Eagle’s Glory

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

He was absolutely certain that, more than a decade after the end of the Battle of Waterloo, a new large-scale war was about to unfold on the European continent.

He didn't want the balance formed by the countries of the European continent to be broken, but he was even more unwilling to let his country rashly throw into the war, so he knew that what he had to do was to use his skills, swing back and forth between the parties, and renew the Coordinate a situation that is barely acceptable for everyone.

The more he used his tricks and lied and deceived, the more he had to understand where his bottom line was. Metternich knew that the Czar would never be allowed to land in Constantinople. This was an unimaginable nightmare. He believed that London and Paris would definitely not want to. See this scene appear.

Therefore, he is definitely not fighting alone, but has enough fulcrum for him to use.

No doubt it was no easy task, but he believed he could do it - as he did in 1815.

For the next two days, he put all other things aside and concentrated all his energy on the upcoming major events. The entire diplomatic service was fully operational in preparation for the upcoming European coordination.

However, at this time of nervousness and anxiety, there are always some people who will come to distract the Prime Minister.

This afternoon, Prime Minister Metternich had to temporarily spare some time in his busy schedule to deal with another difficult visitor.

Being able to treat him like this, the identity of this visitor is naturally no trivial matter - in fact, the other party is the royal younger brother of His Majesty the current emperor, the famous Archduke Karl.

It is precisely because the identity of the other party is so respected that although he knows the intention of the other party in his heart, Metternich has to show the most respectful appearance to receive this famous commander.

Under the guidance of the secretary, Archduke Karl strutted to the office of Prime Minister Metternich.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Excellency." As soon as 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 royal brother, but he has long been used to seeing big scenes, so he is not afraid.

In order to show his attitude in the next meeting, he deliberately put on his most serious appearance, looking directly at the face of Prime Minister Metternich with an aggressive look.

"His Royal Highness, it is my honor that you 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 the secretary to bring coffee.

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

"I don't dare to bother you to do anything, but there is a problem that needs to be clarified for me. It can be regarded as helping my ineffective father."

"What are you talking about?" Metternich blinked in confusion, "Just ask, I know what to answer."

The coffee was steaming hot, and the expressions of the two people were reflected on the black liquid surface, but it didn't help to dilute the tension in the room.

"My daughter, Teresa, was recommended to Your Majesty by you before. As a candidate for marriage with Duke Reichstedt, although I had a grudge at first, I finally agreed with the court's opinion." Archduke Karl didn't want to waste time. , so he went straight to the point, "My wife and Teresa used to be full of expectations for this marriage, however, the actual development has greatly exceeded our expectations... Teresa once became the laughing stock of everyone, which is very important to her. It was an unbearable blow.”

"This is indeed a tragedy, and I personally express my sadness for what happened to Princess Teresa..." Metternich sighed sadly, "Duke Reichstedt's willfulness is unbearable! God! He will never be forgiven 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, given the severe situation facing Teresa now, I think There must be an answer to the whole thing, and it should be as soon as possible, Teresa's time can't afford it."

Metternich knew in his heart that Princess Teresa had already sneaked out of the country to run to the little guy, and it was ridiculous that the father came to ask him for an "answer" at this time.

But out of royal decency, even if it was a ridiculous drama, he had to go along with it.

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

"Actually, I'm too embarrassed to pass this on to others. No matter how uncomfortable it is, I can take it on myself." Archduke Karl sighed, then picked up the slightly cooled coffee cup and took a sip. Coffee, then continued, "But to tell you the truth, this daughter of mine is really worrying, she has always had fantasies about this marriage, and eagerly hopes that the Duke will fulfill the promise to marry in the future. She! I blamed her so many times, but she didn't listen to a word, she was crazy... So I think if you gave an explanation on behalf of the court and the imperial government, maybe it would be more convincing than me Some."

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

"Yes, I just need this." Archduke Karl nodded heavily, and then looked at the Prime Minister, "Please tell me, is Duke Reichstedt still qualified by the court to marry Teresa? And , is their marriage still beneficial to our country? Give me an answer, no matter which answer it is, I can solve this headache as soon as possible."

Huh, you're finally here.

Metternich actually had preparations in his heart, he knew that he would face such a day, so he still did not change his face, on the contrary, 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 infatuated with Her Royal Highness?"

"Hey... that's it." Archduke Karl spread his hands half-truth, "what can I do to give birth to such a silly daughter?"

"It's really a headache, as a father, I can understand your pain right now." Metternich comforted the Archduke insincerely, "And, I admit, let you and Princess Teresa fall into this embarrassing situation. I do have my share of the responsibility for the situation... I am more obligated than anyone else to make amends so that this farce can end as soon as possible."

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

In other words, the imperial government has already made a decision, 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, and after another sip of coffee, he continued.

"To tell you the truth, as far as His Majesty the Emperor's will is concerned, he is also very regretful that he has caused His Highness Teresa to fall into the vortex, so he originally planned to take back his life and annul this engagement, so that His Highness could be freed...but , I just saw what you meant, but Her Royal Highness Teresa insisted on fulfilling the marriage contract, so in my opinion, it's better to follow her will? In this way, Her Highness Teresa's reputation can also be preserved, and we don't have to continue to do so. It's annoying."

Archduke Karl was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Metternich to speak so well.

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

"You...you don't object?" he asked in a trembling voice.

"Young people always have young people's ideas, what can we do as elders?" Metternich replied with a wry smile, "If Her Royal Highness Theresa insists that there is only one person in the world that can bring her happiness, then we will also Had to obey her ideas - after all, I am ashamed of her."

Metternich's rhetoric, Archduke Karl, will of course not be taken seriously, but he has determined that the biggest obstacle in front of him and Teresa has been overcome. Nor do they intend to deprive the title of Duke of Reichstedt, otherwise the marriage would not have been permitted.

The lucky bastard! Although he felt relieved for a while, he quickly cursed again viciously.

"His Royal Highness, since you have said this, I am a little worried." While the Grand Duke was still thinking, Metternich suddenly spoke again.

"What worries?" asked Archduke Karl.

"You've just been emphasizing to me that Princess Teresa is very infatuated with the duke, and I have to have some very horrific imaginations—if, I mean, if, someday in the future, Princess Teresa gets carried away by love , forgetting the teachings of you and your wife, and the dignity that an Austrian princess should have, secretly ran to meet Duke Reichstedt, and even... even did more undignified things. If you want to remedy it, it will be too late, and the reputation of the royal family may also be greatly affected."

Metternich said in a gentle tone, "Rather than waiting for such a dangerous situation to happen, let's think of a way to get things back on track, so that both the reputation of the royal family and the interests of the empire will be It's a good thing, you say, right?"

Although both of them already knew that Teresa was there, they had to pretend she wasn't there on the surface, so being teased by Metternich so yin and yang, Archduke Karl's face suddenly turned red and white, and he was so embarrassed that he said There was nothing to say, but there was no way for him to have a seizure, so he had to pick up the coffee cup and take another sip, secretly cursing the **** who had made him so embarrassed.

But the scolding, the Duke Karl knew in his heart, Metternich's words were not without reason - Teresa is now with that young man, God knows whether the two of them will get carried away and secretly taste the forbidden fruit one day. If you get pregnant or even have a child before getting married, I am afraid that everyone will have a dull face in the end.

"Don't worry, I will resolutely control her so that such indecent things will not happen." Grand Duke Karl replied through gritted teeth.

"Of course I believe what you said, but you also said that Her Royal Highness Teresa is very stubborn. 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, plus I am really very guilty to His Royal Highness Theresa, 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 on her own will and let them get married as soon as possible... I believe, with Teresa Her Royal 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.

He originally came here with the consciousness of a big fight, but he didn't expect that in less than half an hour, he would have gotten everything he wanted—even more than that.

In addition to his joy, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious in his heart - is this all true? How could Metternich be so talkative all of a sudden?

"Your Excellency, please tell me, what happened to make you finally make up your mind?" After a moment of silence, Archduke Karl looked at Metternich solemnly, "I don't believe that your statement is out of righteousness. Teresa's guilt, or out of favor with Duke Reichstedt, you must have your own plans - so just tell me, what do you need me or Teresa to do?"

"It's not so much what I decided, it's better to say that I admitted the reality. Duke Reichstedt has 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 gently, and then answered helplessly, "What I'm best at is to admit and adapt to the fait accompli, and then find a way to steer it in the direction we need-"

"What direction?" Archduke Karl asked back.

"For specific matters, we will contact His Royal Highness Teresa when the time comes." Metternich was noncommittal, but only warned, "I only hope that she can show her due patriotism and join hands with Leichstein. Together with the Duke, we will move forward in a path that is beneficial to both of us, and now Austria needs her to work hard for it.

Archduke Carl bowed his head and said nothing.

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

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

At least 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 this is said, the meeting between the two has come to an end, and they both got what they want, at least for now, this is the best choice.

"After you go back, say hello to His Royal Highness Theresa for me." Metternich stood up and said goodbye to the Archduke, "Although I may not be able to attend her wedding, I wish her happiness... I hope her choice is right. of."