The Paris Affair Chapter 50: The Birthday Banquet (2)
According to Monsieur Murray's reasoning, as soon as Austria and Prussia went to war, France would inevitably be drawn in. Britain and Iberia could not stay out of the way.
Coupled with the scattered small surrounding countries, it can be said that most of Europe will be involved.
"I really don't understand, why do these rulers like to fight when they have nothing to do?" "Every time a war breaks out, business activities are affected."
Recall that during the last Seven Years' War, the Medici family's perfume business shrank by 70 percent. This is not only the result of the outbreak of war, which hinders trade exchanges, but also the level of consumers in various regions, which will also decline due to the consumption of military spending.
After all, people who used to be able to eat steak could only afford to nibble on bread at that time, so where would they be in the mood to enjoy luxuries?
What's more, governments will spend most of their tax revenues on the purchase of arms, and at the same time, the consumption level of the nobility will naturally be affected.
"Maybe as you said, the reason why they fight is because they have nothing to do, hahaha——! Mr. Murray laughed happily.
"What is Lady Isabel's attitude?" Bella asked suddenly.
"Hmm...... My aunt didn't make it clear." Murray replied, "But, I think, according to her character, she shouldn't get involved in those frivolous things. Moreover, Castile now has so many internal problems that it has no time to estimate the strife abroad."
"Is it going to be reformed?" Bella continued.
"I don't know." Murray continued, "One thing is for sure, though, as long as Castile stays still, Aragon will wait and see."
"Yes, after all, Ferdinand IV was a student of Madame Isabel." Elena said.
"That's one thing, too." Murray continued, "Even without this connection, without the support of Castile, it would be difficult for Aragon to do anything on his own."
"Well, I don't want war." Elena sighed, "Every time it's a disaster."
Moreover, business is not doing well.
"I don't think Iberia will interfere with it." Murray analyzed, "Because, if there is a war, France and Austria will be allied here, and Britain will help Prussia. Not to mention other small countries, Catherine II in the east is busy expanding her territory, and no matter what her position is, it should not be able to affect this side for a while. Spain and France were separated by the Pyrenees, which was very unfavorable for both conquest and support. If you go by water, you will have to confront the British fleet head-on. So, according to my reasoning, no matter which side you choose, the countries of the Iberian Peninsula will at most support a little in terms of materials. And, further, for the same reasons mentioned above, it may be difficult to provide material support, so in the end, it is just a matter of supporting it in words."
Still, Spain's political attitude is also important.
"It's really a wall-to-wall view." Elena said, "So cunning!"
"Say whatever you want." Murray smiled noncommittally, "Politics is not black and white, and there is no right or wrong. Everyone stands on a different standpoint, makes judgments and takes measures based on their own interests. In the process of action, it is also possible to do whatever it takes to achieve the goal. That's why politicians become synonymous with selfishness and cunning."
"You may agree with Miss Fremea in this opinion!" Elena said, "Speaking of which, you're not a politician, are you?"
"Of course not." Mr. Murray rightly said, "I have never, and never will, to be a politician. I'm a soldier now, but I don't like war. Although war is an important shortcut to the advancement of military personnel, I do not want to use that cruel way to achieve my own interests. Perhaps it is this attitude that dooms me to be out of politics. Politicians are selfish and may sacrifice many things for their own selfishness. I can't do that."
While a few people were chatting, the butler of the Price family handed out a handkerchief to each of the men present. Murray didn't know what he meant, but out of politeness, he accepted it.
Elena saw the numbers printed on the handkerchief and probably guessed what was next.
"It seems that Cupid's job will be handed over to Fortuna." Elena said jokingly.
(Cupid: The goddess of love in Roman mythology, the equivalent of Eros in Greek mythology.)
Fortuna: The goddess of luck in Roman mythology, the equivalent of Tika in Greek mythology. )
"Is this a raffle?" Bella asked.
"It's hard for Mr. Price to come up with such a method." Elena said.
"What are you talking about?" Murray was confused, "Is there any activity behind it?"
"Huh? Doesn't Mr. Murray know yet?" Elena asked in surprise.
"Do you know what?" Murray was even more confused, "Aren't you here to celebrate Mr. Price's sister's birthday today?"
"Ah, yes, yes, haha-" Elena laughed happily and patted Murray on the shoulder, "Good luck, young man."
After saying that, he left with Bella.
Mr. Murray was left standing in place, bewildered, staring at the handkerchief in his hand.
"I didn't expect to meet Mr. Murray here." Elena said.
"Huh? Is that the young man you mentioned earlier, who is very skilled in swordsmanship?" Margaret asked.
"Yes, he defeated the head of the Knights of Castile, and now I guess there is no opponent in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula!" It's rare for Elena to praise a boy like that.
"Is it so powerful?" Margaret was really surprised, "How about comparing it to the 'Europa Juggernaut'?"
"Uh......" Elena thought for a moment, "I really don't know, they haven't tried."
After saying this, Elena thought for a moment, and then continued, "But I think Juggernaut might be better. Because Mr. Murray seems to be majoring in something other than swordsmanship."
"The Art of War." Bella added, "Mr. Murray is good at marching and fighting. However, as far as his personal wishes are concerned, he should not like war."
"Oh? Good at war, but don't like war?" Fremea was a little puzzled, "Is there anyone like this?"
"Miss Fremea hasn't seen Mr. Murray, has she?" Elena asked.
"Well, no." Fremea shook her head.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Murray seems to be younger than Miss Fremea......" Elena counted on her fingers, "about seven or eight years old?"
"Auntie, do you mind if the boy is younger than you?" Margaret asked suddenly and positively.
"Uh......" Fremea didn't know what to say for a moment.
"Hey, hey, we've been talking so much here, I don't know what Mr. Murray's attitude is, right?" Elena said.
"Then you're going to ask again?" Margaret seemed to be very concerned about it.
"Don't bother." Elena said, "Mr. Price should let you choose a few dance partners in the venue in a moment, right?"
"Huh? How do you know?" Confused, Fremea asked, "He said let me pick a favorite, if not, just pick a random number first, and he will arrange it."
"Well, remember, Mr. Murray's number is 'XVI'." Elena admonished, "Remember!"
"This ......," Fremea hesitated, "wouldn't it make it more difficult for you if you accidentally got into an embarrassing situation?"
"Don't worry." "Mr. Murray is a cheerful man and won't be so vulnerable. And speaking of which, he came here this time because he had something to do in Paris. Well, he doesn't know Mr. Price's good intentions."
"I see." Fremea was relieved, "In that case, can you trouble him to help me send the others?"
"What do you mean...... You want to use Mr. Murray to make other men retreat?" Elena asked.
"Hmm...... It may be rude to say that it is exploited, but it is. If he doesn't want to, of course I won't force it." Fremea said, "Since we're your friends, I think it's easier to communicate, right?"
"But Mr. Price has worked so hard for you, you really don't want to find a home?" Bella asked.
"I'm ......," Fremea said.
"Although, I don't trust men either." "But if Miss Fremea can find true love," said Elena, I would be glad to see it."
"That's right, auntie, you're not too young, are you really determined to be single for the rest of your life?" Margaret was also actively encouraging her.
Just then, Mr. Price walked over.
"How's it going, my dear sister." "Is there a genius who can win your pity?"
"You're laughing at me again." Fremea protested, "It's such a toss, it really makes people think that your sister can't get married!"
"O my dear Fremea, know that all who have drunk the waters of the Seine now know your beauty. Anyone will swear to God for you if you want to." Mr. Price said aggrievedly, "But you are always so selective, how can there be such a perfect person in the world?"
"So you're hoping to marry your sister to anyone?" Fremea said angrily, "Or do you want to use me as a bargaining chip for a marriage like the rest of the family?"
"Our Lady Mary testifies that I have never had such thoughts." Mr. Price swore very seriously, "My dear sister, it was my mistake not to say such things. As long as you are a little dissatisfied, I will continue to help you find it. Even if it's the angel Michael, I will pray to God that he will come down to earth."
Mr. Price was sincere, and seemed to be very sincere.