Eagle’s Glory

After getting confirmation from the ambassador of the Russian Empire, the last illusion in Prime Minister Metternich's heart disappeared.

He was completely certain that more than ten years after the Battle of Waterloo, a new large-scale war would slowly begin on the European continent.

He did not want the balance that the countries on the European continent had finally formed to be broken, but he was even more unwilling to allow his country to plunge into the war recklessly, so he knew that what he had to do was to use his skills to swing back and forth between the parties, and re- Coordinate a situation that is barely acceptable to everyone.

The more he used his tricks, lied and deceived, the more he had to understand where his bottom line was. Metternich knew that he could never let the tsar rule in Constantinople. This was an unimaginable nightmare - he believed that London and Paris would never want to Saw this scene happen.

Therefore, he is definitely not fighting alone, but there are enough fulcrums for him to use.

No doubt it would not be easy, but he believed he could do it - as he did in 1815.

In the next two days, he put aside everything else and concentrated all his energy on the upcoming major events. The entire diplomatic department was fully operational to prepare for the next European coordination.

However, at this extremely stressful time, there are always some people who come to distract the Prime Minister.

On this afternoon, Prime Minister Metternich had to temporarily take some time out of his busy schedule to deal with another difficult visitor.

For him to treat him like this, the identity of this visitor is of course no small matter - in fact, the visitor is the younger brother of His Majesty the Emperor, the famous Archduke Karl.

Precisely because the other party's identity was so respected, even though he knew the other party's intention, Metternich had to put on the most respectful attitude to receive this famous commander.

Under the guidance of his secretary, Archduke Karl walked proudly to Prime Minister Metternich's office.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Your Excellency Prime Minister." When he saw Metternich, he greeted him coldly.

It is indeed a bit of a headache to confront Prime Minister Metternich, who is deeply trusted by the emperor's brother, but he has long been used to big scenes, so he is not afraid.

In order to show his attitude in the following talks, he deliberately put on his most serious look, looking directly at Prime Minister Metternich's face, looking aggressive.

“Your Highness, it is an honor for you to take the time to see me.

Metternich replied politely, "Is there anything you need me to do?" "

As he spoke, he asked Archduke Karl to sit on the sofa, and then asked his secretary to bring him coffee.

Although Metternich's attitude was very polite, Archduke Karl's expression did not loosen at all.

"I don't dare to trouble you to do anything. I just have a question that I need you to clarify for me. It can be regarded as helping my useless father."

"What do you mean?" Metternich blinked in confusion, "Just ask, I'll answer everything I know."

The coffee was steaming hot, and the expressions of the two people were reflected on the black liquid surface, but it did not help to dilute the tense atmosphere in the room.

"My daughter Teresa, was recommended by you to Your Majesty before as a candidate for marriage with the Duke of Reichstedt. Although I had some grievances at first, I finally agreed with the court's opinion." Grand Duke Karl didn't want to waste time either. , So he went straight to the point, "My wife and Teresa had been full of expectations for this marriage, but the reality has far exceeded our expectations... Teresa once became the laughing stock of everyone. It’s an unbearable blow.”

"This is indeed a tragedy. I personally express my sorrow for what happened to Princess Teresa..." Metternich sighed sadly, "Duke Reichstedt's willful behavior is really unbearable! God I will never forgive him for such evil deeds!"

"God's punishment will be discussed later, what I want to discuss with you is what to do next." Archduke Karl asked coldly, "To tell you the truth, in terms of the severe situation Teresa is facing now, I think There needs to be an answer to this whole thing, and it needs to be as soon as possible, Teresa doesn't have time to wait."

Metternich knew in his heart that Princess Teresa had already secretly gone abroad to run to that little guy. At this time, it was ridiculous for her father to come to ask him for an "answer".

But out of royal dignity, even if it was a ridiculous drama, he had to play along.

"I am as full of regrets about this matter as you are, and I am also deeply sorry for the trouble I have caused to Her Majesty Theresa." He replied solemnly.

"Actually, I'm too embarrassed to pass on to others my family affairs. No matter how hard it is, I can bear it myself." Archduke Karl sighed, then picked up the coffee cup that had cooled slightly, and took a sip Coffee, and then continued, "But to tell you the truth, my daughter is really worrying. She has always had illusions about this marriage, and she is looking forward to the duke's fulfillment of the promise to marry her. She! I blamed her many times, but she couldn't listen to a word, she was just crazy... So I think, if you make an explanation on behalf of the court and the imperial government, it may be more convincing than me Some."

"So, do you want me to give an answer?" Seeing that Grand Duke Karl said this, Metternich could only clarify his words, "Let's see if this marriage can continue, or should it be canceled immediately? "

"Yes, that's what I need." Archduke Karl nodded heavily, and then stared at the Prime Minister, "Please tell me, is the Duke of Reichstedt still eligible to marry Theresa by the court? And , Is their marriage still beneficial to our country? Please give me an answer, no matter which answer it is, I can solve this headache as soon as possible. "

Huh, you finally got here.

Metternich was actually prepared in his heart, he knew he would face such a day, so he still didn't change his expression, instead, he gracefully picked up the cup and took a sip of coffee.

Then he pretended to be ignorant and asked the other party, "Is Princess Teresa really so obsessed with His Highness?"

"Hey... that's it." Archduke Karl spread his hands half-seriously, "What can I do if I give birth to such a stupid daughter?"

"It's really a headache. As a father, I can understand your pain now." Metternich comforted the Grand Duke without sincerity, "And, I admit, let you and Princess Teresa fall into this embarrassing situation." I do have a share of responsibility for the situation...I am more obligated than anyone else to remedy the situation and bring this farce to an end as soon as possible."

Archduke Karl narrowed his eyes slightly, and he noticed that Metternich's attitude seemed a bit unusual - logically speaking, he would never admit responsibility so readily.

In other words, a decision has been made within the imperial government, so the Prime Minister no longer needs to be vague.

It seems that I can get an answer today...

So, he looked at Metternich calmly, waiting for him to reveal the answer.

Metternich was not in a hurry. He took another sip of coffee before continuing.

"To tell you the truth, as far as His Majesty's will is concerned, he also very regrets that he let His Highness Teresa fall into the whirlpool, so he originally planned to take back his order and annul this engagement, so that His Highness can be relieved... But , I just saw what you mean, but His Highness Teresa insisted on fulfilling the marriage contract, so in my opinion, it is best to follow her wishes? In this way, Her Highness Teresa's reputation can be preserved, and we don't have to continue to worry about it Things are bothering me."

Archduke Karl was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Metternich to be so easy to talk to.

And his clear statement also meant that His Majesty the Emperor had also nodded - otherwise Metternich would not have dared to speak so clearly.

"You...you don't object?" he asked tremblingly.

"Young people always have young people's ideas, so what can we do as elders?" Metternich replied with a wry smile, "If Her Highness Teresa insists that there is only one person in the world who can bring her happiness, then we must I have no choice but to comply with her ideas - after all, I feel ashamed of her."

Of course, Metternich's rhetoric, Grand Duke Karl, would not be taken seriously, but he has already determined that the biggest obstacle in front of himself and Teresa has been overcome by itself - His Majesty the Emperor and the imperial government are willing to acquiesce in the continuation of this marriage, which also means that they There was no intention to strip the Duke of Lechstadt of his title, otherwise the marriage would not have been approved.

This lucky bastard! Although he felt relieved for a while, he soon cursed viciously in his mind.

"Your Highness, since you have brought your words to this point, I am a little worried." Just as the Grand Duke was still thinking, Metternich suddenly spoke again.

"What worries?" Archduke Karl asked.

"You just kept emphasizing to me that Princess Teresa is very much infatuated with the duke, so I have to have some pretty horrible imaginings - what if, I mean what if, someday in the future Princess Teresa gets carried away by love , forgot the teachings of you and your wife, and also forgot the dignity due to an Austrian princess, secretly went to meet the Duke of Reichstedt, and even... even did something even more disgraceful. It will be too late to remedy the situation, and the reputation of the royal family may also be greatly affected."

Metternich continued unhurriedly in a gentle tone, "Instead of waiting for such a dangerous situation to happen, why don't we first think of a way to get things back on track, so that no matter the reputation of the royal family or the interests of the empire It’s a good thing for everyone, right?”

Although both of them already knew Teresa was there, they pretended that she was not there on the surface, so when Metternich teased her so eccentrically, Archduke Karl's face suddenly turned red and white, and he said in embarrassment. He didn't say anything, but he couldn't get angry, so he picked up the coffee cup and took another sip, secretly cursing the bastard who made him feel ashamed.

But scolding is scolding, Grand Duke Karl knew in his heart that Metternich's words were not unreasonable--Teresa is with that young man now, God knows if the two of them will get carried away and try the forbidden fruit one day, in case If you get pregnant or even give birth to a child before getting married, everyone may be disgraced in the end.

"Don't worry, I will resolutely control her to prevent such an unseemly thing from happening." Archduke Karl gritted his teeth and replied.

"Of course I believe what you said, but you have also said that Her Highness Teresa has a very stubborn temper. If she insists on going her own way, how will it end?" Metternich continued to ask with a smirk.

"Then what do you think we should do?" Archduke Karl asked impatiently.

"This matter is indeed very troublesome, but we must find a solution. Based on the opinions of all parties, and I feel very guilty towards His Highness Teresa, so—" Seeing that the Grand Duke's emotions have reached a critical point , Metternich stopped provoking him, and simply stated his current decision, "You simply allow Princess Teresa to act according to her own will, and let them get married as soon as possible... I believe, with Teresa With His Highness’s mind and self-control, she should know what she shouldn’t do, but who knows what will happen over time?”

Archduke Karl blinked again, he could hardly believe his ears.

Originally, he came here with the awareness of a big fight, but he didn't expect that in less than half an hour, he had already got everything he wanted—even more than that.

In addition to being happy, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious in his heart - is all this true? How could Metternich suddenly become so talkative?

"Your Excellency, please tell me, what happened to make you finally make up your mind?" After a moment of silence, Grand Duke Karl looked at Metternich seriously, "I don't believe that your statement is out of respect Teresa's guilt, or out of love for Duke Lechstedt, you must have your own plans—so just tell me, what do you need from me or Teresa?"

"It's not so much that I decided something, it's better to say that I admitted the reality. The Duke of Lechstedt has already run away, and Princess Teresa is also loyal. This is all reality. No matter how angry I am, it's useless." Metternich shook his head slightly, and then replied helplessly, "What I am best at is acknowledging and adapting to the fait accompli, and then finding ways to guide it in the direction we need—"

"In which direction?" Archduke Karl asked.

"For specific matters, we will contact Her Majesty Teresa at that time." Metternich was noncommittal, but said again, "I only hope that she can show her due patriotism and accompany Lechstein Together with the Duke, we are moving towards a path that is beneficial to both of us, and now Austria needs her to work hard for it, as long as she does this, we can forget the past no matter whether it is her or him.”

Archduke Karl bowed his head and said nothing.

He knew his daughter too well. Theresa had always been a stubborn person. When she was not caught in a dilemma, she was of course willing to reconcile the conflicts between the two parties. After all, Austria was the country that gave birth to her and raised her; but if the two parties had a If there is a conflict in a fundamental sense, she will only choose the side she has chosen.

Fortunately, there is indeed no fundamental conflict between Austria and the young man, but there is room for cooperation.

At least that's the case for now.

As for the future, let’s talk about it later.

"She will, she loves Austria." Archduke Karl replied after a moment.

Now that it comes to this, the meeting between the two people has come to an end. They both got what they wanted. At least for now, this is the best choice.

"When you go back, say hello to Her Majesty Theresa for me." Metternich stood up and saluted the Grand Duke and said goodbye. "Although I may not be able to attend her wedding, I wish her happiness... I hope she makes the right choice. of."