December 24, 1840

As twilight gradually descends on the whole land, the annual Christmas Eve is just around the corner. Pen % fun % Pavilion www.biquge.info

Ever since the Son was finally martyred and gave his life for humanity, such a night has been a holiday in Christendom and a time for families to gather together and wait for the new year to come.

At this time, France was under the rule of His Majesty King Louis-Philippe I, although His Majesty, who was born in the royal family of Orleans, ousted the Bourbon family from power and ascended to the throne by himself through a coup d'état ten years ago, but after ten years in power, France is now generally stable, but the world is still peaceful, and the economic development is back on the track of prosperity - although everyone knows that the recession years will definitely be ahead, but at least now is enough time to enjoy life.

The French, in general, are a nation that likes to be lively, like to show off, and like to be magnificent, so when there is a little peace, the character in the depths of the blood has prevailed, so in recent years, the festivals have become more and more grand and noisy, and there is a sense of luxury that enjoys the times and is drunk today.

In addition, the king, in order to show how solid his rule was, and his penchant for grandiose spectacle, deliberately indulged this instinct to divert the attention of the people from the political aspect, so that the whole of Paris was now plunged into a tumult of excitement at every festival.

As one of the most important festivals of the year, Christmas is of course the same, just into December, the royal capital fell into the festive atmosphere, as the time approached the carnival day after day, the theater was full, people in the celebration to relieve the fatigue accumulated in the year, and look forward to the coming year's good fortune.

Since yesterday, the snow has begun to fall in the sky, sometimes like goose feathers, sometimes as thin as a gossamer, although the scale of this intermittent snow is small, but it also makes the streets and buildings covered with a layer of white armor, and also makes the winter atmosphere become worthy of the name.

And when Christmas Eve comes, the buildings in the city are full of lights, colorful stickers make the original dim lights suddenly take on a blurry color, but also make the snow into a clump of patterns, in this piece of colorful light, there are endless melodious music from all corners, people seem to come to a dream world.

However, in such a glitzy and noisy world, there are still a few pure lands that still remain quiet and leisurely, as if they have never been infected by the outside world.

In one of the humble houses of Saint-Germain, there is such a corner. On the second floor there is a living room, which faces the street, but because of the thick curtains, the cold wind and noise are kept outside.

There was no candlelight in the room, for it was very dark, and only the light from the crack in the door came faintly, and in the middle of the room a young man lay in the quiet darkness, and fell into a deep sleep.

The young man, who was about twelve or thirteen years old, looked very handsome in a gray linen nightgown with gold hair. However, even in his sleep, his expression is very quiet, and he looks a little older than his peers.

In this festival, he had been sleeping for a while, and the hustle and bustle around him did not bring him any touch, as if he did not care about the joy at all.

However, the hustle and bustle of the festival did not far from him.

Just as it was getting dark, the door to the room was gently pushed open, and a young woman walked in quickly.

Perhaps by habit or by intention, she walked fast, but with a tight and powerful stride, without making any sound, and her balance was very well maintained.

The woman was wearing a pure gray winter dress, and her golden-gray hair was combed into a bun and coiled at the back of her head.

In the faint light, she walked to the bed, and then looked at the young man on the bed, whose eyes were closed.

Then, with a sneer, she stretched out her right hand and leaned directly into his head.

"Merry Christmas, Charles." In a daze, Charles suddenly heard a greeting in his ear.

Before he could react, a sharp pain suddenly pierced his ear into his brain—he felt a hand grabbing his ear mercilessly, and then forcibly lifting his head with the help of it.

The intense pain caused him to swing his hand at that hand almost subconsciously, but it didn't have any effect, and the other hand's hand grabbed his wrist directly, making his attack ineffective.

Although this hand is white and slender, it is extremely powerful, like an iron tong, which makes him unable to do anything.

At this time, the young man slowly regained consciousness, and then saw clearly the person who was playing with her like this.

Then, a flush of irritation swept away the calm on the young man's face.

"Let go!" He shouted at the woman opposite. "It hurts!"

"This is the lesson you deserve, young man." However, the woman didn't mean to apologize at all, but looked at Charles with a straight face, "I didn't teach you to be walked around by others without noticing!" Shouldn't you be taught a lesson in your poor performance? ”

"Why! I'm not going to be a swordsman, why am I so alert that I can't even sleep well? The young man was still indignant, "You're just trying to bully me!" ”

That being said, the boy had had had enough of Aunt Agnes' bullying for years, so he had no choice but to accept the reality except to complain.

The reason for accepting reality is not actually because of family affection and reverence for elders, but because of another reality - he can't beat the other party, and he can't beat him completely.

"Okay, you've already woken up, what are you going to do with so much talk." Agnes avoided Charles' angry and accusatory gaze, and then continued to accuse him, "You can still sleep on a day like this? That's not a good idea, isn't it? You are also a young man, how can you be so decadent? ”

"I had something yesterday, so I slept too late...... Is it already nightfall? Charles defended himself for a moment, then he looked at the clock at the head of the bed in the dim light, "Wow, it's already this time!" ”

"Did you find out at this time?" Agnes smiled disdainfully, then glanced at Charles, "Let's change our clothes." ”

He followed her line of sight, then looked down, and found that his pajamas were open, and the skin on his chest was exposed, and then his face couldn't help but blush.

"Then you go out first."

"Come on, what's the shame? I hugged you the day your mother gave birth to you, and what else have I not seen since I was a child? Agnes still smiled disdainfully.

But even so, she walked out, obviously treating this nephew, who had grown up, and she was not completely unaware of his growth as she seemed to be.

"You can really bear to do it...... I'm my nephew......" When he was changing clothes, Charles felt a dull pain in his ears, so he couldn't help but complain in a low voice.

Although he is Agnes's nephew by kinship and has been brought up under Agnes' care since childhood, his mind is much older because of his experience of being a human twice, and he has not treated Agnes as an adult almost from the beginning.

And his attitude of "although respectful but just level-eyed" has always made Agnes unaccustomed to it, and because of the influence of his mentality, he seems to be "too old and sophisticated, and does not have the vitality and innocence that a child should have", so Agnes is even more angry, and often has to teach this boy who does not know the height of the sky.

However, having said that, in fact, in the years of getting along, Agnes also had an inseparable bond with this child, after all, this is her sister's bloodline left in the world, and it is also the child she has been with for so many years and has seen growing up since childhood, so many times she just speaks harshly, and Charles can of course see it.

It is precisely for this reason that his complaints are mixed with some joy of being cared for.

Soon, he changed his clothes and went out to Agnes' side.

"Pretty good, kid!" Agnes looked at Charles, who was dressed up, and then couldn't help but laugh, "In a few years, I'll be able to cheat on girls!" ”

Now that he's at the side of her neck, he'll probably be on par with Agnes in another two or three years.

Although the winter clothes are relatively heavy, his figure still looks thin and handsome, and he is a handsome teenager, coupled with the calm and calm that does not match his age, he is even more handsome.

"How long are you going to make fun of me?" Charles couldn't help but frown and asked.

"It's not necessarily a joke." Agnes reached out and grabbed his shoulder, "You look so much like that guy, maybe ...... Like that person, he will do all kinds of bad things. ”

"That person?" Charles was slightly stunned for a moment, and then thought of who the other party was referring to. "What bad did he do? Did you receive any news about him? ”

Because of his early disappearance, he doesn't have much impression of his father in this life, and unlike those children who lost their fathers at a young age, he has no nostalgia for his father, which is probably the sequelae of the time-traveler.

"No, nothing." As if she had found that she had lost her words, Agnes frowned slightly, and there was a hint of shadow in her smile, but she quickly returned to normal, "Don't forget that he is a painter, how can there be a good person among painters?" ”

“…… It always feels like you've said something very offensive. Charles lowered his gaze, apparently unimpressed.

"Alright, come down with me." Agnes didn't give him much room to think about it, and directly pushed him, "On days like this, everyone should always get together as a family......"

Charles did not resist and followed his aunt downstairs.

Agnes had come to see Charles today, so as soon as she came to his house, she went straight to Charles's room, but when she came down, she found that although the living room of the mansion was decorated with festive stripes, and there were servants walking around preparing dinner, none of the owners of the mansion were present.

"What's wrong? What about your grandfather? Agnes asked.

"He's not in good health lately and he's going to see a doctor outside." Charles replied.

In fact, this is not the case, Charles knew that his grandfather belonged to a Bonapartist political organization, and often had secret meetings under various names, and that his grandfather had gone out a few days ago, originally saying that he would return before Christmas, but that something might have happened on the way, and he never returned.

Although he has no feelings for his father, but he and the Marquis of Treville can be described as a deep relationship, seeing that grandpa is so old and still running hard, he is also very distressed to be honest, he told grandpa several times that he wants to serve him, but because of his current age, grandpa said nothing and refused to let him be a helper, he had to helplessly watch grandpa continue to run, and he made up his mind to let himself be able to replace the other party as soon as possible.

"It's a pity to be sick on a day like this......," Agnes said casually, but from the look in her eyes, she didn't seem to believe the reason.

But she has little interest in politics and therefore has no intention of pursuing anything. "Forget it, it's better if he's not at home, what about your sister?"

Her words...... Probably waiting for me. As if remembering something, Charles suddenly laughed. You'll be pleasantly surprised when you see her! ”

"That's a weird smile." Agnes frowned, "What the hell is that?" ”

Instead of answering, Charles walked up the stairs again, and walked to the other side of his bedroom.

"Wait for me!"

Agnes looked at Charles' vanishing back in confusion, but soon the boy emerged from around the corner, followed by a small shadow.

The shadow followed Charles, clutching them tightly, until after Charles had walked downstairs, and she timidly popped up from behind him to look at Agnes.

"......Merry Christmas, Aunt Agnes," she whispered.

This is a little girl of seven or eight years old, her golden hair is tied into two braids and hangs down to her temples, her blue eyes are shining, and with her delicate expression, she is almost like an angel descending on earth.

If it had not been a few months ago, Agnes would have been glad to have rushed forward to pick up the angel.

However, when she looked at this child today, her expression became extremely complicated, and she stretched out her hand and put it down.

"Oh, Fran, good evening." In the end, she just responded lightly.

However, she soon realized that something was wrong.

The little girl wore a red tapered hat with white pompoms hanging from the top of the hat, and she was wearing a bright red dress of red flannel, which looked very bright, except for the white fleece at the corners.

What kind of outfit is this?

Looking at this strange outfit, Agnes couldn't help but feel a little strange, and she also knew that this must be her nephew's ghost.

"Charles? Is this a good thing you did? ”

"Yes, auntie, this is what I made for Fran, is it pretty?" Charles picked up his sister as if offering a treasure, showing her the outfit on her body, "Look good! ”

He laughed as he spoke, clearly filled with a sense of accomplishment, and rubbed his face against his sister's.

And when he fiddled like this, a happy smile appeared on Fran's shy face, which made her even more cute.

"It's pretty good...... "Although she had never seen such an outfit before, Agnes quickly judged the outfit with appreciation after her initial surprise." I'm so sorry you have a heart. ”

"Since it's a holiday, we should do something out of the ordinary." Charles smiled and replied, "I designed it for me. ”

"Hey, I've always put my mind on the crooked path of the evil sect." Agnes said disdainfully.

"It's nice to be happy, isn't it?" Charles asked with a smile.

At this time, Fran was still close to him, and the thick velvet made him feel a lot warmer.

"By the way, why did you come here tonight?" Charles suddenly remembered something, "Doesn't you usually spend Christmas Eve at home first, and then come to us the next day?" ”

"It's not fun at home, it's just those people anyway, they might be happier if I'm not there......" Agnes looked away, "Besides, I want to have a good holiday with you before I leave you." ”

"Leave?" Charles was a little confused.

"Yes, I may have to go far away, maybe it will be a long time before I come back." Agnes nodded, "Of course, if you're lucky, you might be able to come back sooner......"

"Are you looking for someone?" Fran asked timidly.

"That's smart." Agnes sneered at her, and despite the smile, there was something special in her eyes.

Charles didn't notice it, but Fran seemed to sense some malice, and she couldn't help but wince and lean closer to her brother.

Although this child is young, but she is sensitive enough, she doesn't know what Agnes wants to do and who she is looking for, but from the subtle changes in Agnes's attitude towards her during this time, she instinctively feels that the other party no longer loves her as much as before, so she begins to deliberately avoid this aunt, even if she has to be together, she will unconsciously seek protection from her brother.

"What a lovely child...... "Looking at Fran's appearance, Agnes sighed, as if touching the sadness of the scene." How cute. ”

"You...... Have you already made up your mind? Charles was slightly moved, "Do you want to stop thinking about it?" ”

"No, I've already made up my mind, don't persuade me." Agnes shook her head.

Charles bit his lip slightly.

Although he often clashed with Agnes when he was together, he found himself a little reluctant when she said goodbye.

"Can you come back sooner? I hope you will come back soon. After a moment's hesitation, he whispered.

"Hmm! What a nice word! I will definitely come back as soon as possible. Agnes laughed, "I hope your mom and you can give me enough luck......"

In the midst of Agnes' laughter, Charles and Fran looked at each other, both of them feeling that their aunt's attitude was unusual, but they did not dare to ask.

"I'm going to miss you." Charles let go of Fran and walked over to Agnes' side, "I just felt sudden, you suddenly said you were leaving us......"

"It's normal for people, how can there be people who stay together all the time." Looking at Charles, Agnes's smile slowly became a little moved, "When I'm not around, you have to remember to take care of yourself." ”

"I will." Charles nodded, "I'll take care of my sister." ”

"It's like a man." Agnes was obviously impressed, "Well, we should celebrate a holiday like this, and stop talking about those disheartening things." ”

At this time, Charles swept away the sadness just now and suddenly laughed.

"Since you say so, well, let's talk about the festival." Charles's smile was a little more sly, "On a holiday like this, I'd like to ask you for a gift." ”

"Oh! I forgot about that! Agnes exclaimed, then looked at her hands. What do you want? I'll buy it for you. ”

"I don't want any gifts, just a favor...... Charles bowed his head.

"Well, for your mother's sake, you can make a request from me." Agnes shrugged her shoulders, obviously unimpressed, "Just make it a Christmas present, and if I can do it, I'll make it for you." ”

"That......'s good," Charles looked up suddenly, then pointed to his sister next to him, "I also made you a set of such clothes, could you please put them on for me too?" What do you think? It's not difficult, right? It's easy for you to help with that......"

Agnes froze, looking at the smiling teenager, she suddenly thought of something terrible.

"Made a set for me? You...... How do you know ......"

"We've been together for so many years, and you've taught me how to use a sword, why do you think I don't know your size and size?" Charles looked at each other strangely, "I've already memorized this, and I'll learn it from the tailor myself...... Ah......h

He suddenly couldn't speak, because his collar was grabbed directly by Agnes, and then forcibly lifted up, and then pressed against the table, so that he could only scream.

"What a bastard!"

Agnes' embarrassed voice rang in Charles' ears, accompanied by occasional pain.

"Aunt Agnes!" Seeing her brother being treated like this, Fran was so frightened that she immediately ran to her side, and then grabbed the corner of her clothes, and only then did she regain her sanity.

"Humph!" Agnes snorted, then let go of her hand. "So you actually hit such a ghost idea! Is that why you haven't slept all night? ”

"Yes, yes." Charles reluctantly stood up and rubbed his crumpled collar, but there was no sign of shame or fear. "Since it's a holiday, we should do something out of the ordinary."

Then he looked up at Agnes again. "Aunt Agnes, I just want you to be able to join us in the festive cheers...... We're all in this together. Please grant me this trivial request. ”

Charles said as he looked at her, looking at her with a rare sincerity.

Under such a sight, Agnes's original arrogance slowly turned into hesitation, in such a day, even if she was a little crazy, what was it?

It's important to keep a souvenir.

"Alright, bastard boy!" Finally, she scolded bitterly.

Just as Agnes took the Christmas outfit to Fran's bedroom to change clothes, there was another commotion outside the mansion.

"Charlotte, why are you here?" When a blonde girl walked into the living room, Charles cried out in surprise.

This is a richly dressed girl, she has a good face, but her demeanor is slightly arrogant, although there is still a little childishness between her eyebrows, but she has already shown the feminine style without omission.

However, when she saw Charles, her almost innate arrogance was slightly reduced.

"I sneaked out of the house and wanted to come and see you."

"Oh, thank you!" Charles immediately thanked the other party, "Merry Christmas!" ”

"Merry Christmas." Charlotte blushed a little, then replied in the same way.

But before she could say anything more, Charles suddenly pointed to Fran next to her.

"What do you think of her outfit? Is it good-looking? ”

Charlotte was a little surprised at first when she saw Fran's outfit, but it quickly turned into an admiring sight.

"Hmph, it's normal, you can still see people." She is unforgiving.

Fran frowned, then glared at the other without anyone noticing.

"Then I'll prepare a set for you, and you can wear it too?" Charles asked with a smile.

"What?" Charlotte was taken aback again, but immediately pouted, "Why should I listen to you?" ”

"Aunt Agnes and Fran will wear them, and I think they'll look good," Charles chuckled slightly, "If you don't like it, you can wear it without it, and I'm not sure you'll look good in it." ”

Charles knew Charlotte too well, she was a proud person who would never tolerate what others had that she didn't have.

Sure enough, Charlotte was immediately defeated by this superficial agitation.

"I can't be unsightly!" She held her head up and declared.

"Okay, let's put it into practice." Charles laughed even more happily, and then coaxed Charlotte again, "I think so, too." ”

When Agnes appeared in the living room in her red and white Christmas dress, she was shocked to find that there was one more person here, and she was also wearing the same outfit.

You've been prepared!

Agnes glared at the hateful teenager.

But her anger didn't frighten Charles at all, for what he saw was simply dazzling.

The three of them stood together, their heights and demeanors were different, the tallest Agnes had a serious and solemn expression, Charlotte was arrogant and hidden a trace of fear that she would not be as good as others, and Fran looked innocent.

However, regardless of their demeanor, they have their own charms, just like the beauty in a painting.

I'm really ...... That's amazing!

Thinking about the success, he couldn't help but laugh wildly in his heart.

Then he took his hands, framed them in front of his eyes, and made a gesture to take a picture, leaving an impression of the moment in his mind.

"Merry Christmas!" (To be continued.) )