It’s another morning with fresh air.
As usual, after getting up early for a walk and exercising, Aigron began to deal with the backlog of letters and documents he had accumulated throughout the day.
He was working very seriously, especially when he was reading Edmond Dantès' report, so engrossed that he didn't even notice that the girl's figure was quietly emerging in the room.
After arriving in the room, Teresa sat quietly next to him and did not disturb the young man's work. However, when she noticed his frown, she finally couldn't help the worry in her heart and spoke quietly.
"Your Highness, why are you having trouble?"
"Huh?" After hearing the voice, Aigron was caught off guard and subconsciously looked up. He finally felt relieved after confirming that it was Teresa.
He closed the letter in his hand and put it back in its place.
"The people I sent to Greece have made great progress, but they have also posed a difficult problem for me -" he replied with a wry smile.
Since Teresa came to the island, Aigron has taken time to spend with Teresa after his busy work.
For him, the days are still as busy as before, but they are a little more rosy than before.
Unknowingly, he gradually got used to having Teresa by his side.
"What is the problem? Can you tell me about it?" Teresa asked, "Your Highness, I rarely see you frowning, so I am curious and worried at the same time."
"It's nothing." Aiglon shrugged, and then briefly told Theresa the final negotiation conditions between Edmond Dantès and Panos Colokotronis.
Although the issue of title seems to be just an illusory nominal issue, it is actually very important - it is related to his political stance and appeal, and must not be ignored.
Because the issue was important, he planned to discuss it with a priest, but there was no harm in telling Teresa.
"He didn't want me to go under the name of the Emperor of France and suggested that I use the title of Duke of Leichstadt." Aigron frowned and said, "Although I admit that his concerns are indeed well-founded, this suggestion makes me a little dissatisfied. .”
Thanks to the dispute between the two of them, Aigron began to think carefully about this issue that he had missed before.
In what capacity should he do this?
Although the title of emperor is glorious, it seems that it is not convincing now and will only make enemies for no reason; but the Duke of Lechstadt does not want to use it either - so it is a bit difficult.
"Do you hate the title awarded to you by your grandfather, His Majesty the Emperor of Austria?" Teresa lowered her head and asked in a low voice.
Although she deliberately kept herself unemotional, it was still difficult to completely hide her depression - after all, she still regarded herself as an Austrian in her heart. How could she be happy when she saw His Highness hating everything about Austria so much.
"No, Teresa, don't think too much - I'm not that emotional, and to be honest I don't hate my grandfather that much. Generally speaking, he owes me a lot but also gives me a lot. We don't owe each other that much. ." Aigron immediately shook his head, denying Theresa's worries, "The reason why I don't want to use the title Duke of Leichstadt is because it was given to me by my grandfather, which means that I am his. Vassal, I don’t want to give this feeling to the outside world anymore. Moreover, this title does not have much appeal, and my supporters will not like it. They shed their lives and blood for the empire and the Bonaparte family, not for a bona fide Xemiah is a vassal from nowhere."
"That's it..." Theresa breathed a sigh of relief.
She understood what His Highness was thinking.
In order to allow herself to see her parents again as soon as possible, she wanted to ease the tension between His Highness and the Habsburg family. As long as His Highness did not hate Austria, she believed that she would eventually have a chance to promote reconciliation between the two parties.
After all, we are a family, so why should we be incompatible with each other?
"What title would you like to use?" Teresa asked.
"This is indeed a bit nerve-wracking." Aiglon smiled bitterly, "If I directly used the title of Emperor of France, no one would recognize it at all. Instead, it would make people laugh and embarrass my allies even more; using the title of King of Rome would also be unworthy of the name. , the current master of Rome is the Pope himself, and he has not recognized that I am still the King of Rome. Moreover, I have to cooperate with him, hoping that he can improve my reputation, and I should not have a quarrel with him..."
Aigron frowned, obviously troubled by this issue.
"Then you can cooperate with them in the name of the head of the Knights of Fontainebleau." Teresa suggested directly. "You created this knighthood, so it will naturally not insult your reputation. You lead your knights to go through fire and water in the name of God to save suffering Christians. Isn't that justifiable? And... you use this The name will also reflect your simplicity, humility and piety. No one should be able to attack you with this, and your supporters will be satisfied."
Aigron did not answer immediately, but looked at Teresa steadily.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?" Teresa felt guilty, "Did I say something wrong?"
"No - that's right, you have a great idea. Teresa, you are so smart..." Aigron blurted out, and then he immediately added, "And it's also very cute."
Teresa was overjoyed when Aigron praised her like this.
But she didn't laugh. Instead, she curled her lips and looked very unhappy, "It's really shocking. Are you willing to admit it just today?"
"No, I discovered it a long time ago... But today I feel your wisdom even more." Aiglon replied with a smile, then walked up to Teresa and hugged her, "Originally, I planned to marry Faria The priest discussed it, but I think it is no longer necessary. Your suggestion is very good - I have decided to cooperate with them in this name! Well... I will complete this undertaking with simplicity, humility and piety. .”
"And I will stay with you to complete it with you." Seeing the young man's high spirits, Teresa was also very happy.
She was very happy that she could help her fiancé, and she hoped that he would pay more attention to her and allow her to be more deeply integrated into his career in the future - until the two were inseparable.
"So, Your Highness, is there anything else that's causing trouble?" Teresa asked again after the two hugged for a while.
"No more." Aigron shook his head, "Now that the general direction has been decided, the next step is the minor issues. I think I have made such a big concession, and the other side should also understand my sincerity. I will also make them pay enough to make up for my concession."
"In that case, come and stay with me." Teresa reached out and touched the young man's face, "You have been busy for so long, it's time for you to rest."
"Okay." Aiglon replied briefly, and then took her hand. "Then let's go for a walk?"
"Since arriving on the island, we have been walking here every day. Walking all over the island is a bit boring." Teresa shook her head. "Shall we try a different approach today?"
"Then what do you want?" Seeing Teresa say this, Agron knew in his heart that she must have an idea, so he asked.
"Your Highness, do you still remember what I took you to do when you first came to my house?" Teresa asked expectantly.
Aigron lowered his head and recalled.
"You take me to a pavilion in a pond and teach me how to fish." He replied after a moment. "You told me many things there, and you asked me to think about my future."
Eggron's memory is very profound, because when he was a guest at Archduke Karl's manor, he received very warm hospitality - almost like family.
Those short few days were indeed interesting and sweet experiences in his life.
"Yes, it's rare that you still remember it." Teresa smiled with great satisfaction, "Then let's rediscover the memories of the past - Your Highness, let's go fishing!"
After finishing speaking, she waved toward the window, "Around us, there is the vast sea. It will be very interesting for the two of us to go boating on the sea together."
Aigron followed her hand and looked outside.
The weather is really good today. The sky is cloudy, blocking the blazing sun, but there is no rain or strong wind. It is suitable for boating on the sea——
Wait, this further proves that Teresa didn't just do it on the spur of the moment. She has always wanted to relive her old dream with herself, but she just waited for good weather today.
After thinking about this section, Aigron was quite moved.
"It will definitely be interesting." He nodded and agreed to Theresa's request.
So, the two of them went to the pier at the port and asked for a small boat from the guard.
"Your Majesty, what are you and Her Royal Highness planning to do?" Andre Davout, who has been responsible for guarding him, asked quickly.
"As you can see -" Aigron spread his hands, "I want to go fishing on the sea with Teresa."
"So can you row?" Andre Davout asked.
Aigron paused for a moment.
Aigron didn't have much experience in crossing the sea, and he even felt a little seasick, but at this moment, in front of Theresa, he certainly didn't want to back down.
"There's nothing wrong with rowing a boat." He replied firmly.
"Then let me row the boat for you." Andre Davout saw something and volunteered.
"Andre, didn't you hear clearly? I want to be with Theresa, and I don't need anyone watching." Aigron replied seriously, "Don't worry, we can handle it ourselves."
"Then at least please let me row with you and His Highness." Andre Davout hesitated for a moment, and finally proposed a compromise plan, "Don't worry, I will keep an appropriate distance. I will never It will disturb your and His Highness's interest, you can rest as much as you like, I, like everyone else, hope you can have fun and relax."
…
Looking at Andre's face, Eggron knew that this was the biggest concession for his guard captain - in a sense, this choice was not wrong.
It's so troublesome to even go fishing in a rowing boat...and having to be watched by someone, which is really annoying.
However, from this point of view, he is indeed a big shot, and this is the kind of treatment only big shots deserve.
When he thought of this, he was no longer angry. He patted Andre Davout on the shoulder, acquiesced to the other party's request, then turned around and took Theresa onto the boat.
Eggron had only had the experience of rafting on Lake Constance before, and even at that time, he was not responsible for rowing, so maneuvering a small boat was very unfamiliar to him, and he could only paddle with brute force.
Fortunately, the sea was now calm and there was no resistance, so although he struggled, he took the boat farther and farther away from the pier and came to the sea - and Andre Davout also led the people as he had just promised. He rowed behind them at a distance, not disturbing their enjoyment, but also having enough time to come over at any time to eliminate dangerous situations.
In this way, Aigron and Teresa came to the offshore sea.
Here, looking at it, the small Monte Cristo Island is just a black block in the distance that is easily ignored, and is surrounded by a vast ocean with no visible edges, like an incredibly large piece of dark blue jasper.
It was time to stop - Aiglon put down the oar in his hand, and then quietly looked at the sea in front of him.
Being in it, you can easily feel how small you are.
And this is just the Mediterranean Sea. How many times wider are the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans?
This endless blue sky and blue sea are not bound by time and are almost eternal.
Who can count how many rises and falls they have witnessed?
However, this feeling of insignificance and powerlessness aroused Aigron's desire to conquer even more.
There is no doubt that he cannot defeat time. Everything he has obtained, established, and created is destined to decay with time until it is lost in history, but so what? Even if there is only a moment of life, as long as you live this moment vigorously, that is enough, just like fireworks across the sky, leaving behind that brilliant moment.
At this moment, Teresa stood up and hugged the young man from behind.
"The sea... is so beautiful! Growing up in Austria, I rarely get to see this kind of beauty. I thought I already understood it from books, but I didn't know it until I took a boat to the sea. That kind of vast and majestic beauty can only be experienced by personal experience..." She sighed softly, and then cheered up, "Your Highness, maybe this is your tireless motivation...I know that the sea is wider than a pond. More, this is the world suitable for you to fly, after all, you do not belong in the pond."
"That's very well said, Teresa." Aigron smiled, then turned around and hugged Teresa, "I'm glad you can understand me so well."
After the two hugged for a while, Teresa was finally satisfied.
She picked up the fishing rod and other fishing gear from the side and handed them to Aigron's side.
"Your Highness, do you remember the trick I told you?" she asked with a smile.
"I don't remember much." Aigron shook his head.
"It doesn't matter, you can start over from the beginning. If it doesn't work once, just try ten times. As long as we are together, you can always learn. After all, we have a long, long time." Teresa smiled deeper and deeper, "Let's start... this This is our entertainment alone, without anyone disturbing us..."
So, we leaned side by side, talking and fishing at the same time.
As time goes by, the glorious sunset gradually sinks towards the sea, dyeing the sea surface golden yellow. As the waves tremble, it continues to shine with blurred brilliance.
The shadows of the two people were gradually lengthened, blending into the vast ocean.
"Your Highness...write a poem for me." Teresa suddenly looked at the young man, "I have been waiting for a long time."
