Chapter 33 For the glory of the empire, no matter the cost
After lunch, Mavey and Katerina accepted Arthur's invitation and took the king's carriage to the suburban manor together. Arthur originally didn't want to go, but Katerina strongly asked him to go with them, saying that there was a new technology display, so he reluctantly agreed.
.
The convoy headed out of the city. Instead of taking the normal route out of the city, it took a detour through South London. Mavey saw that the route was wrong, and glanced at Arthur, only to find that Arthur had no expression on his face and was just looking out the window.
"Father, I heard that you opened a potions grocery store in Flower Street?"
"That's church property, it doesn't belong to me."
"But you live in it."
"....What do you want to say, Your Majesty?"
"As a guest and friend, you didn't invite me to your home." Katerina shook her head and sighed: "This is really sad, Father."
Ma Wei didn’t know what Katerina was planning, but the Potion Grocery Store on Flower Street was indeed very famous. As Nicholas von Manstein’s first business in London, the Potion Grocery Store was of great significance and was used every day.
There are guests coming to the door. If Katerina is like them and just wants to see the Pope's living residence...
"I will cook tonight. Your Majesty, are you coming?"
"Okay." Katerina smiled and said, "I will bring a gift."
Nodding, Ma Wei looked at Arthur again: "Are you coming?"
His eyes shifted from Katerina's face to Mavi's face. Arthur thought about the schedule and said, "Can I bring Gulihana with me?"
"No problem, the table can fit."
Katerina looked out the window and stopped talking, not because she was unhappy about Ma Wei inviting Arthur, but because she saw an acquaintance.
A bearded man wearing thin clothes was questioning passers-by one by one on the street. The passers-by he asked either shook their heads and refused, or looked up at the second-floor window, where a fair-skinned woman wearing only a tank top was leaning on the window sill.
Looking up into the distance, my eyes are numb and empty.
Katerina knew the man and the woman on the second floor. At first glance, she thought she had seen it wrong. The man was much thinner than she remembered, while the woman had become haggard and old. Both her temperament and appearance had changed a lot.
changes.
They were nobles of the Romanov Kingdom. They used to be arrogant and bossy, and lived a luxurious and luxurious life. Bread was just a napkin they used to wipe their mouths. They would not even look at the civilians on the roadside when they went out. When Paul I was in power, they
He was Katerina's biggest opponent. He followed Duke Ivanovich, Duke of Tbilisi, and Count Shirkov to escape from the Romanov Kingdom and establish independence.
After the defeat, he fled to the Kingdom of Windsor for refuge.
Now, they have fallen to the point where they want their wives to sell their bodies to make a living...
How did the formerly aloof boyar nobles turn into such a desolate state?
"Windermere Street, the nobles who fled from the Romanov Kingdom are here to make a living. Some rely on garbage collection, while others do shady activities..."
Arthur said: "They are not as good as the guards now. Those strong guards can go to the dock to contribute, but because of their sensitive status, no one wants them to be laborers."
"Where's their money?"
"They were stripped naked a long time ago. London is a city that eats people but not their bones. At that time, the Kingdom of Windsor and the Romanov Kingdom had not yet established diplomatic relations. Affected by the war, these nobles were targeted. Now they are much better. At least they can make a living.
"
"parking!"
Katerina shouted loudly, and the coachman immediately reined in and stopped.
The man who was soliciting customers on the street saw Katerina getting off the carriage. He felt as if he was struck by lightning and froze in place. He quickly pushed away the customer he had just solicited and walked towards the alley with his head shrunken. The woman upstairs
Seeing Katerina, she didn't flinch at all, but instead grinned.
"Kirov! Stop!"
Katerina called out the man's name. The man's body trembled and he quickly quickened his pace. Without Katerina's instructions, Bodlinov rushed forward and grabbed the man's neck like a chicken.
He quickly pulled him back.
"Ka...Grand Duke Katerina...I..."
Snapped!
Katerina raised her arm, slapped Kirov on the face, and interrupted him: "Shut up! You traitor! The Romanov Kingdom has been completely disgraced by you!"
Kirov was trembling and did not dare to speak. Seeing this scene, Ma Wei could even think of what the headlines of tomorrow's newspapers would be:
[Her Majesty King Katerina of the Romanov Kingdom punishes traitors on the street]
Katerina was indeed so angry that her brother committed suicide for the sake of the royal family and the kingdom. Although he fell into this fate because of his stupidity, he did not lose the king's demeanor! On the other hand, these people are lying on the empire and taking advantage of it.
The nobles of blood are so greedy for life and afraid of death that they even give up their honor in order to survive!
She is sad for her brother and for the Romanov Kingdom. It is simply the greatest shame to let such a person hold power!
"Why don't you die! Kirov! Where is your honor as a noble? Was it eaten by a dog?!"
Kirov's face turned pale. Katerina's words took away the last trace of energy from his body, and he collapsed to the ground. If Bodlinov hadn't grabbed his arm, he would have to lie on the ground.
Katerina glared at the man in front of her, gritted her teeth, and wished she could chop him down in the street.
But then again, this is the streets of London, not the Kingdom of Romanov. She has no power to execute anyone. Of course she can do it forcibly. As long as Ma Wei is here, the Kingdom of Windsor will not do anything, and she will not even criticize the news.
Yes, but she held it back and calmed down.
"Look at what you look like, Kirov, you are more embarrassed than a stray wild dog. In order to survive, you have long lost your integrity. What does honor mean? You are not even a human being now!"
"
Katerina said coldly: "I give you two choices. One is to come back to the Romanov Kingdom with me and accept the trial. You will die, but I will give you the last honor of the nobility!"
"Two...where's two?"
A man who can even betray his wife has already given up all bottom lines. Talking about honor with him is like playing the harp to an ox, it doesn't make sense.
Bodelnov knocked Kirov unconscious, lowered his head, shook it to his mouth, then raised his head and said: "Your Majesty, he chooses one."
There is never option 2. If you can escape crime by being pitiful, it would be an insult to the real poor people.
boom!
Just after Bodlinov announced Kirov's 'choice', gunfire rang out on the second floor. Bodlinov rushed upstairs and found that the woman in a tank top had committed suicide.
"Bring her body back."
Katerina said expressionlessly: "She is buried on the land of the Romanov Kingdom. She is a Slav. Even if she dies, she still belongs to the Romanov Kingdom!"
"What a ruthless woman." Arthur said faintly: "Her desire for control is too strong, and her abilities match her desires. Such a woman is so powerful that it can be seen with the naked eye. Father, aren't you afraid that she will eat you?
"
Ma Wei smiled and said: "What I want is to be strong. How can the weak survive in this era?"
Dragging the corpse and Kirov into the carriage, the convoy arrived at the suburban manor. The extradition treaty was signed. No other nobles could escape. Katerina seemed to have given them a choice, but in fact she did not. What she did was just...
Just trying to save the face of the Romanov Kingdom.
As long as the Romanov Kingdom has a reputation, it can enhance cohesion and people are attracted to the strong.
In the suburban manor, Duke Ivanovich had already put on formal attire. He wore all the medals he had received, and his heart was full. Each medal symbolized honor.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Windsor and the Kingdom of Romanov, he has been prepared.
"Mr. Duke, guests have arrived."
The butler Henk opened the door and straightened his back.
Prince Ivanovich straightened his clothes, stood up and said, "Invite them in."
The butler Henk did not move, because when he was reporting, Katerina, Mawei and others had already come in. The report was his duty as the butler, and Duke Ivanovich was also fulfilling his responsibilities as the master.
.
When their eyes met, Duke Ivanovich had a complicated expression. After looking at each other for a long time, he knelt down on one knee and said, "I have seen your Majesty, and the glory shines on Romanov."
"You disappoint me so much, Ivanovich."
"I was bewitched by a traitor." Prince Ivanovich said: "A man named Finn Drost found me. He gave me advice and wanted me to escape and split the Romanov Kingdom."
"He asked you to die, will you die too?"
Duke Ivanovich slowly shook his head: "I am not justifying my crime. I just want to remind Your Majesty that there are forces intent on splitting the Romanov Kingdom. Please be vigilant."
Katerina sneered: "Now you have become a loyalist of the empire again?"
"I am willing to bear the responsibility for the crimes I have committed, but my son, Alexei, is only twelve years old. Please spare him."
"Let him grow up and take revenge on the Romanov Kingdom?"
"He won't, Your Majesty, he won't." Prince Ivanovich said repeatedly: "He doesn't even dare to kill a deer. He is a kind boy..."
"I just want to ask you one thing."
Katerina said coldly: "If I have a child and lose in the fight for the throne, Ivanovich, will you let my child go? Even if he is very kind?"
"..."
"You already have your answer."
Katerina turned and walked towards the door. When she reached the door, she suddenly stopped and said without looking back: "I will not kill Alexei because he has not committed treason, but I will investigate
He, if he has committed other crimes, will definitely be punished. If he does not, he can live like an ordinary person, and the empire will treat him as an orphan and provide him with education and basic food and clothing until he reaches adulthood."
Prince Ivanovich's lips trembled and he said: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you... Alexei will not let you down."
"I am not you, Ivanovich. I am not afraid of retaliators, because I will monitor them and monitor them closely. Whether they marry or have children, regardless of age, they will be monitored by the empire."
Katerina's lips raised: "It's never me who should be afraid, but those who intend to take revenge on the empire."
The convoy left the manor, and Prince Ivanovich still had time to pack his luggage and wait for the arrival of the police.
Watching Katerina's carriage go away, Duke Ivanovich called Alexei, rubbed his son's head, and said softly: "I will hand over all my property to the empire. Don't do anything for us."
Take revenge and live well."
"Why, father?"
"She is a king worth following. You should not go against her, and I don't want you to do so."
Alexei looked into Prince Ivanovich's eyes and asked again: "Why?"
"Because of greed." Duke Ivanovich smiled helplessly: "It is always difficult for people to control themselves when faced with desires. Even if I know the best way to do it, I am just lucky...Paul I is also a good man.
The king, he may not be as good as Katerina, but he is a good king."
"I understand, Father."
.....................................
After leaving the manor, Katerina was not in a good mood, but she quickly adjusted, found an open space, ordered someone to carry out the improved internal combustion engine, and called Pugachev.
Looking at the internal combustion engine with added circuits, Arthur seemed to know something: "Have you improved the internal combustion engine?"
"Today's internal combustion engines are not perfect, and there are many areas that can be improved."
Katerina raised her hand to signal Pugachev to demonstrate. When the circuits were combined and the machine suddenly started, Arthur couldn't help but admired: "It is indeed a very good improvement, eliminating the trouble of heating copper wires! Use the circuit
Starting a fire is a genius idea! Whose idea was it?”
"Pugachev, the physics genius of the Romanov Kingdom." Katerina introduced her president of the Royal Academy of Sciences.
Arthur nodded with satisfaction and asked Pugachev: "Are you willing to give a lecture at the University of Windsor with your own ideas?"
Pugachev glanced at Katerina secretly and nodded with her tacit approval: "I do."
"I think the academic community in the Kingdom of Windsor will definitely welcome you."
Patting Pugachev on the shoulder, Arthur turned to look at Katerina: "Do you want to watch the players try out?"
Katerina shook her head: "I'm very tired and want to rest. Let's try out again tomorrow."
"good."
After getting on the carriage, Ma Wei and others returned to the city. On the way, Arthur got off at Buckingham Palace and left. Katerina followed Ma Wei back to Flower Street.
"Aren't you going to the mansion?"
Not only Katerina, but also Bodelinov and other guards followed, and Mavey frowned.
"What are you doing at the mansion?"
"Have a rest, aren't you tired?" Ma Wei asked doubtfully: "There are still three hours until dinner time, which is enough for you to sleep!"
"Don't you have any spare room in your house?"
"?"
Katerina covered her mouth and yawned and said, "I'm too tired from the car ride. Why don't I rest here and call me after dinner? Is there any problem?"
"No problem, no problem...are you sure? I don't have the facilities of a mansion here."
"A bed is enough. If not, a sofa will do. It's good to have a good night's sleep during the war."