Grandpa's meaning, of course, Charles understood very well.

Although he is still very young by modern standards, he can be regarded as a teenager, but as he approached 20 years old, his grandfather began to secretly find a marriage partner for him.

After all, in the aristocratic families of this era, women would marry and have children at the age of sixteen, while men would either marry early or wander until nearly forty years old to complete life's events.

In the position of the old man, or according to the tradition of the aristocratic world, of course, he wants to find his grandson a good family, preferably a wealthy heiress, in order to add more security to his grandson's future career - from this point of view, although Charlotte comes from the noble Treville family, but now she is not a good object, so the old man deliberately hinted to Charles, not to be carried away by feelings.

Charles himself doesn't want to get married now, he has his own opinions and plans for his life, but in order to take care of the mood of the elderly, he doesn't want to say it clearly, so he can only silently stay in his heart.

"Mr. ......"

Charles, who was preoccupied, heard a whispered call in his ear after a while.

The voice was very soft, almost as thin as a mosquito, so Charles didn't react for a while.

But soon, he gathered his thoughts, a smile appeared on his face, and he raised his head.

His sister was standing in front of him.

She is only fourteen years old this year, she is not tall, with petite and delicate facial features, blue eyes, milky white skin and smooth and dazzling soft blonde hair, which makes her look as cute as a doll, and the luxurious dress on her body, those complex patterns and folds of the skirt, set off her as if she was attending some kind of dressage party.

In just two or three years, she will become the most dazzling pearl of any ball, and countless people will fall for her—the young man, who is accustomed to seeing the big scenes of court balls, has made this judgment without hesitation.

And this most dazzling pearl of the future, born in his own home, grew up beside him, and at this moment he is standing in front of him honestly and obediently, and to be honest, Charles is very proud.

Although in high society, everything looks glamorous, but Charles, who grew up with Marshal Tréville, can see the horror and darkness beneath the glamorous exterior, so he cherishes the true beauty, the pure and unadulterated beauty.

At least at this moment, his sister is a concrete manifestation of such beauty, and he is happy to spend all his efforts to keep the sludge from getting on her, so that this beauty can continue.

Just looking at her, most of the irritability and uneasiness in Charles's heart disappeared.

"Good evening," he habitually reached out and wiped his sister's hair, "I didn't see you in the restaurant just now, haven't you eaten yet?" ”

"I ate some pastries at the teacher's and was full, so I didn't want to eat." Fran stood obediently and explained to her brother in a low voice, "And I saw that grandpa and you were talking about things, so I didn't bother you." ”

Then, she suddenly changed the subject, "You should be tired today, right?" I heard you're out of town and back and forth......"

"It's okay, you have to do something...... Charles replied with a smile, "It's you, we haven't been paying much attention to you lately, have you been lazy?" ”

"Of course not, how can you doubt me?" Fran bit her lip, then took his hand, "Come and have a look......

Charles understood that his sister wanted to let himself come and see her paintings and test her learning, and that children always liked to show off, and he was happy to satisfy his sister's vanity.

The young girl took her brother's hand and walked all the way upstairs.

Charles's sister had been fond of painting since she was a child, and in order to fulfill her wishes, Marshal Tremier sent her to the studio of a famous old painter to learn to paint.

At the same time, next to her bedroom, there is a large room specially opened up for her to use as a studio, which is filled with all kinds of precious paints and sculptures used as models, which can be said to be quite complete.

If it weren't for her firm will and concentration, and her ability to get rid of distractions and devote herself to the field of painting, such superior conditions would probably destroy her creativity, and wealth will always make people lose their pursuit and desire.

Because the brother and sister have lost the love of their parents since they were young, so the two have always been dependent on each other and have a very deep relationship, so no matter what the sister likes to do, Charles will always try his best to help her and create the best conditions for her.

As soon as he came to this room full of the smell of paint, Fran handed over the works he had painted in the studio today to his brother for review, although there were not many artistic cells, but from the light and shadow composition of the paintings so vivid, although it was not a famous standard, but this is definitely a very good work.

"It's been progressing amazingly." After reading it, Charles praised it from the bottom of his heart. "I dare say that among your classmates, there are few who draw better than you."

"Of course!" Because of the excitement and joy of being praised, a hint of blush appeared on my sister's white cheeks, "The teacher also said that I was outstanding." ”

"Your teacher should be glad that his money was not in vain, and that he still taught one or two people after all......" Charles joked, "and he finally didn't have to worry about being ridiculed and taught." ”

"Don't say that about the teacher, he's working hard to teach us." Fran protested to her brother, "It's just that some people don't study seriously. ”

"Yes, it's not his fault." Charles shrugged, "People send their children to him just to find a safe place for them to meet, and by the way, to cultivate some artistic taste, so that they will not be ridiculed when they become hostesses in the future...... Few parents will force their children to learn to paint desperately, so everything has to rely on self-discipline, and most people don't have that self-discipline, they just get by. ”

"You're so right, I think so." Fran nodded vigorously. "It would be nice if some people didn't spend their energy in boring quarrels......

Then, she sighed softly, showing a little sadness that was slightly in conflict with the happy life.

"What's wrong?" Charles sensitively asked, "Did something happen to you there?" Who bullied you? ”

"Don't worry, no one is bullying me." Seeing Charles' sudden tense appearance, Fran quickly shook his head, "It's just...... We've had a bit of a bad mood lately. As I told you, in our studio, there were two small groups that had a lot of quarrels with each other. ”

"Well, that's not unexpected." As soon as he heard that it was not his sister who was being bullied, Charles also relaxed, "People, you should always find something to do for yourself, you just don't get involved." ”

Charles had also heard from his sister that in the old painter's painting school, many of these eldest ladies came from the same social circle, so according to the social status and relationship of the family, they were also divided into two distinct factions.

On the one hand, there were families with aristocratic status before the era of the Revolution, and most of them were exiled nobles who returned home after the reign of His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon; Some of them were nouveau riche families, whose families only began to prominence through personal struggle during the imperial era.

The old nobles suffered serious losses of property due to the impact of the Revolution, and although they had noble titles but poor financial fortunes, the new nobles became rich because of the plundering of foreign wars and domestic business by the empire, and had large fortunes, but their surnames were not so glamorous.

As has often happened in history, in such an environment, the old aristocracy looked down on the nouveau riche, thinking that they were poor; The nouveau riche also looked down on the old aristocracy, feeling that they were poor and disdainful of each other.

Naturally, the struggle of the fathers also continued to the children, and even the sacred places for learning art often became sinister because of the struggles of classes and groups.

"I have never been involved in their quarrels, I think it is very meaningless, it is just a battle of will." Fran replied to her brother's words seriously, and for a moment brought some sophistication that did not suit her current age, "To be honest, it would be terrible if the classmates around me were such boring people, but fortunately, some of them are quite interesting and have real geniuses." ”

"A real genius?" Chardon became a little interested, "What kind of person?" Isn't it amazing? ”

"Yes, very, very powerful!" Fran nodded emphatically, "It's just that her strength is not in her painting skills, but in her singing voice, and her singing is more beautiful than those actors in the theater!" ”

"Oh! That's a novelty! You went to learn how to draw, and you met a singer......" Charles smiled, "girl, that's why you're talking so much to me, right?" Who is she? ”

Although Charles is not very old, he has been in the court for a long time, of course, he sees these people well, and his sister's careful thinking has nothing to hide, he has long seen that Fran is deliberately guiding the topic with him, and he also follows his sister's wishes, waiting for her true purpose.

"Her name is Eugénie, Mademoiselle d'Antral," Fran blushed a little because her brother had broken her heart at once, but she insisted on saying it, "don't think I'm exaggerating, she's a genius, she's really a genius!" ”

"Okay, okay, don't get excited, I know, she's a genius." Charles smiled and wiped his sister's hair, "So, what do you want me to do with this genius?" ”

Tangral, wait......!

Suddenly, something seemed to come to Charles' mind—didn't he mention this surname when he was at the Count's House on Monte Cristo?

Interesting......

"She-who is Baron Tangral?"

"It's his only daughter." Fran replied immediately, and then finally stated her purpose, "Actually, I just wanted to ask you to do her a favor so that an artist can have a perfect performance-"

"Huh?" Charles didn't quite understand. "Let's be clear."

"Tangral has been learning to paint from her teacher for a few years, and now that she is old enough to leave, she is going to hold a personal party to sing in honor of her career, so that she can have a happy farewell...... I hope you'll bring some friends to cheer her on......" Fran said, watching his brother's reaction for fear that he would be dissatisfied, "Men and women are fine, as long as it's a little bit cultured." ”

"Aren't you so many classmates? What do you need me to do? Charles was still a little confused, but he immediately thought of a joint, "Could it be ...... This genius is particularly unpopular among you? ”

"She's kind of a student of the older generation, because she's a few years older than us, no one should target her, but ......," Fran raised a thin brow, as if to express regret, "She's too withdrawn herself, and although she isn't arrogant, it's hard to get approached." If that's all it takes, the point is that her father is a well-known nouveau riche who has offended many people......"

"Even if the aristocratic party doesn't accept her, then there will always be a banking party, right? What about the children? Charles continued to ask.

Fran let out a long sigh, as if deeply regretful. "Originally, there were some friends on this side, but either because of her age, she slowly left on her own, or she was ordered not to have any contact with her, so she was very lonely with us, which made people a little worthless, and geniuses should not be treated like this."

"Ordered? Who is it? Charles asked curiously.

"There are several people, all of whom are the children of bankers, and they must be her father's rivals." Fran looked away, "The leaders are Lola and Fanny, they are ruthless, and the children of the bank party will punish anyone who does not listen to them, and they are afraid of her." They had the worst relationship with Miss Tangral, so they gave a death order, and no one was allowed to cheer her on, or else they would bear the consequences. ”

"Poofha...... I admire a bunch of you kids for making a mess of politics. Charles couldn't help but laugh, "So the party where the young lady is going to sing will only become a loner?" The aristocratic party will not go at all, and the banking party is also forbidden to go. ”

"So I want to ask you to bring someone to cheer you on, you know so many people, it should be no problem to find some decent people to cheer her on, right?" Fran looked at her brother with a solemn and trusting gaze, "A genius shouldn't just say goodbye alone......"

"It's a small matter." Charles waved his hand, "If she agrees, I'll take a whole bunch of people to cheer her on, cheering, commenting, adoring, anything—as long as she's as good as you say." ”

"Thank you!" Seeing that her brother agreed to her request so easily, Fran was overjoyed and hugged Charles. "I'll let her know, how happy she should be...... She has always said that she hopes to have some unforgettable memories before entering a boring marriage. ”

"She's engaged?" Charles asked seemingly casually.

"Yes, at this age, you will be ready to get married." Fran nodded, and then directly said what Charles didn't ask, "The object is an old friend of the Baron, the son of the Count of Marsève." ”

"Marshal Malsève's son......" Charles groaned again.

"yes...... It's pitiful to think about, the first day is a child, but the next day she will be told that there is a person she has hardly ever met, who has been chosen as her husband and future master, and she must muster up the courage to take care of him and nurse his children......" Fran seemed to think of something, and her heart was a little low, "It would be nice if she didn't have to get married!" ”

Fran's whisper, Charles didn't hear, his mind was already on the surnames.

Malsev ...... Tangral ...... Villefort ......

For some reason, these three surnames suddenly lingered in his mind, as if there was some strange premonition in the dark.

If the Count of Monte Cristo could be interested in them, why couldn't he himself?

His gaze shifted slightly, and finally landed on the sparkling diamond on his chest.

I'd like to see how much money you have.

"Okay, now that I've met your requirements, you should be satisfied, right?" Charles did a good job of hiding his thoughts in the depths of his heart, and then waved at his sister with a smile, "Good night then." ”

"Good night, sir......!" Fran leaned in front of Charles, then stood on tiptoe and patted Charles's right cheek with her left cheek in farewell, "I thank you on behalf of myself and Miss Tangral!" ”

Then, she hesitated again. "Also, sir, can you mention her to Your Majesty when you have the chance? Your Majesty doesn't really like art, does he? If Your Majesty knew about it......"

"Man should learn to be content, Miss Treville." Charles replied with a smile, "Your Majesty is not a person who can speak casually, let alone recommend irrelevant people, it is just a waste of his favor." ”

"Okay......" Fran hung her head in disappointment.

"Well, if she really has that talent and ability, I don't mind recommending it." Because he didn't want his sister to be too disappointed, Charles changed his tone, "But the premise is that she must really have the ability, and I will test this." ”

"Thank you!" Fran happily tiptoed up again and kissed him on the cheek.

…………………………………………

It's another bright and fresh morning.

As usual, Fran stepped out of the carriage in which she was riding, and walked up the wooden staircase to the studio of the painter Durrenburg.

This studio is quite spacious, with large lattice glass windows on the side of the studio to facilitate lighting, but at this time, the summer sun is too strong to be blocked by dark flannel curtains; The walls are filled with frames without canvases or canvases that are not framed, and the walls and floors are dyed with various pigments; Plaster statues, instruments and even armor are piled up everywhere, giving it a backstage feel like an opera house.

It doesn't make sense to say that it looks like an opera house, because just as she stepped into the studio, a burst of singing reached her ears.

The song, tactful and soft and clear, fluttered in the air with a moving melody, the cheerful notes seemed to transform into birds, lined up and flew into the distance, and in an instant, her heart also rose and fell with the song, and the notes seemed to resonate with her heart, causing a feeling of extreme comfort and relaxation.

As the singing continues, the singing voice sometimes sings shallowly and lowly like gurgling water, with a unique charm; Sometimes it is tactful like a line of tears when it is affectionately blended, full of subtle sadness; But in the end, it became thick again, like a long cry when an eagle spreads its wings, deafening.

It was still early, and there weren't many people in the studio right now, but everyone listened to the song quietly and didn't make a sound. Regardless of the relationship, these children, who have been nurtured to be appreciative, know what a valuable experience it can be.

It wasn't until the song slowly died down that Fran took another step, and the song still echoed in her head.

A genius is a genius, she thought to herself.

What is it to offend people for the sake of genius?

With a sense of excitement, she walked briskly into the cubicle where the singing came from, and she didn't say hello to anyone along the way, which would have caused a lot of displeasure here, but no one expressed dissatisfaction with her.

Because her surname is Trevier, and she is the granddaughter of one of the few remaining marshals of the empire, and the family is now reused by His Majesty, and it is in full demand, and all the conditions add up to give her her her own transcendent status in this beautiful and slightly cruel world, although often there are people in this group of girls who quarrel and hate each other, but no one has ever directly offended her.

Although she doesn't really pay much attention to this kind of thing, there are always people who will babble about it all to her.

Soon she was in the chamber and saw Mademoiselle de Tangral standing by the window.

After hearing Fran's footsteps, she turned around.

It was a tall woman with black hair and black eyes, her long hair draped behind her head, and she wore a gray dress. Although she can be called a beauty, her face is very pointed, the lines are clear, the smile on the corner of her mouth is unruly, and her sharp eyes reveal a wildness and rigidity.

This is a beautiful and proud man.

"Good morning, Miss Treville."

"Good morning, I'm glad I arrived early enough to catch up with your throat practice, your singing voice is like Senesino!" Fran raised her eyes and looked at the black-haired beauty as hard as ice with a little admiration, "I'm so glad I can hear such beautiful singing from time to time!" ”

If it weren't for the fact that her gaze was too clear and unadulterated, many people might think that such an exaggerated compliment was a false flattery, but after looking at her gaze, people would believe that this was definitely praise and envy from the heart.

Perhaps this is the sympathy between artists.

"You've won a prize...... It's just a trivial hobby of mine, and you can only be ashamed of me. Eugenie smiled, seemingly embarrassed, "As long as you like to listen to it." ”

"I love it, I like it so much." Fran walked up to the other party, "By the way, how are things going at your party?" Are enough people invited? ”

"Not many people agree to join the show......" Eugenie smiled wryly, "probably...... You don't think I'm good at dealing with people. ”

"That's not a problem at all, there's no need for a gifted person like you to please someone in the first place." Fran immediately comforted the other party, and then changed the subject, "Also, if you don't mind...... Can I get my brother and his friends to come and listen to your singing? ”

"Your ...... Brother? Eugenie was a little surprised, "I remember that he was not very favored in the court, how did he have time to listen to me sing?" ”

"He's been on leave lately and staying at home, so I think he's got some time, and I told him about your beautiful singing voice, which piqued his interest, so he decided to come and cheer you on......," Fran looked up and looked at him expectantly, "I don't think you should refuse to give him such an honor?" ”

"No, no! How could you refuse......" Miss Tangral shook her head, a smile of surprise on her face, "I can't thank you for being able to ask someone to help me out, thank you." ”

"It would be great if I could help you a little." Fran bowed, "I feel sorry for the thought that you might not be here in the future!" ”

Perhaps thinking of something, Eugenie's face also became a little sad, but this sadness quickly disappeared.

"Even then, we're still friends, aren't we? Can you always come to me and listen to me sing? She replied with a smile on her face.

After a few moments of laughter, Fran left the compartment with joy and returned to her usual seat.

"Fran, why don't you forget it......" When no one was looking, her friend Mary approached her, and seemed a little uneasy. Everybody isn't going. ”

"Shall we just go to ours?" Fran replied in a low voice, "They don't want to forget it." ”

“…… If it's just me and the two of us, wouldn't it be clear that I'm against everyone? Mary was still a little apprehensive, "I'm afraid it will be very troublesome in the future." You know how hard Lola throws her temper. ”

"We just do what we want, why care what they think." The girl picked up her paintbrush and hinted that the other party should stop talking.

"But...... Or think again......" Mary hesitated.

"So listen to me, or to you?" Fran's expression was still very calm, but her voice couldn't help but raise a little. "I'm not afraid of her! Eugenie shouldn't be so sorry to leave, no matter what others do, I will help, if you don't want to go, then stay, I'm going anyway! ”

Although it was only a little bit, it was enough to show her a little impatience, and a little bit of arrogance. This is a sharp side that she will never show in front of her brother and grandfather, even to others.

Mary could only be stunned.

She knows that there is a big difference between the two people in terms of painting skills and talents, and more importantly, there is an absolute gap between the two families in terms of status, although usually this gap is covered up with etiquette and smiles, but the gap is the gap, although you may try not to look at it, but it exists here.

She saw it again now.

Although this Miss Tréville was already an extremely humble and gentle child, the taste of bowing her head was still so uncomfortable.

But after all, it's better to choose a side.

"Okay, listen to you." Mary bit her lip slightly, then lowered her gaze.