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7. Singer

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    Of course, Charles understood what grandpa meant.  Although he is still very young by modern standards and can be considered a teenager, as he approaches 20 years old, his grandfather also begins to secretly find a marriage partner for him.  After all, in the aristocratic families of this era, women would get married and have children around the age of sixteen, while men would either get married early or wait until they were nearly forty before completing their lifelong affairs. Of course, the already elderly Marshal Treville  He didn't want Charles to become the latter kind of person. He also hoped to live to see the birth of his great-grandson.  From the perspective of an old man, or according to the tradition of the aristocratic world, he certainly hopes to find a well-matched marriage for his grandson, preferably a rich heiress, so as to add more protection to his grandson's future career - with this  From this perspective, although Charlotte comes from the noble eldest branch of the Treville family, she is certainly not a good match as she has long since declined, so the old man specially hinted to Charles not to be carried away by feelings.  " Charles himself does not want to get married now. He has his own opinions and plans for his life. However, in order to take care of the old man's mood, he does not want to say it out loud, so he can only keep it silently in his heart.  "Sir" Ciel, who was worried, heard a low voice in his ear after a while.  The voice was very soft, almost as thin as a mosquito, so Charles didn't react for a while.  But soon, he calmed down his thoughts, a smile appeared on his face, and he raised his head.  His sister is standing in front of him.  She is only fourteen years old this year. She is not tall, has petite and exquisite facial features, blue eyes, milky white skin and smooth and dazzling blond hair. She looks as cute as a doll, and the luxurious clothes on her body,  The complex patterns and pleats on the skirt made her look like she was attending a fancy dress party.  In just two or three years, she will become the most dazzling pearl in any ball, and countless people will fall for her. The young man who is used to seeing the grand scene of palace balls made this judgment without hesitation.  And this most dazzling pearl in the future was born in his own home, grew up beside him, and is standing in front of him honestly and obediently. To be honest, Charles is very proud of it.  Although he lives in the upper class, everything looks glamorous, but Charles, who grew up with Marshal Treville, can see the terror and darkness under the glamorous appearance, so he cherishes it even more.  A true beauty, a beauty that is pure and unadulterated.  At least at this moment, his sister is a concrete display of such beauty, and he is happy to spend all his efforts to prevent mud from getting on her body, so that this kind of beauty can continue.  Just looking at her, most of the irritability and uneasiness in Charles's heart disappeared.  "Good evening," he reached out and wiped his sister's hair out of habit, "I didn't see you in the restaurant just now. Haven't you eaten yet?" "I was full after eating some pastries at the teacher's place, so I didn't want to eat."  Fran stood obediently and explained to her brother in a low voice, "And I saw that grandpa and you were talking about something, so I didn't come to disturb you." Then, she suddenly changed the topic, "You must be very tired today, right? I  I heard that you went out of the city and back" "Fortunately, I have to do something" Charles replied with a smile, "On your side, we haven't paid much attention to you recently. Have you been lazy?  "Of course not, how can you doubt me?" Fran bit her lip, then took his hand, "Come and take a look" Charles understood that his sister just wanted him to come and take a look.  Look at her paintings and test her learning achievements. Children always like to show off, and he is also happy to satisfy his sister's vanity.  The young girl held her brother's hand and walked upstairs.  Charles¡¯s sister has loved painting since she was a child and is determined to become a real painter. In order to satisfy her wish, Marshal Treville sent her to the studio of a famous old painter to learn painting last year.  At the same time, next to her bedroom, there is a large room specially opened for her to use as a studio. It is filled with various precious paints and sculptures for use as models. It can be said that the facilities are quite complete.  ¡°If she hadn¡¯t had a firm will and concentration, able to eliminate distracting thoughts and devote herself to the field of painting, such superior conditions would probably have destroyed her creativity. Being rich always makes people lose their pursuit and desire.  Because the brother and sister have lost the care of their parents since they were young, they have always been dependent on each other and have a very deep relationship.So no matter what his sister likes to do, Ciel will always try his best to help her and create the best conditions for her.  As soon as she arrived in this room full of paint smell, Fran handed all the works she had painted in the studio today to her brother for review. Although she did not have many artistic skills, judging from the lifelike light and shadow composition of the painting, although  It's not at the level of a famous artist, but it's definitely an excellent work.  "The progress is astonishingly fast." After reading it, Charles praised it sincerely.  "I dare say that among your classmates, few can draw better than you." "Of course!" Because of the excitement and joy of being praised, a trace of blush appeared on my sister's white cheeks, "The teacher also  "Call me outstanding." "Your teacher should be very happy. After all, his money was not in vain. After all, he taught one or two people" Charles joked, "He finally doesn't have to worry about being laughed at.  "The teaching is useless." "Don't say that, teacher, he is trying very hard to teach us." Fran protested to her brother, "It's just that some people don't study hard." "That's right, it's really not his fault."  Er shrugged, "People send their children to him just to find a safe place for them to gather, and to develop some artistic taste so as not to be ridiculed when they become hostesses in the futureNo  Some parents will ruthlessly force their children to study hard, so everything depends on self-discipline. Most people don't have that self-discipline and just muddle along. " "You're absolutely right, I think so too," Fran.  He nodded vigorously.  "It would be great if some people didn't spend their energy on boring quarrels" Then, she sighed softly, showing a sad look that was slightly in conflict with her happy life.  "What's wrong?" Charles asked sensitively, "Did something happen over there? Did anyone bully you?" "Don't worry, no one bullied me." Seeing Charles's suddenly tense look, Fu  Lan quickly shook her head, "It's just we do have a bad atmosphere recently. As I told you, there are two small groups in our studio, and they quarrel with each other very much." "Well, this is true.  No surprise." When he heard that it was not his sister who was being bullied, Charles relaxed, "You should find something to do for yourself, just don't get involved."  In the old painter's painting school, many of these young ladies came from the same social circle, so they were divided into two distinct groups based on their family's social status and relationships.  One group is a family that had aristocratic status before the Revolutionary Era. Most of them are exiled nobles who returned to the country after His Majesty the Emperor Napoleon came to power. The other group is a nouveau riche family whose family status only began to become prominent through personal struggle in the Empire era.  developed.  The old aristocrats suffered serious property losses due to the impact of the Great Revolution. Although they had noble titles, they were in financial distress, while the new aristocrats became rich because of the plunder of the empire's foreign wars and domestic business operations, and had a large amount of wealth.  Surnames are less glamorous.  As often happened in history, in such an environment, the old aristocrats looked down on the nouveau riche and thought they were poor; the nouveau riche also looked down on the old aristocrats, thinking they were poor and put on airs, and they despised and disliked each other.  The struggles of the parents naturally extend to the children. Even the holy place for learning art often becomes dangerous because of the struggles between classes and groups.  "I have never participated in their quarrels. I think it is very meaningless. It is just a battle of wills." Fran answered her brother's words seriously, and for a moment she showed some sophistication that was not suitable for her current age, "To be honest  , it would be terrible if all the classmates around me are such boring people. Fortunately, there are some who are quite interesting and have real geniuses. " "Real geniuses?" Charlotte suddenly became interested. "Who are they?  Ah? Is she very good?" "Yes, very, very good!" Fran nodded, "But her greatness is not in her painting skills, but in her singing voice. She sings better than those actors in the theater.  It¡¯s beautiful!¡± ¡°Oh! This is so novel! You went to learn painting, but you met a singer¡± Charles smiled, ¡°Girl, this is the purpose of you talking to me so much.  Right? Who is she? "Although Charles is not old, he has been in the palace for a long time. Of course, he has a clear understanding of these people's thoughts. He has already seen it.  After coming out, Fran deliberately introduced the topic to him in a roundabout way, and he followed his sister's wishes and waited for her real purpose.  "Her name is Eugenie, Mademoiselle Eug¨¦nie de Danglars,"Because her brother suddenly revealed her true feelings, Fran's face turned red, but she still persisted and said, "Don't think I'm exaggerating, she is a genius, she really is a genius!" "Okay, okay, okay.  Don't be excited, I know, she is a genius." Charles smiled and wiped his sister's hair, "So, what do you want me to do with this genius?" "Danglar, wait!  Suddenly, Charles seemed to think of something in his mind - didn't he mention this surname specifically when he was at the Count of Monte Cristo's house?  Interesting "She - who is Baron Tanglar?" "She is his only daughter." Fran immediately answered, and then finally revealed her purpose, "Actually, I just want to ask you to help her.  Busy, so that an artist can have a perfect performance¡ª¡ª" "Huh?" Charles didn't understand.  "Let's make it clear." "Danglar has been studying painting with the teacher for several years. Now she has reached the age and is ready to leave. In order to commemorate her career in the past few years, she is going to hold a personal party to sing, so, in order  She can have a smooth farewell I hope you can bring some friends to support her" Fran said, watching her brother's reaction, for fear that he would be dissatisfied, "Both men and women are welcome, as long as they are  It would be nice if you have some culture. " "Don't you have so many classmates? Just go and support me. What do you need me to do?" Charles was still a little confused, but he immediately thought of something, "Could it be this  She is a genius and is very unpopular among you. " "She can be considered a student of the older generation. Because she is a few years older than us, no one should have targeted her, but" Fran picked out the ones carefully.  The eyebrows seemed to express regret, "Her personality is too withdrawn. Although she is not arrogant, it is difficult for others to get close to her. If that's all, forget it. The key is that her father is a famous upstart who has offended many people  " "Even if the noble party doesn't accept her, then there is still a bank party, right?" Charles continued to ask.  Fran let out a long sigh, seeming to express deep regret.  "I originally had some friends here, but either because of my age, I slowly left on my own, or I was ordered not to have any contact with her, so she is very lonely here with us, which makes people feel a little unworthy. Geniuses should not  "Being treated like this?" "Who?" Charles asked curiously.  "Several people are all the children of bankers. They should be her father's competitors." Fran looked away, "The leaders are Laura and Fanny. They are so cruel. Who is the child of the bank party?  They will punish anyone who listens to them. They are all afraid of her. They have the worst relationship with Miss Danglars, so they have issued a death order. No one is allowed to cheer for her, otherwise there will be consequences. " "Pfft, hahaha you guys.  I'm a little impressed by how serious a group of kids are about doing politics." Charles couldn't help but laugh, "So, the lady is going to be alone at the party where she's going to sing?  The party will not go, and the bank party is also prohibited from going. "So I want to ask you to bring someone to support her. You know so many people, so it should be okay to find some decent people to support her, right?"  Lan looked at her brother with solemn and trusting eyes, "A genius shouldn't say goodbye like this alone" "This is a trivial matter." Charles waved his hand casually, "If she agrees, I will take him with me.  A large group of people came to support her, cheering, commenting, admiring, everything - as long as she really has the level you said." "Thank you!" Seeing her brother agree to her request so easily, Fran was overjoyed.  , hugged Ciel.  "I will inform her, how happy she must be She has always said that she hopes to have some unforgettable memories before entering a boring marriage." "Is she engaged?" Charles asked seemingly casually.  "Yes, when you reach this age, you will be ready to get married." Fran nodded, and then directly said what Charles did not ask, "The person is the Baron's old friend, the son of the Count of Morcerf." "Mar  The son of Marshal Seif" Charles fell into deep thought again.  "Yeahit's really pitiful to think about it. She was just a child on the first day, but the next day she would be told that someone she had almost never met had been chosen as her husband and future master.  You must muster up the courage to take care of him and raise children with him" Fran seemed to have thought of something, and she felt a little depressed, "How wonderful it would be if we didn't have to get married!" Fran's whisper was not heard by Charles.  His thoughts had already turned to those last names.  MorcerfDanglarsVillefort  "I don't know why, these three surnames suddenly lingered in his mind, as if he had some strange premonition.  ¡°If the Count of Monte Cristo can be interested in them, then why can¡¯t he?  His eyes moved slightly downward, and finally fell on the diamond shining brightly on his chest.  I would like to see how much money you have.  "Okay, now that I have fulfilled your request, you should be satisfied too, right?" Charles hid his emotions deep in his heart, and then waved to his sister with a smile, "Good night then.  "Good night, sir" Fran approached Charles, then stood on tiptoes and pressed her left cheek against Charles's right cheek as a farewell, "On behalf of myself and Miss Danglars, thank you.  !¡± Then, she hesitated again.  "Also, sir, when you have the opportunity, can you tell your Majesty about her? Your Majesty doesn't like art very much, right? If Your Majesty knew" "People should learn to be satisfied, Miss Treville." Charles  She replied with a smile, "You can't talk casually in front of His Majesty, let alone recommending irrelevant people. That is just a waste of your favor." "Okay" Fran lowered her head in disappointment.  "Well, if she really has that talent and ability, I wouldn't mind recommending her." Because he didn't want his sister to be too disappointed, Charles changed his tone, "But the premise is that she must be really capable. I want to test this."  "Thank you!" Fran happily stood up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.  ???¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ It¡¯s another bright and fresh morning.  As usual, Fran got down from the carriage she was riding in, and then walked along the wooden stairs step by step to the painter Durenberg's studio.  This studio is quite spacious. There are large glass windows on the side of the studio to facilitate lighting. However, because the summer sun is too strong, most of it is blocked by dark velvet curtains. The walls are full of  There are no canvas frames or canvases that are not framed, and the walls and floors are stained with various colors; plaster statues, various instruments, and even armor are piled everywhere, making this place quite like an opera house.  The atmosphere backstage.  It is not unreasonable to say that it is like an opera house, because just when she stepped into the studio, a burst of singing reached her ears.  This song was melodious and yet clear. It was a moving melody floating in the air, and the cheerful notes seemed to turn into birds, flying into the distance in a row. In an instant, her heart followed the song.  Ups and downs, the notes seemed to resonate with her heart, causing a feeling of extreme comfort and ease.  As the singing continues, the singing is sometimes as low as gurgling water, with unique charm; sometimes it is as gentle as a line of tears in a deep and affectionate blend, full of hidden sadness; but in the end, it becomes rich and rich.  , like the long cry of an eagle when it spreads its wings, it is deafening.  It¡¯s still early, and there aren¡¯t many people in the studio now, but everyone is listening to the singing quietly without disturbing her.  Regardless of the relationship, these children, who have been taught to appreciate, know what a valuable experience it is.  It wasn¡¯t until the singing slowly disappeared that Fran took steps again, and the singing was still echoing in her mind.  Genius is genius, she thought to herself.  What does it mean to offend others for the sake of genius?  With an excited and restless mood, she quickly walked towards the small cubicle where the singing was coming from. She didn't say hello to anyone along the way. Originally, many people would be unhappy here, but no one expressed dissatisfaction with her.  .  Because her surname is Treville, and she is the granddaughter of one of the few remaining marshals in the empire, and her family is now highly used by His Majesty, and she is very popular. The combination of various conditions makes her in this beautiful but slightly cruel world.  , has her own transcendent status. Although there are often quarrels and hatred among this group of girls, no one has ever directly offended her.  Although she didn't really pay much attention to this kind of thing, there was always someone who would tell her all this. Soon, she came to this compartment and saw Miss Eug¨¦nie de Danglars standing by the window.  .  After hearing Fran¡¯s footsteps, she turned around.  This is a tall woman with black hair and black eyes. Her long hair is spread behind her head and she is wearing a gray skirt.  Although she can be called a beauty, her face is very pointed and has clear lines. The faint smile on the corner of her mouth reveals a rebellious attitude, and her sharp eyes are even more revealing.There is a wildness and uprightness.  This is a beautiful but proud man.  "Good morning, Miss Treville." "Good morning, I'm really glad that I came early enough to catch up with you when you were practicing your throat. Your singing voice is just like Senesino!" Fran raised her eyes and smiled slightly.  Looking at this black-haired beauty who is as hard as ice with admiration, "I am really lucky that I can always hear such beautiful singing!" If her sight was not too clear and unadulterated, many people would  You may think that such exaggerated praise is false flattery, but after looking at her eyes, people will believe that this is definitely appreciation and envy from the heart.  ?Perhaps this is the sympathy between artists.  "You are really flattering This is just my insignificant hobby. Your kind words will only make me feel ashamed." Eugenie smiled, seeming a little embarrassed, "As long as you like to hear it." "I  I like it very much." Fran walked up to the other party and said, "By the way, how is your party going? Have you invited enough people?" "Not many people agreed to come" Eugenie smiled bitterly.  "Maybe everyone thinks I'm not very good at dealing with people." "This is not a problem at all. A talented person like you doesn't need to please others." Fran immediately comforted the other person, and then the conversation started.  "Also, if you don't mindcan I let my brother and his friends come to listen to your singing?" "Yourbrother?" Eugenie was a little surprised, "I remember he wasn't there  "Is he very favored in the palace? How come he has time to listen to me singing?" "He recently took leave and stayed at home, so I thought he had time. I told him about your beautiful singing voice, which attracted him.  He is interested, so he decided to come to support you" Fran raised her head and looked at the other party with expectation, "I think you won't refuse to give him such an honor?" "No, no!  Maybe you refuse" Miss Tangglars shook her head, with a surprised smile on her face, "I can't thank you enough for asking someone to help me, thank you." "If I can help you a little.  If so, that's great." Fran bowed and said, "I feel so sorry when I think that you may not be here anymore!" Maybe because of something, Eugenie's face also became a little sad.  , but this sadness quickly disappeared.  "Even then, we are still friends, right? You can come to me and listen to me sing at any time?" she replied with a smile on her face.  After laughing and joking for a while, Fran left the cubicle with joy and returned to her usual seat.  "Fran, why don't we forget it" When no one was paying attention, her friend Mary came to her side, seeming a little uneasy.  "Everyone is not going." "Can't we just go to ours?" Fran replied in a low voice, "If they don't want to, forget it." "If only the two of me go, it won't be a clear show of opposition to everyone.  "Is it okay?" Mary was still a little worried, "I'm afraid it will be very troublesome in the future. You also know how angry Laura can be." "We just do what we want to do, why should we care about what they think."  He took off his paintbrush and hinted to the other party not to talk anymore.  "Butwhy don't you think about it again" Mary was still very hesitant.  "Then do you listen to me or to you?" Fran's expression was still very calm, but her voice could not help but raise a little bit.  "I'm not afraid of her! Eugenie shouldn't leave with such regret. No matter what others do, I will help. If you don't want to go, then just keep it. I'm going to go anyway!" Although it's just a little bit, but  It was enough to show that she was a little impatient and a little bit bossy.  This was a fierce side that she would never show in front of her brother and grandfather, and she would rarely show it to others.  Mary could only be stunned.  She knew that there was a big difference in painting skills between the two people, and more importantly, there was an absolute gap in status between the two families. Although this gap was usually covered up with etiquette and smiles, the gap was still a gap.  As much as you might try not to look at it, it's here.  She sees it again now.  Although Miss Treville is already an extremely humble and gentle child, the feeling of bowing her head is still so uncomfortable.  But after all, it is better to choose a side.  "Okay, it's up to you." Mary bit her lip slightly, then lowered her gaze.
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