Eagle’s Glory

Under the mediation of Prince Lucien-Bonaparte, the meeting between Aigron and His Majesty the Pope ended in a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere.

Both parties were satisfied with the outcome of the talks—for the Pope, he received Aegron’s “donation” with peace of mind; for Aegron, the abandonment of his previous quarrel with the Church of Rome also greatly benefited the Bonaparte family. image, at least in the future no one can accuse him of being the enemy of God.

In the following days, Aigron served by his grandmother's side to make up for the lack of family affection in the past; while traveling with Teresa around the city of Rome, enjoying many monuments and works of art left in the ancient Roman era and the Renaissance era.

During their stay, the news that "the king of Rome and his new wife came to Rome" gradually spread, so Aigron and Teresa and his party would often attract the attention of others, and even be watched - this It's not surprising, after all, both of them are young, and they are both outstanding in appearance and temperament, and they are easily recognized.

Every time they were recognized, there were people in the crowd who were emotional, and people tried to squeeze in front of them from time to time. Fortunately, Andre Davout and others performed their **** tasks with all their hearts and tried their best to block these overly enthusiastic people. .

But even so, the crowd around them continued unabated, and people cheered and cheered from time to time.

Napoleon in the past once brought serious disasters to Italy, but he founded the Kingdom of Italy, and it was the first time that Italians, who were used to being divided, realized that Italy could become an independent country.

With the passage of time, people have forgotten the past pains and disasters, and turned to admire the great achievements of that person in the past, and then appreciate the legend of the next generation in the present.

For them, these legends are much more interesting and splendid than their ordinary lives.

In this curious gaze, Aigron finished enjoying his "holiday" in Rome.

Although he enjoyed this leisure, and Teresa was also very happy, he knew that it was time for him to leave Rome.

There are still too many things for him to complete.

According to the predetermined plan, he will go to the Principality of Parma with his wife next, and visit his mother, Queen Louisa—well, the former queen; and then he will find a way to go north to Bavaria to complete the final selection of the king of Greece. Work.

The time is approaching April, and in a slightly warmer atmosphere, Agron and Teresa bid farewell to their grandmother, the Empress Dowager Letizia.

Although Letizia tried her best to control her emotions, her eyes were still full of tears. For her, it was difficult for her to meet her grandson, but it was a little uncomfortable to say goodbye so soon.

Over the years, she has endured too many parting pains. Several of her children have passed away before her. She is even used to the heart-piercing pain when she hears the news of her death, but the more she loses , the more she cherished the children she gave birth to.

Elderly people with many children and grandchildren have preferences in their hearts, and although Aigron is not the eldest grandson in age, as the only son of Emperor Napoleon, he is naturally the orthodox heir to the family. In Letizia's mind, naturally Has irreplaceable weight.

"My grandson..." The tearful old woman gently stroked the young man's face, "I really miss you... But I know that you will leave, and you will leave me one by one. Hey, This is my destiny, what can I say? All I can do is pray to God all the time, and hope that the Lord will keep you safe—"

"Thank you, grandma." Aegron felt uncomfortable, so he kissed his grandmother's cheek tenderly and said goodbye to her solemnly, "I will also pray that God bless you."

"I know you may not listen, but I have to say it again, I don't care if you can ascend to the throne, you must take care of yourself!" The old woman urged again, "Your career can be accomplished, or not. It doesn't matter, you are considered a free person now. There are countless places in heaven and earth where you and Teresa can live well. Don't force yourself to risk your life. I'm not trying to persuade you, I'm begging you! I'm heartbroken again...I really can't take it anymore..."

After hearing these words, Aegron didn't know how to answer, so he could only be silent.

Grandma is right, he actually has a way out even if he doesn't pursue the throne. If he really can't, he can go back to Austria to seek shelter from his father-in-law and live a good life - but he doesn't even think about it.

At this point, he will not let himself leave any way out, either success or death, otherwise what is the meaning of the sacrifices made along the way?

Seeing his expression, Empress Dowager Letizia knew that her advice was completely in vain, she sighed secretly, and then looked at Teresa again.

"Teresa, it's really hard for you, to accompany these willful children in our family to go crazy together... I know what you're going to endure, because I've endured it myself, all I can help you is just Just passing on everything I have to you. I'm too old to be able to do anything anymore, you're going to take care of our family, I'm not good enough, so I don't have the right to ask you to do it How well, I only implore you to take care of Aegron and your children as best you can, a harmonious family is more important than anything else."

Teresa was also deeply moved, and she hugged Letizia too, then kissed each other on the cheek.

"I'll do it, grandma."

According to the previous promise, the Queen Mother Letizia has been counting the property in her hands all this time, and then handed it over to Teresa one by one.

Those easy-to-carry jewelry and various bills were directly packed into the couple's luggage, and those manors and castles that were not easy to be realized and moved, she had also entrusted a notary to transfer them to Teresa. Under the name - it just takes a little more time.

That is to say, Teresa has mastered a large amount of family wealth, and the two of them, which had been greatly shriveled because of the aid to the cause of Greek independence, received valuable supplements.

Aegron was moved by his grandmother's care, and he also swore secretly that he would reciprocate in the future.

In this way, the teenage couple said goodbye to Letizia's grandmother and left Rome in a carriage. And just as they were leaving, Letizia had been standing in the vestibule silently watching the carriage.

She knew that after the parting this time, she didn't know when the next meeting would be, especially when she was already in her twilight years and could leave the world at any time, God knows if she could meet again?

However, there is no way to do it. The children and grandchildren always have their own way, and she can only watch them silently as they go on, as it was then and now.

"I wish they would let me see my great-grandson sooner..." When the carriage disappeared on the road, Letizia made a cross and let out a long sigh.

Then, she slowly turned around and returned to her residence, the smile on her face disappeared, and she returned to the old state of life without waves and isolation before, praying for the success of her grandson .

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As when they came, Aigron and his party left Rome unobtrusively and headed north.

Their next stop was the Principality of Parma, ruled by Aigron's mother Luisa, and Rome and Parma were actually quite close - only separated by Modena, also ruled by the Habsburg branch of the Este family Principality.

They passed through this small principality with fake Austrian passports, causing no commotion, and it didn't take long for them to reach the territory of the principality of Parma.

Parma is an inconspicuous little principality - or more like a city-state, and its central capital, Parma, is located at the southern end of the Po River Plain, and it is only a small city.

The city is quiet and beautiful, and it even feels left behind by the times.

However, if it is simply a place for retirement, it is indeed a good choice.

In history, Aigron's mother, Queen Louisa, was placed here by her father, Emperor Franz, after the destruction of the empire, and ruled this small principality until her death in 1847. I think she lived a good life.

After Aigron and Teresa came to the city of Parma, they stayed in a hotel, and then he sent his guard captain Andre Davout to take his token to the palace of the Principality of Parma, and announced that he had arrived in the Principality. domestic news.

Aigron didn't wait long. Soon, a group of people came to the hotel where they were staying. The leader was a middle-aged man in uniform and a blindfold on his head.

This person, of course, is his stepfather, the Earl of Nepeg.

When the two met, they both felt a little embarrassed.

Aegron clearly remembered that they met at Schönbrunn Palace more than a year ago. At that time, Aegron was in a very depressed mood, so he had a very stiff fight with him and his mother.

However, he later learned that his mother and stepfather were busy planning their marriage to Teresa at the time.

In this sense, they also benefited themselves objectively, so the anger that had built up in their hearts slowly dissipated.

Besides, Aigron's mood is very different now-at that time, he was a fallen prince who was resentful because of his long-term house arrest; now he is a legend who has built a foundation, and those things back then are natural for him. Will not take it to heart anymore.

"Mr. Count Naipeg, I'm very happy to see you again." Because of the change in his mood, Aegron extended his hand to the other party generously.

Earl Naipeg also regained his composure. He also stretched out his hand and held the young man's hand. "His Royal Highness, it's a pleasure to see you again - I've been amazed by what you've done for over a year. I never thought you would dare to do this..."

"Really?" Aegron raised his bar habitually. "Then you are going to arrest me today?"

"Of course not." Earl Nepeg smiled bitterly, "His Majesty the Emperor has already forgiven you and allowed you to marry Princess Teresa. Since His Majesty doesn't mind, why should I mind? You are me today. And Louisa's guests...most honorable guests."

After speaking, he looked at Teresa again.

"His Royal Highness, because of me and Luisa, you have been involved in a tingling turmoil... I have always felt guilty for this."

"It doesn't matter, as far as the results are concerned, isn't everything going well?" Teresa replied with a smile, "I'm really thankful for you guys... Without your cooperation with His Royal Highness Louisa, my father wouldn't necessarily agree to this deal. Marriage, considering that I am so happy now, instead of feeling guilty, you should consider yourself my benefactor!"

Earl Naipeg laughed, "Fate always causes us those ironic accidents... But as long as the results are good, then everything will be fine."

During the initial chat, the atmosphere was quite harmonious, and Aigron and Count Nepeg quietly abandoned their former quarrel.

However, he vaguely felt that something was wrong.

This "inappropriate" is not because he thinks that his mother and stepfather have prepared some conspiracy for him, but because he feels that Count Naipegger seems to have a problem with his health.

As a long-serving soldier, Count Nepeg was a very strong and tall man - and he also fascinated Louisa by this.

But now, his originally sturdy body has slackened a lot, and his piercing gaze has become a lot muddy at this time. When the two were shaking hands just now, Aigron felt his weakness at this time.

He's definitely not in good health, maybe he's ill - thought Aegron.

If it was more than a year ago, Aegron would definitely be gloating after knowing this, but now, he is not like this.

However, the physical condition of others was not something he could interrupt, so he quickly got to the point.

"My mother, did you know my news?"

"Of course I know..." Earl Nepeg replied with a smile, "In fact, she sent me to greet you - unfortunately, due to various considerations, we can't use a guard of honor and a grand welcome ceremony to welcome you, hope you do not mind."

"No, I don't mind." Aegron shook his head. "I don't care about the welcome ceremony. I can see my mother. My excitement and excitement are enough to make me forget everything."

When referring to his mother, Aegron always unconsciously brought some sarcasm, even when the resentment had vanished.

Teresa and Count Nepeg also heard it, so the atmosphere suddenly became a little stiff.

"Hey!" Teresa nudged Agron with her elbow, "Didn't we agree to be respectful to her? Wait, if you still have this attitude, I'll be angry!"

"Don't worry, no..." Aigron replied with a smile.

Then, he seemed to suddenly remember something, "By the way, when you see her, what should you call her? Mom, or cousin?"

Teresa's eyes widened with anger, and she couldn't help raising her hand to hit him on the chest, while Aigron laughed and took the initiative to get punched by his wife.

"Just call your Highness." Earl Nepeg said in a low voice, as if he had considered this issue for a long time.