Flowers, Swords and France

"Richard von Metternich!"

Charles was really surprised when he saw this name on the list of Austrians who would attend his banquet.

This surname is so famous that it doesn't need too much introduction, and Charles can respect it.

Clement von Metternich, that was a superstar in the Napoleonic era, a diplomat who could be on par with Talleyrand in terms of acumen and cunning.

"This Mr. von Metternich..." After trying to suppress the excitement in his heart, Charles tried to calmly ask the Foreign Ministry official who came to report the news, "Is he a relative of Prince Metternich?"

"He is the prince's son, sir." The other party replied respectfully. "And he is the legal heir of the prince."

"Oh?!" Charles was even more excited, "Then why didn't I see this name on the list of embassy members before?"

"In fact, he is not a member of the diplomatic corps, sir." The other party patiently explained to Charles, "He came to Paris for a trip, but he has a close relationship with the embassy because of his father's relationship. When he heard that you wanted to invite members of the Austrian embassy, ​​he applied to the embassy secretary to attend, and the embassy secretary agreed. Of course... if you have any objections to this, we can also decline their approach."

"No, there is no need, I will entertain him as usual." Charles waved his hand, "Everyone who comes is a guest, I don't need to turn anyone away."

Although his tone seemed a little reluctant, Charles was already very excited at this time.

I caught a big fish unexpectedly! I encountered such a good thing for the first time in a diplomatic activity!

Although this Metternich did not seem to have any diplomatic duties. He just came to France to travel, but with his family background. In the future, he will definitely become a big figure in Austrian politics or diplomacy. If he can make friends with such a person, it will obviously be a great help to his future career.

……………………

"Prince Metternich's son will come?" After hearing Charles's retelling. Charlotte was also very surprised. "Charles, why didn't you tell me this before!"

"I just got the news. He is not an embassy staff member and was not invited by me. He just wanted to come because he heard that I was going to hold such a banquet...Charlotte, I think you are willing to receive such an uninvited guest?" Charles replied with a smile.

"Of course! A Metternich is worthy of being treated as a guest of honor by us." Charlotte gave an answer without hesitation, and then she glanced around the hall with a little worry, "But. In this case, I am a little worried that we can't leave a good impression on him..."

Charlotte, who has always been arrogant, also admitted that the Metternich family, which is also a noble family, is qualified to be compared with Treville. Because of this, she was a little worried that she would be rude in front of Metternich as a new housewife who had not yet gotten used to the rhythm.

"It's okay! Don't worry, Charlotte, just receive these Austrians in the way you planned. There's no need to be nervous or too grand. It's not easy for the future prince to receive such courtesy from us..." Charles smiled and patted Charlotte's cheek. "It's his honor to be invited and respected by us, and he should be satisfied with it."

"You are really good at bragging! If you make a fool of yourself in the diplomatic circle, I want to see how embarrassed you will be!" Charlotte glanced at Charles. But she was obviously relieved.

As time passed, the sun slowly set in the west, and soon it was evening.

When it was about to reach the time for Charles to hold the banquet. Several carriages rushed all the way to the door of Charles's mansion, and then handed over the invitation sent by Charles.

The concierge who received the invitation quickly put all the carriages into the mansion. Then, Charles and his wife, who had been waiting for the guests, also got the news immediately.

They hurried out of the gate of the mansion to welcome the invited guests.

Under the gaze of the couple, a group of people wearing top hats and casual clothes appeared at the bottom of the steps.

Although they were wearing casual clothes, the group of people moved in an orderly manner, their expressions were very serious, and their ranks were very clear. It was obvious that they had received good diplomatic training and came prepared today.

Charles and Charlotte walked down the steps step by step until the two groups were about to meet, then they stopped.

"Everyone, I'm glad you can come..." Charles nodded and greeted the person in front in a friendly manner, and then extended his hand, "I'm really very embarrassed to interrupt your original schedule so hastily."

The leader was not tall, but he was dressed very delicately and decently. Although he looked quite old, his face was still very ruddy, and he had a carefully trimmed gray beard.

"Mr. de Treville, what are you talking about? In fact, we should thank you for giving us a good opportunity to kill time..." He smiled and bowed to Charles, then shook Charles' hand and shook it reservedly. "I am Helmut von Meleson, the current second secretary of the embassy. I am very happy to have the opportunity to meet you today."

"It reassures me that you can say that. Thank you, Mr. von Melesen." Charles smiled and let go of his hand. "I sincerely hope that you can enjoy a pleasant banquet here."

Not bad, a second secretary can at least say something. It seems that the attitude of the Austrians is not unpositive. Ciel thought.

Because the title of the current Austrian ambassador to France is owned by the famous banker Baron Rothschild, the actual heads of the Austrian embassy are now the counselor and the first secretary of the embassy. Of course, these two important diplomats were very busy with their affairs, and they could not find time to attend Charles' sudden invitation. In fact, they were able to have a second secretary as the leader. This made Charles feel satisfied - at least he felt that he had been taken seriously enough by the Austrians.

"I firmly believe so." The secretary still smiled very friendly. Then he turned to look at the well-dressed Charlotte, and walked in front of Charlotte in one step. Then he stretched out his hand. "I feel deeply sorry for my colleagues who cannot come to be entertained by such a beautiful lady."

"You are so kind, sir." Charlotte smiled, letting him pick up her right hand, and touched her lips slightly on the back of it. "I'm just afraid that I might not treat you well and trigger a terrible European crisis!"

"The only crisis in Europe that may happen tonight is if you drive us out early, madam." The secretary replied with a smile, "other than that, Europe is at peace."

"Haha, then you don't have to worry." Charlotte was amused by him, "As long as you think you can, you can stay with us for as long as you want... Even if it's to save Europe, I will stay here We will entertain you at the table.”

The second secretary left a good impression on both Charles and Charlotte with just the right kind of kindness. In the diplomatic arena, although unprincipled and capricious, the Austrians were at least blameless in their manners.

As Charlotte and the secretary exchange greetings. Charles was not idle, but looked at the small group of people following the secretary with a smile, trying to find the person he was paying attention to.

Then, he was among the group. A young man was found.

This young man was also dressed exquisitely and had an easy-going smile on his face. He was also looking at himself. He has short gray-brown hair. The face is clear-cut and the eyes are very lively. You can tell he's the kind of person who has a lot of ideas.

In addition to his younger appearance, there is also the proud attitude on his face. It's obviously different from the others who are a little timid and reserved. Under Charles' gaze, he calmly looked at Charles with a smile, as if he didn't know that this man was one of the most powerful figures in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the most trusted assistant of Louis Bonaparte.

This kind of arrogance with a gentle appearance should only be found in the sons of dukes or princes.

"Mr. von Metternich?" Charles greeted the young man with a hint of certainty, "Good evening."

"Good evening, Mr. de Treville." Sure enough, the young man nodded slightly towards Charles, "Nice to meet you."

"Please forgive me for being an uninvited guest." Richard von Metternich smiled sheepishly, "Out of curiosity and admiration for you, I am full of curiosity about you. When I get the chance, I want to meet you..."

"I feel very honored to have the son of Prince Metternich as my guest." Charles walked up to him and extended his hand, "I have always respected your father. He is definitely the most outstanding person in the past era. one."

"I'm glad that you can speak so highly of my father." Richard held Charles' hand firmly, "I think he will be very happy because he also values ​​you very much - to use what you just said To put it bluntly, both our father and son believe that you are definitely one of the most outstanding people of this era.”

I? How could he be so praised by Metternich? Is this a polite comment?

No... with the prince's arrogance, there is no reason for him to make up words like this to flatter himself.

It seems that it is true...

One of the most outstanding people of this era... What a rare evaluation!

Even Ciel, who has a deep city, can't help but be filled with a feeling of satisfaction at this moment.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

"Well, I don't think I can entertain you all outside the door," Charles quickly changed the subject in order not to appear complacent, "Everyone, please come in, and don't waste the dinner that Madam has carefully prepared tonight."

Amidst the brilliant lights, guests such as Richard von Metternich and Helmut von Melesen followed the Charles and his wife step by step into the large and magnificent hall.

"It's really a nice place!" Looking at the carefully decorated halls and walls and the brilliant lights everywhere, the future prince couldn't help but sigh.

"Mr. de Treville has indeed grabbed a good place." Helmut von Melesen replied in a low voice.

"This is Louis Bonaparte's reward for his talent." Perhaps hearing the second secretary's hidden sarcasm, Richard defended the master walking in front in a low voice, "If anyone can defend Our Majesty will be rewarded for the same feat."

"The Habsburgs will not let themselves fall into that kind of predicament." The second secretary shrugged.

No, he had fallen into it. Only by relying on my father did it avoid further humiliation - no matter how much it didn't want to admit it. The truth is the truth.

Richard answered in his mind.

Amidst the whispers of the two Austrians, the group walked to the dining table, and as they sat down, the musicians who had been waiting for a long time immediately played soft music.

The unique Austrian melody deeply touched this group of Austrians almost immediately.

"Today's dinner was carefully prepared by Charlotte. I hope you will have a pleasant experience, whether it is with your mouth or in your ears." Charles waved his hand with a smile and motioned for the servants to start serving the dishes.

"I am very grateful for your hospitality, madam." Richard quickly thanked Charlotte. "You are bound to become one of the most eye-catching hostesses in society. Let us be young for the beautiful Madame de Treville Why don't you stay and have a drink?"

"Thank you. Cheers!"

Everyone raised their glasses.

While drinking and drinking, everyone enjoyed the carefully prepared dinner and chatted together.

It wasn't until he saw that the guests were slowly getting into the mood that Charles finally asked about Prince Schwarzenberg's condition.

He soon received an unimpressive reply from his secretary.

"Hey, I really didn't expect that such a disaster would happen to the prince at such an age! It would be such a pity if the prince really left us because of this." Charles sighed seemingly dejectedly, " I am also full of admiration for him. As a person who saved the country in crisis, he deserves the respect of everyone."

"May your good wishes move God, sir." Helmut von Melesen thanked Charles reservedly. "Each of us is the same as you. I sincerely hope that he can survive the disaster and continue to help His Majesty. Protect the entire country.”

"Yes, he used his incomparable determination and willpower to forcefully subdue the Prussians. I regard this as a diplomatic masterpiece." Charles sighed. "It would be a pity if this masterpiece should fade due to the misfortune of a great man."

The Austrians looked at each other.

This is bottoming out.

"The prince's greatest achievement is to maintain the peace of the empire. We Austrians love peace." Helmut von Melesen hinted that he did not accept provocation and could not give a more clear answer. “We deserve a drink to peace.”

Haha, do you want to play tricks with me?

Charles suddenly sneered in his heart.

Everyone says that diplomacy is the art of serious lying. Even though I am just a newbie in the diplomatic world, in fact, I am already self-taught in this aspect...Mr.

While sneering in his heart, Ciel had a solemn and sincere expression on his face.

"Sir, just like you, I am a very peace-loving person who hates bloodshed very much. Yes, I hate killing, and I also think war is meaningless. Could it be that from the fighting in the past hundreds of years, our country and your country have gained something from it? Has any benefit been gained? Killing will only make us hate each other but gain nothing. "Anything else." Under everyone's gaze, Charles continued affectionately, "When I think about the thousands of young people who are as full of ideals and glorious futures as me, and even just got married, there are actually some. I feel heartbroken that I may have to face the most terrifying risk next to the God of Death!

I love my wife and my relatives, and so do everyone else - so, what reason is there to force young people to abandon their loved ones and bleed and sacrifice for their own selfish desires? This is not only irrational, but also immoral! I dare say that in France, after decades of pain, this pacifist trend is also shared by everyone. This is an age of recuperation, a time of prosperity and harmony in peace - and that's exactly what the President thinks. Both he and I are willing to do our best and dedicate all our efforts and sweat for the peace of Europe and Europeans!

Yes, gentlemen, let us drink a toast to the great peace! "

While everyone was looking at him in astonishment, Ciel raised his wine glass with a smile on his face. (To be continued...)