Lord of Industrialization

The city of Le Havre was shocked by a piece of news in late summer.

Grand Duke Wesson came with his fiancée to vacation in Le Havre.

The city lord, Count Volpe, had already led the city's army to fight alongside the king, and Madame Volpe warmly entertained Frederick, Maria and his entourage.

Because Frederick came in his private capacity as the Duke of Lugano, Madame Volpe did not hold a solemn long table banquet, but instead held a buffet party in the garden.

The dignitaries and businessmen in the city came to meet Frederick one after another, and there were several layers of people inside and outside.

Frederick suddenly saw a person outside the circle who had his head down but looked familiar.

He took a look and remembered who it was.

When Philippe d'Avranche heard that Grand Duke Wesson was coming, he finally got an invitation from his boss and even lent his son his bicycle for the occasion.

When he came here, he felt a little nervous. He wanted to ask about his brother's recent situation, but if he asked Grand Duke Wessen presumptuously, wouldn't it be rude if he answered that he didn't know this person?

The more Philip thought about it, the more worried he became. He hunched his back slightly and lowered his head, fearing that Grand Duke Wesson would come over. He said loudly, "Oh, your brother. I saw him in the newspaper. He was a thief. He should be rotting in a dark and damp cell now."

He actually felt relieved when he saw those bosses whom he had never met before surrounded Grand Duke Wesson so tightly that not even water could get in.

Just as Philip was about to leave, he found that the crowd was actually walking towards him.

He thought to himself that Grand Duke Wessen might be going to Miss Eltal's place. All the ladies were there, and with Grand Duke Wessen's hobby, he would definitely not miss it, so he walked to the other side.

"You are Philippe d'Avranche?" Frederick greeted him warmly. "I have heard Prince d'Avranche mention you."

In the past, Philippe would have been furious when he heard the mocking nickname "Prince d'Avranche" for his brother, and would have insisted on grabbing the other party and saying that he had become a better man and was ready to repay his loss.

Today is different. This is what Grand Duke Wessen said, which means that the two are very familiar with each other.

Many people around had heard about Philip's younger brother and knew that he had made a lot of money in Weissenburg.

But recently someone who came back from Weissenberg said sourly that he was a thief there and was arrested a while ago, because the landlord had not seen him for a long time.

Given Prince d'Avranche's past actions, many people felt that this was the truth, and Philippe's rebuttal was not strong enough.

It’s different now. Looking at Grand Duke Wesson’s expression, it doesn’t seem like he is talking about a criminal, but rather a gentleman.

Philip bowed with a smile and replied, "Hello, Your Excellency the Duke of Lugang."

"My brother mentioned in his letter that you took care of him. I sincerely thank you for your kindness."

Philip was a little nervous because his brother's letter only mentioned Frederick in a few words, and he was afraid of saying something wrong.

Frederick said: "Your brother is great, smart and hardworking. Many people can't achieve the same results as him."

"By the way, have you received any letters or telegrams from him lately?"

Philip smiled in his heart, but he had not received any latest news recently, so he replied: "The last time he wrote to me was last fall."

Frederick kept it a secret and said mysteriously, "Just wait, it's good news, it's worth it for you to invite Maria and me to your house for a meal."

The eyes of everyone around looked at Philip differently.

Being invited to dinner by Grand Duke Wesson is something that many people dream of. Now he actually took the initiative to ask Philip to treat him, which is something only very good friends would do.

Philip said immediately: "My wife and I are waiting for you and Miss Eltal at home."

Several bigwigs in the city hall looked at each other, gathered together and whispered that they must arrange a high-paying job for Philip in the city hall tomorrow. If there is no job that he is qualified for, then there is a problem with the ability of the city hall.

Frederick asked about Philip's family situation and walked over to Maria.

Maria was sitting on the sofa, and next to her was a beautiful and graceful young lady. She was so beautiful that the crystal necklace around her neck sparkled even more.

Frederick went over and sat on the single sofa next to the couch. He said a few words to Maria, and then politely said to the lady next to her: "I don't know what to call this lady. Your beauty is as dazzling as that crystal necklace."

Mathilde Loisel's face flushed with emotion.

She always believed that with her beauty and charm she should live an upper-class life and live in a luxurious mansion, but because of a trick of fate, she married an ordinary clerk and lived a life of struggling with trivial matters every day.

Her husband had finally gotten an invitation for today, and she had come at the right time. First, Miss Eltal came, and then Grand Duke Wessen. The big shots all looked at her with admiration, and others also looked at her with envy.

Philip, who came with Frederick, was somewhat disdainful of Mathilde's excitement and pride. It was only because his wife was unable to come due to poor health that he lent her the necklace given by his brother, otherwise it would not be her turn to be in the limelight.

Not long after, a guest from Paris appeared, and Frederick happily went over to hug him.

"Oh, Armand, I didn't expect to see you here."

Armand's expression was a little complicated, but it soon turned into a smile. After hugging Frederick, he said, "Why did you come here suddenly? I thought you were digging for treasure."

The people around immediately pricked up their ears. They had also heard about the rumor that Frederick had discovered tens of thousands of tons of gold in Bohemia.

Frederick said earnestly: "I think our friendship is more precious than any treasure."

Armand suddenly said excitedly: "Are you telling the truth?!"

Frederick was a little puzzled as to why his reaction was so exaggerated. Did something happen that he didn't know about?

He immediately said solemnly: "Of course I am telling the truth."

"When have I ever lied to a friend?"

Armand breathed a sigh of relief and said, "His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Dauphin will surely be very happy to know this."

Frederick thought something might have happened, and the Kingdom of Gaul might really be afraid that he would raid Paris.

Now was not the time to ask questions, so he continued with official pleasantries and promoted the friendship between the two countries.

The more Armand listened, the more relieved he felt, especially when he heard that Frederick was going to visit Philip's house, a bright smile appeared on his face.

Frederick felt more and more that something really happened in the Kingdom of Gaul, and he might not only be worried about himself, but also about the movements of the Rhine Alliance.

But even if something happens, it won’t stop us from drinking and dancing tonight.