The Guardian Of Empires

17. General and Head of the Synod. At the Storm's Beginning

'On our way back, in Idar-Oberstein town, I verified Genevieve's words. The military division was supplied with products, construction materials, and weapons; the base was actively developing and expanding, and locals couldn't avoid noticing it. Under the pretext of "developing physical culture, health, and strength of the nation," young men who had reached sixteen were sent for training.'

Sergey finished the report he and Theodore were giving to the emperor this afternoon.

The silhouette of Napoleon's back was drawing against the grey background of a cloudy day, while he pondered the story.

'So, Franz Joseph or those who influence him needed to convince the world of his death,' summarized Napoleon. 'And Germans are lying about military training put on hold; we know now Germany is actively developing its military power.'

The conclusion was self-evident: Germany's authorities wanted to take revenge and inflict a sudden blow to the Ottomans, after having put them off guard. This made the general hide from the world and his closest people.

'It's good we found these unpleasant news early,' commented Balzac in a soft colorless voice.

Napoleon took his glance away from window and turned to his friends.

'I'll send a note to Madam Genevieve,' he sat by his massive desk and dipped the quill into the ink bottle. 'I confirm my solid intention to convince European states of the need for the truce, and I'm going to assure her that I am open to help and cooperation.'

'We set an example for other countries and show that we aren't afraid of the pope and aren't afraid to act in the face of the rules set by the Holy See,' said Theodore. 'That's bold.'

Napoleon and Balzac fixed their eyes on him.

'Yes,' said Napoleon, nodding. 'It is.'

Balzac squinted, as if trying to see past Theo and beyond.

'What's on your mind, Theo?' he asked quietly.

Theodore hesitated. He looked at Balzac and kept thinking the new idea through, feeling it slowly growing and ripening inside.

***

It was late autumn in Benefia: crops had been harvested, vineyards and gardens were empty, bare branches swayed slightly in the gentle breeze. Theodore was riding his horse at a slow trot through Valley of Ludwig the Beautiful. He decided to pay a personal visit to learn about the village's condition.

It felt like he got into a small distant world, a fairy kingdom that used to be prosperous and then withered. Houses and yards were spacious and beautiful, and glimpses of former prosperity were apparent here and there, but many were overgrown with weeds, and some had fencing and windows broken. The village's inhabitants with gloomy faces were staring at Theo riding by above their shabby fences, incredulously grimacing their faces. Today Theo was wearing a simple black cloak of civil cut, not a cassock. He understood that people who lived here felt hatred for the Synod despite the recent reforms, so he decided not to bring attention to his occupation.

Theodore knew the factory was now the property of Lumi-Perro — the owner of Benefia's second steel plant. Marquis brought his masters and chemists to take the place of those expelled, and he also assigned his people to managerial positions; eventually, things at the plant became even worse.

The village headman, whom Theo had notified about his visit beforehand, escorted Theodore to the factory so that he could see the production with his own eyes. This tour wasn't among the most pleasant: Theo saw that workers were treated like a soulless labor force, and dull discontent reigned at the facility. No one here truly wished to work.