Flowers, Swords and France

While laughing, Charles was secretly shocked at the boldness of this young man - anyway, it was not a very safe behavior to publicly mock the emperor of his country in front of a foreigner he had just met.

"If your emperor's boundless whims, which are reserved for young people, can be restrained in some way, then I think the goodwill between our country and your country can indeed get a pretty solid guarantee. I am convinced that only Schwa Only if Prince Zenberg's career can be continued can your country's status in Europe be guaranteed and can it become an indispensable member of the European balance..."

After once again emphasizing that 'French-Austrian collaboration requires Austria to continue to fight against Prussia,' Charles quickly changed the subject, "Of course, as friends, I also really hope that we can work together to write the diplomatic history of France and Austria in the future. The new chapter...the old ones are too shabby. We need a new spirit to guide the future, don’t we?”

"I quite agree with you, sir."

Perhaps because he mocked his emperor in private, Richard von Metternich became in a better mood. He put the cue back under the table, and then tidied up the crumpled cuff. "I'm not afraid to tell you the truth. Before I came to France, I was very interested in the spirit revealed by your public speeches. If your idea is followed, I am sure that our country can indeed write a new book with your country. A new chapter... At that time, I revealed this idea in front of the emperor himself, although our majesty had not had time to get over the prejudice in time. He has realized what is more beneficial to his rule, but there is no doubt that His Majesty the Prince agrees with what I say - and it is precisely because of this that he supports me in entering the diplomatic world. If it were not for this terrible disaster that fell from the sky, I am afraid. I'm not so hesitant to respond to you, I actually sent a second secretary here! Ha, thank you for being patient enough to talk so much!"

As he spoke, he shook his head secretly, evidently still brooding over Emperor Franz-Joseph's ungrateful act of driving away his father.

Then he raised his head and looked at Ciel again. He looked very serious.

"Mr. Treville, I respect you very much, so I don't expect this respect. Because I have too high illusions about you and end up being disillusioned... So I must ask you some questions clearly so that I can realistically Consider the goodwill you have towards us.”

"Okay, please ask." Faced with his serious expression, Charles also abandoned the pretense of a smile on the surface. "I'll answer everything I know."

"Okay. So, may I ask..." Richard von Metternich pondered for a moment, and then continued, "You are not the Minister of Foreign Affairs now, so do you have the right to decide on your country's foreign policy? If the Marquis of Turgot wants to implement a different strategy than you, who should he use?"

"I have a very good relationship with the Marquis of Turgot, and he will listen to my opinion." Charles answered first, and then looked at him closely. He could only smile and shake his head, "Okay. If there is a conflict between our routes and ideas, then there is no doubt that he has to listen to me."

At this moment, he completely forgot about his promise to the minister to "not interfere with your decision-making power on European affairs" and openly admitted that he could have the decision-making power on France's foreign policy.

"That's very good." Richard von Metternich nodded, "So, what if Mr. Bonaparte decides to implement an anti-Austrian line? In my opinion, he has very good reasons to oppose Austria. , especially because of his brother... If he really decides to go against our country, can you convince him to give up this idea and implement your line instead?”

Such a serious question finally left Charles speechless for the first time.

He knew in his heart that now he could no longer just say nice words to deal with it like he did just now.

In fact, this is indeed a big problem, because in the final analysis, France's entire diplomatic route will ultimately be decided by the big man who is about to be crowned emperor.

How to get Louis Bonaparte to put aside his anti-Austrian complex and instead implement the diplomatic line he desired was a big problem that he could not get rid of.

"Sir, let's be honest with each other. In fact, your issue is also something I'm worried about. I'm not sure about the president's thoughts... and I can't guarantee that he will definitely listen to my suggestions." After a moment of silence. , Charles continued, "But what I can guarantee is that I will try my best to let him adopt my diplomatic line, even if it costs my political life. I'm sorry, I can't give you a complete explanation. A definite answer, this is the limit of what I can do.”

Richard von Metternich stared at Charles without saying a word at first. After a while, until Charles was worried that he had given up, he suddenly smiled again.

"Ah, it seems that we both have to face a monarch who makes us troubled! The only difference is that my one is too weak and fickle, and yours is too willful!"

"He is not the monarch yet." Charles corrected Richard's slip of the tongue in a low voice, "and the president is not as unsympathetic as you think. In fact, in most cases, he is really good at listening to my opinions - so, I think, even if there are some small difficulties here, I can still eliminate all obstacles and do as I say!"

"I hope so," Richard von Metternich smiled and nodded again. "I have to say that the situation is not as good as I expected, but it is not particularly bad either."

"How should I say this?" Charles was a little confused.

"I thought your Majesty would be more sober than my Majesty, or less constrained by prejudice, but now it seems that I was wrong... Even you are not sure that he will remain friendly to our country." Richard von Metternich sighed regretfully, "But... After all, there is you, such a talented and trusted figure who is so sincerely pro-Austrian, so everything can at least be counted on. It seems that we have to come to a gentleman's agreement?"

"Gentleman's agreement?"

"It is a secret agreement, an unspoken concept between us, and we two will take the place of the kings to implement major measures that are beneficial to the country-" In a peculiar tone, Richard von Metternich answered leisurely, and then he stretched out his hand to Charles again, "The two of us will find a way to bring the two great countries closer to each other. You will find a way to pull France forward, and I will find a way to push Austria forward, until the two countries hold hands..."

After a moment of shock, Charles suddenly realized.

Although the words were so beautiful, his actual meaning was also very clear - considering that Charles was not the final decision maker, he would not actively promote Austria's friendship with France. He would only take one step when Charles pushed Louis Bonaparte to take one step.

Charles looked at Richard von Metternich, looking at his smiling face, and suddenly felt as if he had known him for many years.

He spoke so beautifully, but he did not give in in his actions. He was very much like me!

"Sir, I have to say that I really admire you."

After a moment, Charles simply reached out and shook his hand tightly. "Then I have taken a step ahead, my friend!"

"Please wait for my step." Richard von Metternich replied generously, "Although my father has retired from the position of prime minister, he has been prime minister for forty years after all, and his words are heavy enough in our country."

"Then I wish you good luck." Charles let go of his hand and patted his shoulder.

Suddenly, a very strange feeling rose in his heart.

An event that was enough to shake the whole of Europe, started silently by two young men in such a secret room?

Yes, I have become a person whose words and deeds can affect the fate of the entire country! The terrifying power of this country is now in the hands of a limited number of people like me, and everyone must look at it with awe.

The original text is in the six # 9 @book/bar!

In my current position, if I am not careful, I can really start a war!

With great joy, he realized this again in his heart.

This feeling is really wonderful.

……………………

After reaching this tacit consensus, Charles and Richard von Metternich ended the billiards game and returned to the hall.

At this moment, Charlotte was still chatting and laughing with the Austrian embassy staff, as if she didn't notice that the two people had returned.

Richard ignored von Melson's probing, reproachful look, and sat back in his seat, showing great hospitality to Charlotte, which made Charlotte laugh again.

It was not until the early hours of the morning that the pleasant banquet ended, and the Austrians returned to the city in a carriage.

After washing up, he and Charlotte returned to the bedroom.

"Charles, you seemed very energetic just now?" After lying on the bed, Charlotte looked at Charles with some doubts, "It seems that you have a good chat with Mr. von Metternich?"

"Yes, he is a very good young man." Charles answered directly, "In addition to having a good surname, he is also very smart. If I have the help of such a person, it would be much easier for me to act..."

"Austrians are much cuter than British people..." Charlotte muttered softly.

"Huh?"

Charlotte's answer was indeed very Charlotte-style.

"The British are all a bunch of nouveau riche. Although they like to call themselves aristocrats, everyone knows that the British aristocracy died out in the War of the Roses. What's left are just a bunch of local rich people. Besides... Her Royal Highness is still in Austria, isn't she?" (To be continued...)