His Excellency the Count of Grandet

But under the current circumstances, even if Victor had the idea to do something with Charles over and over again, he could only bear with it—it was still early before the end of the salon!

"It turned out to be the Count of Villers." After a short conversation, Charles watched the backs of the other three leaving, with a bit of a daze in his tone, "I thought he had gone back to Toulouse."

If it weren't for the people around him, Victor would definitely snort coldly.For Michelle to finally go away honestly, and for the person Shire said. "It's hard for you to imagine, who among the non-nobles would be more interested in the Earl of Artois than the Earl of Villers." He said this, his eyes narrowed slightly, with a taste of sarcasm.

This may sound inconsistent, but Charles understands.The Comte de Villers, whose surname was Serravan, had brought him only the estate of the Ile de Bourbon, not the title; he had only recently been made a count.So why did the king give him the title of earl?

The reason for contacting Decaz was also recently on stage, and the reason is obvious.

Charles gently shook the champagne glass in his hand, with a casual smile on his lips, as if what he said was as unimportant as the weather. "His Majesty must appease them—why? Because of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers?"

"You've answered your own question, why are you asking me?" Victor affirmed this conjecture with a rhetorical question, with a very flat tone.

Hearing this calm answer, Charles couldn't help but glance at Victor: "You already knew?"

"Actually, it's my suggestion." Victor replied nonchalantly, and then took out the pocket watch in his pocket to look at it, "Although this is not a long-term solution to stop them, it can at least maintain the superficial peace and buy time. "

"That also requires the other party to be willing to cooperate." Although Charles appreciated this approach, he still reminded him.

A waiter passed by with a tray, and Victor grabbed a glass of champagne. "Probably in the past," he curled his lips slightly. Those who are not familiar with him would not be able to see this small gesture. "In the future...but they can't let them."

Dear, you are a bit cruel!

Although this kind of cruelty was not aimed at him, Charles still had such feelings.To be honest, as long as their strength grows fast enough, they will indeed have a relatively overwhelming advantage in the future.But now is not a good time to discuss this issue in depth, so he just said: "You were looking at your pocket watch just now...is it time?"

"It's almost there." Victor said succinctly, raised his glass and touched Charles lightly, "Duke Chartres is waiting for you near the third window near the gate."

"Understood." Charles took a sip of the almost transparent liquid in the glass, and nodded without a trace.Then he looked around and left with his glass in his hand.

Watching Charles disappear into the crowd, Victor said to himself in a low voice: "Now, as they wish; the war has begun, and we will sound the horn first." He showed a small smile, which made people feel It looks like the kind of hair on the back.But it was only for a moment; almost immediately, he returned to his usual expressionless face, and walked in the direction where Michel and Count Artois had left without hesitation.

According to the location Victor said, Charles quickly saw Ferdinand.After being introduced to the people in that small circle together and politely exchanging greetings, Ferdinand found an excuse and walked out with Charles.

"Originally we wanted you to know the Count of Artois," Ferdinand told Charles as they walked side by side, turning his head slightly, "but it doesn't seem to be used anymore?"

"Mr. Michel introduced me just now." Charles replied in the same low tone. "But His Excellency did not say a word."

"That's his style," Ferdinand affirmed. "He's not against you, because you can't expect him to be nice to someone who is likely to be against them." The interests of the old aristocrats conflict, so the two factions have always been incompatible.

"What is the count's attitude towards Mr. Michel...?" Charles seized the opportunity to ask, because it may be related to the success of his plan.

Ferdinand paused, then moved on. "Your question is kind of interesting." He said with an expression that would never attract anyone's attention, "Can I assume that Michelle wanted to poach you, and you also wanted to poach him?" Before Charles could answer , he said again: "The idea is good, but this matter is not simple."

"Are you saying it's because of M. Lafitte?" Charles asked directly.

This question has been held in his mind for a long time, and now he has finally found a relatively reliable and authoritative person to answer this question.Although he had seen that kind of sword, light and sword with his own eyes, he still wanted to give it a try.Because he believes that no matter what time it is to fight for——

Fighting may fail, but not fighting is doomed.

Ferdinand nodded slightly. "Although not all of them, it should be most of them." He turned his head and glanced at Charles, "Also, even if there is no such thing, we should consider what price the Earl of Artois offered Michel; otherwise, we will lose more than we gain. "

This is the same as an auction, you only need to know other people's hole cards to bid; otherwise, if you bid low, you will be despised, and if you bid high, you will be taken advantage of.

Considering that Ferdinand will not be 20 years old in a few months, Charles silently said in his heart that the royal family has no young children, even if it is a branch. "I don't know that," he said honestly, "and I don't think Mr. Michel would tell me that easily."

This is simply obvious. "Then what do you want to impress him with?" Ferdinand asked.That is to say, he can seriously discuss this issue with Charles - if it were Victor, he would have told Charles to shut up and not mention that damn name, how could he agree to the plan to win him over?

"I really don't know what benefits the Earl of Artois gave Mr. Michel, but at least I know what Mr. Michel wants." Charles said, his tone concealed confidence, "At least I know, the price I can offer , the Earl of Artois will definitely not be able to open it."

This time, Ferdinand took a careful look at Charles, trying to get some clues from his face. "A price that the Earl of Artois can't offer? It's not just money." He repeated, "Only you... Are you talking about the Academy of Sciences?"

You know, although the large group of people in the Academy of Sciences may have their own positions; but in terms of research, none of them is as popular in science as Charles.

"Part of it," Charles replied.He has always been cautious, and never promises or speaks lightly until things are successful.

Ferdinand heard the meaning and didn't ask any more.After all, he doesn't need to know all the details, as long as the final result is beneficial to them.

At this time, the two had already walked near the king's position.Ferdinand took the lead in saluting, which Charles did.

Seeing a stranger, the king immediately understood what was going on—even though Victor said he wanted to introduce him, but given Victor's usual stinking style, everyone would definitely look at him if he did so; at this time, the high-profile Not very good, so I can only change to a safe choice.Although Ferdinand was a duke, he was very young, so it was not surprising that he had similar tastes with Charles, who was only three years younger.

"Since it's Christmas Eve, please don't be so constrained." His Majesty the King raised his hand generously, "How are you doing today, Ferdinand?"

Louis XVIII was already in his seventies, and it was only natural to call Ferdinand, an underage duke and a relative, that way.

"Very well, Your Majesty; your attendants are always very considerate." Of course Ferdinand would not say anything bad. "And I just want to introduce you to this M. Charles Grandet today; I hope this will brighten your mood on this wonderful evening."

The king misplaced his eyes, and his eyes fell on Charles.He had heard some things about Shire before, and he knew something about it. When he saw it at this moment, he couldn't help thinking: He looks really good-looking, no wonder he is a treasure in the social world; similar clothes are worn on a fat and bloated middle-aged man. It was complicated, but the tall and straight young man who was green and juicy became eye-catching; and the one in front of him was obviously the best among young people.

However, Shire's face is much more beautiful than Decaz's. Could it be that his personality is weaker?

His Majesty the King's heart is half like, half worried.But he still nodded in a very face-saving manner, and said gently: "Charles?"

"Your Majesty." Charles replied respectfully.

After 10 minutes, His Majesty the King was almost certain that although Charles and his brother had the same name, their personalities were completely different.And Ciel didn't have the problem he imagined at first——

Although Charles speaks very cautiously, what is revealed inside does not match his face; the contrast is too great, it is two extremes!What is weakness?You can't find it in Shire's character at all!This is a natural mask, right?

The king now understands why Victor recommended Charles to him.Charles was still young, and he was already able to do many things that others could not do—up to accurately judging the situation, making decisive decisions without being muddled;

This is a hidden talent!

It would be difficult for Charles to take office now; but after a few years, when Charles becomes familiar with the affairs and operations in the cabinet, he will definitely be more qualified than Decaz to take the position of leader.

Thinking of this, His Majesty the King really felt happy. "Come on," he motioned for a few people to follow him, "let's continue talking over there."

Let's talk about Victor on the other side.The people on either side were the length of a dance floor, and neither could hear the other.That's why Victor was still holding his usual indifferent expression, trying to figure out the other's latest action intention under the double smirks of Earl Artois and Michelle.

If Victor knew that His Majesty the King had thought so far, he would definitely regret it: just because of the factory, it can be seen that Charles himself is already a workaholic; plus government affairs, where will his status be put?The rhythm of being ignored every minute!