A little north of the city, there is a gentle hillside, which is not very high and gentle, but it covers a large enough area to build a large house.

The castle of El Pardo was built on this hillside, and although it is not very old compared to other castles in other places, it is only about a century old, but it is the most luxurious royal palace built by Castile in recent centuries.

The Moorish invasion left the Iberian Peninsula in the smoke of war for centuries.

Therefore, the castle here is more military than the purpose of life, so when building the castle, the locals rarely consider whether the people inside are comfortable to live in and whether life is convenient.

The rough stone, the sturdy construction, and even the passages and portals that were so narrow that two people had to turn sideways to pass through them in order to resist the castle if it were lost, the castle style in the Iberian Peninsula was mostly designed for practicality rather than enjoyment.

But El Pardo Palace breaks with this convention.

Perhaps because the Moorish threat was not so great at that time, when Enrique III decided to rebuild the El Pardo Palace, he took more into account the comfort of the palace while strengthening the castle's defenses.

Today, El Pardo Palace, not as famous for its vast collection of Spanish wool tapestry fabrics, is now home to Madrid's City Hall, and is undoubtedly a paradise compared to the rest of the city, where most of the buildings still look dilapidated.

Of course, it will be a long time before the new royal palace, known as the Mother of Versailles, will appear.

Alexander is now in the El Pardo Palace, and across from him stands the mayor of Madrid, wearing a half-length cloak and a chest ornament.

A little further back from the mayor, a large group of Madridian aristocrats watched the scene in front of them with sparkling eyes.

Alexander was now standing on the steps in front of the throne slightly above the ground, and this one could be climbed up with a slight lift of his feet, and three seats could be placed side by side, and if in the past, the mayor's and archbishop's seats were on it, but now there was only one chair.

Alexander's eyes looked at the people in front of him, and he knew that these Madrid nobles actually had their own ideas, even the mayor of Madrid, who seemed to fully support him to greet him, was also a small abacus.

But he didn't care about that, Madrid was something he had to take, even if he had to take some risks, he had to come in person.

Either way, when he walks into the city, Castile's future will change in a way.

He thinks this because he knows more about the future of the city of Madrid than anyone else.

When Isabella and her wife first came to Madrid, they were warmly welcomed by the city's residents.

However, the locals only have due respect for the queen.

Little did they know that it was at that time that Isabella and his wife had a vague plan.

That is, one day in the future, in the middle of the two countries, to create a new center of power that can control both Castile and Aragon.

The future unified kingdom needs a capital that radiates to all directions, not because of its geographical location, and at the same time is influenced by the inherent local forces of the two countries.

In this regard, neither Valliduode nor Zaragoza meets the requirements.

Madrid obviously fits these conditions very well, but Isabella has not yet established herself at that time, and the war with Juana for the throne is on her mind, so this idea can only be put in mind for the time being.

And the creation of a new capital did not happen overnight, and the final accomplishment of this feat in history was achieved by her great-grandson more than 30 years later.

In any case, however, there is no doubt about Madrid's place in the future Kingdom of Spain.

Alexander was also in favor of this idea, and he even felt that Isabella did have a far-reaching vision that no one else had.

The southern and western coasts, centered on Seville, are rapidly emerging with the development of new colonies, while the north is much behind.

This disparity is not visible for the time being, but it will become more and more intense over time, and later it will become a source of intense conflict between regions.

If you think about it further afield, the cities of the original Kingdom of Aragon will become richer and richer, which will gradually increase the gap between them and Castile, which will cause a huge hidden danger to the unstable unity.

Alexander didn't want to keep the stubborn and unyielding Catalans in trouble, and it would be too bad if a stable supply of mercenaries turned into a big problem.

Therefore, Madrid is bound to become the most important center of power in Spain and the main point of the largest economic lifeline in the north in the future.

Only in this way can the entire future kingdom of Spain be driven together with Seville in the south.

Alexander always felt that the Spaniards had a good hand in this era, but played the worst result.

While other nations were still fighting to the death on the continent, the Spaniards had established one stronghold and trading post after another in the New World.

In fact, this can be said to be a feat ahead of the times.

But the Spaniards apparently failed to make good use of their wealth and take advantage of their advantages.

They never regarded the New World as their own country or territory, and even if they established permanent settlements in those places, they only wanted to more efficiently plunder gold, pepper, and other treasures coveted by the nobles and ladies.

For a long time, the Spaniards did not consider the New World as part of their country, which made them never think of managing the land properly.

It was a very sad situation, and the Spaniards had missed the opportunity given to them by God.

Now in the El Pardo Palace in Madrid, Alexander's mind has drifted to the distant future and to another land.

It wasn't until Gonzalo, who was standing next to the steps, gestured to him that Alexander retracted.

Looking at the mayor of Madrid opposite, Alexander smiled: "Mayor, you have made a wise choice, and I believe that you will not regret this choice, because it will bring unexpected rewards to you and everyone in the future." ”

The mayor immediately had a respectful look on his face, and he turned slightly to look at the nobles standing behind him, which caused the nobles to salute with compliments, and their mouths let out various responses.

Alexander knew that these people might not be as good as they said at this time, which can be seen from the mayor's seemingly sincere and enthusiastic letter, but in fact, if you look closely, you will find that it is actually more vague invitation.

But Alexander doesn't care about that, all he wants is Madrid.

The capture of Madrid is more than just a city.

If Seville is the capital of wealth in the south and coastal areas of Castile, Madrid is the heart of the north and the interior.

This is already showing up even now.

It's just that there are still many people who don't really realize this importance, after all, people pay more attention to places that are either rich in resources, or have roads and ports in all directions.

Madrid, it seems, has nothing to do with any of this.

Alexander even suspected that Isabella and his wife were deliberately hiding their attention to Madrid, after all, there were so many aspects involved in moving the capital.

"Your Highness, I don't know what you think about what happened to Barrialidod." The mayor asked respectfully, and the nobles beside him immediately held their breath at this moment, and everyone stared at Alexander with urgent eyes.

Alexander could clearly feel the excitement and apprehension of these people.

For the aristocrats of Madrid, their current situation is actually very embarrassing.

Isabella's death left them completely without their supporters, and the only thing that left them with hope was that Isabella had gradually paid attention to Madrid over the years, because they were always outside the center of power.

But now not only Isabella died, but Ferdinand even imprisoned Juana, which was a huge blow to the people of Madrid.

Ferdinand may still value Madrid, but it is known that he could not trust the Castilians as much as Isabella.

It was at this time that the people of Madrid, who had become helpless because of the loss of their backers and hopes, suddenly saw a new dawn.

The appearance of the Duke of Rome Thessia had given the Castilians a new choice, and now this duke was close at hand.

So when they heard that Gonzalo was leading a small army into Madrid, these Madrid nobles made the wisest choice for them.

And the slogan under which they made such a choice was "For God, the Kingdom and the Royal Family".

Upon hearing this declaration of piety and loyalty to the monarch, Alexander's first reaction was: "This is not one, but a bunch of slippery heads." ”

In one room, Alexander looked with interest at the bare walls.

It was after the ceremony of welcoming the Duke of Rome Thesia that the mayor gave up the main palace of El Pardo as the duke's residence.

And he himself did not move out of the palace, but found himself a nice room in the wing to the right of the palace.

For the mayor to be so well-behaved and sensible, even Alexander was a little surprised.

He knew that the mayor must have guessed that he might not be worried about his safety, so he asked him to be reassured in this way.

It's really hard to be annoying for such a smart and resourceful person, and even though he knows that he is actually doing it just a tactful means, Alexander still thinks that the mayor can get this position not only because of simple luck and origin.

The mayor of Madrid, Juan Fernando Don Bandraz, stood respectfully not far from Alexandria.

He was skillfully positioned in a position that was neither too far away to make people feel distant, but not so close that it was unsettling.

Now he stood there so quietly, without saying a word, looking calmly at the duke, who seemed to be very interested in the palace.

Don Banderaz had been secretly observing the young duke, who might become king in the future, and he soon discovered that the duke's interest in the palace was more appropriate than the wealth it contained.

This is evident from the fact that he did not look at the valuable utensils displayed in the room, but he was interested in some of the fabrics.

"Where do these fabrics come from, Mayor?" Alexander asked casually.

Don Bandraz's heart moved, he didn't know why the Duke was so interested in these things, although the fabrics were indeed expensive, but obviously not enough to attract such attention.

"There are places like the North, Navarre, or Galicia," replied Don Banderaz, thinking for a moment, and adding, "of course there are woolen fabrics from the further north, and most of them are of great price, I mean from the lowlands of the Netherlands. ”

That's right, Alexander nodded slightly.

At this time, the Lowlands had almost the largest wool industry in Europe, and in some places there was a near-complete industrial chain, from sheep rearing, to wool collection and processing, and finally to the production of finished products in workshops.

The enormous forces behind this industry, and the interest groups that have been formed by the various connections associated with it, spread out like a huge spider web across Europe.

If history had continued like that, gradually this power would have formed a new class of aristocratic capital.

When the strength reaches the point where it can challenge the old powers, this new aristocratic capitalist class will first emerge as a reformation of the Church, and then eventually challenge the secular world from pure religious dissent.

Thinking of this, Alexander stroked the slightly rough fabric in his hand and sighed softly.

Of course, it is likely that these will not appear now.

As soon as he thought of Martin Luther, who died inexplicably in Toledo, Alexander felt that the world had become a little crazy.

But thinking about what would happen if that man lived, Alexander didn't think there would be a chance for him to appear.

Or rather, there was no need for him to appear again.

"Lord Mayor, I think it's time for you to make some important preparations."

Alexander glanced at Don Bandraz, and saw that although his face was confused, he still looked deaf, and Alexander nodded with satisfaction.

He really needs such a person now, although he is sophisticated, slippery, has his own fat calculations, and may even be unreliable at critical times, but as long as he can always show strong strength, this person will not hesitate to do his best for him.

Even sometimes faced with some difficult problems that even his cronies would hesitate to solve, this person can get things done without saying a word.

Such people may never be trusted by the monarch, but they are inseparable from them.

And it is precisely such people who are more able to be used by the monarch than those who claim to be loyal and upright.

"His Majesty the Pope may soon be in Madrid."

Alexander gave the answer that Don Banderaz was expecting.

Seeing that the mayor quickly quieted down despite his surprise, and then waited earnestly for him to continue his orders, Alexander pondered and felt that he could reveal to him something more important, but not dangerous.

"His Majesty the Pope is going to have an important prayer service in Madrid this time, and there will be a public sermon, so this is very important."

No matter what he thought in his heart, Don Bandraz immediately showed a look of understanding.

He knew that although he didn't reveal anything more important, the Duke was willing to tell him this, apparently in an attitude of trust in him.

It's just that both sides know that this trust is actually guaranteed by Alexander's strength, and if he loses the battle with Ferdinand, the Madridians will not mind stabbing him in the back again.

But until then, Don Banderaz will definitely do his best to serve Alexander.

Hurried footsteps were heard outside, and Gonzalo walked into the room.

Don Bandraz, who was about to say anything more, immediately took his leave.

Looking at the back of the mayor of Madrid who walked out, Gonzalo was silent for a while.

He didn't really like this guy very much, he didn't like some of the rumors he had heard about him before, and now he even hates it a little.

"Do you think he can be trusted?" Gonzalo looked back at Alexander, "I already control the entire city's army, but I can't guarantee your safety here. ”

"But you even dared to enter Madrid with fewer soldiers before, didn't you?"

Alexandre Gonzalo was very satisfied, after all, this man was known as the "Great Gonzalo" in the future.

"I can bring fewer people into Madrid than before," Gonzalo dismissed, "but unlike me, you can't guarantee that there will be no Ferdinand's best friend in Madrid." ”

Alexander nodded in agreement with Gonzalo's concern.

In fact, since Isabella and his wife considered Madrid as the capital of the future united kingdom, it was impossible for them to have only the Castilian in mind when arranging the officials of Madrid.

If that would be no different from Valaridot, Ferdinand would not have agreed to such an arrangement.

So among those nobles, it is likely that there were cronies arranged by Ferdinand, or at least the Castilian who had taken refuge in him.

"How are the guards at the palace arranged?"

"It's been completely replaced by our people," Gonzalo smiled at this point, "After all, El Pardo Palace was once a strict fortress, so unless it is besieged by a large number of enemies, even if someone wants to rebel, it will not pose much of a threat to the palace." ”

Gonzalo's confident words seemed to infect Alexander as well, and he smiled lightly and said something.

At that moment, he was interrupted by a fierce cannon shot!

The cannon was unusually loud, apparently near the palace.

The two people, who were relatively stunned for a while, couldn't help but be stunned, and then let out a low cry at the same time: "Rebellion!" ”