Eagle’s Glory

Under the expectant eyes of King Aigron and King Ludwig I, Teresa reluctantly agreed to the king's request for a portrait of herself.

Of course, although she was a little embarrassed on the surface, she was also a little bit overjoyed on the inside - after all, His Majesty the King behaved like this, which was tantamount to admitting that he was indeed outstanding enough that he even disregarded etiquette, I took the liberty of making such a request when I just met and didn't know each other well.

Seeing that his wish was granted, the king was naturally very happy, and apologized and thanked Teresa repeatedly, and declared that the artist would definitely take it seriously, and that the appearance of Her Royal Highness Princess Teresa would never be detracted from the canvas.

Of course, he is not empty words - as a king, he is naturally inseparable from excellent court painters, maybe not a genius, but there will never be any problem with the technique and brushstrokes, and it is difficult to paint Princess Teresa ugly.

However, considering that Aigron and Teresa only arrived at Nymphenburg Palace today, the fatigue of the journey has not subsided, so the king did not immediately greet the painter, but continued to take the young couple to visit the palace, let him The attendants took them to rest.

After the couple entered the suite arranged for them, Teresa finally breathed a sigh of relief, and lay down on the sofa wearily.

"I've long heard that this king is a very serious person, and that's true when we meet!" Then, Theresa whispered, "It's hard to imagine other kings doing this!"

"He is a king, so he is naturally qualified to have some willful hobbies." Aigron smiled and defended King Ludwig, "Compared to the hobbies of other kings who are extortionate and military, this king's majesty has more hobbies. It’s a bit interesting, and it even feels a bit sincere and human.”

"Why, does it make you awe-inspiring to draw beauties and admire them from time to time?" Teresa gave him a sideways glance, and then spoke sarcastically.

"The reason why human beings can have civilization is because human beings have the pursuit of beauty... What is there to be ashamed of when they like to see beautiful affairs? Those ascetic monks may be shocked when they see beautiful women, and shout that this is the temptation of the devil. ; But as a normal person, I can, like him, openly admit that I like beauty and appreciate beauty…”

After speaking, he leaned over to Teresa's side.

"Teresa, I'm so happy, this king can be regarded as a savvy person. As soon as I see you, I know that you are such a rare beauty. I wish everyone would admit it! Hmph, he thought he was in this palace. Wouldn't it be great to have your face painted as a souvenir? Just wait and see, one day I'll put your portrait in every beautiful palace we have, Versailles, the Louvre, the Tuileries , Fontainebleau, everywhere, you will shine with these immortal buildings... I want people all over the world to see that I have such a beautiful queen, and make them hate me!"

These words were sincere, and had a monarch-like arrogance, which made Teresa's bones and muscles seem to soften.

She reluctantly calmed herself down, then scolded her little husband in a feigned anger, "Okay, Aigron, it's still daytime, don't think so! Think about something realistic..."

Under her anger, she secretly glanced at her husband, who was now complacent, proud that his maiden wife would leave a shadow in this beautiful Nymphenburg palace forever.

Honey, you are a lucky little fool...but I am also a lucky little fool because I have such a lovely husband too.

She hugged her husband contentedly, then kissed his cheek, and rested on his body.

Although the two of them are not powerful enough to command the world, and the crown of their hearts seems far away, for her, this is the happy time she wants.

The next morning, Aigron and Teresa got up and had breakfast, and then met King Ludwig again under the leadership of their attendants.

The king seems to have been looking forward to today's meeting for a long time. He has called the court painter to his side. After the young couple came over, he immediately asked the painter to meet Princess Teresa and prepare to paint a portrait next.

For the court painter, the king's order is a political task. For his own job, he must do everything in his power to satisfy His Majesty's wishes. He must not be neglected. In Princess Teresa herself, she has a good appearance, and at this time it is a time of youth and beauty, so it also saves him the trouble of excessive modification.

Of course, even so, the artist was still looking for the best composition and inspiration, so he asked Teresa to pose in a variety of poses and expressions, either holding flowers or a folding fan, in order to find the one he found most attractive.

Although it is very troublesome in her heart, since she has promised His Majesty the King, Teresa can only cooperate, and she has also learned to draw and has a very good foundation, so she can communicate with the painter and study the next paintings together. ——After all, the person in the painting is herself, and Teresa is not willing to let her portrait lose to other collections of His Majesty the King.

And King Ludwig and Aigron naturally have no interest in watching it all the time. For them, it is enough to appreciate the finished product.

So the two of them went to the next room and started their conversation.

After a day's preparation, King Ludwig and Aigron were already enjoying themselves. They both left a good impression on each other. His Majesty the King felt that it was time to get to the point.

"Duke, I heard that it was you who insisted on choosing a member of our family to succeed the king of Greece—" King Ludwig thanked Aegron with a reserved attitude, "You love my family so much, It makes me a little flattered.”

"This is completely worthy of its name." Aigron complimented him, "As we all know, the Wittelsbach family has a long history and a large number of talents. It is also closely related, and is most qualified to be the ruler of an independent country; and as a new kingdom, Greece should look for such a famous family to lead them, so that the country can wash away the previous dust and enter a new country. A glorious new era."

Aigron's "kinship" refers to the king's ancestor, Duke John II of Bavaria-Munich (1341-1397), his mother Hungarian Princess Maria-Apad, and this princess His maternal grandmother was the Princess Maria-Lascaris of the Eastern Roman Empire, a descendant of the Comninian dynasty.

Although this relative is a bit far away, separated by four or five hundred years, when they want to demonstrate "legality", genealogists can always find suitable reasons.

Even though he knew that Aegron was deliberately complimenting, King Ludwig was still elated, "You have done a great job... However, although our family has no intention to seek a crown other than Germany, it has been a disaster in the past. , The Greek people, who are full of sorrows, have expectations for our family and want us to heal the wounds in its history. We must not ignore the voice of the people with all our hearts, and we must shoulder the obligation that fate imposes on us— - Only in this way can we be worthy of our ancestors and our family crest."

In the high-sounding and beautiful words, the two reached a preliminary consensus, and the next stage is the question.

"So, in your opinion, which member of your family is best suited to take on this arduous task?" He asked half-seriously and half-sarcastically.

Ludwig I frowned slightly, pretending to be thinking, and then threw out the answer he had long thought of, "My second son Otto, although he is only thirteen years old now, is smart, and he is very friendly to Greece. The ancient civilization is full of admiration, and he is very willing to sacrifice his life for the well-being of the Greek people... What do you think?"

King Ludwig I offered to let his second son Otto von Wittelsbach take over the crown, which Aigron was not surprised by.

Because on the original historical line, after the independence of Greece, after the coordination of the foreign powers, it was indeed the Prince Otto who officially became the king of Greece in 1832.

However, the ending was not so great.

The king was mediocre in governance, and only favored ministers from Bavaria, excluding the original Greek authorities, and in order to maintain the royal life, he expropriated the citizens, resulting in the collective dissatisfaction of the king from all classes in Greece.

Because of his stupid rule, coupled with his refusal to convert to Orthodoxy, while he had no heirs, and his younger brothers' reluctance to convert to Orthodoxy in order to inherit the throne, it became the focus of domestic anger, and finally, in 1862, the Thirty years after he ruled Greece, the Athenian revolution expelled him from Greece and ended the era of Wittelsbach's rule in the Greek kingdom.

Next, Otto became an exile who never gave up his claim to the Greek throne, but the Greeks found another king - from Oldenburg-Schleswig-Holstein Because of George I of the Duke's family, he was no longer needed, and he was never able to set foot on Greek soil in his entire life.

Aegron knows everything that has happened in history, but now that the historical line has been changed because of him, he is confident to prevent the small and the gradual, and try his best to make the pattern he created continue smoothly.

Besides, even if the historical line has not changed at all, there is no need for him to worry about what will happen 30 years later, when everything may have changed beyond recognition.

Aigron also pretended to think seriously.

"Thirteen-year-old is really too young...?" He deliberately questioned.

"But you are only seventeen now, and you are already famous all over the world—" the king retorted him with a smile, "If you want to achieve a great career, age is the least important issue, isn't it?"

This anti-general army made Aegron feel a little shriveled. After all, he is the person in the world who can't deny that "heroes are young".

However, Aigron did not show any embarrassment on the surface, "I understand your thinking, and I also trust your vision. Since you think Prince Otto is very suitable, then I am willing to trust your judgment. It's just that Greece has just To get rid of Turkey's brutal rule, its people have experienced too much trauma and pain, it needs a time of stability and peace so much, so the burden on the king will be very heavy. I think it is difficult for a prince to be so young. bear the burden."

The king's smile froze a little. He was not sure whether Aegron was asking for a price on purpose or had other plans.

"Then what advice do you have?"

"I propose to set up a regency committee, including Bavarians and Greeks. The specific number can be negotiated in detail. They will take charge of the power before the prince reaches adulthood, and be responsible for the education and training of His Royal Highness. I think this is the most secure."

Aigron believes that the greatest failure in King Otto's history is to isolate the native Greek elites from himself. In order to change this, he decided to let the native Greek elites leave a place in the first place - so that they have the enthusiasm to defend the king. .

"That's fine." King Ludwig saw that Aigron did not object to his second son becoming the king of Greece, and he was relieved. He had no meaning for this condition.

"In addition, I suggest that the prince should convert to the Orthodox Church - this will best appease the feelings of the Greeks, after all, they are all Orthodox Christians." Aigron continued.

"Well..." The king showed a slightly embarrassed expression.

The Wittelsbach family has always prided itself on being a Catholic faithful, and let the prince openly convert to Orthodoxy. He was afraid of public opinion.

"Henry IV of France, before he succeeded to the throne, faced the request of the French Catholic Church to convert to Catholicism, and he agreed without hesitation. He said that it was worthwhile to do a Mass for Paris-" Aigron reminded the king , "Your Majesty, I am here to remember the sages and remind you that it is worthwhile to do a Mass for a crown, after all, it is only a form, power is the essence, who cares what he believes in private? "

Aegron's words made the king no longer hesitate.

Yes, compared to a kingdom, what is a mere conversion? Moreover, he was only a young son who converted, and the Wittelsbach family remained faithful Catholics.

"If you think this is the best way, then I agree with you, after all, you know the situation over there better." So he simply nodded.

Seeing the King speak so easily, Aegron was relieved.

There is only so much he can do. If Prince Otto is still unable to support the wall as in history, then let him do his best, since he is not his son, and he is too lazy to care so much.

In this way, in a short period of time, the two of them decided the fate of a country, and Aigron and King Ludwig had a good conversation, and they were both quite satisfied with the current result.

"My brother, you have really helped us—" With emotion, King Ludwig stretched out his hand to Aigron, "Don't worry, our Wittelsbach family will never do it. Forget this kindness-"

"I have a good impression of your family. For this reason, I should give some convenience where I can accommodate." Aigron replied with a smile, "Anyway, I can't wear the Greek crown now, so give it to me. The one that is most pleasing to the eye is also very good.”

"Hahahaha..." The king laughed, "You are too bold!"

After a pause, he changed the subject, "It seems that my sister should have left a good impression on you."

Although the king's tone was flat, Aigron's heart suddenly tightened.

"Yes, Your Majesty." He tried to make himself appear calm, "When I was most distressed, it was His Royal Highness Sophie who gave me comfort and care, so that I could continue to be motivated to make progress... I will always be grateful for this kindness, Giving your family a crown is just a small reward for this kindness."

"It's really touching and sincere. It's rare for people like us. I think you two must get along so well that you'll be so grateful." His Majesty the King nodded, as if admiring Aegron , "It's a pity, it's probably hard for you to see her now..."

"I think so, but fate is always unpredictable, who can say for sure?" Aegron replied.

"That's right." His Majesty the King smiled, "and when fate closes a door, it may not refuse to open another window for you. What you have now is enough to be proud of."

After speaking, he turned his eyes and looked at the pendulum clock beside him.

Aegron certainly understood the king's hints - as a king, he must be a busy man, and it is impossible to keep all the time on his side, and there are still many important things to deal with.

Now that the two of them have reached an initial tacit understanding, there is no need to tangle over minor issues-their secretaries will naturally deal with minor issues.

"I think I should take a break, Teresa doesn't know what's going on." He casually prepared to leave.

"Her Royal Highness Princess Teresa should be busy for a while, why don't you and your entourage take a stroll in our beautiful garden? I promise you will not be disappointed, now is its most beautiful time. ' the king suggested casually.

Aegron thought about it, and he bid farewell to the king.

Then, he and his secretary, captain of the guard and others walked together in the gardens of Nymphenburg Palace. Because they had been informed by the king, the attendants did not disturb them any more. Great view.

While admiring the scenery, he was thinking about the problems he was dealing with now, and casually dictating to his secretary Leon Esposito.

Looking around, all kinds of flowers in the garden are either slowly blooming or budding, and those roses of various colors are showing their beauty shyly, and for a while there is a sense of splendid flowers that are gradually charming to the eyes.

As Aegron dictated, he felt a little tired.

Suddenly, he stopped.

He clearly saw that among the flowers, there was a beautiful woman who was looking at him quietly, but after finding his sight, she picked up a folding fan as if to hide her shame, and covered the lower half of her face, only Look at yourself with your eyes.

Such familiar faces, such familiar movements...

"Your Majesty...?" Leon Esposito asked cautiously, seeing that Aigron suddenly got stuck, "What's the matter with you?"

"Is there a woman there—?" He got an answer that surprised him.

Although he was very puzzled, Leon could only follow Aegron's line of sight. Then, he found that there was indeed a woman in a skirt and holding a folding fan. Although she couldn't see her face clearly, judging from her figure, Must be a young girl.

"Yes, Your Majesty, there is a woman." So he answered the young man honestly.

"Okay, that means I'm not wrong."

And at this moment, as if feeling Leon's sight, the woman suddenly put away the folding fan, turned around, and disappeared into the rose bush.

"Damn..." Aigron cursed in a low voice, "Is it a flower fairy? If others see it, it will disappear? Fuck you...!"

"Your Majesty...?" Leon Esposito became more and more puzzled. He had been working with this young man for several months, but he had never seen His Majesty be so rude.

Maybe the woman opposite is indeed a beautiful woman, but... as for?

He knows that his master is not the kind of ascetic monk who is not close to women, but this majesty should not be unable to move his legs when he sees a beautiful woman - other than that, his wife and the maid by his side are all good-looking Well, it stands to reason that His Majesty shouldn't be so rude.

But today was hell, His Majesty actually lost his temper.

Aegron didn't know what Leon was thinking, he subconsciously stepped forward, and then walked towards the position where the woman had just disappeared.

"Your Majesty!" Leon was shocked and hurriedly grabbed him, "Don't forget that we are in the Bavarian palace now, you shouldn't make a rude move-"

Aegron glanced back at him, and the look was so piercing that Leon let go of his hands in fright.

But he still did not forget to persuade his lord, "As a distinguished guest, it doesn't matter even if you are a little bit off-kilter here, even if you are a lady, you don't have to care, but what if that woman is a royal princess? If there is any dispute, you will be in trouble, and it goes against your original intention of coming here."

"I wish she was a princess!" Aegron muttered softly.

Before Leon could react, he said to Leon again, "Don't say any more, I have my own plans."

Then, he crossed Leon and looked at Andre Davout, the captain of his guard.

"Andre, are you as brave as ever?"

Andre was a little puzzled by this question, but he still answered with his chest out, "Yes, Your Majesty, I will go through fire and water for you at any time."

"Well, you stay here for half an hour... No, within an hour, don't let anyone come to disturb me, no one will do, understand?" Aegron gave the order firmly.

Then he took his steps and ran in the direction just now. On the way, he thought of something, and he turned around and told the two of them, "By the way, don't tell Teresa a word!"

Soon, the figure of the young man disappeared, leaving only a few young men looking at each other in the garden.