1885, I came to save Greece

The atmosphere in the reception room became extremely strange after the French ambassador, Pierre, barged in.

Sir Harding's face was a deep purple, like a piece of pig liver that had been stomped on by a Gallic rooster.

Ambassador Pierre, who arrived uninvited, stood tall like a victorious rooster, his enthusiastic demeanor making Sir Harding appear like an old relic abandoned by the times.

In the air, on one side is the chilly fog of the Thames River, and on the other side is the ostentatious fragrance of the Left Bank of the Seine.

Constantine stood at the crossroads of these two flavors, looking both innocent and troubled.

He turned his head and gave Sir Harding a complicated look.

In those eyes, there was apology, there was helplessness, but more than anything, there was a silent question.

It's as if they're saying, "Sir, what do we do now?"

"Things... seem to be a bit more complicated than we just discussed."

That look, like a soft feather, gently scratched at Sir Harding's heart, which was about to explode.

This forced him to swallow back his pent-up anger.

Who is Sir Harding?

The diplomatic elite of the British Empire! Top-notch manipulators of people's hearts and situations!

His straight body instantly slumped onto the sofa.

go?

If we leave now, wouldn't that be like handing over the prize that's already dangling in our mouths—Greece—directly to the French?

Let those French chickens get a huge advantage?

No!

Absolutely not!

Not only can he not leave, he has to sit here and watch!

He wanted to make the young Greek crown prince understand that the British Empire's patience had its limits, but its ability to cause trouble was limitless!

With this in mind, Sir Harding calmed down.

He straightened his collar, which was wrinkled from anger, and stiffly picked up the teacup that the attendant had brought back, staring blankly at the tea leaves floating in the cup.

He wanted to see what kind of drama the Greek crown prince and the French ambassador, each with their own ulterior motives, could put on!

Constantine, seeing Harding's reaction, knew what was going on.

Very good, our most distinguished audience members have taken their seats.

Now, it's time for another actor to take the stage.

He turned around, his face full of apology, and walked toward the French ambassador who was practically bursting with enthusiasm.

"Mr. Pierre, thank you very much for your kindness. Greece will always remember the friendship of France."

Constantine's voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for Sir Harding on the other side to hear clearly.

He did not immediately accept the generous offer of "five million francs," but instead changed the subject.

"However, I am currently discussing important issues concerning the maintenance of peace and stability in the Mediterranean with Sir Harding."

"Would you mind moving to the side hall to rest for a while? I promise I'll come over and talk to you in detail as soon as it's over, and I won't keep you waiting."

He adopted a very humble posture and spoke extremely politely, but the meaning behind his words was very clear: first come, first served.

This move surprised Ambassador Pierre slightly.

He had assumed that by bringing the bombshell of "five million francs," the Greek crown prince, who was so poor he was practically selling his pants, would rush over to him like he was seeing his own father.

Unexpectedly, the other party was so calm and composed.

Who is Pierre?

The people in Paris's financial circles are shrewd!

He immediately understood Constantine's intention—he was holding out for a higher price!

He glanced at the gloomy-faced Englishman in the corner, and his heart immediately leaped with joy.

Very good!

The angrier the British are, the more they care!

This deal is a success!

Pierre's smile widened, and he gave Constantine an exaggerated French bow.

"Of course! Of course! Please, Your Highness, do as you wish!"

"For the sake of peace in the Mediterranean, I am willing to wait! France is also willing to wait!"

After saying this, he walked contentedly towards the side hall, led by his attendant.

He knew that his intrusion today had played the most important role.

He sowed discord among the British while also offering a stepping stone to the Greek crown prince.

Now, it remains to be seen how this young crown prince will use this ladder to climb to a price that satisfies everyone.

With the departure of the French ambassador, the reception room returned to silence.

However, this silence was even more suffocating than the previous standoff.

Constantine walked slowly back to Sir Harding and sat down again.

"Sir, please excuse my poor appearance."

He sighed, a perfect blend of weariness and sincerity on his face.

He made no further mention of the naval port or the Russians, but instead took the initiative to "open his heart" to Sir Harding.

"You see, that's the situation now. It seems I have... more than one option."

His tone carried the frankness of a young man, as if he were genuinely seeking advice from an elder on a difficult problem.

"But please, you must believe me."

Constantine leaned forward slightly, looking earnestly into Hardin's eyes.

"Deep in my heart, and even in the tradition of the entire Greek royal family, we are closer to the British Empire, which also had a glorious parliamentary system and a spirit of free trade."

"after all……"

He then subtly began to undermine the other two companies.

"His Majesty the Tsar's despotism is truly... suffocating. His friendships, like the Siberian winds, can save lives, but they can also kill."

"And as for our lovely French friends..."

Constantine chuckled self-deprecatingly and spread his hands.

"Excuse my bluntness, but their republican government changes faster than the Athenian summer weather. Today's friend may be tomorrow's enemy."

"Sir, what Greece needs is a stable and strong ally. A true and trustworthy partner."

These words were spoken with heartfelt sincerity.

It subtly praised Britain's constitutional monarchy and global trade system while also conveniently criticizing Russia's autocracy and France's political instability.

He transformed himself from a desperate gambler, a madman who tried to threaten everyone with self-destruction, into a rational decision-maker holding several job offers, rationally analyzing and trying to find the best partner for his country.

This clever move caused Sir Harding's anger to dissipate by more than half without him even realizing it.

Once the brain has calmed down, it starts working at high speed again.

He looked at the young man in front of him, whose handsome face carried a composure and maturity beyond his years.

He finally understood completely.

I was outmaneuvered from beginning to end.

What Russian naval base, what French loans...

These things may all be true, but more importantly, they are all cards in this young man's hand!

He used Russia as a card to expose Britain's bottom line.

They used the France card again to raise their price.

He was not begging, much less threatening.

He's holding an auction!

The Kingdom of Greece is auctioning off its "friendship"!

He himself, the British plenipotentiary to Greece, and the French speculator in the next room, were both bidders in this auction!

How absurd! And how... brilliant!

Constantine has successfully transformed himself from a pawn to a small dealer who can overturn the table and wait for the right price!

Having figured all this out, Sir Harding's emotions shifted from anger and shock to an unprecedented solemnity, even mixed with a barely perceptible...admiration.

He raised his eyes and looked at Constantine again.

This time, there was no longer any contempt or arrogance in his eyes.

He knew he had to show real sincerity to win the auction.

Because he can't afford to lose.

The British Empire cannot afford to lose!

"Your Highness," Sir Harding spoke slowly, his voice dry and heavy, "you have won."

"Now, let's talk about the true value of the friendship of the British Empire."