Eagle’s Glory

While Edmond Dantès and the Marquis of Treville were meeting the marshal for His Majesty's cause, Aiglon, who was far away in Ioannina, was also preparing for his next action.

On this day, he took Haidee and several other important officials to the outskirts of the city to hold a celebration ceremony for the completion of the main project.

Under his strong attention, the principality officials invested the manpower and material resources they had finally accumulated to build this key project as quickly as possible. After their day and night efforts, this project finally began to take shape today.

There is no doubt that in order to keep up with the progress, there were some casualties during the project, but for Aigron, these were necessary "losses" and completely acceptable.

Those who sacrificed their lives for the project were hastily buried in designated cemeteries, with no one paying attention or commemorating them, but the glory and merit will belong to Duke Lechstadt and Her Highness Haidee.

Aigron took Haidee to the long embankment of the canal, and saw the water flowing tamely along the cobblestone bed at a gentle speed. These water flows will pass through the city of Ioannina, nourishing the city. It is a city that will become bigger and bigger in the future.

Right next to them, there is a stone monument with exaggerated eulogies in both Greek and French, praising their outstanding contributions to the construction of the city and the development of the principality, so that future generations can remember their " merit".

Haidee knew in her heart that this project had nothing to do with her from the project establishment to the construction. It was entirely decided by His Majesty. But even so, she was very happy that her name could remain on the monument.

This is the territory that her grandfather once conquered. Although she is not the real ruler now, she is still the heir to the principality. Of course, she hopes to "benefit the country" and at least comfort her grandfather's spirit in heaven.

After Aiglon and Haidee attended, the honor guard following them fired a salute to them, and at the same time, the people watching also gave out loud cheers - for the people, whether they like them or not For the new rulers, the benefits this project can bring to them are real, so their cheers are still somewhat sincere.

Although she is still young, Haidee now has mature experience and knows how to play her role well. She is smiling, reserved and gentle, waving to her people from time to time, as if she already has a bit of a queen. tolerance.

She is now an Orthodox Christian and has already planned to believe in the God she converted to. She hopes that her principality can exist in the world for a long time under the blessing of God.

Even if she could never actually rule, as long as the principality could survive, she would be satisfied.

Haidee was immersed in the joy of "having fun with the people", but for Aigron, this kind of joy was just an embellishment of life, and he paid more attention to the more important things.

He looked around. Andre Davout, as the captain of his personal guard, was standing nervously not far away, watching the people around him vigilantly, not letting any suspicious people approach, and just in the distance, there was a group of people Walking towards Aiglon.

The leader is none other than Michel Ney.

Although it was just an ordinary celebration today, Michel Ney looked as if he was undergoing a review. He was wearing a military uniform with the Grand Cross of Medal awarded by Aiglon himself, shining like a proud peacock. ——Looking at him dressed up like this on this occasion, not only does he not look majestic and serious, but it actually makes people feel a little bit laughable.

Aiglon couldn't help but chuckle in his heart.

Michel Ney has been unofficially designated as the next governor of Ioannina, but it is not announced to the public just to avoid the outside world noticing the fact that Aiglon and Theresa have left.

It is precisely because of his success in his career that Michel Ney is now very high-spirited. After sweeping away the previous decline, he has regained his original feeling and wants to deliberately show off his current status.

"Andre!" Egeron called to Andre Davout, "ask Michel to come and see me."

"Yes!" Andre immediately accepted the order, then ran to Michel Ney and told him His Majesty's order.

As soon as he heard that Aigron had summoned him, Michel's spirit was even brighter. He quickly quickened his pace and walked in front of Aigron.

"Your Majesty! Your achievements will be spread here forever and be respected by all people." He bowed to Aigron and then complimented him.

"It's too early to say anything about it being passed down forever, Michelle, the project isn't finished yet, and you still need to continue working hard." Aigron replied calmly.

Michel Ney was stunned for a moment, obviously surprised by Aigron's sudden cold attitude. He was a little panicked, fearing that the "favor" he had finally obtained would suddenly disappear because of His Majesty's change of heart.

In the midst of nervousness, he saw Haidee from the corner of Aigron's eye, and then he suddenly realized.

Damn it! How could I forget such an important thing.

He remembered that the last time he was summoned by His Majesty, His Majesty told him that he planned to make him the stay-at-home governor, and at the same time told him to respect Haidee - although she could not be allowed to truly interfere with power, the due etiquette must not be allowed. few.

When he thought of this, he regretted it endlessly and secretly cursed himself for being so complacent that he forgot such an important detail.

To make amends, he walked up to Haidee and once again respectfully saluted the young girl, who was only as tall as his belly. "Your Highness, I join the people of Ioannina in thanking you for your contribution to the country. Your name and that of His Majesty will always shine brightly in the history of the principality."

Haidee was a little surprised, but still maintained her proper demeanor and nodded to Michelle Ney calmly.

"This is what I should do, sir. You have also made great achievements for this country, and I will always remember it in my heart. I also ask you to continue to contribute your talents to the principality in the future."

After seeing the two people talking like this, Aigron's expression finally softened a lot, and he gave Michelle a look that said, "You're a sensible kid."

He has less and less time to stay in the principality, so before leaving, he must establish a strong enough power framework so that the principality can run smoothly after he and Theresa leave. Michelle Ney Being the left-behind governor is naturally the most important part.

The reason why Aiglon forced him to bow to Haidee was, on the one hand, because he and Teresa really regarded Haidee as family; but on the other hand, he also reminded Michel that the Principality of Ioannina is a monarchy. Even if he becomes the governor with the highest authority, he must understand where his power comes from and show due respect to the monarch.

Ambition and arrogance will grow over time. If he feels that he can neglect Haidee today, then he may disrespect himself tomorrow. Aigron must take precautions and let him understand who is really ruling.

"Michelle, have you adapted to your new life recently?" Aigron smiled again and asked the other person cordially.

Others may be confused after hearing this, but Michel knows exactly what His Majesty means - since receiving the new mission, he left the manor he just built and came to the city of Ioannina, next to Fali He stayed in Father Ya's official residence and stayed next to Father Faria every day, watching him preside over every meeting and asking for the priest's opinions from time to time.

During this period of time, he has become familiar with the principality. At least he feels that he can take charge of it on his own.

"I am very adaptable to my current life, Your Majesty." He replied immediately, "I have benefited a lot from Father Faria's teachings. I used to only focus on leading troops to fight, but now I realize that I still have too much There are things that I need to learn... Your Majesty, I will regard the priest as my best teacher and learn all necessary knowledge from him."

"Very good." Seeing Michelle's attitude, Aigron was relieved.

As long as Michel Ney corrects his attitude, respects Haidee, listens to Father Faria, and adds to his own prestige within the Knights, the principality will not fall into civil strife for a long time. .

Aigron looked around again and then made a gesture.

"Andre, Michelle, come with me."

Then, he led the two men forward along the river embankment. Behind them, the guards formed a wall to block everyone's approach, and a large open space was cleared for the three of them.

Aigron stood in the open field, looking at the water flowing slowly under his feet. Because he was silent, no one dared to speak. They could only stand silently, waiting for the young man's instructions.

"We shed blood and took risks, and now we finally own this land, which is completely at our mercy. But Andre, Michel, I know that for you, this place is It will never be your ideal burial place. The place where you dream about will always be there - and so will I." After a long time, Aigron finally spoke leisurely, "We are guests here, and we will always be guests."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I feel the same way." Michelle Ney replied quickly. "We all want to follow you back to France. Except for a very few people, no one wants to die here."

"But the current situation is like this, we can only wait. We are so far behind the power of the dynasty before that we simply cannot afford to hit the stone with an egg, and can only wait for it to collapse amid civil strife - but, fortunately, All this is not our delusion, but something that is actually happening... Our waiting is not meaningless, now we only need the last bit of patience to get what we want!"

Michelle and Andre looked at each other, feeling a little excited in each other.

"Both of you are high-ranking members of the Knights, and know almost every member quite well, so I hope that you two will draw up a list for me next. The number of people does not need to be large, but the best candidates - the best To be loyal, reliable, brave and resourceful at the same time, I don't expect each of them to be the same as the Count of Monte Cristo, but at least there must be some shadow of him." After sighing, Aigron continued to give the order, "These people, in After you draw up the list, you can notify them individually so that they can prepare and follow me on the road. We cannot be together, so we can disperse and wait until I arrive in Switzerland to follow my instructions."

Andre Davout looked happy.

"Your Majesty, I understand! I will definitely handle it for you."

As the captain of Aiglon's personal guard, Andre Davout naturally had to follow him. He felt in his heart that the more brave people he brought, the more secure his majesty's life would be. This was also his job.

As the highest official, Michel Ney has more things on his mind.

"Your Majesty, such people must be the best officers among our knights - if they are transferred away, the combat effectiveness of the principality's army will inevitably be greatly affected..."

"Don't worry about this." Aiglon shook his head, "Next, I will meet with King Otto of our south at the border, and the two sides will formally sign an alliance treaty. As long as we unite, the principality will not face any military threats for the time being. ——”

Michel thought it was right, but he still felt a pity secretly in his heart. After all, Aigron took away these best officers and only served as his entourage. It was really a bit overqualified.

But soon, he had a flash of inspiration and thought of something else.

Who said His Majesty must just want them to be his followers?

"Your Majesty, do you want these people to serve as officers there?"

Eggron smiled and nodded to Michelle Ney.

"Michelle, it seems that you have indeed made progress, and I am more confident in your next position."

Michelle smiled awkwardly, but finally understood in her heart.

His Majesty plans to secretly organize a small army that is subordinate to him on the border in order to serve his next actions. If you take this into consideration, you really need to recruit the most capable candidates-this is not overkill.

Michelle didn't know what fate these people would face next, but at least they were loyal to His Majesty.

"I'll take care of this for you."

"Now, there is another problem before us." Aigron suddenly frowned.

"What do you mean?" Andre Davout asked quickly.

"Keep it secret! It must be kept secret." Aiglon seemed to be saying to them, but also seemed to be talking to himself, "Andre, Michel, you must have guessed that there will be a French government in the Principality. With the spies set up by other countries, they may not care about the Principality, but they definitely care about me... If Teresa and I disappeared together one day, and then many people in the Principality also disappeared, what do you think they would think? They’ll definitely think I’m off on some new adventure! The Bourbons will definitely be on their guard.”

Andre and Michelle were both lost in thought.

"Your Majesty, I have an idea!" After a moment, Michelle suddenly said.