Eagle's Glory

"Okay, Chanel, thank you for being so considerate for me after seeing him." He nodded, and then hid the pistol himself.

Then, he looked at the time.

It's time to part.

"Goodbye, Chanel." He said goodbye briefly.

"Your Highness, goodbye!" Chanel bowed deeply to salute, and then walked out of the room.

Next, she will go to Vienna under the escort of Egron's teacher, Captain Foresty.

With heavy and inexplicably relaxed complex feelings, Egron stood by the window sill and witnessed Chanel boarding an inconspicuous carriage and embarking on the journey to leave Schönbrunn Palace.

Whether she wins or loses, this is her final farewell to this palace.

And I... have no way out.

After a while, Egron walked out of the room with his own suitcase, and then boarded another carriage to the Albertina Palace in Vienna.

After a short journey, he came to this palace in the city center.

He got out of the carriage, then walked along the steps to the gate of the palace.

Not long after, Teresa, who was notified, came to the door to welcome His Highness.

"Your Highness!" Teresa called out, quickened her pace, walked in front of the young man, then raised her head and looked at him with a smile on her face. "Welcome to visit us!"

Today's Teresa is the same as at the previous palace ball, wearing a luxurious long dress and a diamond necklace around her neck. Against the backdrop of jewels, her whole body looks radiant.

Seeing this smile, Aigron's originally accumulated tension disappeared immediately.

"It should be me thanking you for inviting me." Aigron replied with a smile, while looking up at the palace behind her, "You guys are really magnificent here."

"It's not as grand as the imperial palace. You grew up in Schönbrunn Palace, can you still see the lack of grandeur?" Teresa replied with a smile, "Okay, I will take you in, my parents are waiting for you. and you!"

So Aigron followed Teresa into the gate.

As soon as they entered the porch, Aegron saw the statue of Athena standing on the opposite wall.

This goddess of priestly wisdom and extraordinary force is holding a spear and wearing a helmet at this time, looking sideways at the visitors with awe-inspiring and inviolable eyes.

Under Teresa's guidance, Aigron passed the statue of the goddess, then walked into the door to the left of the statue, and entered a long corridor.

There is a long red carpet in the middle of the corridor, and there is a Roman-style marble column at a distance on both sides, and there is a statue of Mars, the god of war, at the entrance of the corridor.

He has short curly hair, wears a Roman-style robe, and sits naked on a stone, with stone-carved helmets and shields beside his feet.

And between the columns of the corridor, there are many busts. When passing the corridor, it seems to be admiring the sculpture art gallery.

Teresa intentionally slowed down her pace so that Aigron would have enough time to appreciate these sculptures, and she was also willing to spend more time alone with His Highness in this name.

While walking, the two came to the end of the corridor, and at the end there were two statues of Sphinxes—the upper body was a girl, and the lower body was a lion, which looked quite seductive and charming.

"Is it nice?" Teresa asked.

"It's pretty." Aegron nodded.

"Then you can come here often, after all, there are a lot of collections here, enough for you to look at for a long time!" Teresa said with a smile.

Then, the two of them stepped up the high steps and walked to the second floor of the palace, where the grand duke, couple and their children lived.

In the same style as downstairs, there are two statues of Muses in the vestibule on the second floor, the one on the left holds a lyre and the one on the right holds a flute.

After entering the front hall, they passed through several rooms, and then came to a small room.

The tapestry in this room is mainly red, with a sofa and a coffee table, and it looks like a place where the family usually gathers to drink tea.There are also several portraits hanging on the wall.

"Your Highness, let's wait here, they will come right away!" Teresa said to Aigron.

"Okay." Eggron nodded and agreed.

Then, he involuntarily looked at the portraits on the wall.

The two largest paintings are portraits of a man and a woman. The man wears a military uniform, has a braid popular in the eighteenth century, and wears ribbons and medals; while the woman wears a luxurious skirt popular in the Rococo era, holding a An ivory folding fan, her hair is coiled up to an exaggerated height, and she also wears a blue bow hair accessory.

"This is the Duke and Duchess of the previous generation, that is, my father's adoptive parents." Teresa explained to Aigron when she saw this, "They adopted my father because they had no heirs, and finally passed this place to him. .In the future, the portraits of my parents will hang here side by side for future generations to look up to."

"The painting is very good." Aigron complimented casually.

"That's nature, it's the work of Alexander Rosling." Teresa took his offhandedness seriously, so she explained to him seriously, "This painter is the great French painter François Boucher His disciple is especially good at figure painting, and it cost a lot of money to invite him to paint at that time."

Although Aigron is not very interested in painting and sculpture, the education he has received since he was a child naturally includes art.

Of course he had heard of the name of the master and apprentice.

François Boucher himself was also a famous painter in the Rococo era and was highly sought after by the upper class. The most famous portrait of Mrs. Pompadour surviving in the world is his masterpiece.

The portraits of women painted by the master and apprentice are lifelike, luxurious, and feminine. They are really of a high level, and they have also become a distinctive mark of the magnificent Rococo era.

It's a pity that that magnificent era is long gone. Although there are only a few decades away from the present era, after the baptism of the Great Revolution in Europe, the comparison between the two eras seems like a world away. There is no such exaggerated and gorgeous architectural style and decoration.

Even people's hairstyles and clothing have changed. Men have basically turned their hair short, and women no longer wear exaggerated hairstyles as before.

While Egron and Teresa were chatting, there was another sound of footsteps at the door, and then the door opened, and Grand Duke Karl and his wife appeared in front of them.

Aigron didn't dare to neglect, and quickly saluted them.

Grand Duke Karl didn't speak, just glanced at him indifferently, then nodded slightly as a greeting.

The Grand Duchess Henrietta was much more enthusiastic.

"Frantz!" She happily called the boy's name, then stepped forward to hug him, then put her arms around his arms, and looked at the boy carefully.

Then she smiled and sighed, "Ah, it's been a long time since we saw each other, but our little Highness is even more handsome!"

Henrietta's enthusiasm made Aigron a little uncomfortable, but of course he wouldn't show it.

"You are as beautiful and amiable as the last time I saw you, Your Highness." He smiled and complimented the lady. "I would be more than happy to be your guest."

"Don't be so polite! We don't want to treat you as a guest." Seeing the young man's smile, Henrietta nodded happily, and then laughed herself. "This festival, I'm afraid our whole family will be happier if you are here."

"I am very happy to be accepted into a happy family to celebrate the festival. This is a novel experience for me, and even a dream opportunity." Aigron looked at the lady with expectant eyes, "Your Highness, Although this is only the second time we have met, you are much more kind to me than my mother."

It's not that Aigron is lying. After all, it is a well-known fact that his relationship with his mother is bad. Anyone who knows the inside story will not blame the young man for being unfeeling, but will only pity him for his lack of maternal love since he was a child. .

"Who would not be kind to a pleasing child like you?" replied Henrietta, laughing.

Then, the lady blinked her right eye and said to him as if joking, "If you like, I can treat you like a mother."

Then she looked at her husband again, "Honey, please say a few words to His Highness, tonight is Christmas Eve, don't you want to continue to be inexplicably angry and make everyone unhappy?"

Under the gaze of his wife, Grand Duke Karl had to force himself to smile ugly. "Frantz, I hope you enjoy your stay with us."

"He just got into a child's temper recently." Henrietta explained to Aigron again, "In fact, he still cares about you very much, and has been trying to help you."

"I will remember the Grand Duke's help to me." Aigron replied with a smile, "Besides, I can understand his feelings. If I had a daughter as lovely and intelligent as Teresa, I would also hate my inexplicable The guy who came running."

"Why, did you say love words in front of us?" The Grand Duchess glared at him pretending to be annoyed.

Then, she looked at Teresa again, as if playing tricks on her.

Although Teresa blushed slightly, she did not avoid her mother's gaze, as if she was very proud of the young man's words.

"Teresa, go and make some coffee for us—" Madam said with a smile, "Let His Highness try the craft you have learned recently."　　

108. Happiness?

"Let Your Highness have a taste of the skills you have learned recently."

"Okay, Mom." After hearing her mother's order, Teresa readily accepted the order and left for now.

So in this living room, only Aigron and the Grand Duke and his wife are left for the time being.

Aigron knew in his heart that Madam had deliberately pushed Teresa away, and he must have something to say to himself alone, so he politely remained silent, waiting for them to speak first.

After a moment of silence, Henrietta and Archduke Karl looked at each other, and then she finally spoke.

"Dear Franz, or rather, dear Francois, I think you can see that this is a critical moment, not only for you, but also for us, so a few words I want to ask you."

After a pause, she added, "I don't know what you think of me, but I think I've always been a straightforward person, and I've never been willing to play tricks with others, but that doesn't mean I'm a person who believes what others say, so... Based on everyone's trust and a responsible attitude towards yourself and Teresa, I hope you can also be honest with me, okay? ?”

"Of course, Your Highness, I am very happy." Aigron nodded slightly.

"Very good." Henrietta smiled and eased the tense atmosphere, "Actually, at this point in time, we don't need to go around in circles anymore. If you want to marry Teresa, then continue with the matter After leaving, we will go through all the necessary procedures and get married; if you don't want to, then you can tell us now, and I will treat you as the cutest guest, and then you can go home with peace of mind , we will never disturb your life again—so, child, we don’t have time to guess riddles anymore, give me a definite answer, yes or no?”

She looked at the young man expectantly, hoping to hear the most clear and unmistakable answer from him.

Aigron knew that although she spoke harshly, she had already affirmed herself in her heart—otherwise, she would just find a way to drive herself away, so why ask any more answers?

"Yes, Your Highness, I want to marry Teresa, please grant me this honor." Aegron made up his mind and said the answer he had thought of.

This was his most unmistakable answer so far, and this answer also made Henrietta laugh, and looked at the Grand Duke again.

Archduke Karl nodded slightly, and then Henrietta asked again.

"Very well, I got your answer, but—you have to listen to our conditions." She continued, "You can get a lot of things from us, whether it is wealth or power, we are happy to help Our son-in-law. But you also have to pay some price for this, whether you want to pay or not. For example, from now on, you have to draw a line with France and serve Austria wholeheartedly. Son, can you make such a resolution? ?”

"Although I was born in France, I have stayed in Austria several times longer than France, and I have almost forgotten everything there. It was Austria that protected my safety in the midst of the chaos, and it was the bread and water of Austria that nourished me growing up , anyway, this is the truth." Aigron replied in a low voice, "What is there for me now? There is only a crashing ruin, and a large group of traitors who betrayed me and gained wealth, they laughed My downfall, curse my surname... I don't miss it, I just want to bid farewell to these malice forever."

When he said this, the young man couldn't help but feel a little lost. This was not entirely due to his acting skills, but some of it was indeed his true feelings.

"Poor kid." Henrietta sighed, obviously lamenting what happened to him, "It's true that you haven't encountered many good things in the past ten years, but fortunately, you didn't give up on yourself, but worked hard and earnestly. Alive. Since you are working hard, then fate will not keep playing tricks on you, and now you have reached the time of turning luck—maybe a bit boastful, but I think it is definitely your greatest luck to have Teresa so enamored."

Before waiting for Eggron to compliment her, she continued, "I said just now that I can play the role of mother for you, because you are a lovely child, and I am willing to treat it as my own child—— However, I also ask you to love Teresa, love her like a best husband, and not just rely on utilitarian calculations to treat her as a ladder to success. Love is a luxury for people like us Many people leave the world without understanding it in their entire lives, but in the selfishness of being a parent, I still hope that my daughter has it, because I think Teresa deserves it."

In her words, the mother's pride in her daughter is evident. "Your Highness, I don't want to make things between us so businesslike, but I think it's better to explain things frankly at the beginning than to be confused. Son, for Teresa, I would like to ask you to treat her well, We use all our strength to cultivate her, and then give her pure and flawless to you, then you have the obligation to respect her and protect her, if you fail to do it or do a good job, then not only will we not be able to forgive you, but God will not will forgive your sins."

Under Madam's gaze, Aigron's heartbeat suddenly accelerated, and he managed to maintain his superficial calm.

God knows what crime he is committing now!

He used all his strength to look dignified and excited.

"Forgive me. I'm still young. I don't know what love is all about. However, I can assure you that if I am lucky enough to be with her in the future, I will stick to her through thick and thin, and she will Share all the honor I can bestow, share my fears my pains and my hopes... I will never hide from her and I will never insult her, I will give my life to repay the good fortune that God has given me .”

The couple didn't say a word, and watched him finish speaking. After a while, Henrietta smiled and nodded.

"I am satisfied to be able to say these words, Your Highness... Maybe it is our good luck to meet you. Teresa and you are very suitable, but I can't find any thorns, my husband and I will bless you Yours."

After she finished speaking, she glanced at Grand Duke Karl again.

"The last time you came to our manor, Teresa hoped that I would find you a place to live there. Now I have divided it up, and I can give it to you as soon as the New Year comes." Grand Duke Karl looked at it calmly. Looking at the young man, "In addition, I will also give enough dowry to be worthy of her origin and name. But--I ask Teresa to be responsible for disposing of these, and you enjoy all the benefits generated by these properties, okay? ?”

"This is already an incomparably great favor to me, and I have no objection." Anyway, it was a blank check, and of course Aigron agreed casually.

"That's it." Archduke Karl gave a short answer.

Just then Teresa came back with a tray with four cups steaming hot.

The three of them stopped the conversation, and watched Teresa come and put the cup on the coffee table.

"Please try it, Your Highness." Teresa made a gesture.

Eggron obediently picked up the cup, and took a sip.

"Your Highness, how are you?" Teresa looked at the young man expectantly.

"It's delicious." Eggron nodded, and then acted like he was still savoring it.

To be honest, it’s not as good as Chanel, but Chanel is a professional maid who has served people for many years. It’s normal for Teresa to not keep up. It’s very rare for her to be willing to learn, so Aigron will not be stingy with praise.

"It seems that there is still a lot to improve..." Perhaps it was because Aigron's praise was not as good as expected, Teresa looked a little frustrated.

"Okay, Teresa, don't embarrass Your Highness anymore, you have to think about how he grew up in the palace, how could he be fascinated by your childish tricks." Henrietta couldn't help laughing , "You better not waste this energy."

"No, I think Teresa has such a heart, I am very moved." Aigron said, and took another sip, "There are countless people in the world who can make coffee, but they can often drink Teresa I am the only person in the world who makes the coffee handmade by Your Highness. This is indescribable luck... It's like the rum in the port for the weather-beaten sailors. Maybe it's not the best taste, but it doesn't It's important, it's what suits them best—they'll live and die in the midst of the storm, and the only way to rest their souls is to drink it."

"Hahahaha... It seems that you are still a Frenchman in your bones." Henrietta couldn't help laughing out loud, "I'm touched. I must say this to Teresa more often in the future. You guarantee that there is no woman who is unwilling to listen."

After saying this, the mother blinked at her daughter comfortably.

This hidden look also hinted at Teresa, the two sides had a very pleasant conversation just now, and basically reached a consensus.

Very good!

Although she was very confident at the beginning, Teresa was still filled with ecstasy when she actually heard the news.

She blushed suddenly, and secretly glanced at the young man next to her. At the same time, Aigron also felt her gaze, so he turned to look at her, and nodded to her with a smile.

Is this an expectation that "we will create the future together in the future"?

The girl's heart suddenly became blank.

It took a while for her to react, and hastily nodded slightly to the young man, using this method to express her heart to him.

In this way, the four of them chatted ramblingly while drinking coffee, and when the coffee was finished, Henrietta stood up.

"Okay, it's time for us to give you back the time...you must be very impatient after chatting with us old guys for so long?" She greeted her husband and left together, then looked at the young man again And his daughter, "Teresa, take a stroll here with His Highness, and we will have dinner together later."