Eagle's Glory

"I will appoint Father Faria as the Prime Minister of the Principality, and Edmund Dantès as Haidee's guardian." Egron replied directly.

"Father Faria?" Teresa was a little surprised at first.

This surprise was not due to doubts about the priest's ability - when Aigron was away on an expedition, Teresa was left to take care of the rear, and Father Faria was left as her advisor, so Teresa was more than other priests. Anyone knows the ability and wisdom of the priest.

But... the priest also has his flaws.

Firstly, he was not a well-established Bonapartist, and he was unknown during the empire, so he might be a little hard to convince the public; secondly, he was in poor health and could not move easily, so it was difficult for him to bear the pressure of a lot of government affairs.

Teresa has been with the priest for so long, so she can see these problems more clearly.

"Father Faria is indeed a very powerful person, but... can he bear it?" After hesitating for a moment, Teresa couldn't help admonishing Egron tactfully.

"I said he is suitable and he is suitable. If anyone thinks he is not suitable, they can come to me—" Aigron replied with great momentum. "I am the one who decides everything. Anyone who questions my appointment is against me."

"Even if you don't object publicly, I'm afraid some people will still be unconvinced." Teresa replied in a low voice.

She deliberately did not call names, so as not to show any traces, and she believed that Aigron could guess who she was referring to.

Sure enough, Egron frowned, showing disgust.

"They may have some opinions, but I will make appropriate arrangements accordingly, so don't worry so much."

He also knew that if he appointed Father Faria Prime Minister of the Principality, his two cousins ​​would be full of resentment, so as a precaution, he would deprive them of their military power after the war, and Send both of them out of the Principality of Ioannina to perform tasks for themselves.

Moreover, he will keep Edmund Dantès in the principality as Haidee's guardian, and assist Father Faria to manage this small principality by the way.

He believed that with Father Faria and Edmond Dantès, the adoptive father and adopted son, even if he and Teresa left, nothing would happen to Ioannina.

Of course, if this arrangement is made, there will be concerns that the foster father and foster son have too much power and "the tail is too big to lose", but right now he doesn't have the energy and manpower to make any checks and balances, so it's better to trust the character of these two people .

Besides, although Father Faria may not die in two or three years like the original book, judging from his physical health, he may not be able to live for a few more years, so worrying so much is completely unnecessary.

It's better to let this old priest fulfill his wish in his later years, enjoy the feeling of becoming a big man, and repay his service to him.

He had no time and no need to explain all these thoughts to Teresa, but from his attitude, Teresa had already seen that he really had a plan in mind, so she no longer raised any doubts.

She has no objection to Father Faria becoming the prime minister of the principality, because the priest has a good relationship with her and is very willing to serve her.

At this moment, she was laughing to herself instead, because she quietly aroused Aggron's disgust for his cousins.

Ever since that night, she had already made up her mind that to make them pay the price, it was just the beginning.

The more people stand on her side, the more unshakable she is, and those who oppose her, or even join forces to sing against her, have no room to live.

She is not obsessed with power and tactics, nor does she have to control everything, but if anyone wants to separate her and His Highness, he must pay the due price.

"Then let's go and inform Father Faria together? He is qualified to enjoy such an honor." Teresa suggested.

"Okay!" Eggron readily agreed.

So, the two walked down the city wall together, and then came to Father Faria's residence hand in hand.

At this time, Father Faria is also busy here, and the servants who take care of him are packing things non-stop—however, the priest's own personal belongings are not very many, except for some clothes, there are only various books left And the notebook diary.

During his more than ten years of prison life, he has already gotten used to a poor and simple life, and now he can get in touch with the outside world, which already makes him enjoy himself.

He really enjoys the feeling of staying next to the young man and planning strategies for him, because at this time, for this paralyzed old man, the only entertainment is to use his brain power.

Father Faria, who was sitting in a wheelchair, was flattered when he saw his lords visiting together, and hurriedly greeted them.

"Father Faria, how is your health recently?" Teresa asked him with a smile.

"Thanks to your care, I am in good health now." Father Faria replied respectfully.

"So, do you think your body is strong enough to withstand the pressure of heavy affairs?" Teresa asked again.

Father Faria was a little puzzled, and for a moment he even suspected that he might be thrown aside and cast idle.

"I am always ready to take on any task assigned by your Majesty and you." He quickly summoned up his courage and replied, "Your Highness, you know that using my brain power to serve you is the only entertainment in my life, and I enjoy it... ..."

Seeing the priest's answer, Teresa nodded with a smile, and then looked at Aigron.

"Well, I can see it too, you look very good—" Aigron also made a conclusion, then he looked at the old priest and directly put forward his own thoughts, "So, Father Faria, before Teresa and I After some discussion, we finally agreed that you are the best candidate for the future Prime Minister of the Principality of Ioannina. I will ask you again now—do you think you are mentally and physically strong enough to take on such an important task?"

Aigron's question, like an electric shock, stunned the priest. He really didn't expect that this position would fall on him one day.

He had actually thought about it secretly before, and planned to assist the future head of government affairs of the principality in governing this new country as a consultant, but he did not expect that this young couple actually thought of giving him this honor directly.

To take, or not to take?

This is simply a question that does not need to be weighed-for the old priest who has nothing to worry about now, his only pursuit is self-realization in life.

And being appointed Prime Minister of the Principality is the best way for him to realize himself in life.

How could he refuse?

But the more he wants to accept it, the more he needs to be reserved and consider all aspects of His Majesty.

So, he suppressed the hot blood in his heart like a tide, and then replied pretending to be calm.

"If Your Majesty wants me to take on such a heavy responsibility, I have no shirkable responsibility. No matter how bad my physical condition is, I must fulfill my obligations... But Your Majesty, you can see that I am already dying and in poor health. My fulfillment of the task will affect me, and I implore you to reconsider."

"This is not a problem. We didn't choose the Prime Minister of the Principality to hunt rabbits in the mountains. We don't need any agile body at all. Even if we only stay in the study, as long as we have a clear enough mind, we can perform this duty—— Aigron replied firmly, "Father Faria, this is the result of our discussion. If you think you can bear it, I hope you will not refuse."

"Well... since this is your will, then I am willing to serve you, even if I die." Father Faria sighed and agreed to the appointment.

Then, he secretly looked at Teresa, who was smiling sweetly, and guessed that it must be Her Royal Highness who tried her best to intercede for him in front of His Majesty, so that he could get such an honor.　　

236, homecoming

After learning that he was going to become the future Prime Minister of the Principality of Ioannina, Father Faria was overjoyed, his pale face turned red, and his eyes sparkled with excitement.

Logically speaking, he should behave calmly, but now he can't even hide his joy and pride in being recognized.

For him, this was indeed an irresistible reward.

And he also knows that this is the highest reward he can get from His Majesty—he is also self-aware, and he is fully aware that even if this young man can really return to the throne one day, the position of Prime Minister or even the position of Minister will definitely not belong to him .

Leaving aside whether he can live to that time, even if he does live to that time, His Majesty's cabinet is naturally the result of the balance of forces in France. Everyone sits in line to divide the fruit, and it is impossible for him, an unknown foreigners.

Therefore, he knew in his heart that His Majesty was already doing his best to treat himself well—correspondingly, he had to put in 12 points of effort to repay this kindness.

This is also a difficult problem for him. He has served as the secretary of the Earl of Spada in the past, and has been in contact with all aspects of society, but he has never had the experience of governing a region, but he is determined to use all his brain power, All put into this work.

"Your Majesty, since you have decided to let me take on this responsibility, do I think that I have to prepare for it from today?" After calming down, Father Faria proposed, "If you think it is possible, So starting today, can you copy me all the reports of the advance team? I think that in order to fulfill my duties, I should know as much as possible about the situation on the ground."

"You are really a serious and responsible person—" Aigron smiled approvingly.

Seeing that the other party entered the state so quickly, he was also quite happy.

"At present, most of the reports of the advance team are written by Edmund. I will ask Chanel to copy a copy for you and have it read to you. I don't think all this is important to you. It will be difficult, but your talent is enough to keep this little corner of Ioannina safe and sound."

Of course, now Aigron is only verbally informing the priest, not officially appointing him as the prime minister of the Principality—in the future, after they come to Ioannina together, he will pretend to hold a ceremony to let the Grand Duchess Haiidee personally "canonized" the priest.

However, since he had spoken himself, the priest could now begin to perform his duties.

Then, Egron explained a few more words to the priest, briefly explained his request to him, and then left the room with Teresa.

He has always been adhering to the principle of no doubt in employing people. Since he has chosen a priest, he must fully trust him. If he has to interfere in every detail, it will not only insult the other party's ability, but also make himself appear to be ignorant .

The priest would be a competent prime minister, he was confident of that.

"Your Highness." On their way back, Teresa suddenly spoke again.

"What's wrong?" Aegron asked.

"I suddenly thought of something..." Teresa had a slightly weird expression, "Before entering Ioannina, shouldn't I settle the issue of my identity?"

Aigron was stunned for a while before he understood what Teresa meant.

According to the tacit agreement he reached with the Austrian authorities, in theory, Teresa is still in Austria, but if he takes Teresa to Ioannina, Teresa will definitely have to open his identity at that time. Attending official occasions - after all, they used to show their prestige, how could they be without her.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, it is indeed time to "come" to yourself in time.

It is only natural for a fiancée to come to her fiancé, and no one can question anything.

"I'm sorry, because I've been with you all this time, I almost forgot about it." Aigron apologized to Teresa in a low voice, "Then I will immediately announce your arrival and our wedding date to the outside world through an official message—"

"Has this date been confirmed?" Teresa was surprised and delighted.

"It's almost confirmed." Aegron replied, "Panos and I have discussed today. When I pacify Ioannina and let the principality establish a country, Greece will also declare independence, and then we will return to Greece together. , to marry you at the place we agreed upon. He said he would be more than happy to put on a show for us. I think, if all goes well, we shall be able to perform the holy ceremony in a month—"

The so-called agreed place is naturally the Parthenon Temple.

This magnificent historic site will witness the wedding of the couple.

When Teresa thought of this, she couldn't hide her joy in her heart. Regardless of the possibility that the people next to her might see it, she hugged the young man tightly, and then kissed him on the cheek.

It is already the beginning of November, and what Aigron said within one month means to finish the work within this year.

For Teresa, this is indeed the most ecstatic good news.

"Your Highness! That's great...I...I've been thinking about that day in my dreams!"

"I can't wait, Teresa." Aigron nodded, and then joked in a teasing tone, "From that day on, you can't just tease me without paying the price— —”

To be honest, this is also what he said in his heart. When Teresa was with him, the two of them went to bed together—but in order not to cause accidental deaths, Eggron could only endure his lust and only hugged her And Mian, failed to cross the thunder pond one step.

Sleeping next to her skin-to-skin with a beautiful young girl like her all night long, but not being able to deviate, it's like being tortured.

Fortunately, this kind of torment will end soon...

Of course Teresa could hear what Aggron was implying. She lowered her head in shame and dared not say a word, but on the way back, her steps were very brisk, and the hem of her skirt almost fluttered.

By the time they returned to their residence, Chanel and the others had already packed all the salutes and loaded them into the carriage, while Haiidee also stayed here, waiting for their orders.

"Your Majesty, good day..." As soon as she saw Aigron, she saluted respectfully.

After Teresa's education during this period, she has learned the simple words and etiquette very proficiently.

Aigron looked at the little girl. At this time, she was still wearing the long dress she put on after the baptism, and she was still wearing the little crown given to her by Theresa on her head.

This child, who was sallow and thin due to hard life, has been completely reborn after this period of intensive care. His face is rosy, and his facial features are exquisite and beautiful. Coupled with the clothes on his body, he is cute and extravagant—— It's almost like a real princess.

It's good, at least it looks like a female grand duchess.

Although Aigron only intends to treat her as a puppet, even if she is a puppet, he must have the necessary manners and not lose his face.

So, out of excitement, he walked up to the little girl, put his hands under her armpits, and lifted her up easily.

"Ah!" Haidee, who was unprepared, let out a scream.

"Little girl, we will set off tomorrow, and we will return to your hometown together." Because Haiide was lifted up with both hands, Haiide and the young man looked at each other at this time, "I will make you the ruler there Or, just like your grandpa. Of course, your prestige is too far from your grandpa to convince the public, but you can rely on me, I can assure you, as long as you respect me and obey me as you do today, Then I will make you a prosperous and rich life, and be happier than most people in the world."

Haiidee still couldn't understand most of the long string of words he said, but she, who was ignorant, instinctively understood that she had to please the owner who bought her, so she nodded slightly.

Then, Aigron put her down, and then looked at Chanel next to him.

"Chanel, this afternoon you copy all the recent reports that the Count of Monte Cristo gave me, and then forward them to Father Faria."

"Yes." Chanel accepted the order without any question.

"In addition, Haiidee's daily life along the way is also in charge of you—" Aigron added another order. "I hope that from the first day of arriving in Ioannina, she will be as radiant as she is today."

"Okay." Chanel responded immediately.

"The people in Ioannina don't speak the same language as ours, and most of them believe in different religions. Although we can deter them with an iron fist and make them obey us, it is not a long-term solution to deter them blindly with swords and guns. We need an emotional bond with the local area—” Teresa said what Egron thought in his heart, “Haidee is the last descendant of Ali Pasha, and the local people once fought bloody battles for him. We still have some affection for her and accept her as ruler, so we have to show love and respect for her."

For Aigron, politics is now greater than military affairs, and he is clearly aware of what he needs.

==========================================

Aigron's orders were carried out in an orderly manner.

That same evening, all the commotion in Messolonghi subsided, and the soldiers in the streets and in the houses were forcibly returned to their ranks by the officers.

The next morning, the soldiers were assembled again and lined up outside the city.

But this time, Aigron, Teresa, and Haidee all publicly appeared in front of everyone.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, the three of them waved their hands together, and even Haiidee put on a graceful appearance under Teresa's education.

They were all dressed up in splendid attire, and under the guidance of the servants, they sat on the same ornately decorated four-horse carriage, and as the carriage started, the army marched mightily towards the north.

It's not so much an expedition, it's better to say it's a tour.

Due to Aigron's previous heavy injuries, the Turks' defense in this area was already extremely empty. In addition, Aigron sent an advance team to wipe out the last remnants of the enemy, and made a good preparation for Aigron's advance. advertising.

And now word had spread along the way—that Ali Pasha of Ioannina, his last orphan, Princess Haidee, was coming.

This mighty team crossed the narrow isthmus north of Messolonghi with a slow but unstoppable momentum, and then entered the Epirus region where Ioannina is located.

Along the way they marched, there were very few firefights. Except for driving away the blind bandits, they hardly encountered any organized resistance. From time to time, there were local farmers hiding on both sides of the road, watching this army The team of "escorting the princess back home" seemed to be watching some big drama.

Of course Aigron was also happy with this. He was not in a hurry, rested intermittently along the way, and let Haide show up in front of the villagers from a distance from time to time—of course, for safety reasons, the guards pulled away They are not allowed to approach the cordon, but even so, it is enough to satisfy these villagers who have never seen the world.

"Princess Haidee is really back!"