Flowers, Swords and France

In the cold wind of winter, Charles held Charlotte's hand tightly, and the two of them walked towards Charlotte's home together.

After hearing what Charlotte said, Charles felt quite heavy in his heart. And because he could understand Charlotte's mood at the moment, Charles stopped talking and just used his hands to convey the thousands of words in his heart. language.

And this heaviness was inevitably mixed with a trace of doubt - Duke Treville's arrangements for his posthumous affairs really made him a little strange.

Although Charlotte's words were not entirely true, Charles had basically understood what he meant - Duke Treville planned to pass his family property to his son after his death, not directly according to the traditional intergenerational inheritance rules. Duke Philippe de Treville, instead, wants to monetize this wealth as much as possible and then turn it into trust assets whose principal is difficult to use directly.

Although this decision is a bit strange, it is not uncommon in Europe of this era - wealthy families often use this method to deal with their families in order to allow their descendants to preserve their assets as much as possible and avoid bankruptcy due to unscrupulous descendants. Wealth is put into trust.

What really surprised Charles wasn't here. Even Duke Treville's act of including his granddaughter's children as beneficiaries only made him slightly surprised, and of course, a little grateful.

What really surprised him was that Duke Treville did not choose his son, but planned to let Charles and Charlotte be the managers of this wealth!

Why did the old man do this? Is this old man so distrustful of his own son?

When he thought of this, Charles couldn't help but smile slightly in his heart.

Although the sky has sent him a large amount of wealth, this is probably not an unexpected blessing.

Ciel has become prosperous. Instead of feeling very happy about this arrangement, I felt a little worried.

If it is really arranged like this. How should I face my future father-in-law? And how should he face the dilemma that he may have to spend money with his daughter and son-in-law in the future? Charlotte's older brother and younger brother. How should we treat this matter?

Although he didn't know what the other party was thinking, and although the young Duke Treville had always been fun and easy-going, Charles felt that no matter how easy-going he was, he would not be able to feel calm about this situation.

Inexplicably, he felt a headache.

He was not averse to helping the Duke of Treville - since he was going to marry Charlotte, of course he would be happy to help her family. Besides, they were close relatives after all, so it was appropriate to help her more.

But, help is help. It would be troublesome if there was a family dispute.

"Charlotte, how about... or we..." After hesitating for a moment, after stepping into the hall of the Duke's Palace, Charles finally made up his mind and whispered in Charlotte's ear, "If you want Why don’t we go see your father first?”

Charlotte turned her head and looked at Ciel.

"Are you still worried about what I just said?"

After all, we have been together for so many years...

"Yeah, Charlotte, I think... your grandfather's idea. We should think about it carefully." Charles tried hard to think of words and expressed his thoughts tactfully, "If you think about it, we have to Besides, I’m married now. Isn’t it bad to keep taking care of my family’s affairs like this?”

"What's wrong with this? You're not from outside, and your surname is Treville!" Charlotte looked at Charles with some confusion. "Grandpa planned to arrange this because he believed in us, right? What kind of trust is this. How can we let it down so easily?

Besides, it’s not like you don’t know what kind of people my father and brother are. They are already spending money like water. If they don't have the restraint of grandpa in the future, and they start to act recklessly, what will happen? If I were a grandfather, I would be worried too. If grandpa hadn't said anything, of course I wouldn't have cared so much, but now that grandpa has such an intention, I don't think we need to give in. "

Because these words were too reasonable, Charlotte was at a loss for words and didn't know how to answer.

Although Charlotte also likes luxury, she has a strong sense of family values ​​and will not put the family's property in danger for her own selfishness - perhaps it is because of this that Duke Treville did this. Plan it.

However, sometimes it is difficult to use "reason" to comment on financial disputes between relatives.

"Hey... Lolot, this is not a matter of giving in or not..." After thinking for a moment, Charles spoke again, "As a family, there is no need to get involved in meaningless disputes over such matters. Inside, isn't it? As a family, there is no need to worry so much. Think about it, if your father and your brother want to get approval from you and me in the future, it will be very difficult for them to get involved. ? This will bring jealousy."

"Humph, now you are talking about family ties with our family. Don't you usually look down on them?" Charlotte glanced at Charles dissatisfied. "I don't know about you yet? You are just afraid of trouble! Really, is there any need to worry so much? We are just executing grandpa's will..."

Seeing Charlotte's slightly resentful look, Charles instantly understood the true meaning of her heart.

Although she didn't say it, Charlotte was very satisfied with her grandfather's arrangement, so she didn't want to give up easily even if it might anger her father and brother.

"Lolotte... things are not as simple as you think." Charles sighed and gently grasped her hand, "Yes, I am not afraid of trouble under normal circumstances. If I treat ordinary people, I will either use my tongue or a knife. There is always a way. But this is your closest relative. Can we make it clear by reasoning? If we can't make it clear, can we still use knives and guns?"

"It's not me who forced grandpa to make a decision. I was as surprised as you are now, okay?" After hearing Charles's persuasion, Charlotte also frowned and also grasped Charles' hand, "It's a good thing that you respect your father. But why should you destroy grandpa's good intentions because of this respect. And also destroy the rights that our children can get in the future? Charles, don't be so afraid. Dad and the others may not be angry."

Oh, our child... Charles didn't know how to answer for a moment.

The wedding hasn't even started yet, it's really a pity that she thinks so far!

Charles remembered that when he was with Charlotte before, Charlotte seemed to have vaguely mentioned that she was worried about the property of the second and even third sons in the future... No wonder she was so happy after hearing about her grandfather's arrangement.

It might be a bit ridiculous that Charlotte was thinking about their future, but it was indeed worthy of touching, especially when he treated her like this... Well. Don't think about it anymore.

After trying to hide the guilt in his heart, Charles regained his composure.

Then, he put Charlotte's hand in his arms and looked at her seriously. "Lolotte, actually... you really don't have to worry so much, I will take care of everything. Don't you believe me? Although I am not prominent enough now, I have achieved some success after all. Don't you still believe it? Can I earn everything you need? If you believe me, then why should we face a quarrel with your father for what I can earn anyway?"

Charlotte was almost at a loss by this sudden speech. Her hand was through the coat. Feeling Charles's slightly trembling heartbeat and his affectionate gaze, she felt her heartbeat suddenly speed up. Her face was also a little hot.

Here it comes again, this guy is really good at cheating! She thought bitterly in her heart. But she couldn't pull her hand back.

After a moment, she gave up the idea of ​​pulling her hand back. But she still looked away.

"Charles, of course I believe you, but this is two different things. We are not forcing anything, but executing Grandpa's will. If we give up, losing a large amount of income is still a small matter. I'm afraid Grandpa will be even more unhappy... No, we shouldn't do this."

Looking at her, Charles, who had known her for many years, understood-although she said so, her heart had softened. If Charles continued to say a few more words, she would probably step down.

But should I really force her to change her mind?

An idea suddenly flashed through Charles' mind.

No, he didn't want to force Charlotte to change her mind for him anymore - she had done enough for him, and he couldn't do everything according to his own wishes.

So, apart from family disputes and making Charlotte happy, is there any other compromise?

Charles couldn't help but frowned and thought hard.

Haven't you always been conceited about your intelligence? This is your time to show it, otherwise, everything you have is just empty talk - he said to himself in his heart.

A moment later, just when Charlotte was surprised by Charles' reaction and wanted to ask, Charles' brows finally relaxed again.

Then, regardless of the possibility that there might be others present, he suddenly pulled Charlotte into his arms, then lowered his head and leaned close to Charles' ear.

"Hey, what are you doing!" Charlotte was caught off guard and immediately struggled violently, "What are you crazy about?"

However, Charles held her tightly, so she didn't break free.

Read the original text at Six # 9 @Books/Bar!

Then Charles spoke softly.

"Charlotte, I have an idea that may make your grandfather happy and avoid hurting the relationship."

"What... what idea?" Charlotte's face became even redder as the hot air from Charles' mouth kept blowing across her face. "Let me go first. How can you do this now? How embarrassing!"

Charles did not listen to her instructions, but continued to whisper his ideas in her ear.

After Charlotte heard what he said, she gradually stopped and looked at Charles in disbelief.

"Is this okay?"

"It's up to you if you say so." Charles replied with a smile.

Charlotte fell into deep thought, and Charles did not do anything else, letting her think about it first.

"If...if...you don't find it difficult..." After a moment, Charlotte looked at Charles hesitantly, "Then let's do it this way?"

"Well, take me to see your father first." Charles spread his hands.

Maybe it was Charles's illusion, he always felt that Charlotte's eyes were full of ardent love.

………………………………

When Charles and Charlotte came to the study of the young Duke of Treville, Charles was shocked to find that Charlotte's elder brother Philippe and younger brother Eugene were already here, and their faces seemed a little solemn.

Good guy! Charlotte also said they were not angry? Isn't this very angry? Maybe we've already had a quarrel before. No wonder Charlotte suddenly called him over for help... Ciel thought to himself.

However, he can understand the other party's mood very well. Anyone would feel very uncomfortable if they heard that they actually had to ask their daughter or sister's permission before they could spend money - and it was money that they should have inherited.

"Ah! Our eldest lady has finally found a helper!" As soon as he saw Charles, Phillip smiled and said hello. He didn't know whether it was teasing or sarcasm. "Good evening, Charles."

"Well, good evening, Philippe." Charles nodded cordially to him, then turned to look at his cousin, "Sir, I feel very sad about the Duke's condition. I also hope that you can learn from this huge situation. Recovering composure from the blow.”

"Well, thank you, Charles." The cousin nodded seemingly calmly, without any emotion or anger on his face. "Charlotte must have told you, right? Hey...I'm afraid daddy...doesn't have much time left. Please come to our house as often as possible in the future. It's also good to see him more often."

"Yes, I will." Charles nodded, then raised his head and glanced at the father and son. "It seems you have been here for a long time?"

"Yeah, it's been a long time indeed... We still have to think of a way for the future and see if we can get a little more from the two of you." Philip still had that slightly teasing and sarcastic smile, "After all, I will have to live by flattering you from now on..."

"Philippe. Why are you saying such weird things?" Charlotte couldn't help but feel a little dissatisfied when she heard her brother mocking herself and Charles, "I've already said it. I didn't know about grandpa's arrangement in advance, and I didn't do it intentionally. to influence him, so this is his own decision! He just decides how to deal with his own property. He has the right to do so, and you...who will care about your own property? If you weren't so idle and idle, you could have saved some furniture for yourself. , who can care about you? Are you afraid of being shot by someone else if you earn your own money?

"Huh? Are you still talking about me?" Upon hearing his sister's accusation, Phillip was obviously irritated, "Miss, what qualifications do you have to talk about me like this? Aren't you the same? Are you wearing those damn clothes? You spent less on perfume, all those messy jewelry and shoes than I did? Didn’t your father spend less money on you over the years? Now that you’ve found a good husband, you’ve forgotten all about it. I also forgot to make my own pie..."

"Bah! I at least live within my means, what about you? It's better than borrowing money everywhere?" Her brother's words made Charlotte furious, "Do you think we don't know? How many debts have you borrowed secretly? Why are you gambling? , What other lover, how much did you spend? Tell you, don’t make any evil ideas, you have to repay these debts yourself, we will not use family money to pay for you! "

"Huh huh, look, look! It's amazing that you have already put on such a show now!" Philip blushed, then looked at his father and brother and sneered, "Grandpa is really good. If I find such a mean master for us, we will be lucky for the rest of our lives, hahahaha!”

Of course no one responded to his laughter.

It seems that the quarrel has always been between these two siblings.

Ciel felt a headache again.

This kind of family dispute is too troublesome and I really want people to avoid it. No matter how glamorous and gentle aristocrats are, they still behave like this when talking about money. It really makes people... speechless.

However, no matter how much he wanted to avoid it, now was not the time for him to avoid it. He had already made a decision, so he should stand in front of Charlotte.

However, just when Charles wanted to speak, the young Duke Treville suddenly spoke, "Stop arguing, what are you talking about? Don't you think you have embarrassed enough people in front of the servants?!" (To be continued. . )

!!