Flowers, Swords and France

"The Austrians?" Charles smiled again, then turned to look at His Majesty Franz Joseph who was still standing next to the French Emperor in the distance, "At this moment, if you speak ill of them in front of us If so...I'm afraid we won't be happy, after all, they are our distinguished guests now."

"I can completely understand the French people's hospitality. In the end, this is what I like most about you." Count Litvinsky quickly explained, "But not everyone in this world has good intentions, especially those guests who are overly attentive. ”

"In other words, do you suspect that the Austrians are harmful to your motherland? Then you don't have to worry..." Charles's smile became more sincere, "I can assure you that during the prior negotiations with us , the Austrians have not said a bad word about your country. Even after His Majesty Franz Joseph came to Paris, he did not say anything about your country, but only talked about the friendly relations between the two countries. It’s just necessary…”

After listening to Charles's words, Count Litvinsky frowned slightly, obviously dissatisfied with the other party's cunning. Of course, he could see that the other party was deliberately pretending to be stupid.

But he was unhappy, and he knew that now was definitely not the time to vent his anger on the other party. He even needed the other party's support, so he could only hold back his temper and speak kindly to the other party.

"Sometimes, actions can reveal a lot of problems. I believe you are very clear about this, sir." He suppressed the depression and nervousness in his heart and looked at the other party calmly, "At this point in time, His Majesty Franz-Joseph's personal visit to Paris really makes my superiors in Petersburg worried, worried that the Austrians are preparing to do something detrimental to us. Of course... I personally will not doubt it... …”

Just recently, after long-term preparations, the Russian Empire launched a new round of war against the Turks, and then thought about its dream of marching into the Balkans. This was also the most sensitive time for the empire. At this time, Petersburg was watching nervously. Looking at the entire European continent, he carefully observed the actions of various major countries, for fear that some terrible news would spread in the capital of a certain country at this time.

His Majesty Emperor Franz-Josef's sudden visit to France was such a terrible breaking news for the Russians. They had not heard any news about this matter beforehand. When the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the matter public At that time, Petersburg immediately fell into panic.

As the owner of Transvanesia, Austria is the first European country to bear the brunt of Russia's great march. Their actions are of course worthy of attention. The Emperor of Austria took the initiative to break the taboo for many years and visit the Bonaparte family's France. No matter how you look at it, it looks unusual and has a strong aura of danger.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which originally thought it had heard the attitudes of European countries and believed that they would not interfere in its military operations against Turkey, was instantly shocked and panicked. Then they immediately ordered the ambassadors to France and Austria to hurry up. Take action, explore the truth, and find out what the meeting of the monarchs of these two countries really means.

Therefore, after receiving the order, Count Litvinsky anxiously inquired around. However, no matter how he asked his friends who worked in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he could only get fragmented words, and it was really impossible to understand them. He had no choice but to continue to trouble this old Russian friend.

"I'm afraid that in the eyes of the Austrians, Russia is now disadvantageous to Austria, sir..." Charles asked the count, "After all, it is the Russian army that is approaching the Austrian border and not the other way around."

Finally said it... Although the tone of His Excellency Minister Treville was not kind, the earl was relieved.

For him, it is normal if the other party is dissatisfied with the actions of the Russian Empire; it would be terrible if they are unwilling to mention it.

"If this is the case, then the Austrians are simply neurotic...Sir." He immediately said the prepared words, "We have reiterated to the Austrians countless times that we have no ill intentions towards Austria. It’s just to protect those Christians who are oppressed by the Turks. These Turks are cruel and violent. Their rule must be ended, and the sooner the better!”

"The Austrians may not think so." Charles said calmly, "They may think that there may be some secret purposes behind your country's declaration of justice."

"We have no ulterior motives or ulterior motives! All our actions are clear, and that is for God! As God's people, we Russians have the obligation to expel those infidels and restore the The European territories they occupied are the mission given to us Russians by God. Whether it is His Majesty the Tsar or every one of our soldiers and civilians, we We all firmly believe in this mission and are willing to do everything for it." The count's words were both an explanation and a veiled threat. "If the Austrians are willing to believe our explanation, then fine, we are willing to fight with them. Let’s fight for God together. If the Austrians don’t believe it, then we have no choice but to ensure that we will never invade their territory, that’s all.”

"So, can I understand that your country is determined to attack the Turks and cannot retreat no matter what?" Charles asked calmly, "Even if the Austrians want to express their opposition clearly, you will still fight them to the end? "

"Yes, it is true." Count Litvinsky nodded proudly, looking arrogant and confident, "And I believe that time will prove that our piety is favored by God."

Charles did not answer, but continued to look at the other person, as if thoughtfully. At this time, the cheers of the soldiers under the Arc de Triomphe were still unheard, seeming to provide an answer on his behalf.

But this was definitely not the answer the count wanted. In fact, it was because he was not confident enough that he was so arrogant. However, when the other party refused to answer at all, he felt a little guilty now.

"I ask you...please tell me, what do the Austrians think?" After a moment of silence, he moved slightly closer to the distance between the two people, and then bowed slightly, "Have they...did they ask France?" Military assistance?”

"I'm sorry I can't answer this question." Charles' expression suddenly became serious, "I don't know the specific situation, and... I can't reveal such confidential matters on such an occasion."

Then, he made a gesture to temporarily stop the conversation, indicating that he no longer wanted to talk.

But the earl was not willing to let him leave. He didn't know when the next time he would meet with him would be.

"Sir!" He ignored the diplomat's demeanor and grabbed Charles's clothes anxiously. "Have you forgotten the friendship and enthusiasm of us Russians?"

Ciel stopped, then turned around and looked at the other party with a cold gaze.

At this time, the count knew that he had made a mistake. How could it be possible to reveal in broad daylight that the other party had received benefits from the country?

"Sir, I'm sorry, I got a little excited." He calmed down, apologized, and then stood up straight again. "I just mean that we Russians have a good impression of you and hope that you can create a better future for the friendship between our two countries - His Majesty the Tsar is convinced that this is definitely extremely beneficial to everyone..."

Ciel's expression finally calmed down, and he gave him a look that said, "You finally understand something."

"Of course we are willing to be friendly with Russia, but it must be friendly on an equal footing, right? We don't understand why His Majesty the Emperor is so criticized by you when we receive the Emperor of a friendly country. This is really a gross interference."

"Of course we have no intention of interfering with your country... In fact, we are just worried that the Austrians will try their best to confuse France because of their own jealousy and unfounded fears, and drag France into a situation that she never wants to be in." That's all..." the count replied cautiously, "it would be a great pity if some unfortunate events ended up being caused by the instigation of the Austrians."

"If there is a person in this world who completely loves peace and the well-being of all citizens of all countries, and is willing to work tirelessly for it, then that person must be me." Charles gave the other party such a promise without hesitation. See Without any embarrassment, "I want Europe more than you do." Peace can be achieved as soon as possible, so that every country can live in peace, and all nations can prosper in peace at the same time. I can also guarantee that our Emperor thinks so too - so the most important thing now is what Russia does. , not what the French think, sir!”

The Count was so sophisticated that of course he could tell that the first half of the sentence was a high-sounding cliché used by the other party to give him a pat on the back, while the second half was a secret reproach to the Russians for acting rashly, almost to the point of scolding.

"The Russians will be satisfied as long as they attack the Turks and safeguard the rights of Christians, and they will never take advantage of the opportunity to harm others." The count also made a guarantee without hesitation, "As long as the Turks are defeated, the two principalities will win over them. If we have independent rights and interests, we will never be obsessed with territorial expansion, but will act prudently and will definitely take into account the interests of all major European countries.”

Of course, this is also a deception. With the Russian attitude, after defeating Turkey, how can the two principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia have any independence? Even if it is not directly annexed, it will definitely become a puppet of the Russians.

But, in the final analysis, diplomacy is just a dance of lies and lies, and he can certainly tell such lies without changing his face.

"If you are willing to consider the interests of European countries, that is of course a good thing." Charles finally smiled again, "I ask you to remember today's promise, because it has to do with how Europeans view Russia."

"This is definitely our unquestionable principle, sir." The count solemnly promised, "We are members of the entire European family, we are the Lamb of God, and we jointly safeguard the world, so I use my honor to Guaranteed, no one will suffer from the defeat of the Turks, Europe will only be more prosperous because of the death of these infidels!”

"Well, I believe in Russia's sincerity." Charles sighed softly, "Let me tell you, Austria is determined to protect itself, but at the same time they are also determined not to participate in a terrible war-unless someone forces them. They wanted support in France to make their armed neutrality more secure."

He enjoyed teasing the Russian ambassador, but there was a limit to that teasing and it was time to give them what they wanted.

"Armed neutrality!?" Upon hearing Charles's answer, the Earl's eyes suddenly lit up.

Russia only wants to attack Turkey, and currently has no plans to invade Austria, so as long as Austria does not interfere, it will be the best result for them.

And this answer will surely make the adults in Petersburg feel relieved - what they are most worried about is that Austria will pull France to intervene in Russia's march. If Austria just wants armed neutrality, then this worry can be was eliminated.

"Very good, sir... I really don't know how to express my gratitude to you." The ambassador was full of emotion and bowed to Charles, "Please rest assured that we will pay enough compensation for your enthusiasm. of……"

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"I hope so." Ciel shrugged, as if he was looking forward to what kind of gifts they could give him in the future.

After getting the questions he wanted to know, the count had nothing to talk about. He just wanted to return to the embassy quickly and write his own report for Petersburg. So he hurriedly said goodbye to Charles and left this place. Military parade square.

At this time, the ceremony slowly came to an end. Amid the cheers of the crowd, the two Emperors reviewed the Guards soldiers, then remounted their horses and headed toward the Tuileries under the escort of a large group of officers and soldiers. The palace was marching, and along the way, people kept throwing flowers to pave the way for the two majesties and these heroic soldiers to see off.

When the two majesties returned to the palace, a large number of important ministers and dignitaries of the empire also came to the palace. Today there will be a grand banquet, hosted by the emperor and empress of the empire in person, to entertain guests from Austria from afar.

And just as people began to slowly gather in the grand banquet hall in the palace, the two heroines of today's banquet - Queen Carolina von Holstein Gottep of the French Empire and the Emperor of Austria 's fiancée Elisabeth von Wittbach is getting together.

However, unlike the cheerful expressions of people outside, their expressions were much more serious.

This is of course not because the two of them have a bad relationship. In fact, it is precisely because the two of them hit it off immediately, so they don't need those false smiles and false words to cover up, and can face each other in a state of close heart.

In addition to being both young and beautiful, and having or will soon ascend to the position of queen of a country, their life experiences are also very similar - they are both from royal families, but they also grew up in childhoods that were not wealthy. Big, although Queen Carolina was born in Sweden's old royal family has already fallen into decline; Princess Sissi is just a distant branch of the Bavarian royal family. In Germany, various royal families have been reproduced for thousands of years, and such "princesses" can be said to abound. , doesn’t seem that strange.

If it weren't for the push of fate, they might have lived their lives with empty titles in obscurity - neither of them even actively sought to become the queen of a country. However, the fickle fate and a moment of chance allowed them to By chance, she became the most noble Queen of a country.

If they were ordinary people, they would be so complacent that they would forget everything, but they are different. They are not people who love to show off or are greedy for power, so they are all so shocked by their fate that they don’t know how to deal with themselves, and even some don’t know what to do. Come face to face with everything you suddenly get.

It is precisely because of these similarities that Queen Karona and the princess are very close to each other. Although they do not immediately become good friends who talk to each other about everything, they have left a very good impression on each of them.

In comparison, because she is slightly older and has been the Queen of the French Empire for more than a year, she has very few unrealistic expectations for everything, or the whole way of thinking is more realistic. However, Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth is still young and has not officially ascended the throne, so the girl's rose-colored fantasy has not faded.

Therefore, Queen Karona's words always make people feel a little more like an elder sister's warning and expectations for her younger sister.

"Sissi, to be honest, I'm really worried about you." In the magnificent hall, Queen Kalona looked at Princess Elizabeth a little lonely, "You are still so young, but you are going to be the queen!"

Since coming to France, she has always only spoken French, playing the role of the mother of a country. But at this time she was speaking German. It was only then that she could tell. After all, she also grew up in Austria and was better able to express herself. Show your deep friendship.

"You're not much older than me?" the princess asked curiously, her red face always looking a little naive. "And I think you... I think you're pretty good..."

"If you mean this wealth and honor, then it is indeed very good..." Her Majesty the Queen glanced at the luxurious furnishings around her, and then smiled bitterly, "But I don't think you are obsessed with wealth and honor. If so, there is no need for me to worry about you..."

"Worried about me? What are you worried about?" The princess was a little strange, "I think...I think there is nothing wrong with the current situation?"

"That's because you are all still young now, especially you, there is no need to face the world... But this chaotic world will not bypass you, because you believe in love, believe that there will be unreserved kindness everywhere... But this innocence can't be put down in the palace." Queen Karona sighed softly, as if she was sighing for herself, "What's worse is that you are still looking forward to love!"

"Is there anything wrong with looking forward to love?" The princess asked back.

"There is really nothing wrong, but your expectations are placed on an emperor, but those emperors... Those emperors can't love people wholeheartedly, because their feelings are left to their thrones. Their only wish is to inherit the family business, and then pass this terrible family business down from generation to generation, for fear of any loss." Queen Karona lowered her voice, "Undoubtedly, His Majesty the Emperor loves you, but this kind of love is basically incomparable to their love for the family business..."

"Oh my God, what terrible words you said!" Her Royal Highness was stunned, and her expression looked a little terrified.

After all, Queen Karona was her predecessor, someone who had been on the path she was going to take for a long time, so what she said might not be out of jealousy, but out of some feelings... Maybe that's why it's so scary.

"If one day, you will understand..." The queen continued to smile bitterly.