Flowers, Swords and France

Chapter 15: Let go of past grudges

Seemingly seeing that Charles was a little tired, Albert and Charles did not talk for long before saying goodbye. However, it seemed that he did not return to his residence, but went to a place to have a good time. However, he certainly did not expect that Charles did not want to go home that much.

Now, he had no choice but to go home. Looking at the back of Albert's taxi leaving, Charles smiled bitterly in his heart, and then ordered his taxi to go home.

When he got off the car at the door of his house, he took out his pocket watch to check the time and found that it was already past eleven o'clock in the evening. Fran should have gone to bed? He thought to himself, and then suddenly felt a lot more relaxed-although it had been almost two days, he still hadn't figured out how to deal with Fran who said such a thing.

In order not to disturb others, after the doorman opened the door, he carefully walked through the front yard and returned to the mansion. However, after entering the living room, he found that he should be more careful, because... the candles in the small reception room next to the living room were always lit, and obviously, there were still people in it.

After seeing this situation, Charles slowed down his pace and wanted to quickly sneak back to his bedroom upstairs. This was obviously his home, but he acted like a stranger who came without notice. When he thought of this, Charles couldn't help but smile bitterly.

However, even though he was so careful and there was a thick carpet in the living room, his plan failed immediately. The door of the small reception room suddenly opened.

Even though Charles always boasted of being smart, he never expected what he would encounter tonight.

No. He didn't encounter anything strange, let alone anything dangerous.

In a sense, this was even a good thing - because. His sister happened to be looking at him with a smile.

Because the candles in the living room were dim, Charles couldn't see Fran's face clearly, but the smile was so bright that even in the lack of light, it was enough to heal people's hearts.

"Sir, you are finally back. We have been waiting for you for a long time?" The girl poked her head out from behind the door, opened her eyes wide, and smiled gently. She even stretched out her hand to call him, "Come in quickly, don't waste time!"

Charles stared at Fran blankly, still not understanding what was going on.

What was going on?

Although it was Fran who was talking. But...what was going on? She was so cheerful and lively. Was she really Fran? Didn't she cry and say that I must not leave her that night? How come she was so happy after I didn't agree to her?

Did I misunderstand something that night? This thought suddenly flashed through Charles' mind.

If that's the case, it would be the best.

"Sir?"

Seeing that Charles was still in a daze, Fran was a little strange, so she called him again, "Come quickly, Marie and I have been waiting for a long time!"

"Oh, okay." Charles nodded. Putting down the thoughts in his mind, he walked over immediately.

As Fran said, she and her good friend Marie-de-Léoran were in this small reception room, and the Marquis happened to be sitting opposite the chessboard. However, there were not chess pieces on the chessboard, but several newspapers.

Charles felt very confused, so he turned his head to look at Fran.

Before he could ask, Fran immediately explained, "Sir, we are reading the current situation of the army in the newspaper! After all, grandpa is there... But I still don't understand it, so I just want to ask you to explain it. I was planning to ask tomorrow, but since you are back now, why don't you take a little more time to explain it to us? You shouldn't..."

"Oh, of course, of course!" Charles quickly agreed, and then walked to the side of the chessboard and sat down, "Come, I'll tell you now."

It's rare that she cares so much about such national affairs, so it's okay to give her some pointers.

Then, he picked up the newspapers and found that they were the ones from his home. That's right, because of the constant tip-offs from Marquis Treville and Charles, the "Observer" reported the war quickly and accurately, and its sales also increased a lot.

The newspaper had been opened to the section describing the Roman expedition, so Charles started to talk directly, and the Marquis also handed over a map of the Roman area at the right time, making Charles' explanation much easier.

"On the night of June 21 to 22, after sufficient preparation, our army suddenly launched a surprise attack and occupied the first line of defense of the Roman Republic between the Villa of the Four Winds and the Villa of Pamphili. Although the enemy launched several counterattacks, they were all repelled by our soldiers. At present, we have built fortifications in these places, and the gates of Rome have been opened... In other words, it won't be long before our army can launch a few more attacks and wipe out the entire Italian Republic." Charles explained, while subconsciously stroking his sister's hair, "This is the meritorious service of your grandfather, and the president also praised his victory."

"In other words, grandpa has defeated the enemy?" Fran still looked a little confused, as if she understood it.

"Yes, that's right." Charles nodded. "The situation is now extremely favorable to our army. As long as we launch another general offensive, the enemy will be unable to stop us."

"Yes, Fran, I told you," the Marquis also smiled and echoed, "I heard that the Marquis de Treville will receive the highest honor in the army for this - he will be named a marshal!"

Charles just smiled and bowed his head without saying anything.

Although conquering the city of Rome occupied by some rabble was not a big victory in military terms, Louis-Bonaparte did hope to win the hearts of the army through this, so he prepared a big reward.

"That's great!" Fran also cheered excitedly. Although she didn't know much about the military, if her grandfather could be named a marshal, then even she would feel proud.

However, a cloud soon floated across her face, and then she looked at Charles nervously.

"But. Brother, I saw some other newspapers that seemed to be attacking the president and grandfather, saying that they betrayed the ideals of the Republic, suppressed the same republicans, and acted as the executioner of His Majesty the Pope..."

When Charles heard this, his face suddenly became gloomy.

"What are you talking about!" He shouted angrily. "The soldiers are fighting for the country in the front, but there are always some people in the rear who say weird things and undermine the morale of the army! Bah! We will deal with them sooner or later! Fran. You don't have to take these people seriously. They are all unpatriotic people. They are all traitors! Bah, I will let them taste the price of slandering our family in the future!"

This is actually a correct criticism. In fact, the president and the old marquis did act as executioners to suppress the revolution. But Charles would certainly not admit this, especially in front of his sister. Besides, Louis-Bonaparte and Treville, the grandparents and grandchildren, were not republicans, and they were not obliged to abide by the rules and regulations of the republicans.

Seeing Charles's harsh words, Fran blinked a little timidly, but his resolute rebuttal also gradually eliminated a lot of the uneasiness in Fran's heart - but few people like their grandfather to be called "executioner". "I understand. Sir... Grandpa worked hard for the country, and those who attacked him are all bad guys."

"That's right. Fran," Mary echoed, "Don't take the words of these villains to heart."

After Charles' explanation, Fran was obviously relieved. After thinking for a while, she looked at her brother and made a request.

"Sir, although I have sent letters several times before, I want to write some more family letters to Grandpa these two days, and send him some small gifts I bought by myself... Do you think it's okay?"

"Of course there is no problem with this." Charles agreed immediately, "I will arrange someone to help smuggle it in, as long as the gift is not too big or too heavy."

The original text can be read in Liu # 9 @Book/Bar!

"Of course it won't be too heavy!" Fran replied quickly. "Thank you, sir!"

Then she yawned lightly and looked at the clock next to her. "Ah, it's already this late! I'm a little sleepy."

"Well, it's really late. I'm going to rest first. Good night, everyone!" Mary immediately felt what her friend meant, so she said goodbye and left immediately.

After she left, Charles and Fran stayed alone in the room. He couldn't help but think of what happened that night, and his heart was suddenly full of embarrassment. When he was about to say goodbye, Fran suddenly spoke hesitantly.

"Sir, I'm really sorry. I lost my mind that night and said some stupid things. Don't you take it to heart?" She lowered her head, as if she was very ashamed of her impulse that day, "I was just excited and said some excessive words. Don't be angry..."

Charles was stunned again.

Did he really misunderstand his sister's words that day?

Yes, it must be like this. She was just too excited and said some stupid things. How could I doubt my only sister? She has always been a good child, and she will definitely be in the future, he told himself.

Suddenly, he felt relieved, as if he was relieved.

People always believe what they want to believe.

Fran slowly walked over and fell into Charles' arms. "Brother, you will not be angry with me?"

"Silly child, of course not." Charles reached out and wiped his sister's head.

"Great, thank you!" Fran buried her head deeper.

What a good child! At this moment, Charles felt sincere happiness.

…………………………

A strong perfume.

Is it Charlotte's?

No, Charlotte would not use such a cheap thing. She always uses the most expensive. This is definitely not her.

Then who is it?

Did my brother find another lover, or was he just playing a trick in a social event?