Flowers, Swords and France

After explaining what she wanted Charles to do, Charlotte asked to talk to Mary alone. Although Charles knew something was wrong, he did not dare to stop him because he was wrong about what happened just now. Lott had no choice but to let her get what she wanted.

After she left, Charles could only sit in his original position, thinking uneasily about how Mary would be treated.

Finally, after struggling for a while, he couldn't bear it any longer and walked out of the door while standing, wanting to take Mary away from Charlotte's hands - after all, Mary had been following him loyally and for He had done so many things, and he really didn't want to see her suffer too much.

However, within just a few minutes, Charlotte scolded Mary mercilessly, so much so that when Charles finally saw Mary, he clearly felt something was wrong.

At this time, Mary still had a formulaic smile on her face, but her eyes were obviously a little distracted, and she looked a little dark.

Horrible, what did Charlotte just do? Charles was secretly shocked.

Although he was frightened, he couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Mary.

"Mary, are you okay?" he asked cautiously.

"I'm fine, sir." The smile on Mary's face remained unchanged, and her tone was terrifyingly calm, "You don't have to worry about me."

"Hey... uh..." Charles felt a little embarrassed and didn't know what to say. In the end, he could only sigh and walked to Mary's side, "Okay, let's go, don't miss the time. "

"Well, let's go, sir." Mary nodded gently.

Afterwards, the two people walked out of the mansion together, then walked to the special carriage that Charles had prepared, and then galloped outside.

It wasn't until the carriage drove out of the grand mansion that the smile on Mary's face slowly disappeared, and turned into a dazed look mixed with melancholy and pain.

The blow just now was too great, and it came at a time when she was feeling most elated recently. It was like a basin of ice water, which chilled her whole body and soul.

Charlotte's contempt for her status and insults about her "seduce two generations of grandparents" greatly hurt her self-esteem and filled her with the desire for revenge. However, what made her most angry and annoyed was that this Such contempt, she couldn't deny for a while - because there seemed to be an insurmountable level gap between the two people.

The blow of being unable to retaliate is the most painful, so much so that I have not yet been freed from that pain.

Seeing Mary's confused look, Charles felt even more unbearable.

"I'm sorry." In the carriage, he couldn't help but apologize to Mary. "I should have stopped Charlotte earlier..."

However, when she heard Ciel's apology, the sadness in Mary's heart was like a flood from a dam bursting. Tears burst out uncontrollably, and she covered her face.

"Thank you, but you...you have nothing to do with me, sir. This is the lesson I deserve, and I don't blame anyone."

The more she said this, the more Charles couldn't bear it. After all, her current demeanor is completely different from the confident look just now, which makes people feel a little pitiful.

"I will tell Charlotte, she shouldn't treat you like this," he hesitated, and finally comforted Mary, "Please don't take it to heart, Charlotte is like this sometimes. Although she may sound mean, she is actually quite kind at heart.”

Humph, how can someone like her... have any compassion at all? That's you, and I think she has a conscience in her heart.

Mary cursed in her mind, still crying.

"Sir, don't worry. I won't take it to heart. How dare I take it to heart? She is your wife and the person I must serve. To me, everything she does is right. Yes, who am I to question her? She is right, I am just a pawn in the hands of the Treville family. I will never disobey Madam’s will, and I will never make her unhappy... Don’t worry, in the future I will understand my identity and will never step out of line..."

She was crying while talking, which was really pitiful. On the one hand, it could be said to be a small trick to arouse Ciel's compassion and protectiveness, but on the other hand, she was also sincerely sad, because what Charlotte said was essentially correct. of.

"How could she talk like that! It's too much!" Charles became anxious when he heard it. Even if some things are the truth, you can't tell them clearly to others. Wouldn't that be too hurtful?

Charlotte has been such an arrogant character since she was a child, because the rules in the social world are quite polite to people of the same class, but she is not even the least bit polite to Mary. Even if this is the truth, even if Mary's behavior just now provokes It was too mean for her to be so unhappy.

He frowned, then took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Mary, "Hey, this is really ugly, but don't be too sad. You also know Charlotte's character. Ah, she is a princess, and she has been pampered by her family since she was a child. She never thinks about other people's feelings. Sometimes her words are very uncomfortable, so don't take it to heart. "

Mary didn't speak anymore. She picked up Charles's handkerchief and silently wiped her tears. Her eyes were slightly red and swollen.

Charles felt more and more pity, but he was not angry at Charlotte.

After all, didn't I do so many things that I felt sorry for her? She had cheated on her many times before, and now she even had an illegitimate child. How could she have the right to complain about Charlotte being mean?

However, now that we have reached this point, there is no possibility of turning back.

In this way, in the silence of the two people, time passed by minute by minute, and only the sound of horse hooves echoed throughout the carriage.

"Okay, I'm afraid we're almost there." It wasn't until a while later that Charles finally broke the silence, "Please tidy up and lift your mood a bit, otherwise you'll end up laughing in front of others."

However, Mary's reaction was somewhat beyond Ciel's expectations.

"A joke...am I not a joke now? I have nothing..." She laughed sadly, "Without status, no property, and such an embarrassing status, I won't get anyone's respect. Isn't this just a joke? ? Maybe I’ve been laughed at in private..."

"There is no reason to say that?" Charles couldn't help but frowned again, "Whoever dares to laugh at you, I will make him regret it."

"Can you still control what other people think?" Mary asked, and then laughed sadly, "But it doesn't matter, as long as I have everything I have now and you are taking care of me, I am satisfied, no matter what others think No matter how you look at it, I really don’t care... But will your care always be with me? One day, disaster will come to me, and I don't even have to wait for that day. Your wife will get angry at some point and make me disappear forever, just like she threatened, really, I! I am living in a phantom now, and this phantom may disappear one day... This is my destiny, isn't it? "

"Don't be like this!" Charles couldn't control himself. "As long as I'm here, she can never hurt you."

"That may be true now, but what about in the future? One day I will no longer be young and beautiful. Maybe then I will no longer be worthy of your attention. Then it will be time for you to leave me easily, right?" Mary smiled bitterly, " And probably no one would feel pity for me at that time, right? This is the ending I deserve..."

"That's enough!" Charles finally couldn't help but scolded, "Don't think like that!"

"But how can I not think so now? Sir, you see, I know I am extremely pitiful now, just like a bird with broken wings, but what can I do? This is not my own fault Ah! This...maybe this is God's arrangement."

As soon as she said this, her eyes were filled with tears again, and she was about to cry at any time. "What an unpleasant cry. You will be impatient after listening to it, right? But I am afraid. What can I do? I am afraid! Everything will leave me again at any time. You have never experienced this kind of pain, but I I have experienced it, it’s terrible! So, please...please don’t leave me, otherwise I will have nothing..."

These words were indeed sincere and full of pain and pleading. I am afraid that no one would be indifferent after hearing this, let alone Ciel, who had made love with her many times before.

"I really don't understand why you are so worried about such a trivial matter today. But since you are so worried, I will tell you one more time." Charles sighed, and then he grabbed the handkerchief. He smeared it directly on her face a few times and wiped away the tears that had re-emerged. "As long as you follow me, no matter what happens in the future, I will never abandon you, and Charlotte will never hurt you. I... will protect you."

"A lifetime?" Mary asked. "Can you guarantee that?"

"If you have no objection..." Ciel shrugged, "Then let's do it for the rest of our lives."

"Thank you!" Mary hugged Charles desperately, and then buried her head in Charles' chest. "I will follow you all my life, overcome obstacles for you, and do anything for you!"

Ciel didn't say anything, he just stroked her hair gently and was full of love and affection for her for a moment.

But in his arms, which he couldn't see, the corners of Mary's mouth twitched slightly, revealing an indifferent but contented smile.

She knew the result would be like this, because after these years of dealings and deliberate speculation, she had already observed Ciel thoroughly, even more deeply than Ciel thought.

He likes things that belong only to him, and the more pressure there is from outside, the more he will insist on his own opinion.

Now, her wealth, honor and disgrace have all been tied to Treville, and her most important job, to be honest, is to please the minister.

Therefore, she has to plead again and again, putting her position in a position where she can't do it without him, and after giving her assurances again and again, she will leave a deep enough impression in his heart that it will become an unthinking thing. Mindset.

As long as she does this, she will always be protected and helped by him. From now on, her goal has almost been achieved. No matter how much Charlotte mocks, angers, curses, and hates, she can't let her husband kick her away, just like now.

However, from Mary's point of view, her crying and the sympathy and protective desire aroused by her weakness are still unreliable things after all. She has experienced how fickle men can be, she has experienced it time and time again, and she will never dare to Place your hopes on their whims.

After all, I still have to have a child as soon as possible. At last, Mary thought to herself.

As long as she has a child, then she will no longer have the nightmare of being left behind in her life - after all, even people like Laura, after having his child, aren't they all soft-hearted?

Moreover, this is also the most perfect revenge, enough to make that lady irrecoverable.

"Just wait." She said to the lady secretly in her heart.

After a long and bumpy ride, the carriage finally stopped outside an inconspicuous building.

Then, Charles took Mary and walked into the building under the attention and salutes of the guards.

As soon as he entered, the luxurious atmosphere that hit his face overshadowed the original shabby appearance and appeared in front of everyone. There are colorful decorations everywhere, spread among carpets and tassels, and the thick curtains do not affect the light of the crystal chandeliers, which are as bright as day.

According to tradition, under the largest chandelier in the center, there is still a champagne tower today, and these tall wine glasses are now emitting rainbow-like light under the candlelight.

Read the original text in Liu#9@书/吧!

There are only a few people in such a splendid club. If they only focus on business, they will probably lose a lot of money, but no one cares about this.

Because this club was originally created by Ciel with the budget from the ministry, in order to secretly receive his deployment and collaborators, and it was only open to his own people or collaborators in Ciel's eyes. He didn't care about profit, he just wanted to give these people a comfortable place to meet.

However, this is Paris after all, and there is still no way to make it too ostentatious. Someone in the ministry suggested to Charles that they simply buy a castle or a large villa somewhere with beautiful scenery outside, and then transform it into a place with enough style and comfort. Then you can entertain your guests well.

Charles also adopted this suggestion, and now his subordinates have dedicated people to screen qualified places across the country.

Although this is not the first time she has come here, Mary's mood now is completely different from before.

Because her identity was completely different now, she held Ciel's arm tightly, like a lark that was leaning on someone, and as if she was showing off her treasure.

Mary knew that although she had just entered this kind of place, her status was unstable and few people would respect her, so now she wanted to borrow the name of the minister, hoping that everyone would know that the minister was her supporter. She was courteous to her, so she deliberately showed off like this. Even if others ridiculed her behind her back or secretly laughed at her, she didn't care.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Treville." As soon as Charles entered the hall, young Alphonse de Rothschild came up to him and said hello to him.

Seeing Mary, who was so lovable and as close as a lady, he was inevitably stunned for a moment. He knew Charlotte, and of course he knew that this was not the real Mrs. Treville.

However, his many years of experience in the business and social world allowed him to regain his composure almost instantly. As if he didn't notice any incongruity, he continued to look at Ciel with a smile.

After all, he has seen this kind of thing too many times. Who doesn't have a mistress or two?

However, the minister is actually willing to bring her to such a place in such a ostentatious manner. It seems that she is very favored, which is worthy of note.

"Good afternoon, Alphonse." Charles nodded to him cordially, and then took the initiative to point to Mary, "Let me introduce you, this is Mademoiselle Marie-de-Leolan, she is me. Grandpa’s secretary, because Princess Likanicht has just given birth and is unable to exercise her duties, she often On the recommendation of Baron de Beauvain himself, she temporarily succeeded the Duchess to perform her duties. Well, Mary has won our trust and acted prudently. I rely on her very much. In the future, you can tell her directly about matters within the Federation. , after all, my energy is limited, and I can’t respond to you immediately on many things..."

This was Charles's compensation. He understood Mary's little thoughts, but because he felt a little apologetic about Charlotte's actions just now, he let it go. Moreover, there was no need for him to introduce Mary so solemnly. He Saying this is naturally enough to raise Mary's worth.

This compensation is indeed effective enough.

After hearing Ciel's introduction, Alphonse de Rothschild was slightly startled, and then looked at Mary carefully.

"Oh! Ms. de Leoland, nice to meet you." He immediately smiled and nodded at Mary, "We are almost half colleagues now. I hope we can have a happy cooperation in the future."

From Charles's description, he had already understood that this young lady had the trust of the Treville family, and Baron de Beauvain was actually willing to personally recommend her to succeed his daughter, which further showed that she was not trivial and should not be treated as an ordinary person. mistress and must be taken seriously.

Grandpa’s secretary, and his grandson, maybe they played together? The Treville family has always been ridiculous, maybe they can actually do it...

However, in his mind, some strange thoughts and images came to mind,

Mary was not aware of the dirty association hidden behind Alphonse's smile, but she was extremely excited about the fact that the heir of the Rothschild family actually said hello to her!

Even a few years ago, such a person was a figure in the clouds to her, out of reach, and there was no chance of even being ignored. But now, he is greeting himself respectfully - even if this kind of respectfulness is only superficial, it is exciting enough.

Isn’t that what the so-called glory, wealth and power are like?

She forcibly suppressed the excitement in her heart, and then held Ciel's hand tightly.

She knew where her current prosperity and wealth came from, so she could not embarrass the minister, let alone let the minister abandon her.

As long as she clings to His Excellency the Minister, this kind of glory and wealth will never leave her again.

"Hello, Mr. Rothschild." She responded to the young man in a calm manner, "Nice to meet you. I'm new here and just took over this job. There are still many things I don't understand. But I am a very hard-working person and I will get everything on track as soon as possible. Please help me more in the future.”

"Oh, that's natural. Please don't worry. As long as you can use us, I will definitely do it." Alphonse immediately made a promise.

While they were chatting, the people who were supposed to be present at the club today slowly came together.

This was not a formal meeting, so people did not gather in the conference room, but stayed in the lobby.

But even so, Ciel was still the focus of everyone's attention, and he was not worried about anyone leaking secrets here.

"Hello everyone, I'm glad that you were able to come here despite your busy schedule. I'm really sorry for wasting everyone's time." Charles glanced at the people and then said calmly. "Because we are all busy people, I will keep the story short."

Normally, he would add some red tape, but today because of Charlotte's incident, he was in a bad mood, so he didn't even bother to put on his original airs with this group of people.

"The main purpose of calling everyone here today is to communicate a situation..."

"He aroused everyone's curiosity, but he himself was not in a hurry," because the empire has recently faced very serious diplomatic risks, and it is possible that in the near future, at some upcoming moment, it will devote itself to fighting with a European power. During the war, in order to alleviate the financial pressure faced by the imperial government, according to the emperor's decree, the imperial government will temporarily suspend the repayment of mature bonds in the next three years and postpone the payment until three years later. Please also ask You are informed and will cooperate.”

However, although he said it very calmly, as if it was a small matter, it was like a cannonball being fired into the pond, and it immediately caused an uproar.

"What?"

"What?"

Several people were shocked, and then couldn't help but exclaimed, "Why didn't we hear any news beforehand?"

However, the smile on Charles's face did not change, and people were sure that the minister was not crazy, and this was the truth.

After a few seconds, these people recovered from the initial shock and then looked at each other.

"This is a surprise attack..."

"Is this another coup for us?" (~^~)