Chapter 151: Restoring Contact
Ernst was satisfied with the performance of the Hechingen Consortium's Marseille branch, and he made some necessary adjustments to address any deficiencies. After inspecting the company's operations, he proceeded to Lyon and then to Paris.
Paris, in Ernst's opinion, was unparalleled in Europe in terms of size and quality. The city had been transformed under Napoleon III's leadership, making it a vibrant and artistically valuable place. However, not all Parisians appreciated these changes, and there was criticism of the city's transformation.
Ernst, who admired Paris from his perspective, couldn't understand the discontent of those who criticized the changes. The city's urban planning and artistic improvements were, in his eyes, remarkable.
Ernst's convoy moved through the streets of Paris, heading towards the affluent neighborhoods where the rich and nobles resided.
At a manor in Paris, Ernst was greeted by Count Jacob Medina, an old comrade-in-arms of Ernst's grandfather. Also present was Jaime Medina, Jacob Medina's son. They exchanged greetings and pleasantries.
Jacob Medina reminisced about the past, mentioning how he and Ernst's grandfather had fought together under the command of Napoleon. Jacob expressed regret that the commander had not returned to France after settling in Bavaria, as it would have allowed their old comrades to reunite.
Ernst listened attentively to Jacob Medina's stories about their shared history. The camaraderie and bonds forged in battle left a lasting impression.
Jacob Medina eventually asked Ernst about the purpose of his visit to Paris. Ernst explained that he had come to visit the old friends of his father and grandfather, following their instructions.
Jacob Medina appreciated the gesture and asked Ernst to pass along his regards to his father. He emphasized the importance of young people making connections and friendships, especially among nobles.
During his three-day stay in Paris, Ernst visited former partners of the Hechingen royal family, re-establishing connections with various factions and even the Bonaparte family. These interactions aimed to rebuild the Hechingen royal family's network of contacts, allowing for future support and information exchange in the aristocratic world.
Ernst understood that in the world of nobility, alliances were often based on mutual benefit and interests, and maintaining a network of contacts was essential for navigating the complex political landscape.