After listening to Jerome Bonaparte’s description of the political situation in the Kingdom of Prussia, Valerovsky still didn’t understand why Jerome Bonaparte held a "small" foreign ambassador in such high regard.

According to Valerovsky’s previous understanding of the Kingdom of Prussia, there was more than just Otto von Bismarck who could help the King fend off attacks from the liberals and maintain close relations with the military.

In his (Jerome Bonaparte’s) words, Von Bismarck seemed to be practically confirmed as the future Prime Minister of Prussia.

Jerome Bonaparte made no secret of his admiration, causing Valerovsky, as a fellow diplomat, to feel a touch of jealousy.

"Your Majesty, should I communicate with Von Bismarck in my capacity as ambassador to Prussia, or as a Count?" Valerovsky discreetly asked Jerome Bonaparte.

He wanted to know whether this was a formal diplomatic endeavor or another bout of secretive politicking!

"Count, I hope you can engage in some private exchanges with Otto von Bismarck in your capacity as Count Valerovsky!" Jerome Bonaparte encouraged Valerovsky, "When communicating with Bismarck, try to express dissatisfaction with the Austrian Empire!

At the same time, you can hint to Bismarck that I personally am unwilling to see the Austrian Empire dominating Germany single-handedly and wish to ease relations with the Kingdom of Prussia!

As for how much to disclose, it’s entirely up to your discretion!"

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte shifted his tone and added, "Of course, in formal occasions, you must show equal regard to the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire, even leaning towards the Austrian Empire."

With Jerome Bonaparte’s blatant hints, Valerovsky immediately understood Jerome Bonaparte’s intention; he was aiming to instigate conflict between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Empire.

However, Valerovsky still didn’t understand why the Emperor would change his attitude towards the Austrian Empire.

The Austrian Empire had clearly not done anything detrimental to the French Empire.

Yet that’s how diplomacy works; friends today may not be friends tomorrow, and may in fact turn into enemies.

Since the Emperor asked him to befriend the Kingdom of Prussia, he merely had to carry out the orders faithfully.

"Your Majesty, I will keep in touch with Von Bismarck following your instructions!" Valerovsky respectfully replied to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Alright! That’s all I wanted to say!"

Then, accompanied by Valerovsky’s family, Jerome Bonaparte left the mansion.

Before departing, to express his favor towards the Valerovsky family, Jerome Bonaparte half-jokingly asked Eugenie Valerovsky for a parting "gift".

"Your Majesty, would you be so kind as to stoop down!" Eugenie Valerovsky respectfully requested of Jerome Bonaparte.

"Of course I can!"

Jerome Bonaparte naturally understood what Eugenie Valerovsky wanted to do, so he half-knelt and turned his cheek towards Eugenie Valerovsky.

Eugenie Valerovsky kissed Jerome Bonaparte’s cheek and then expressed her gratitude to him. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Having received the "gift", Jerome Bonaparte stood up, patted Eugenie Valerovsky’s head, and promised, "My dear child, you will surely become the most dazzling pearl in Paris’ social circle in the future!"

With that, Jerome Bonaparte climbed into his carriage and disappeared into the darkness, watched by the entire Valerovsky family.

Seeing Jerome Bonaparte’s carriage leave the mansion, Valerovsky finally spoke to apologize to Louisa Laurie Corey and Eugenie Valerovsky.

"I’m sorry, but I only have a few days to stay in Paris!"

The astute Louisa Laurie Corey immediately realized that Valerovsky had once again been given a new mission by the Emperor.

Thus, she quietly asked Valerovsky, "Where does the Emperor intend to send you?"

Valerovsky informed Louisa Laurie Corey of his itinerary and asked Louisa if she wished to accompany him to Berlin.

A fleeting emotion flashed in Louisa’s eyes; having been apart from Valerovsky often, she indeed longed for an impromptu trip with him.

Yet this impulse lasted only a few seconds; when reason triumphed over emotion and reclaimed dominion, Louisa declined Valerovsky’s request.

The reason she gave was this: Eugenie was still young and needed her care.

Furthermore, she had become a member of the Empress’s inner circle.

If she went to Berlin with Valerovsky, her position in the Tuileries Palace would quickly be taken by someone else.

The court was always a place where every position was contested and there was never a shortage of people eager to advance.

For the sake of both her child and Valerovsky, she couldn’t accompany him to Berlin.

"I understand!"

Though Valerovsky had already prepared himself internally for the likelihood of Louisa not accompanying him to Berlin, hearing Louisa express her wishes aloud still left Valerovsky somewhat disappointed.

Then Valerovsky informed Louisa that a "nephew" of his would be visiting Paris soon, and Valerovsky hoped Louisa could offer this "nephew" some assistance.

Aware of Valerovsky’s background, Louisa naturally understood that the "nephew" Valerovsky spoke of was likely his illegitimate child.

Valerovsky dared to lay everything openly on the table probably because it had been sanctioned by the Emperor.

Otherwise, Valerovsky wouldn’t have mentioned it at this moment.

The thought of that damned illegitimate child potentially stripping away everything from her and her daughter made Louisa’s chest feel as though it was being crushed by a massive boulder; her expression began to contort, and her gaze shifted from love to hatred.

"Why tell me this!" Louisa rasped in a low voice at Valerovsky.

Seeing Louisa’s resentment, the ashamed Valerovsky lowered his head and pleaded with her, "Louisa, I can assure you that the child won’t disturb your and Eugenie’s lives!

After my demise, all the Valerovsky family’s wealth will belong to Eugenie! I will ensure she marries with glory!"

Valerovsky also added, "The Emperor is already aware of this matter!"

"Your Majesty!"

After personally hearing that damn illegitimate child win Jerome Bonaparte’s approval, Louisa’s gratitude towards Jerome Bonaparte turned into resentment.

No wonder Eugénie could receive such a promise from the Emperor; it turns out all gifts already came with a marked price.

However, even though Louisa knew the truth now, all she could do in the current situation was bow her head and obey.

"Valerovsky, I hope you remember what you’re saying now!"

Louisa said to Valerovsky through gritted teeth, "If you dare break your promise, I won’t let you off!"

"Louisa, I swear by the honor of the Valerovsky family!" Valerovsky placed his hand on his chest, speaking solemnly to Louisa, "I will never break my vow!"

"Good!" Louisa’s demeanor softened slightly, though her tone remained icy as she inquired, "What’s the child’s name?"

"Alexander Colon Antoine Valerovsky!" Valerovsky replied honestly to Louisa. "He is 16 years old this year!"

"Hmph!" Louisa snorted coldly.

Calculating from the age, that detestable illegitimate child was born in 1844, back when she hadn’t married Valerovsky.

This result admittedly made Louisa’s heart feel a bit more at ease.

At least the child didn’t appear after her marriage!

"Got it!"

Louisa responded blandly, then pulled Eugénie Valerovsky along into the mansion.

As Louisa led Eugénie Valerovsky back to the mansion, Eugénie turned back with a childish tone and said to Valerovsky, "Papa, come on!"

Looking at the adorable Eugénie, Valerovsky’s heart felt as if it had been suddenly squeezed tightly.

"Coming!"

...

On the other hand, having just returned to Tuileries Palace from Walewski’s Mansion, Jerome Bonaparte encountered Vilnius, the Empress’s chief lady-in-waiting, upon entering the hall.

At this moment, she was leading a group of attendants down a corridor in Tuileries Palace.

Jerome Bonaparte promptly asked, "Where is the Empress?"

With Vilnius guiding him, Jerome Bonaparte walked across the corridor connecting Tuileries Palace with the Louvre.

In a guest room on the second floor of the Louvre, Jerome Bonaparte saw Augusta.

At the moment, Augusta was sitting seriously by a walnut desk, and beside her sat Friedrich Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte’s entrance shifted Augusta’s attention towards him.

"Why are you still not asleep so late?" Jerome Bonaparte strolled casually to Augusta’s side and asked curiously.

"Jerome, look at your good son!" Augusta pointed irritably at the work Friedrich was still completing as she addressed Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte picked up Friedrich’s work, studied it earnestly, then raised his head in puzzlement, saying, "It’s written very well!

There are hardly any mistakes!"

"What you’re seeing is all Friedrich has written since 6 o’clock until now!" Augusta continued to speak to Jerome Bonaparte.

Jerome Bonaparte showed embarrassment and gently patted Friedrich’s head, "Written very well, but if the pace were quicker, it’d be even better!"

"Understood, Father!" Friedrich yawned as he responded to Jerome Bonaparte.

"Alright! Go on to bed!" Jerome Bonaparte gently patted the back of Friedrich’s head as he spoke.

However, Friedrich didn’t leave and timidly glanced at Augusta, "Mother, may I go to rest?"

"Go on!" Augusta sighed as she spoke to Friedrich.

After Friedrich left, Augusta finally said to Jerome Bonaparte, "This child is excellent in every way except he’s too playful!"

Apparently, the reason Friedrich couldn’t finish his writing earlier wasn’t due to inability but because he intermittently played whenever he wished.

It wasn’t until 10 o’clock that Friedrich finally focused on completing his unfinished work.

"Children at this age inherently have a playful nature! As long as he completes his assignments smoothly, it’s fine!" Jerome Bonaparte said to Augusta.

"But he shouldn’t have to write until 10 or 11 every night!" Augusta retorted, "It’s not good for his health!"

Jerome Bonaparte pondered for a moment, then spoke again, "How about this? If I find time, I’ll take Friedrich to the military camp to let him experience the atmosphere there, hoping it will help him develop a sense of time management!"

"Will this really help?" Augusta asked hesitantly.

"It should!" Jerome Bonaparte replied, albeit uncertain, "But having Friedrich exposed to the military earlier is surely beneficial!

As the next leader of the Bonaparte family, he cannot stray from the military!"

"Alright!"

Subsequently, Jerome Bonaparte narrated his dealings with Valerovsky to Augusta.

"You men really are..." Augusta stopped herself from speaking further, inwardly sighing for Louisa’s tragic fate.

"I must trouble you to soothe Louisa’s concerns!" Jerome Bonaparte requested.

"I’ll try my best!"