Eagle's Glory

Thinking of this, Aigron's eyes became a little strange.

"Don't think too much, what I envy is not those... those immoral things." Teresa blushed immediately, "It's that they left traces in history through their own favor and finally with the help of those giants Don't you? At least you know about them now, right? If they're just living in obscurity like everyone else, how did you even know they existed?"

Aegron probably understood Teresa's thoughts.

"I mean, if you want to leave a mark, this is a shortcut that can be followed..." Teresa whispered, "Although I am empty now, I should have an asset in the future, and I can use these assets to help Brilliant people, in the end let themselves borrow light, and be remembered by future generations, there is another Teresa von Habsburg, this can be regarded as making some contributions to society, isn't it? It is not in vain that I was born with luck."

Aigron didn't say anything to refute, because Teresa's thoughts were too positive, and there was really nothing to complain about.

"You are indeed a good-hearted man, at least full of humility and zeal," was all he could praise. "I wish you success in your plans."

"The idea is very good, but it is not so easy to succeed." Princess Teresa raised her head, looked at the moon above her head, and then sighed, "Oh, we Germans are so unimaginative. It has become a habit, and indifference and mediocrity are also regarded as prudence. Only France has passion and elegance. We have fought with France for hundreds of years in history, and we have won and lost each other, but we have long since suffered a complete defeat in terms of culture... Everyone on the surface Look down on the French, but secretly learn everything from them, even Schönbrunn Palace is also imitating Louis XIV's Versailles?"

Before Eggron could reply, she looked away again, and looked at the young man in front of her, "Sometimes I really suspect that I was born in the wrong place! Everything in Austria is good, but it's too mediocre."

The following words were clearly suspected of "hating the country". At this time, Aigron realized that Teresa had also reached the age of entering the rebellious period and could not understand everything.

Everyone has a period when they feel that everything around them is not good. When she is a little older, maybe her thoughts will be very different.

"I believe that Vienna will never be like this in the future. It will become a treasure house of art and culture." Aigron comforted the princess.

He is not just talking nonsense. In the original history, Vienna in the late 19th century did enter a golden age, with a blowout of writers and artists, shaping the new era of the country, such as Zweig, Klaus, etc. people.

"I hope so, I hope I can see that day... But even if there is that day, I will have been forgotten by the world." Princess Teresa replied with a wry smile. "Speaking of which, I would like to thank you. You suffered misfortune and came to our dull country, but fortunately you have not been assimilated by this dullness, and you still retain your admirable talent and ambition. Seeing you After the performance, I thought, I still have a chance to try-"

"Try what?" Aigron understood a little bit in his heart, but he still couldn't help asking.

"Trying to help you display your talents." Teresa replied without thinking, "I help you, it's like buying a lottery ticket, if you don't have that ability, I have nothing to lose, but if you are superior, Then I can take advantage of it—at least, I can comfort myself that I didn't waste my time in vain."

This is really... Eggron suddenly had nothing to say.

"How? This exchange is reasonable, right?" At this moment, Teresa continued, "I can try my best to provide you with some convenience, so that you can focus on as much as possible, and you just try to dedicate something that is enough Something that makes me feel less mediocre."

Aegron didn't answer right away.

No doubt it was rare kindness, but he didn't know how to respond.

He just took the so-called creation as a cover, but he didn't expect someone to take it seriously, which really makes people laugh and cry.

However, this kind of goodwill is acceptable, or can be used.

For him, what matters is not Teresa, but the prestige of Grand Duke Karl behind her.

"Since you have already mentioned this, what else can I refuse?" Thinking of this, he no longer hesitated, but nodded and agreed, "I just hope that I won't let you disappointment."

"That's great." Teresa showed a joyful smile, "Judging from your current performance, I believe you will not let me down. You are very smart and good at thinking. Meet me It's completely different from the rest of my peers!"

While talking, the two walked along the path to a small forest.

The autumn wind reverberated in the woods, causing the branches to flutter slightly, making subtle noises. The clear moonlight passed through the gaps in the leaves, leaving patches of spots on the ground.

As the wind shakes the branches, the light spots on the ground also change, as if moving light insects on the ground.

Teresa looked at the scenery in front of her, and then suddenly turned around.

"Your Highness, I think we are friends now?"

"If you think so, then I'd be happy to." Eggron replied immediately.

"Well, I'll take it as it is." Her Royal Highness smiled slightly, "Since we are friends, I think it's too troublesome to always use honorific titles. Let's call you each other? Or just by name."

Aigron hesitated for a moment, but nodded, "Okay, Teresa."　　

53. Destination?

"Okay, Teresa."

Although Aigron was a little surprised by her request, his tone was quite casual.

When chatting with Her Royal Highness, I can indeed feel a kind of spring breeze.

Although he has not met her many times, he can feel that she is humble and introspective, kind-hearted, not too naive, able to face reality but also pursue something, she is really an interesting person.

Even without any utilitarian purpose, making friends with her should be a pleasant experience.

"Thank you for your cooperation—" Her Royal Highness suddenly smiled slyly. "Then I—shall I call you Franz, or Eggron?"

At this moment, Aigron remembered that Teresa heard this nickname from Princess Sophie that night.Then I thought of the unpleasant conversation between the two people at that time.

"Well...it's up to you, you can call it whatever you like." Eggron smiled reluctantly. "Actually, I suggest that you be called Franz, because this is the name given to me by His Majesty the Emperor's decree."

"Then my name is Aegron." Teresa replied. "Compared to being forced to give you a name, calling you Aegron should make you feel better."

Aigron didn't understand what Teresa was thinking, but since she had already said so, there was no need for him to object—and, he really didn't like the name Franz, unless it was used in Franz - on the occasion of Memmingen.

"Okay, let's make a deal like this." Her Royal Highness smiled and nodded, and then directly knelt slightly to him, "Aigron, your friend Teresa pays tribute to you~"

"Hahahaha." Eggron was a little surprised at first, he didn't expect Teresa to be so funny, and he couldn't help laughing softly when he came back to his senses. "My hats off to the beautiful and lovely Teresa too."

The two laughed together, and suddenly felt that the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

To Teresa, this may not be strange, but to Eggron, this is a completely novel experience. In this life, he has lived in Schönbrunn Palace for more than ten years, although there are kind people around him. There are quite a few people, but the relationship between them is more about the positioning of "elders" or "teachers". Instead, he has no friends of his peers.

In other words, he hasn't felt the feeling of a "friend" for a long, long time.

This feeling is really good.

It's a pity that he is doomed to not have much leeway to enjoy the happiness of friendship.

While he was silent, Her Highness the Princess raised her head, looked at the woods and fields in the distance, and suddenly couldn't help but sigh.

"God is really joking. France and Germany are only separated by the Rhine River. As a result, the cultural customs and ways of doing things are completely different. It would be great if we can balance it. We Germans are more cheerful, and the French are less frivolous. Both sides When it comes together, isn't everything perfect?"

"There is never such a balanced thing in the world. People always go from one extreme to another." Aigron replied, "There is often a thin line between elegance and frivolity. It is difficult for you to ask a person to be both elegant and elegant." It is very difficult to have the greatest self-control not to be frivolous at the same time."

"What you said makes sense, but I think there is still a way." Teresa thought for a while, then nodded, "After all, people can be cultivated from a young age, can't they—well...God !"

As if she suddenly thought of something, she sighed instantly, and then her face turned reddish at first, and then turned pale in an instant.

"What's the matter with you?" Aigron looked at her unpredictable expression curiously, as if watching a funny show.

"It's nothing..." Teresa shook her head, then took a deep breath, then restrained her expression, and made herself as serious as usual. "Your Highness, it's time for us to go back. I think Your Majesty and the others must be a little worried!"

"Well, it's really getting late." Eggron nodded, "Then let's go back."

"It's really interesting chatting with you, but it's a pity that today can only end here." Teresa smiled bitterly, "By the way, I have a request—I'm telling you that I didn't talk to other people before. People have said, or rarely told others, I would like to ask you... please keep it secret for me, can you do it, Eggron?"

Aigron was not surprised by Teresa's request.

After all, Teresa criticized her country for being mediocre and boring in front of her just now. It may not matter if some people say such things on the street, but in her capacity, it is really shameful to spread them.

"Don't worry, I will keep it a secret for you, just like you once kept my remarks a secret at the dance." He smiled generously.

"Well, so we shared a secret." Teresa nodded emphatically. "This should be the best gift between friends."

In this way, the two ended their conversation, and walked back together along the path they had walked on just now.

When they returned to the mansion, it was still as lively as before.

People gathered around the fireplace to chat, and sat around His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty the Empress. Some people were telling stories about their travels in various parts of Europe, and they were all listening attentively.

The narrator has rich experience and good narration skills, so he told the journey very interestingly, causing roars of laughter from time to time.

When he saw the boy and the girl walking back into the living room, His Majesty the Emperor made a gesture to temporarily stop the narration, and then he waved to the two of them.

"Come here, children, and sit here."

Then, he waved to the people next to him. "You go out first, I have something to say to these two children."

The people present all followed His Majesty's will and withdrew from the living room one after another, so as not to delay His Majesty's instruction to the two Highnesses.

And of course the two of them walked obediently to the side of His Majesty the Emperor.

"Please sit down—" His Majesty the Emperor pointed to the vacant place, "you don't have to be so respectful tonight."

The boy and girl saluted first, and then sat in the vacated seats.

"Now, there are only members of our family left here." His Majesty the Emperor leaned back on the back of his chair, then showed a gentle smile, and asked the two of them, "You two little guys, did you have a good chat just now?" Are you happy?"

"It was a good chat." Aigron replied briefly.

Teresa seemed a little shy, and hesitated for a moment before speaking, "I have exchanged a lot of topics with His Highness, and I admire his intelligence."

"Okay, very good." His Majesty the Emperor smiled and nodded.

Then, he looked at Teresa again, "Teresa, you must know the reason why I came out this time and brought you and Franz on purpose. In all fairness, I hope this marriage can come true. It stands to reason Come on, this kind of marriage only needs a word from me, but Teresa, your father has served the country for so many years, made great achievements, and is my younger brother, so he fought for a right with me, That is, the marriage can only take effect when you yourself nod your head, at this point... I think you should be regarded as the princess with the most initiative in our family."

The words His Majesty said in front of everyone made Teresa flushed with shame for a moment, and she couldn't even speak. Even Aigron felt extremely embarrassed.

After all, he only took the initiative to cooperate for the sake of the plan, but he never thought that the marriage would be confirmed so soon.

Perhaps feeling the embarrassment of the atmosphere, His Majesty the Emperor smiled, "Don't be nervous, we're just here for entertainment tonight, even if we really have to decide something, it's not here, I just want to tell you what's on my mind That's all - you just listen to the nagging of the elders."

Then, he let out another breath, "I will be 60 years old soon, and my poor father only lived to be 45 years old, so God knows how many more years I can continue to serve the empire, and I can only spend every year Treat it as the last year. Franz's poem just now is right. Even if you are a pastime for the king, it is impossible to get rid of the shackles of the throne. This is their fate. I use my whole life to serve the empire. Dare to say how good the results are, but at least I have given my heart and soul - now I have nothing to ask for, just want to pave the way for the empire, and plan for an empire in case I leave..."

The boy and the girl looked at each other, although they both knew that His Majesty's words were inappropriate, but neither of them dared to interrupt.

Fortunately, His Majesty's exclamation didn't last long, he quickly looked at Teresa, and then said again, "Teresa, I hope you don't feel resentful for this turmoil, after all, you were born in our family Now that you have enjoyed so much glory and wealth, you have to pay something. Back then, my aunt and my daughter were sent to France. No one asked their opinions. Compared with the pressure you are under now is already The lightest."

Then, he raised his hand again and pointed at the young man, "I watched Franz grow up. To be honest, I am quite satisfied with his performance all the time. He is the kind of person who can make the elders feel Proud boy, and you've seen it yourself... so I want you to think about it."

Teresa lowered her head without daring to say a word, and His Majesty the Emperor looked at the young man again at this time.

"Frantz, although the king must put state affairs first, I still have some personal feelings after all. To be honest, when I first saw you, I couldn't help but blame you; but your father has turned into a For a cup of loess, sooner or later I will do the same, so what's the point of resentment?" His Majesty smiled wryly, "Although I don't know what's going on in your mind, but I think I've already I have tried my best to treat you well, I think if you and Teresa are really married, then it will be the best result for you... At least, it should be enough to satisfy you, right?"

Aegron didn't answer either, he pretended to be shy on the surface.

"I'm not embarrassing you, I just hope to use this marriage to make a family truly become a family." His Majesty the Emperor suddenly became serious, "Frantz, with your intelligence, if you get me Give you these, and then serve our country wholeheartedly, that will be a glorious future for you and Austria, isn't it? Austria is where you are now."　　

54. expect

"Austria is your best destination now, I believe you can recognize this."

After finishing speaking, His Majesty the Emperor looked at the young man quietly, observing his reaction.

Of course Aigron knew that it was impossible for him to refute his grandfather's words face to face; however, it seemed very suspicious if he immediately showed a grateful attitude, so he just sat blankly and didn't make any reply.

Seeing Aegron's behavior like this, Teresa felt a little nervous, fearing that His Majesty the Emperor would be angry, so she quickly opened her mouth to smooth things over.

"Your Majesty, what you said is a fact that everyone can see. Your Highness once said that you and Austria are kind to him." She deliberately intercepted only half of Aigron's words in order to make His Majesty happy, "Only However, I think...if he is kept out of contact with the outside world, anyone will feel uncomfortable, right? So I think, as His Highness grows up, it is best to let him go out and see more, so that he can Feelings for our Austria grow deeper..."

"Of course what you're talking about is human nature." His Majesty nodded, "Before Franz was too young to have too much contact with the outside world, and I was worried that people who had enemies with his father would seek revenge on him, let alone Let him move about in the outside world; but now, as he is nearing the age of manhood, and the hatred of Napoleon has subsided, your proposal may indeed be considered."

His Majesty the Emperor was not just making empty promises. After all, as Aigron approached adulthood, "how to deal with Napoleon's son" has indeed become a thorny issue.

Of course Austria needs to hold him in its hands as a tool, but at the same time, it is impossible to treat him as a prisoner. A prisoner full of hatred and anger cannot completely obey Austria's interests, and it will attract extreme criticism from Napoleon's supporters. Disgusted, and ultimately unable to use them at all.

——What's more, he is still a member of the royal family in name, enjoying his own title and the treatment he deserves, even if he pretends to be.

But at the same time, if he has a certain amount of power and influence, how to ensure his loyalty?

From what I have observed in the past ten years, my grandson is talented and strong. If he can be used, it will be beneficial to the country, but if he is resentful, he may be able to cause great damage.

The dilemma made the emperor and his prime minister worry about it several times.

In the end, Prime Minister Metternich suggested that the traditional method of marriage should be used to solve this problem-even if the loyalty of the Duke of Reichstedt himself is suspicious, his children will eventually integrate into the extended family of the Austrian royal family and achieve their goals.

Judging from the current situation, the progress of this plan is quite smooth. Teresa has no obvious resistance, and his grandson does not seem to be dissatisfied with it.

"Then... If I invite His Highness to visit our family's manor, do you agree?" Seeing His Majesty let go, Teresa pretended to have a whim and made a request, "There are too many people here, and it seems that they are not interested in us. I am full of curiosity, I just feel that I have been stared at by a large group of people, and there is no way to be happy..."

She knew that after saying those words just now, even if His Majesty was unhappy, it was impossible for His Majesty to change his words and refuse.So with an idea, I directly risked myself to ask.

Under her uneasy gaze, His Majesty the Emperor thought about it for a while, and then nodded slightly.

"Sure, I hope you're having fun, kids."

Then he turned to look at Egron. "Frantz, why don't you thank Teresa?"

"Thank you, Teresa." Aigron came back to his senses and quickly thanked her, "I am honored to be able to visit Grand Duke Karl's family."

"I think my mother will be very happy to receive you, but she may be troubled by how to make the meal suit your taste." Teresa replied with a smile, "I have to say, Your Highness, you are every What mothers want their children to grow up to be..."

This well-timed compliment made the three people present laugh at the same time,

"Teresa, you are such a clever little ghost. I think you will be a good wife when you grow up." His Majesty the Emperor smiled for a while,

"Your Majesty, I don't quite understand what you're talking about..." Teresa blinked and replied with a confused expression. "I'm just inviting friends to drop by. Even in the royal family, doing so shouldn't be a taboo."

"Well, you are right." His Majesty the Emperor spread his hands and stopped arguing with Teresa. He looked at the young man again. "Young man, you see, this is the kindness that Teresa and I have given you, and it is also the kindness that Austria has given you... If you become an Austrian, these kindnesses will make you extraordinary."

"I saw it, and I am very grateful." Aigron had already thought about how to deal with it. He looked at the two people opposite him with respectful and moving eyes, and then made a sincere promise, "If one day I have the opportunity If I serve Austria, I will gladly do it, Your Majesty. Time will change many things, but you will always be my grandfather, and I will sincerely pray to God and wish you a long and healthy life."

"Very well, maybe this is the best solution." Perhaps moved by his reaction, His Majesty the Emperor nodded slightly, "I hope we will not regret it in the end."

Then, he blinked wearily, and waved his hand. "Okay, it's late, I need to rest, you guys should go back and rest early."

"Goodbye, Your Majesty." The boy and the girl stood up at the same time, and bid farewell to His Majesty the Emperor respectfully.