Chapter 168 | inebriation

"I'm still young, it's okay to occasionally drink coffee and stay up late."
Chris said confidently, "It's you, who doesn't eat properly and always goes out in the middle of the night in order to change your identity. Actually, you could use my name as a cover, and I can help with not-so-important things, anyway..." Her voice trailed off, her face turning red. "Anyway, I've been using 'dark-haired lover' as a shield for so many years."
Only she can make provocation sound so much like concern.
When she is unaware, she can speak earth-shattering words honestly, and when her momentum weakens, she becomes cute in a very awkward way.
Edmund looked at Chris, feeling a tremor in his heart, as if he saw a lop-eared rabbit scratching its head with its forelimbs. Because of his affection, he took a step closer and was gently kicked by an invisible force.
After arriving in Paris, he faced those detestable faces for revenge, seeing them without remorse, and even forgetting their own evil deeds. He had no choice but to carefully conceal his surging darkness and disgust, to deal with them and execute the plan, searching for weaknesses.
When struggling with conscience, get tough and pick open all the painful memories scabs with hatred, returning to the dark and damp prison, even seeing the dying father. Experience it yourself and once again be covered with blood.
At first, when Edmund decided to seek revenge and dig the tunnel, he thought that after revenge, he would face returning to the grave. He had no nationality or family, and he was not bound by any laws or emotions. There was nothing that could stop him, not even fate as humans called it, because he could anticipate and avoid it.
He calculated bankruptcy, environment, and even warfare.
However, he forgot about emotions. Fate played a joke on him again, and it turned out that his heart can still beats. Even because of too much involvement, they were bound together by numerous reunions.
He thought he was abandoned by God, even betrayed by the teachings, but his new god redeemed him, treasuring his heart with utmost care, and even though timid, still mustered the courage to reciprocate his feelings towards him.
There was originally no one to lose, but suddenly I gained the most precious treasure, along with concerns and worries. It's like an added vulnerability out of nowhere, so I make more complicated plans and go through great lengths to prepare, circling around.
If it were me still in prison, perhaps I would feel like I'm wasting time.
But the enticing promise of her future quiets those destructive thoughts, and he is willing to patiently calculate, to obey her doctrine, to carry out a "perfect revenge."
As long as I see Crystal, and feel her concern and care, love will overflow and easily submerge all the hatred and pain.
Seemingly, even a broken soul is filled up.
I am no longer alone.
There are always people who can foresee and worry about the elders in front of me.
"You have been in the dark dungeon for so long, who knows if there are any other hidden diseases?"
With him laughing at her, Kris's voice gradually became smaller and finally stopped.
It's not that she had never seen the look of love and desire in a lover before.
But the cold and stern face revealed an unexpectedly unfamiliar expression, especially with the long bangs that belonged to the Viscount, his gaze seemed particularly hot and focused.
Even though they have the closest relationship, she still feels uncomfortable being looked at so affectionately by him. She pushes him away slightly and sits down in the chair, making up for the missed days of longing.
She cleared her throat and said, "You have changed your identity and come to see me openly and honestly today. What plans do you have, or do you need my cooperation?"
Resting on the desk, Edmond said kindly, "Lord Wilmore personally came to apologize, wanting to make amends with you and offering to help you find your black-haired lover. However, he suffered severe injuries while protecting you and unfortunately passed away. How does that sound?"
Because he was stubbornly trying to kill off this identity, and cleverly played some tricks from "Vampire", young Aubrey stared at him and couldn't help but laugh.
"What about you? Even if the consulate work is busy, you should at least have sleep time. Did the count assign you some homework again?"
Kriss felt a headache coming on: "You could put it that way."
When it comes to things happening in France, there's no need to hide anything from political prisoners. She laid out the recent investigation into Greek artifacts in a straightforward manner.
"...At present, it is only known that Marshal Bormon is also involved. Because it is related to the French side, and it is a critical time when a new king ascends the throne, in order to avoid exposure leading to misunderstandings, my actions cannot be too obvious."
Edmund fell silent for a moment and sighed softly, "I can provide you with some clues."
He explained, "Just like when we discovered the truth about Sanchez in Marseille, we have stumbled upon something once again this time."
"You already know Fernando, now let me tell you how he made his fortune."
"After I was imprisoned, he joined the military. First, he conspired with Marshal Boumorn and betrayed Napoleon to the British. After the restoration, he was promoted to captain. During the war in Spain, he collaborated with Tangrar, who was working in the military provisions department at the time. Taking advantage of his Spanish background, he betrayed the Spanish people and achieved military accomplishments, changing his name completely."
"Afterwards, in order to get promoted, he ingratiated himself and went to support Greece, with the guarantee of the marshal, becoming a trusted lieutenant of Ali Pasha. This time, he betrayed his employer once again. He gained benefits from the Ottomans and even seized Pasha's private property."

Kris exclaimed in surprise, "How can that marshal dare to trust him, this two-faced person?"
"The first two times could be explained as defending the Bourbon dynasty," Edmund sneered, then his face darkened. "As for the third time, he timed the death of Pasha very skillfully, and everyone thought Pasha died because the Ottomans broke their promise. I know his previous methods, and I know it's not that simple behind the scenes. It took some time for me to uncover the truth."

"Although Fernand has returned to his country for a long time, only he is familiar with Greece among Bourbon's men, so he must have been involved in this batch of cultural relics."
Chris suddenly realized: "With Greek independence approaching, the port will be returned to them, and these hidden cultural relics cannot be kept here. They must be gradually transported back. If they land in Marseille, they will have to pass through Italy. To guard against Vampa, they used military ships as escorts. However, they cannot be so blatant in France, so they chose Dulong's route."
"It was at that time when they managed to bribe a few of this guy's henchmen."
With this clue, combined with the recent information I found in the city, the situation in front of me became much clearer.
"So, are you planning to use Fernand to betray Pasha and ruin his reputation?"
Edmond nodded, "We originally had a witness - Pasha's only daughter was sold into slavery by him. I sent Bertuccio to Constantinople to investigate, but the slave trader informed him that the girl had been kidnapped midway by a group of people, and this lead has completely vanished."
"Did you worry about this when you were in Brighton?"
"Edmund rarely talked to her about revenge, initially unwilling to involve her. Later, because he knew how intelligent she was, he didn't know how to explain Mercy, especially worried about her reaction. In a state of anxiety, he chose to keep it a secret."
Now that she has arrived in Paris, there is nothing left to hide or conceal.
"Not only this, but also earlier, Vilfort's father had a stroke. When I found out, it meant that two out of the three people had problems with their plans... At that time, I didn't realize that I couldn't make them follow my plan, so I became depressed."
The consul, who had studied French history again, pondered, "Nouvetié...I know during the French Revolution, there was a famous Girondin party member, who later became a prominent figure in Napoleon's government."
"That's right, the letter I submitted was intended for him."
"Now the final missing piece of the puzzle is filled in: Verlufu has exposed his father's identity, which is implicated in the political path. He burned the evidence mentioned in the letter of denunciation, and maybe even used some tricks to deceive the young seaman, making him foolishly take the blame."
The suspicion couldn't help but make me stand up and reach out to poke his chest. I didn't know if it was worry or love as I softly said, "Why are you so easily trusting of others?"
Kelisi is well aware that no matter how he tries to cut off his past, change his appearance and personality, he will always remain that kind and stubborn person deep down.
She can only be attracted to someone like him and let her guard down, right?
Kristy no longer has too many expectations, so human nature never disappoints her.
Only those who still believe in good and evil, still have expectations for the world, can have clear love and hate, can be harmed by malice, and can be moved and missed by kindness.
Because I helped him, I believe in myself without a doubt. Even though I knew that I had been testing and pretending in Marseille, I never thought of her in a bad way.
Thinking of this, Clarisse couldn't help but say, "If I am a bad woman, and everything I have done is to take advantage of you, what are you going to do?"
Catching the fingers causing trouble, he completely grasped the hand, hearing this assumption, Edmund couldn't help but laugh.
According to what she said, she just deceived him in order to give up her future and everything to herself. But the price she paid was too high.
Edmund suddenly remembered her threat to Viscount Willemo.
In the past, he lost because of her words "I will keep you in front of me for the rest of your life"...
He was inspired and, using the hand they were shaking, pressed her directly onto the desk.
Looking down at her blank expression, Edmund jokingly said in a serious tone, "If you really are a bad woman, then to prevent you from harming more people, I can only isolate you from this world."
"Your strength is no match for mine. I can still formulate concoctions, and at any moment, I can make you disappear without a trace. Whether you are unconscious or awake but unable to move, it all depends on me. As long as I also change your female identity, Chris Benetti can disappear from this world at any time."
"You don't have a personal bodyguard, but I have many subordinates who can help. Most of your personal relationships and influence are in the UK, while my posts and industries are spread throughout the European continent. If he discovers a place, I can take you to another country at any time."
Chris regained her composure and said in dissatisfaction, "You underestimate me. It's impossible for you to be with me 24 hours a day while managing such a huge industry. As long as someone is nearby, I can always turn them around and find a way to escape."
"Besides, you wouldn't dare to hurt me. Can you even break my legs?" It was just an offhand comment, but even though she was suppressing herself, her face showed shock and pity. She smirked and laughed at him proudly, "As long as I can still run, even if all your subordinates are as loyal as Ali and willing to die for you, I know a way to collect tools, pick locks, and escape over the wall."
"Where is Christ Mountain Island?"
"I've never thought about being on opposing sides with her, but suddenly, verbally, it came to mind that everything always seems to be led by her. Edmund's competitiveness was also stirred."
"You don't know how to swim, do you? Because you're afraid of revealing your identity, you never go to hot springs or bathhouses."
When in Brighton, he would go swimming, while she would only roll up her pants and pick seashells.
"You don't know how to pilot a ship either. That area is my hunting ground, and I can do as I please. You know there are reefs nearby, which prohibit large ships from getting close. A single cannon from a small ship could easily solve that. As long as I control the access to the island and seize all your belongings, I can lock you in my castle -" .
Realizing he almost let slip, and afraid of his sharp-witted lover noticing his pause, he hastily blurted out what he had prepared for her surprise: "In my bed, you'll never want to leave for your whole life."
After he finished speaking, the person with rich theoretical knowledge and story background instantly drifted away in their thoughts, their face burning as if it was about to emit smoke. Their expression was extremely vivid, and it was impossible to tell if they were even thinking about how to "escape." After a while, they stammered and said, "You, you...you, you actually have this hobby."
"...I actually wanted to talk about my room."
"Don't try to make excuses, you said it subconsciously! And you even wanted to undress me, there's no difference between these two places at all!"
"When did I say I was going to--"
"You clearly said you were going to 'take away everything from me'."
Edmund had no choice but to explain, "I was worried that you might have a gun or some kind of escape tool."
People with zero experience could not understand it at first, but after being filled in with visual images by theorists, even they blushed this time, because the skin color disguised as a nobleman was not so obvious.
Edmund quickly realized that she was still holding her wrist tightly against the desk, and the context and scene were too overwhelming, so she quickly got up and let go.
The consul's personal office was now completely quiet.
Even though they are in their twenties, these two people act like teenagers in a passionate relationship. They engage in playful banter over some guesses and assumptions, and blush simultaneously when they entertain impure thoughts. Each of them averts their gaze, refusing to look at each other.
The consul first broke the stiffness, lightly pulled the wrinkled clothes, stood up and walked to the fireplace, picking up the sword stick.
"Pretend I haven't heard you talk about finding my dark-haired lover for me."
"I believe that I haven't forgiven a 'shameless' seducer so quickly. Without hesitation, I will chase this person out of the consulate."
She smiled and emphasized, drawing her long sword with an unpleasant scraping sound.
"Now, sir, I allow you ten seconds to run."
"In January, the entire city of Paris was discussing the coronation ceremony of Charles X, while a small percentage of people were also interested in the secret of Aubreyon that he never wanted to talk about."
No one cares about the Viscount who escaped the Consul's pursuit throughout the city, nor the priest who is frequently invited to be a guest at the Champs-Élysées.
When a new official takes office, they must ignite three fires, let alone a new king who causes trouble while his brother is in power.
Upon his ascent, King Charles X removed a substantial number of members from the Senate, replacing them with old aristocrats and clergy. He held extreme conservative beliefs and despised democracy, aiming to restore monarchy rule. As a result, he became increasingly dissatisfied with the constitutional monarchy in England, leading to changes in his policies towards the British government.
The workload suddenly increased, and Chriselle was busy and confused. She didn't even have time to think about what Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister were up to lately, with "Mrs. Future" managing things.
Finally, she freed up some time and found Edmund.
"The person who entrusted me this time should be very powerful in Greece. I will meet him in Dieppe. Will you accompany me tonight? Maybe you can find other witnesses in Greece."
She left the butler behind in the red light district and went to investigate with her good brother, using the excuse of meeting an unforgettable love in this life.
The prototype resented this for a long time, but agreed without hesitation upon hearing it.
Paris is only a little over 100 kilometers from Dieppe, and you can reach it in seven hours by taking Edmund's private stagecoach.
Dieppe is right across the English Channel, and on the other side of the channel is England.
Edmund has a property here, and in the event of extreme accidents, they can return to England at any time. There are boats waiting at the dock ready to set sail all day.
The best captain is on board, so Chrissie doesn't need to worry at all. She ran around inside and outside the cabin and returned to the helm, excitedly saying, "Isn't this the same ship we first met on?"
在她说的小湾抛锚停泊，用手臂随意撑了船舷，爱德蒙微笑看她。
“我们分开的那个半年，我找船队搜索到了它，把它重新拖回港，完全修补好了。”
"I was planning to give it to you after avenging."
His elegant and calm lover lifted her beautiful and delicate face, smiling at him with her most beloved wit and charm shining in her eyes.
The brilliance of the stars in the sky and their reflection on the sea are incomparable.
"And a ship full of treasure deeds?"
She guessed it.
She intentionally said, "Perhaps... there is also a beautiful woman with black hair?"
"Now don't even think about it."
He pinched her chin and said with a smirk.
Kliss chuckled lightly, about to tiptoe, but he held her down.
"It seems like your deadline has arrived."
Only in the late spring, there was still a chilly sea breeze. After a while, the sound of breaking water started, and a colossal object slowly stopped outside the small bay, enveloping them in shadow.
They could only look up at the side of the big ship.
The secret code was in Latin. After confirming on both sides, the big ship threw down a rope. Edmond, using only one arm, grabbed onto it and then embraced her tightly with his thick cloak wrapped around her waist. They were then pulled up.
Because the British flag was hung up on the ship, there was no restraint and the flames were bright.
Just as I stepped onto the deck and was not yet stable, a man with a smile on his face said, "Good evening, Aubrey."
Kris withdrew from Edmund's embrace and followed the sound, only to see a man standing under a torch, dressed in local Greek attire, with a headband tied around his head, revealing a handsome face that was unparalleled. He walked slowly, leaning on a cane.
He walked slowly, and the limp was not very obvious.
Chrissie naturally extended her hand and smiled, "Viscount Byron."
Byron shook hands with her and glanced at Edmund, jokingly saying, "You even brought Lucy here. I didn't expect you two to still be together. How about it, weren't the hints I gave you in 'Vampire' obvious enough?"
"What kind of hint?"
Kriss looked at him blankly.
Byron said, "Over the years, I've always kept in touch with your teacher regarding Greek affairs. He mentioned you countless times and said that you're very popular with women, just like me in the past. But when I saw this person in Vienna and heard your teacher mention some things, I knew it wasn't good."
"Unfortunately, you could have been a frequent visitor of love."
"He sighed and lowered his voice, 'My boyfriend during my time in Cambridge was very gentle and considerate."
Krista: "......"
No wonder this person, who keeps a bear in college and swims in fountains, seems to be just as reckless and unruly as in England.
被误认为是同路人，克莉丝也很绝望，只想把话题从寒暄变回正题，拜伦却摆了摆手。
“委托你帮忙查的可不是我。”
He pointed in a direction, "You go meet her, I'll have a chat with your boyfriend."
A great poet can stay in Greece or travel around the world, without having to worry about laws and religions, but she will have to make a living in the UK in the future!
Cleese's scalp tingled and she quickly said, "We're not--"
Byron smiled knowingly.
"I understand, this is a strong and pure love and passion."
Cleese had no choice but to leave this big shot for Edmund to deal with and went in the direction he pointed.
沿路都是希腊装扮的护卫，上了又几级阶梯，克莉丝看到了趴在船舵边的小姑娘。
穿着白裙的黑发女孩非常显眼，她轻轻哼唱着歌，见克莉丝迟疑走过来，弯起了那双小鹿一样的眼睛，拉了她的手，用现代希腊语对她轻念：
"On this deserted beach, their hearts have already been engaged, and the stars are the torches of their wedding, making this beautiful couple even more beautiful. The ocean is the witness, the deck is the bridal bed, and their emotions officiate the wedding, with loneliness as the priest..."
“他，他们就这样成了亲？”
克莉丝迟疑接下了这句拜伦的诗。
下一秒，女孩扬起还未长开就见绝色的脸，冲着拜伦的方向用英语欢喜道：“先生，我的唐璜会说希腊语！”
Two men who were in conversation looked up and turned their gaze in the same direction.
In order to get a clear look at the expression on "sir's" face, she exchanged the still steering wheel onto Katelyn's hand and hurried to the railing.
"He even accepted my proposal, I want to take him back to Greece!"
Edmund: "I disagree!"
"No, don't let Chris touch the boat!"
Byron: ??? 161 novel reading network