Flowers, Swords and France

The autumn of 1866 was the most indulgent and carnival season in Paris as usual.

In such a season with the most comfortable and pleasant climate and the most leisurely people, passion burned among this nation, and the rampant material desires of the imperial era could be vented most wantonly. Dance halls and theaters were crowded everywhere, as if they wanted to spend all their energy for the whole year here.

When the previous emperor was in power, the court would hold large banquets in the palace in autumn every year to entertain celebrities from all walks of life and show the prosperity of the empire's wealth and culture. Occasionally, they would even go on a tour in the market with the queen to experience the fun of being surrounded and cheered by the citizens.

After Queen Nanali I ascended the throne, although she no longer went on a tour in the market for safety reasons, the tradition of court banquets has been retained, and every autumn is a grand event for the upper class of the empire.

And this year, the passion and joy of the court are much more intense than in previous years.

The entire palace was decorated with lights and countless floral decorations and tassels, turning it into a dreamlike world. The empire's usual ostentatious style was brought to the extreme here, as if no one cared about the empire's financial difficulties.

The reason for such a celebration was that the empire won a brilliant victory that attracted worldwide attention this year.

In the summer of this year, too many shocking events occurred, and it eventually turned into a major conflict that shook the whole of Europe. First, Prussia and Austria, the two most powerful states in Germany, ended up in war because of a series of diplomatic conflicts. Then, under the instigation of Charles de Treville, Duke of Kerson, the Prime Minister of the Empire, the Empire forcibly intervened in the war and quickly mobilized almost all of its forces to launch an all-out march towards Prussia.

In a series of battles, the Kingdom of Prussia was finally defeated, and the great achievements of Duke Kerson were achieved.

After the decisive battle of this war, the Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck committed suicide by taking poison, but this news did not cause much response in the empire - people would never know how great a man he should have been, and only regarded him as a common defeated general.

Now, under the leadership of Duke Kerson's generals, the French army has stationed troops outside the city of Berlin. The war is actually over. It depends on what kind of peace terms he will impose on Prussia.

Such an achievement comparable to that of Napoleon the Great has completely moved this nation and ignited the madness of the whole country. The French have always been obsessed with the glory of war.

Although the Duke himself has not returned yet, and those important generals have not returned, many officers who were injured or on other duties have returned in batches. They are regarded as national heroes and cheered wherever they go.

As the leader of society, the court naturally bears the brunt of it. Since the victory news came, the celebration banquet has been held all night long. This is another peak of the Empire Era, the most glorious victory of Her Majesty Nunnally I’s reign so far.

However, at this moment, what surged in the heart of Her Majesty the Queen was not complete joy, but a little bitterness.

The Queen, who was only ten years old, was sitting on the throne in the study of the Tuileries Palace. She was wearing a dress made from a military uniform. Like her father, she had no other decorations on her body, but a Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor on her chest. In her tenderness, she could see some of the firmness of her fathers and grandfathers.

The bitterness came from the person in front of her.

"Your Majesty, after our discussion, in order to commend Duke Kerson's achievements, please confer him the title of Prince of Potsdam." Standing in front of her, Duchess of Kerson Charlotte de Treville, who was wearing a purple court dress, said to her in a tone that did not show much respect, "The Battle of Potsdam was the most difficult battle of the Imperial Army and the decisive battle that defeated the Prussian Army, so after discussion, we decided that it was most appropriate to use it to confer the title on the Prime Minister. What do you think?"

Although this looked like a question, Her Majesty knew that this was something she could not refuse. Years of experience told her that it was best to agree quickly to avoid making herself look even more embarrassed.

"Approved." She opened her mouth slightly, and then declared her will in a crisp voice.

With her approval, the clerk next to her also signed the document.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The Duchess, no, the Princess smiled happily, "I think Charles will be very happy, he will be grateful to you, all this proves that his loyalty and the risk of his life for you and your empire are worth it."

"I think so." The Queen replied expressionlessly.

De Treville is just for himself. He has been encroaching on her power for many years. Where is his loyalty?

Nanali's heart became more and more bitter. This is where her father and uncle used to handle state affairs. They both ruled the country absolutely with their own will, but now she can only bow her head and obey her subordinates. Today, when the de Treville family is becoming more and more powerful because of the glorious victory, she can't even show a little resistance. This is too painful.

"You seem a little tired?" Seeing her uncomfortable look, Charlotte stopped talking and asked with some concern. "Are you feeling unwell? If so, you should rest early."

"No, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." The Queen wanted to end the conversation as quickly as possible, so her tone was a little cold. "There are still many things to do next. Do you have anything else to do?"

"There is only one thing left, Your Majesty." Charlotte also felt the other party's rejection of her, but she was not angry because of it, "Today's dance also has a special session for young people, and we would like to invite you to attend. "

"Special show?" Nunnally was a little surprised.

"Yes, Your Majesty. You are still young. Staying with old-fashioned people like us may make you depressed and uncomfortable. So today we specially summoned many young children to the palace so that you can have fun. I'm a little happier." Charlotte replied with a smile, "They are all noble children of the empire, and they all hope to take the opportunity to get to know His Majesty... Clovis is also here to lead the dance with him, I think. It’s a beautiful scene.”

When she heard the last words, the excitement that had been ignited in Nunnally's heart was quickly extinguished. The sense of anticipation turned into a paralyzing sense of boredom.

It's not that she hates Clovis. In fact, this handsome, slightly shy and generous young man is indeed quite likable, but she hates being forced, hates being ordered around, and hates being manipulated. Imposing orders with a smile that cannot be disobeyed.

But no matter how much she hated it, she knew she had to attend this occasion. She is the emperor of the empire, and she must not shirk her obligations. What's more, she can also take this opportunity to relax. It is more comfortable to talk to young men and women than to face the stiff-faced attendants and female officials in the palace every day. Some.

"Have they all arrived at the palace?" Nunnally asked.

"Yes, they are all here. We told the guests attending the banquet in advance that children aged ten to fifteen must be brought over to support His Majesty." Charlotte nodded, then urged, "Okay Well, Your Majesty, hurry up and change your clothes, go receive them early, and go dancing in a military uniform, it always feels a bit..."

"No, I won't change my clothes. I feel very good in this outfit." Nunnally shook her head and interrupted the lady directly. "This is still a time of war, so I should stand with the empire."

Although she had to obey in most aspects, Nunnally didn't mind showing her persistence in some small places.

Charlotte's expression changed slightly. With her usual character, it was rare for her to silently endure His Majesty's indifference. Now her open resistance was a bit too much.

"Is Your Majesty showing resistance to us?" She sneered slightly, "If so, it's too childish. What's the point? It's just a piece of clothing."

"I just want to do this, can't I?" Nunnally asked without fear.

Just when Charlotte was about to get angry, Matilda, the master who had been silent, quickly walked between the two people and pulled Charlotte. "Madam, since Your Majesty wants to wear this dress to meet people, then wear it. It's just a dress anyway, and it actually looks pretty good..."

Under Matilda's persuasion, Charlotte's expression softened slightly.

"Your Majesty, I really don't want you to regard us as enemies. Although I know you are angry with us, at least we have always protected you and hope that you can become our family..."

Her words, which seemed to reveal her true feelings, made Nunnally stunned for a moment.

"In the future, you will be my daughter-in-law, and no one will care about your safety more than me." The prince's wife replied in a low voice. "Please believe me, I love every family member. As long as you are willing to be my family, you will receive my infinite love and care. I sincerely hope that the discord and hatred between the two families and two generations have caused too much damage." There have been so many misfortunes, so many terrible consequences, so much bloodshed and sacrifice, isn’t it enough now, no matter how much you hate it? I, no matter how much you hate us, I hope everything can end this way. Your Majesty, you can marry Clovis and continue the empire according to the path we have planned, even if it is not free. But you can at least go all the way happily... Is there any better way for you? "

Then, she gently touched the Queen's hand and said, "Please listen to what I say. No matter what you think, I hope that things will continue to develop like this, and no interference will be allowed. Please hurry up and prepare. "It doesn't matter what you wear. Come to the side hall in half an hour. Everyone will be there now. Please don't keep everyone waiting."

Before Nunnally could reply, the prince's wife left the study with a group of her maids.

…………………………

Just as the prince's wife said, there was already a large group of young men and women gathered in the side hall where banquets were often held in the palace.

Different from those fathers who were glittering with jewels and talking loudly in the main hall, they did not make any noise because of the few opportunities to meet each other and the unique restraint of young people. They only gathered together in twos and threes.

However, there are of course exceptions among this group of people. Clovis de Treville, the eldest son of the Imperial Prime Minister, has become the focus of everyone's attention. This blond and blue-eyed young man, who is only fourteen years old, has begun to look like an adult. He is wearing a black formal suit, his steps are regular and powerful, and he looks handsome and calm.

Today, when his father led the imperial army to a rare victory, the Treville family's dominance in the empire has become more and more consolidated. It is obvious that he will become the heir to this family's business and the true ruler of the empire in the future.

Even these young men knew that he should be the object of their future allegiance, or the object of flattery, so wherever he went, everyone was courteous to him.

However, he did not get carried away because of this, and just responded to everyone's greetings with an indifferent smile.

There was also a young man standing next to him, walking side by side with him, but he was not touched by many people's eyes. This boy is his brother Lelouch. He had black hair and rare purple eyes, but was still very handsome. But unlike his easy-going and outgoing brother, he looks much more melancholy and hesitant. His attitude of being distant from others is like that of a poet.

His weird appearance, after the initial commotion, was quickly calmed down by the Duke and Duchess, but he was still affected. He has been very introverted since he was a child, and does not like to interact with other people, so he has very few friends, even today. On this occasion, people's attention was also attracted by his brother next to him. Not many people paid attention to him - but this was a good thing for him. He didn't like to be noticed.

Clovis was very happy today, because everyone was now celebrating his father's victory and achievements, and he was sincerely very proud of his father's victory.

Everyone courted him, but it was obvious that everyone kept a little distance. The boys were because of the status gap, while the girls gave up early because they knew that he already had an agreed marriage. gained hope.

Although he was not enthusiastic about the marriage arranged by his parents, he was not disgusted with it either. Just like the family education he had received since childhood, he accepted the marriage contract as a family obligation. He was willing to work for the family. He fulfills his obligations because he is the eldest son and the one destined to inherit the family business.

Besides, Nunnally is pretty cute.

However, although he looked around, he did not see the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen. Instead, he was entangled by an unexpected person.

"You are very proud of yourself, Your Highness, look at the eyes of the girls." Duchess Liana, the daughter of Likanicht, came up to meet him and looked at him with a rather teasing smile, "I regret that I was tied up." Did you reach a tree?"

"Of course I won't regret it, Liana, I like Your Majesty very much." Clovis pretended not to hear the sarcasm in the words of this 'sister' who was only more than a year younger than him, and responded to Liana with a smile. , "It's you, do you have a crush on anyone?"

"I don't like them, they are just little kids," Liana shrugged, "Besides, how dare I look here, what if I accidentally find my brother or brother again? "

After hearing this, Clovis's face became even weirder. Of course he understood what Liana was mocking. Dad is good at everything, but a little too... romantic.

"Liana, don't be too harsh on your father. Let's have fun today." He sighed, trying to make Liana less sarcastic. "A rare opportunity today."

"Oh, Father! I'm so glad that you are willing to throw this name to me...but can I call it?" Lianna shook her head, "Can you please stop mocking me?"

Perhaps out of jealousy, Liana had a very strong dislike for Clovis and the children born to the Duke and Duchess. She couldn't help but ridicule them every time she met them, so she and everyone other than Clovis The relationship between the children in this family is very bad.

"Clovis, ignore her!" Just when Clovis was about to speak, a girl came over and grabbed Clovis.

Alice looked at Liana with unrelenting hostility. "You seem to have gone too far, miss."

"Is it too much? I just said hello to His Highness." Lianna shrugged.

"This is not the right way to greet him. You should respect him." Alice did not give in at all. "He is the heir of the Treville family and is not something you can easily joke about."

"You really think of yourself as the defender of the family...Looking at how active you are, people who don't know how noble you think you are." Liana's face froze, and then she sneered, "You are obviously a wild child, so... Stop meddling in adults’ affairs.”

"How dare you, this bastard, talk to me like this?" Alice became angry, and her brilliant blond hair began to float.

"Okay, stop arguing!" Seeing that the two 'sisters' were about to curse each other, Clovis quickly dissuaded them. "Don't lose your manners on such an occasion, otherwise it will become a joke!"

Read the original article in Liu#9@书/吧!

This threat really worked for the two girls. They immediately glared at each other and stopped talking.

"Your own two sisters didn't speak, but outsiders came to give orders excitedly." Liana rolled her eyes at Alice, then turned and left, "I really don't know what she thinks of herself."

Alice's anger surged, and she was about to argue with her again, but was caught by Clovis.

"Are you okay?" Clovis asked with concern, "Don't get angry with her at this time. It's not like you don't know her temper. The more you provoke her, the more energetic she will be. It's better for everyone to relax like this." point."

"People like this should be attacked mercilessly. You are too tolerant!" Alice's face was still tense, as if she was disappointed with her. "She is full of hatred for us. God knows what she will do! You have to be on guard against her."

"Okay, I know." Clovis nodded, but his tone was as if he was coaxing his sister.

Looking at his expression, Alice also understood his attitude. She sighed, "Anyway, I will help my father protect the family. No one should think of causing trouble."

While they were talking, many people were watching them secretly, including two girls playing cards in the corner. They were playing the most fashionable card game, ignoring the people around them.

"Those two guys seem to be very pretentious." When throwing out the cards in her hand, Eugenie, the eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess, said coldly. "I really don't know where their confidence comes from."

She was holding a girl about six years old in her arms, and she kept stroking her while playing cards. That was her sister Isabella, the youngest daughter of the Duke and Duchess. Originally, Charlotte had been taking care of her, but because she had to meet His Majesty and attend the banquet, she was temporarily entrusted to her sister.

"You will make them pay for this sooner or later, won't you?" The girl opposite answered, and at the same time played her own card.

She is Marianne, the daughter of Lady Marie de Léoran, and one of the recognized illegitimate daughters of Duke Curzon. However, unlike her mother, she is not close to Lady Treville's daughter, her nominal sister, but is very close to the eldest daughter of her family.

"I believe there will be such a day." Eugenie smiled gently, then looked down at her sister in her arms, "Really, Bella?"

"Yes, sister." Isabella nodded gently, smiling in a daze, as if she didn't know what her sister was talking about.

"So cute." Eugenie pinched her face, then played her own card, "I won!"

…………………………

As time passed, the side hall was filled with joy like the main hall. The young people threw away their initial shyness and soon started talking to each other.

However, this warm and cheerful atmosphere did not infect everyone. One person still did not fit in here.

Boring, uninteresting, unbearable, why is everything so dull and boring?

With such thoughts in mind, Lelouch wandered in the side hall like a traveler in the desert. After witnessing the quarrel between the two "sisters" in front of his brother, he walked away by himself.

It's not that he doesn't understand, but that he understands too well. He is smart enough to see what everyone is thinking, but not smart enough to get rid of all these negative effects from his heart.

He is really too tired of these things. Everyone fights for their own boring ideas. It is meaningless and has no end. I don't know why they can enjoy it. I don't know why, he found that he didn't want to pay attention to anyone at all.

He exuded an aura of strangers staying away from him, so that no one dared to greet him, and he felt more isolated because of this.

Unconsciously, he walked around everyone and went to the balcony.

The long-lost fresh air finally dispelled the glitz and noise in the hall. He raised his head and took a deep breath, then looked at the dark night sky. It seemed that he was the only one under the starry sky, as if the world had abandoned him.

Yes, he was just alone, and he understood this again.

Although he was the second son of the Treville family, he might be able to get a duke title in the future and live his life in an enviable way, but what was the meaning of this? Who really needed him?

The family was inherited by his elder brother, and his parents had never asked him to do the same as he did, and took care of him.

However, the care and love from his elder brother and parents made him realize that he was just a superfluous person. No one needed him, and no one cared about him. He was just another shadow under the shadow, just like... the shadow under the starlight.

He looked at his own shadow and thought silently.

Just then, he found that there seemed to be someone next to him.

What he saw was a girl with long hair, squatting on the ground with her head buried between her legs. Strangely, she was wearing a military uniform.

Soon, he saw who it was.

"Your Majesty?" he cried out in surprise, "Why are you here?"

"I want to be quiet here, is that not okay?" Her Majesty stood up gently and answered in an unfriendly mood, "Is it not a nuisance to anyone?"

"No, Your Majesty." Lelouch shook his head quickly to deny it, and then he looked at Nanali's strange outfit, "Aren't you going to attend the banquet later?"

"Is it not okay if I like to wear it like this?" Nanali interrupted him loudly, "Why do you all have to control me? Can't I even wear a piece of clothing according to my own wishes?"

"No, that's not what I mean..." Lelouch shook his head quickly, "You... Of course you can do what you want."

"Sorry... Sorry..." Her Majesty also realized her own gaffe, and then apologized, but the tears in the corners of her eyes could not be taken back, "I'm just in a bad mood."

Lelouch was speechless. Although he was a child, he certainly knew something about the politics of the empire. He certainly knew where the pressure faced by the Queen came from. And he did sympathize with the situation of the Queen. He could imagine how unhappy a person who could not control his own destiny since childhood and was controlled by others everywhere would be.

"I'm sorry." He apologized subconsciously.

"Why are you telling me this?" The Queen smiled bitterly.

"Even if I know it's meaningless, I still want to say sorry to you..." Lelouch still insisted. "But I ask you not to hate my father. Some things are really helpless."

"So is all this my fault?" Perhaps because of the mention of that person, the Queen suddenly became angry again, "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry... Can a simple "I'm sorry" write off everything?"

Before he could answer, Her Majesty continued, "Can you imagine? Can you bear it? I don't know when it started, but my life has become a torment again and again. Every minute is a torment. All those who greet me with a smile do not really respect me or love me. They are polite, but they manipulate me, and they cannot be refused. I... can you understand? Can you bear it? But I endured it... even if it was uncomfortable, I endured it. Do you think this kind of life is easy to bear? No... It's uncomfortable, very uncomfortable! Very uncomfortable, and there is no hope... I was thrown into a dark tunnel, there is nothing, nothing can be seen! "

After venting loudly for a long time, Her Majesty the Queen finally regained her composure. She was a little out of breath, but she still wiped her tears calmly, "It's strange to say this to a Treville... Well, please don't hear anything. I will go and dance with your brother later, and I can dance as long as I want."

Lelouch did not answer.

At this moment, he was no longer filled with boredom, but a strange sunset, a kind of joy similar to finding a companion.

Yes, I am not the only one who is lonely, nor am I ignored by the world.

Life is not meaningless.

"You are not laughing at me, are you?" Looking at his strange look, the Queen asked.

However, she got a rather strange answer.

"I will protect you, Nunnally." Lelouch stretched out his hand and grasped the Queen's hand. He found that he could finally find a purpose for living.

This time he did not call her Your Majesty, but her name. "I will spend my whole life protecting you, and no one can hurt you. Even if the whole world abandons you, I will protect you... I swear." (~^~)