Chapter 1368: Swiss Trio, Part Two
The three Bern legislators had no connections in Paris. At that moment, they saw her as a lifeline and immediately bowed to Sorel. "Thank you, beautiful and kind lady. May God bless you."
"It's what any upright person would do," Sorel replied with a bow, then asked, "Do you know that swindler's real name?"
Count Erlach shook his head.
"Then do you know where he went?"
...
After a long moment, Sorel said helplessly, "I can have my friends look into whether any groups of swindlers have been active recently. But there are so few clues, I'm afraid..."
From her words, Count Erlach could tell that she was a noblewoman of considerable standing. He promptly added:
"Respected Miss Fraise, if the money truly can't be recovered, then so be it. As long as Bern can join France, we're willing to pay more, if necessary."
Sorel said apologetically, "I'm very sorry, but I know absolutely nothing about politics."
"Ah, I'm not very familiar with him..."
"What about Monsieur Martin Michel Godan?"
"Not familiar with him either..."
...
The Swiss men bowed in disappointment. "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Fraise. We won't take up any more of your time."
Sorel understood that what they truly meant was, 'Please don't waste our time any further.'
Her face flushed, she said, "Perhaps there are other things I can help with."
Count Erlach, who was already preparing to get into his carriage, turned back, thinking 'nothing to lose.' "We are truly grateful. If you happen to know anyone who could arrange an audience with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince..."
Sorel nodded.
Count Erlach was immediately overjoyed and excitedly asked, "Which esteemed personage are you referring to?"
Sorel pointed to herself, a little embarrassed.
...
Two days later.
In the Marble Courtyard of Versailles, Alexandra, arm in arm with Joseph, chattered sweetly, her face beaming. "Your wedding attire has been ready for a while now. You really must try it on soon. Especially the one for the second ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris. I think instead of modifying a military uniform into a suit, you might as well just wear your Hussar uniform directly..."
As per Joseph's request, their wedding would be held in two parts.
The traditional French royal wedding would take place at the chapel in Versailles, with mostly high nobles in attendance. However, Joseph also wanted to hold a grander ceremony at Notre-Dame de Paris, allowing all Parisian citizens to witness the Crown Prince's wedding firsthand. From now on, the King of France must be the king of all French people, not merely the king of the nobles.
As the two conversed, Eman approached Joseph quickly and bowed, saying, "Your Royal Highness, Archbishop Beaumont, Archbishop Asseline, and seven other archbishops wish to see you."
Joseph chuckled. Their intelligence was quite keen. He had only been back in Paris for just over an hour, and they were already eager to rush over.
He knew they were here about the Holy See's assessment and the church reforms. He had been "slow-cooking" the church for so long, and it seemed the time was ripe.
So, he nodded and said, "Tell them to come tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness."
No sooner had Joseph returned to his chambers than he saw Randale, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, waiting outside the door.
"Has something happened?"
Randale quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said in a low voice, "Your Royal Highness, the day before yesterday, Monsieur Robespierre sent his men to raid monasteries in over twenty cities."
Comments