With the rising sun and sea breeze, the Peloponnese Peninsula welcomes its new guests.
This small peninsula once had a glorious history, struggling to resist the invasion of the Persians, and also performing an extremely heroic chapter in the decisive battle for hegemony between Athens and Sparta.
However, all this brilliance has disappeared with the passage of time. Those city-states that once dominated the entire Mediterranean have declined, been conquered by foreign nations one after another, and their pearls have been covered with dust. Even its residents have forgotten what they once had.
Lived brilliantly.
The last foreign nation that conquered them was the most powerful empire they had ever experienced. This empire was cruel and ruthless, and had an almost endless desire for expansion. It conquered the entire Balkans, once conquered Hungary, and penetrated deep into the interior of Europe.
Among them, troops came to Vienna several times, almost making the entire Christian world tremble.
However, there is no eternal strong man. After centuries of expansion and conquest, this empire eventually inevitably declined. Now it has become the sick man of Europe despised by everyone, dying in the hands of corrupt bureaucrats. It is nothing more than
Because the great powers divided the spoils unevenly and were afraid of giving their opponents an advantage, they stayed put and maintained their existence.
The more it declines, the more this empire wants to hold on to its remaining ancestral property, even at the cost of a river of blood. Since it can no longer use profits to maintain the loyalty of the conquered, it can only use fear.
and brutally continued to hold them in their hands.
At this time, national sentiment ignited Greece for the first time. After centuries of silence and obedience, its people finally mustered up the courage to rise up against foreign rule, even if they faced the butcher knife of the empire.
An empire that is in decline but unwilling to die, and a nation that is proud of its historical glory and pursues freedom. The two forces are fighting bloody battles - this has nothing to do with justice, but a struggle of life and death. No one can give in and must use force.
Fire and blood cannot tell the difference.
Under the shining of the golden morning sun, a fleet of several sailboats on the sea was sailing at full speed towards the land in the distance.
Following the gentle sea breeze, the white tracks they stirred up also made their own notches on the turquoise water. The morning mist was also being gradually torn apart by the golden sunshine, seeming to be calling.
holding them.
An eagle flag was hung on the masts of these sailing ships, and on the deck of one of the ships, a young man was standing on the bow, standing still amidst the symphony of wind and waves, looking straight ahead.
The sea breeze echoed around him, causing the ends of his hair to waver, but his heart was already determined and he no longer hesitated.
Now that he has embarked on the journey and the dice has been cast, any hesitation and hesitation are unnecessary. Next, he can only move forward with the courage to never back down.
Fortunately, there were so many people following him and encouraging him, which became the source of his courage.
"Your Highness..." At this moment, he heard a greeting from beside him.
As soon as he heard this voice, he suddenly felt a sense of warmth in his heart, which was already full of thoughts.
Teresa was not the only one who showed her loyalty and thoughtfulness to him; but if anyone gave him the greatest self-confidence, it was Teresa.
Chanel, his two cousins, Andre Davout...these people followed him just because he was the emperor and the sole heir of the Bonaparte family.
There is no doubt that they are all talented and capable people, and Aigron is willing to use them, but deep down, there is always a voice telling him - "It's all because of Napoleon that they favor me so much."
This is a fact, and he is not angry about this fact. After all, Napoleon was his only political appeal and capital, and only with the help of this capital was he able to win over a team that obeyed him so quickly.
Sophie cared deeply for him. This love was both heavy and moved him, but there was also a lot of pity in it. She was regarded more as a child in need of care and was given tenderness.
However, Theresa is different. Her pursuit and her expectations have nothing to do with the empire. Agron knows that compared to Napoleon or Bonaparte, Theresa cares more about him first - her desire for the restoration.
The empire didn't care. When the two of them first became acquainted, she had seriously considered her future life after settling down in the countryside, and she was full of expectations and happiness for it.
The reason why she is involved in her career now is not because she is keen on becoming a queen, but simply because she chose her career.
It was Teresa who made Agron know that he was not just labeled as "Napoleon's son", but that he was also a person worthy of being appreciated and loved.
In particular, Teresa is so cute and excellent, and she follows him so unswervingly. Doesn't that prove that he is indeed very good? Otherwise, how could he attract her and win her so much love?
When he thought of this, Aigron gained confidence beyond his name.
Therefore, for this expectation, I will win everything.
With this wonderful confidence, Aigron held Teresa's hand and stood side by side with her on the bow of the boat.
The sea breeze blew in front of the boy and the girl, and the golden morning sun shone on them. This was the blessing they received.
"Teresa, I'm sorry." After standing quietly for a while, Aigron suddenly said.
"Why are you apologizing all of a sudden?" Teresa was a little confused.
"I thought about it. After we arrive in Greece, it is best not to disclose your identity at first." Aigron said to her apologetically, "After I land, the news will soon spread to the whole of Europe. If you disclose it,
As for my identity, I haven’t lost anything, but I’m afraid this will embarrass your father..."
Although Aigron didn't say it explicitly, Teresa naturally thought of it quickly.
Your Highness is thinking about yourself and your father.
If his identity were made public from the beginning, it would be easy for other countries to suspect that Archduke Karl was responsible for all this, and within the empire, his father would be considered to be secretly funding Duke Lechstadt's rebellion and be criticized.
There is no doubt that this will put the father into a very embarrassing situation.
In order to gain today's freedom, she already owed her father so much, so how could she bear to push him even further?
"You are right." Teresa nodded, "Your Highness, once I arrive in Greece, I will take care to hide myself and not let the outside world notice my existence."
"It doesn't have to be so troublesome." Aigron smiled and shook his head, "Is it unusual for a girl to exist around me? As long as we don't make a big show of it, no one will care about such a trivial matter."
He originally said it unintentionally, but he didn't expect that this sentence had an unexpected effect. The corners of Teresa's mouth curled up slightly, and then she answered softly.
"Yes, I'm overthinking it. Why is there no woman around His Highness? I'm afraid everyone has forgotten that you have a fiancée far away in Vienna."
As soon as he heard her answer, Aigron knew that he had said the wrong thing.
He secretly yelled that it was not good, but he knew that further explanations on this issue would only make himself more embarrassed, so he immediately changed the topic.
"It would be best if you could understand my intentions. Thank you for thinking about me so much, Teresa." He grabbed Teresa's hand, interlocked her fingers, and then said to her sincerely, "You have been so far.
I will bear in mind the sacrifices I have made. I promise you that what I owe you will be returned to you in full. I will let everyone cheer your name. Today is Greece, tomorrow is France, and the day after tomorrow is the whole country.
world!"
"But I just want you to call my name alone." Teresa had no intention of continuing to argue with Aigron, and just lowered her head and answered in a low voice.
While they were talking, the land was getting closer and closer to them. From an insignificant dot in the distance, it turned into a long black line. The area of the black line became larger and larger, eventually occupying all the fields in the field of vision.
of the horizon.
They have arrived.
This is the port of Mesoni on the Peloponnese Peninsula. This unknown small fishing port became Aiglon's first stop when he set foot on the European continent again.
Whether it's a blessing or a curse, his journey will start from here.
With the help of the sea breeze, this small fleet approached Methoni at full speed, and at this time, a small ship came from the opposite side.
The fleet immediately took a alert posture, and the cannons began to aim at the approaching small boat. However, they soon saw the eagle flag also hung on the opposite boat.
Then, the boat on the opposite side fired a salute to show that it was coming to greet the fleet.
Under Aiglon's order, the fleet immediately approached the ship.
Because of the close distance, Aigron quickly saw clearly the person standing on the deck of the ship - at this time, this person was respectfully saluting him.
"Edmond Dantès!" Aiglon whispered his name.
At this moment, he was completely relieved.
Then, he turned to look at Theresa next to him. "This is the Count of Monte Cristo, the confidant I sent to Greece. He did a good job."
"So he is the Count of Monte Cristo whom you bestowed the title?" Teresa had heard of this man's existence a long time ago, so she looked at him carefully and said, "Then you must reward him for his contribution."
While she was looking at Edmond Dantès, Edmond Dantès was also looking at Teresa. He seemed a little surprised, but he quickly put aside his doubts and looked at her again.
The Lord.
"Your Majesty!" he shouted loudly, "please allow me to lead you ashore!"
Aiglon didn't answer, just smiled and nodded.
After receiving his instructions, the boat immediately turned around and led the fleet forward.
"He is our subject, but he is by no means an ordinary subject." Aigron looked at Theresa, and then said to her with a smile, "Theresa, I can tell you that his talents are far greater than what he has shown now.
There is more, so I hope you can respect him enough."
Although she didn’t understand why His Highness, who had always been arrogant and arrogant, valued so much a person he had only known for a few months, since he had said so, Teresa took it to heart.
It seems that this is His Highness's number one confidant, and he needs to make good friends with him.
Soon, under the guidance of the small boat, the fleet sailed all the way to the port.
When the fleet approached the pier of the port and prepared to berth, the roar of gun salutes rang out around the port.
The sound of cannons continued continuously to show respect for the prince who came to put out the fire.
Amidst the deafening sound of cannons, the fleet dropped anchor.
arrive.
This is the end of a journey, and this is also the beginning of a new journey.
"Theresa..." Aigron stretched out his arm to Theresa.
Teresa's face turned slightly red, but she still reached out her hand and took his arm.
Then, the two people walked down the gangway lowered on the ship.
On the trestle, Edmond Dantès, who had gone ahead, was already waiting here.
"Your Majesty! Thank you for coming!" As soon as he saw the young man, he immediately bowed and saluted, and then congratulated him in his most fervent tone, "I wish you all the best."
"Thank you for your hard work, Edmond." Amidst the roar of the salute, Aigron solemnly thanked the other party, "I will never forget the contribution you have made to me in the past few months. God testifies, you have done well."
Better than I expected.”
"This is what I should do, Your Majesty." Edmond Dantès replied quickly.
"This is Theresa, my fiancée." Aigron looked at the girl next to him and then explained.
Edmond Dantès's eyes suddenly widened.
After leaving the dungeon for a few months, he was no longer a prisoner who was completely ignorant of the world. He had gained a lot of knowledge and was naturally no stranger to his master's experience.
Teresa, fiancée...doesn't this mean...
"Mr. Count of Monte Cristo, it's a pleasure to meet you." While he was daydreaming, Teresa smiled and spoke to him, "When we were on the boat just now, Aiglon kept praising you and said him several times.
Thank you very much for your contribution, so I think I should also be grateful to you... If you are willing, we will be friends from now on, and I will treat you with the respect I deserve."
This is incredible.
"It is my lifelong honor to be your friend, Your Highness." Edmond Dantès did not dare to neglect and answered immediately.
"Due to some considerations, Teresa's identity can only be kept secret for the time being." At this time, Aigron said, "Edmond, don't mention it to other people, just think of her as...well, a close friend around me.
.”
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Edmond Dantès agreed immediately.
At this time, the continuous sound of salutes gradually subsided and was replaced by the sound of military music composed of recorders, bouzoukis and other musical instruments. Then, Aigron discovered that a group of people in military uniforms were walking towards him.
"This is Mr. Panos Colocotronis, he is responsible for welcoming you." Edmond Dantès explained to Aigron in a low voice.
"Very good, then let's go meet him!" Aigron laughed.