Swain looked at his sister sitting beside him.

Due to Sophia's request, he brought Sophia with him at tonight's party, after all, there are very few such social events in a place like Midnight Castle. Because it was an invitation from the Metternich family, the top gate valve in the imperial capital, Sophia also dressed up tonight. She wore a new customized white sleeveless evening dress, because she was still young, so the clothes were designed to be more conservative, and in the imperial capital in March, the temperature at night was still quite low, she was also wearing a shawl, and she also wore white silk gloves on her hands, and her face was deliberately put on light makeup, and the little girl looked a little mature.

"Is it cold?" Swain looked at Sophia, her eyebrows twitching slightly. Although he had added a shawl and gloves, it was still too thin, and he could feel Sophia trembling a little as she leaned against him.

"No, it's still quite warm in the carriage. Sophia smiled at her brother. A charcoal basin was specially added to the carriage, and it burned quite warmly, but after a while, there was no heat from the charcoal fire when the carriage was dismounted.

Swain pulled up his trench coat and pouched Sophia inside. Being hugged by her brother like this, Sophia's face couldn't help but blush slightly, but she didn't refuse her brother, but leaned on her brother's arms under the trench coat and enjoyed the warmth from her brother.

The Metternich family mansion and Jericho's mansion were both in the Upper River district of the Browning district, not too far away, so the carriage arrived quickly. Seeing the manor, which was also dazzling in the night, Sophia knew that she was about to reach her destination, so she withdrew from Swain's arms and tidied up her appearance a little.

The carriage stopped directly in front of the gate, so that some of the other guests were quite surprised, and they didn't know which wealthy family had arrived. The coachman handed over the invitation, and the servant guarding the door saw that it was the guest who had been specially ordered by the master to arrive, and hurriedly went to inform Franz, who received the visitor.

Swain stepped out of the carriage first, then reached out and helped Sophia out of the carriage. When Swain appeared, most of the people wondered which family it was, and the coat of arms on the carriage was not the imperial nobles they were familiar with. And when Sophia slowly stepped out of the carriage, many people were first amazed by the beauty of the girl, and then some of them immediately became strange.

"Hey, isn't that the kid from Viscount Jericho's family?"

"No, how could that young lady be so temperamental, it looks like two people. ”

"But it's really similar, the face is exactly the same. ”

"But how could that young lady appear with that young gentleman, didn't the Marquis invite Viscount Jericho?"

"Who the hell is that young man?"

"Look, Monsieur Metternich has come, as if he had come to greet those two men. ”

While there was a lot of talk, Franz quickly rushed over. When he saw Sophia, he was also slightly stunned, but he immediately thought of the identity of this young lady, so the brief pause turned into amazement at Miss Jericho's beauty. Although Sophia is only fifteen years old now, she is still an underage child, but she already has a unique temperament, like a noble mandala flower, with the nobility and purity that grows in the sky, and there is a special firm will in her eyes.

"Welcome, Your Excellency. Franz greeted him with a smile, "I think your presence will make my grandfather very happy." ”

'But tonight's result could also be a disappointment for him. Swain still had that face, which made Franz feel that he was really bored.

So he turned to the beautiful young lady beside Swain, who, unlike the ignorant guests, knew who he was.

"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Jerichault. He bent down and held out his hand, which Sophia knew was social etiquette, but she was still a little uncomfortable, even more uncomfortable than Manfred had kissed her by hand.

However, this is the occasion for the announcement after all, and she is the young lady of the well-bred Jericho family. She suppressed the unhappiness in her heart, smiled and stretched out her hand.

"The Marquis of Metternich must be eager to see me now. Swain didn't give Franz, who was about to continue talking, a chance to speak, and threw the topic directly.

"Grandfather is waiting for you in the parlor, and I'll let the servant take you. Although Franz was a little unhappy with Swain's tone, he did not want to quarrel with him over this trivial matter. Moreover, it was just the right time for my grandfather to teach this unpleasant earl a lesson.

"This time, the Metternich family has also invited Viscount Ernest. ”

Franz was slightly startled by Swain's sudden question, and he didn't know if Swain had really gotten the information or if it was just speculation. After thinking for a moment, he replied truthfully, "Yes." ”

"The last time I went to visit Viscount Ernest, I only saw his wife, so I just took this opportunity today to let my sister and I meet Lord Once. With that, Swain took Sophia's hand, "Lead the way, Mr. Metternich." ”

Franz's face twitched, Swain was still so uncomfortable. Franz was led by his nose every time he was in front of this young man, and his tone was always so annoying. However, Franz really had no way to attack, this time not because of the compromise of the diplomat, but because he really could not be angry on this occasion.

"Please come with me, Lord Earl, Miss Jericho. Franz said in a helpless tone, and did what he had prepared to give to the servant.

Walking into the Metternich family's mansion, Sophia further felt the wealth and splendor of the Metternich family. If the Jericho family mansion is a standard mansion, then the Metternich family has their own unique characteristics. Entering the hall, Sophia saw the huge portrait hanging from the middle wall. The portrait depicts the Marquis de Metternich, the Marquis de Metternich, the high-spirited Foreign Secretary at the time of the signing of the Stromboli Treaty with Hadrian's empire ten years earlier. The marquis in the words wore a black dress inlaid with gold satin, a large imperial blue sun badge on his chest, a ribbon, and a solemn expression, showing the majesty of the marquis at the peak of his life to the fullest. This portrait is the symbol and pride of the Metternich family, and when guests enter the hall, the first thing they see is the splendor of the Metternich family during the time of the Marquis of Oliver.

In addition to this iconic portrait, the hall and the entire mansion are home to many objects from abroad, mostly from countries where the Marquis had visited as Foreign Secretary. While showing the wealth of the Metternich family, it is also a reminder of the power of the Metternich family. But now that the marquis is almost idle, these ornaments have also been put away a lot.

Hecate, who had arrived one step ahead of Jericho, was sitting in the hall, occasionally surveying the new guests. Few people came forward to talk to them, and Earl Hecate and Artemis barely took the initiative to talk to anyone, making them unique in the noisy hall.

And when Franz walked into the hall with Swin and Sofia, everyone turned their eyes away, either explicitly or implicitly. After all, Franz is the master of the day, and his arrival is very attention-grabbing. But immediately, people's eyes were drawn to the two young men behind him.

If Sophia attracts attention because of her beauty, then Swain is more curious. Since Franz did not stop, but only walked inside with the two men, people could not help but become interested in the identity of the two men. And since Sophia is a lady, people are more concerned about Swain's identity.

Of course, most people don't know these two people, after all, the Jericho family is the earl of the provinces, if it weren't for the old Winston of the previous generation, probably few people in the imperial capital would have noticed this family. However, it happened that there was a man in this hall who happened to meet them the other day.

Of course, Swain and Sophia caught Atmis's attention when she appeared, and she looked up at the two men, and this scene happened to be seen by Count Hecate.

"Artmis, do you know them?"

"You know, the new earl of the Jericho family and his sister. ”

"Oh, yes. ”

When Count Hecate learned that this was Sven No. Jericht, who had been specially instructed by His Majesty the Emperor to observe carefully, there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes, which had always remained calm. He watched with interest as they made their way through the crowd and out deeper into the mansion.

"It seems that tonight's party is not so simple, and the Marquis of Metternich really has some plans. ”

"It's the marquis, after all. Attmis took a bite of the puff, "It would be strange if he didn't have any intention of throwing a party." ”

"Well, however, this is also an opportunity for me to observe the young earl. Count Hecate stood up and followed in the direction where the men had gone, "You stay here and continue to see if anyone needs attention." ”

"Peace of mind—" Artemis waved casually at his father, looking like she wasn't taking the task seriously.

The Count sighed helplessly, he couldn't help it, if he had, he would have used it a long time ago, then his daughter wouldn't be what she is now.

And not long after the Count left, there was a figure who could only be noticed by Artmis, although he was not on the list of the thirteen lessons.

When this gentleman appeared, the atmosphere in the hall couldn't help but get colder, and people looked at this gentleman with a serious expression, and the voice of conversation became quieter.

Ernest No. Jericho came to the party in the uniform of the commander of the Imperial Garrison, and even had a gun at his waist. Although the so-called Imperial Capital Garrison is only a militia force, a reserve force of the Ministry of the Interior in peacetime, it is still an armed force, and it is an armed force stationed in the Imperial Capital. Therefore, although Viscount Ernest wore the rank of colonel, he was no less powerful than a general, although he could not be counted as a real soldier.

Viscount Ernest walked into the hall without greeting anyone, he walked straight to the drawing room of the Metternich family with a straight face, the regular footsteps of his boots on the marble floor, this solemn feeling from the gendarmerie of the Ministry of the Interior made the guests shudder, and it was not until he disappeared into the depths of the corridor that the hall gradually resumed its voice.

"It's getting more and more interesting, but what does it have to do with me?"

Artemis sneered and continued to enjoy her puffs.

——————————————————

"Grandpa, Count Jericho and Miss Jericho have arrived. Franz pushed open the door to the meeting room, "I've brought them here." ”

Swin and Sophia walked into the drawing-room, which contained many gifts from various countries when the Marquis was Foreign Secretary, which made this drawing-room look a little unusual. However, compared to these objects, the Marquis de Metternich sitting on the sofa in the middle of the parlor is the most eye-catching.

When he saw the Marquis himself, Swain understood why Franz was so much older than him, as the Marquis looked so much older than his grandfather. The Marquis looked to be at least seventy years old, still in good spirits. He had a thick beard, but it was now as white as his hair. His gaze is very attentive, and you can clearly feel the oppressive force from the depths of his gaze when you look at him, as if you will be seen through by him, but you don't know what he is thinking.

And when Swain walked in, the Marquis was also looking at him. The young man was expressionless, an expression that the Marquis did not think should be called indifference, for indifference also represented an attitude, which Swain did not have on his face. This young man was also incomprehensible, and even those who were talking and laughing with him beside the Marquis couldn't help but wonder if the Marquis could see through this young man.

"It is an honour to meet you, Your Excellency the Marquis de Metternich. Swin and Sophia saluted the Marquis, at least they maintained respect for the old man and his seniors.

"I'm glad to meet you, little Jericho. The Marquis smiled and greeted the two young men, "You look like your grandfather." ”

"yes, but I don't think so. ”

He really won't give face, Franz thought to himself, although he had only met Swain twice, and Franz had never guessed what Swain was thinking, but he knew one thing, that is, this person was really disliked.

"yes, hahaha. The Marquis laughed, then pointed to the couch beside him and said, "Don't just stand, sit." ”

Sven and Sophia sat down on a two-person couch. Sophia was still a little nervous about such an occasion, especially after her brother had clearly refuted the Marquis's words just now.

Then the Marquis looked at Sophia. "It may be embarrassing for an old man like me to say this, but you are very beautiful today, miss. ”

"Thank you for the compliment, I am honored to receive your appreciation. Sophia replied with a little restraint.

"Your face looks exactly like your sister, but your temperament is very different. Although Victoria's energetic child is also very likable, you now look like a young lady of the Jericho family, noble and elegant. ”

Although she was praised by the Marquis, since the Marquis mentioned her sister, Sophia only thanked the Marquis again, and then bit her lip and did not say much, looking not very happy.

"These are all important officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now. Turning around, the Marquis pointed to the men beside him, "Just now we were discussing what qualities we should have as a diplomat. How about it, little Jericho, do you have any plans to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the future?"

"Regrettably, as the Earl of Midnight, I should follow in my grandfather's footsteps. ”

Really. Franz, who was standing behind the Marquis, thought that he felt that he could guess Swain's thoughts a little as long as he followed Swain's line of thought.

"That's a shame. I benefited a lot from your grandfather, but it's a pity that he refused to enter politics. But although he has never been outside of politics, he has a wonderful view of politics, economics and diplomacy. Little Jericho, since you said you want to follow your grandfather's path, I think you can also share some of your opinions. ”

After the Marquis said this, everyone in the room looked at Swain with curiosity, they really wanted to hear if the young man who had repeatedly refuted the Marquis really had something in his stomach.

"The so-called diplomacy is nothing more than a vassal of war. The strength of the army is sufficient, and a diplomatic victory will naturally follow. Just when some people thought that a hairy boy like Swain would not have any lofty opinions, he said amazingly, "Diplomacy is the same as war is a means of plundering others, if the benefits of war can be higher than the pay, then everyone will use war without hesitation, and if the pay will be higher than the benefits, or difficult to calculate, will be cautious to use diplomacy." ”

"It's interesting, but nothing can be defined by a simple thing. In fact, the most frequent occurrence of international diplomacy is when you say that it is difficult to calculate. The Marquis pinpointed at the thorn in Swain's words, "And, if it is as you say, wouldn't diplomats have no effect, and there is no difference between good diplomats and bad diplomats, and foreign affairs should be left to the army?"

The foreign ministry officials around the marquis couldn't help but laugh when they heard this, and indeed, they were also dissatisfied with Swain's belittling of the role of diplomats.

"Is there any use for a diplomat now?" said Swain's expression, though he was ridiculed, "a diplomat is too good at compromise, who does he need to please the most for a diplomat? not even the emperor, but the foreign affairs he is responsible for, if he cannot achieve good interpersonal relations in the country where he is a minister, then his position and future are so unstable." So what diplomats love most is compromise. The best thing for them is not to decide anything on their own, to throw the responsibility to the emperor and ministers. Of course, it is also indispensable to act on the spot, and when needed, they can show all kinds of gestures, whether friendly or hateful, but no matter how they perform on the surface, they still will not give up good private relations with dignitaries of other countries, without these relationships, why should the empire send him as a minister, give him status and salary?"

Swain's remarks were a little unnatural to those officials, and this is indeed the current situation in the diplomatic community, especially after Otto Leopold Noe Mencken came to power, he changed the hard-line style of the Metternich era and advocated friendly relations with the lords, and he was rewarded with the imminent movement of Hadrian's empire. It can be said that Minister Menken has received a lot of criticism now, and there are even rumors that the emperor intends to remove the foreign minister and reinstate the old marquis. And now these people sitting next to the marquis actually have their own careful thoughts.

"That's a good point, but you still haven't answered my main question. Although Swain's words sounded like a bosom friend to the ears of the old marquis, the marquis still did not give up, "If there is no difference between good diplomats and bad diplomats, then what does it matter if they continue to eat in the position of a bunch of wine bags and rice bags? As long as the empire is still strong, then what difference does it make if I preside over foreign affairs or they preside over foreign affairs?"

The people around the marquis couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable, and the wine bag and rice bag in the marquis's mouth sounded like they had their share.

"It really doesn't make a difference. Because there are reasons for such a situation, and it cannot be explained simply by misemploying people. Why did these sake bags and rice bags come on stage? You should know it firsthand, right? ”

When Swain said this, the room fell silent. Franz looked at the daring guy in disbelief. What did he say just now, was he mocking the Marquis of Metternich for being idle by the emperor?

But just as Sophia was sweating for her brother, the Marquis laughed. "It's exactly the same. Back then, old Winston thought the same way. He also felt that it was pointless, because there would be no chance to start over again, and there would be no more conditions that were exactly the same. If the empire is strong at this time, then it has a reason, but if you want to replicate this power, you will artificially impose the same conditions on the future empire, which is not feasible. Little Jericho, that's what you just meant. ”

"As you say. This time, Swain did not contradict the Marquis again, but bowed respectfully to him.

"Still, I'd like to hear what you said at the beginning. "Let me ask the most direct question, in the more than twenty years of my tenure as Foreign Secretary, have the exploits I achieved in my more than twenty years as Foreign Secretary the result of my efforts, or are they the light of the Empire?" Are the medals and memorabilia in this room for me Oliver no Metternich or for the Cyrilian Empire?"

The Marquis stared at Swain with a fierce gaze, and such a sharp gaze was a little unbearable even for the few people who were not being stared at directly. Such a gaze has the old marquis's prestige over the years and the oppressive power that he can see through the bottom of people's hearts, which makes people can't help but show cowardice in front of him, and will surrender according to his words.

"You are a true great diplomat, and I believe that when you appear in a diplomatic situation, Metternich is Silier, and you are the diplomatic will of the Empire. Only if the will of the empire and the diplomats are in full agreement can there be the legend of Metternich. ”

Everyone was shocked by the phrase "Metternich is Silul", and even the Marquis himself showed a lot of surprise. This sentence sounds a bit rebellious at first glance, but no one will say that it is inappropriate for this marquis, and even the emperor will probably only be a little unhappy in his heart, but he has to admit it verbally.

The Marquis burst out laughing. He sensed from Franz's description that Swain was an extremely arrogant young man, and the first few words of his meeting with Swain today also gave him this impression. However, this sentence made him have to sigh how the grandson of old Winston could be a simple rebel. His words are very level, which not only reflects that this young man knows the way to advance and retreat, but also summarizes his attitude in one sentence.

"Well said, that's really good. I still think the word vassal is too harsh, but I can fully understand what you mean now. If a true diplomat is the diplomatic will that can turn himself into an empire, then what is the difference between the means of diplomacy and war in a truly powerful empire? We want it, we get it, whether it is war, whether it is diplomacy, as long as we can get what we want, we will do whatever it takes. ”

The faces of several people around the marquis couldn't help but be a little embarrassed, but they had to laugh together. If Swain's words just sounded arrogant, then the Marquis's words were really arrogant. If these words fall into the ears of other countries, I am afraid that it will be another turmoil. They have a secret headache in their hearts.

However, when these people were secretly calculating, the Marquis did not fail to observe their expressions. He snorted coldly, and the frightened people hurriedly concentrated on waiting for the marquis's instructions. "Gentlemen, we were just talking about what makes a good diplomat. In my opinion, Mr. Jerichault gave a perfect answer. If this gentleman were engaged in diplomacy, I would not say anything else, his theory would be enough to be Metternich thirty years later. ”

Everyone was stunned by the Marquis's frighteningly high evaluation, and even Franz, who was standing behind the Marquis, was very surprised why the Marquis had such a high opinion of Jericho, whose current position was not friendly to the Metternich family. However, despite the Marquis's praise of him, there was still no expression of joy or surprise on Swain's face, and he was still the same face, so much so that even the Marquis wondered if Swain's face would be a realistic mask.

And when everyone was shocked by the Marquis's evaluation, a serious and cold voice came into everyone's ears.

"But that's for you to be right, Lord Marquis. No matter how well this man says, he will not be a diplomat, or rather, he will not set foot in politics for half a step. ”

Everyone looked towards the door, except Sven. He had never heard it before, but he could guess who it was.

Viscount Ernest No. Jericho, his father.