lot of schedule..."

Eggron resisted the embarrassment, and agreed indifferently, "Don't worry, I will."

"Okay, then I won't disturb you." The count finally bowed and left this time.

After seeing off the count, Aigron walked back to his room and finally saw Chanel again.

"Your Highness!" Upon seeing Aigron, Chanel quickly put down what she was doing and saluted him respectfully.

"Chanel, just now my guardian suggested that I send you back." Aigron didn't talk nonsense and went straight to the point.

"What?" Chanel was frightened and at a loss.

"Don't panic, it's okay, I've already dealt with him." Aigron made a gesture to signal her to calm down, "No one will force me to send you back, and I will never let you go. Are you An absolutely indispensable helper by my side.”

"Your Highness...you are so kind to me." Chanel was quite moved after hearing his words.

"However, the Earl's words also reminded me of a risk." Aigron fell into deep thought, "Other people make similar requests, and I can perfunctory them. If Her Highness Sophie makes it, I will really have a hard time... "

After all, Her Royal Highness Sophie is Chanel's "original owner". She sent Chanel here just to heal her wounds. If one day she remembered that Chanel's mission was completed and casually asked Chanel to come back, that would be quite tricky.

Although His Highness hasn't thought about it yet, everything must be taken precautions, so as not to be caught off guard when something really happens.

"Otherwise, I will pretend that I am too hard to hold the pen when I practice swords, and you can take notes for me. Then I insist that this is a habit, and I will be exhausted without your notes-in this way, you will not be able to If you are missing, His Royal Highness Sophie should not transfer you soon." After thinking for a while, Aigron came up with an idea, "I will dictate, and you will take notes, can you do it?"

"Your Highness, I have no similar experience, and my education is average." Chanel looked at the boy firmly, "But... if it is your order, I will definitely do it. I will do it with all my might! "

Well, it seems that fanaticism is also beneficial, at least it can bring motivation to learn.Agron thought.

"Okay, I believe you." He looked at Chanel with a smile on his face, "We can practice as soon as possible."　　

37. Banquet

As the count said, a few days later, the court banquet in honor of Archduke Karl's fifty-fifth birthday took place as scheduled.

Perhaps in order to ease the tension between the brothers, His Majesty the Emperor attached great importance to this banquet. He not only regarded his Schönbrunn Palace as a place of celebration, but also invited people from all walks of life to attend.Even the foreign envoys stationed in Vienna came to cheer for the prestigious Grand Duke.

However, Grand Duke Karl is not a person who likes vanity, so the outside world has also speculated that the reason why he celebrated so high-profile this time is to allow his eldest daughter, Princess Teresa, to make a grand debut and step into the palace under everyone's gaze. society.

For most people, the reason for holding the banquet is not important, the banquet itself is the key point, and it is already a rare honor for them to have the opportunity to enter the palace and meet the emperor and the grand duke.

In this way, Schönbrunn Palace, which is usually sparsely populated, suddenly became lively. Celebrities from all walks of life, cabinet ministers, and even bishops gathered together. The medals worn by the men and the jewelry worn by the ladies complement each other by candlelight, bringing the already beautiful scenery to life. The resplendent hall reflects more brilliance.

Seeing this situation, who would doubt that the fortunes of the empire are on the wane?

Because of the large number of participants, according to the long-standing tradition, the court attendants kept important high-level guests in the hall, while other guests with lesser levels could only stay in the long gallery.Even in the gallery, these guests with insufficient levels will stand up and down according to their respective levels.

As a member of the royal family, Egron was naturally placed in the hall; however, usually at similar events, he would only stand in an inconspicuous corner with interest, acting as a background board for watching indifferently, and very few people would take the risk. Talk to him with political risk.

But today is different, he was assigned to the front row, a conspicuous position - all the guests who knew him were a little surprised by the special arrangement in the palace today, only Egron himself knew what it was for.

Today, he is wearing a traditional white military uniform. The slim uniform sets off his slender figure. His hair has been carefully groomed and pomaded. Even when he looks in the mirror, he thinks he is a handsome young man.

He remained silent as usual, while the guests next to him were chatting and looking forward to the arrival of His Majesty and the Grand Duke.

When the clock reached around 9 o'clock in the evening, there was commotion in the distance. The protagonists of tonight's banquet finally arrived. Aigron clearly saw a large group of people walking towards him.

The leaders are naturally His Majesty the Emperor Franz I of Austria and His Majesty the Empress. Although he is a little old, he is wearing a military uniform, and his steps are quite calm, with a gentle expression and a sense of majesty. He is striding towards the hall. .

Behind him, followed by his younger brother, Grand Duke Karl, the birthday star at the banquet, and the woman holding arms beside the Grand Duke is not his wife, but a girl in a white palace dress and floral decorations—obviously, it is Princess Teresa up.

Behind them, there is a long line of attendants in various uniforms.

The guests lined up on both sides of the promenade stood in silence, watching several of the most distinguished nobles of the empire enter the arena, but His Majesty the Emperor did not stop at all, but looked around, nodded slightly as a compliment, and then strode away Entered the hall.

At this moment, the band, which had been playing soft music, changed immediately and began to play the majestic Austrian national anthem "God Save the Emperor Franz" to congratulate His Majesty on his arrival.

The officials, courtiers, diplomatic envoys, and their wives who had already been waiting in the hall saluted His Majesty the Emperor amidst the melodious music.

Eggron, like the crowd, saluted his grandfather respectfully, but he was thinking of something else in his heart.

Everyone in this hall is a big shot on the outside, with different titles and powers, but here they can only be insignificant members, bowing down to pay tribute to the dull old man opposite.

This is the taste of power.

Such strict etiquette and such grand ostentation are showing off power and the blood that comes with power, and the centuries-old traditions of the old Habsburg family have also remained here.

When seeing Qin Shihuang's ostentation, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu left sighs of "a man is born like this" and "he can replace him", and Egron's mood was almost the same.

One day, the same scene will appear in another country, and it will be me who enjoys all the honors.

Because, I also have an empire... he thought silently.

While he was meditating, the emperor and empress walked up to the throne and sat down.

As usual, His Majesty the Emperor looked around at the important people in front of him.

When seeing his grandson, His Majesty the Emperor smiled slightly, and then nodded slightly to him, as if to encourage him to behave well in the future.

"Thank you for your honor tonight." Then, His Majesty the Emperor said leisurely, "However, it goes without saying that you all know that the protagonist tonight is my younger brother. I don't want to attract too much attention and take away the glory he deserves." .So, next, Grand Duke Karl will address you.”

While speaking, His Majesty the Emperor looked at his younger brother.

The Grand Duke did not give in either, he stood beside the throne, and then spoke loudly to the guests.

"Everyone, thank you for coming to my birthday party. But from my personal point of view, 55 years old is not a special age to celebrate, after all, it means that the time God has left for me is not destined to be too much." He raised his head Looking at the crowd, Gu Pan is full of indifference and heroism, "Just like everyone around my age, sometimes I look back on this life and ask myself what God has given me and what has left me behind. I am bitter After thinking hard for a few times, I finally found the answer - that is, the motherland, honor and family! This is what my whole life is all about, and I am glad that I can say without guilt that I have lived up to these three words! "

His words aroused cheers from the crowd, and they paid tribute to the famous general, but he paused slightly in the cheers.

After the cheers gradually subsided, he spoke again, "Now, the motherland has been defended by the younger generation, so I don't have to worry; I have had enough honor, I don't want it anymore; the only thing I can't let go of is It is my family members, I hope His Majesty will stay healthy forever, and the Austrian royal family will be blessed for a long time, and I hope..."

While talking, he made a gesture, signaling Teresa who was standing next to her to come closer.

Princess Teresa obediently walked to her father's side, which meant that she became the focus of everyone's attention for a moment. She shrank her neck slightly, as if she was a little shy to the people's gaze, but she still maintained a calm attitude Facing the crowd.

The Grand Duke took his daughter's hand, and then spoke again, "I hope that my daughter Teresa can be happy. She is the most precious gift God has given me. She has respected me for many years and brought me countless blessings. Joy, I am willing to give everything for her!"

After finishing speaking, he took the wine glass from the attendant's hand with the other hand, and then raised it to his chest, "Tonight, I hope you not only toast to my age, but also to Theresa!"

The Grand Duke's words once again aroused enthusiastic responses, and people toasted to celebrate the father and daughter.

It is at this moment that the banquet officially begins.

The Grand Duke is a person who doesn't like red tape, so he didn't talk much after the opening speech, and the people in the hall, as usual, began to gather in small circles in twos and threes.

Aigron didn't belong to any small circle, and no one talked to him, but he didn't care, because at this time Grand Duke Karl came to him.

The Grand Duke stopped in front of him, and then looked the young man up and down again.

"Boy, did you deliberately dress up today? It's quite fashionable." After a while, he joked. "It's just a bit greasy, too French."

"I don't always dress like this." Aigron laughed awkwardly, "Because it's said...it's said that there are some special arrangements for me, so I dare not neglect."

"It seems that I have to worry about your enthusiasm! Don't think too much, it's still early." The Grand Duke curled his lips, seemingly dissatisfied.

Then, he stretched out his hand and patted Aigron's shoulder heavily. Aigron didn't understand what he meant, so he didn't resist, just stood motionless.

"It looks thin, but it's in good shape." The Grand Duke quickly withdrew his hand, "It seems that Foresty didn't mix it with water when he taught you."

"The captain is a very caring and responsible teacher, and he is very proud to have served under your command." Aigron replied.

"I've said goodbye to conducting for so many years, so don't talk about these old friendships." The Grand Duke shook his head coldly, with a look of reluctance.