CHAPTER 18 #3
Love at first sight and undying devotion were probably things that only existed in fairy tales. At least in her world, people—just like five hundred years from now—were driven by interests and motives, not by idealistic notions of love.
The protection given to her by the Medici family, the enthusiasm and support from the people, and the flattery and gifts from the merchants of Milan were all, in essence, driven by the greatest pursuit of self-interest.
This young man, appearing to be a pure and innocent figure, came from the notoriously infamous Borgia family, where from an early age, he had to fight his siblings for resources. He was eventually fortunate enough to come out as the winner, and there was no way he was as innocent as he looked.
The Medici family was a massive threat to the Roman church. In the two previous wars, they had gained the upper hand, and many of their family members had already infiltrated the church.
If this family continued to grow unchecked, the city emblem of Rome might eventually be changed to the fleur-de-lis.
For such a young Borgia to come here and act recklessly, there was no way she would believe that this wasn’t done with the Pope’s tacit approval.
If she married him, whether it was a political maneuver or an actual attempt to curry favor, it would create a subtle balance of power between the central and southern parts of Italy.
The second issue was the war that Caesar Borgia had directly forewarned about.
In this ancient age, intelligence was both critical and scarce. If a city was poorly developed, and the lord was incompetent, even a year’s notice about an impending French invasion wouldn’t improve the situation much.
France had more expansive territories and a stronger military force. Additionally, the Pope was effectively under their control—another complex historical legacy.
A few years ago, the "Spider King" of France had intentionally stirred chaos, instructing assassins to disguise themselves as Neapolitans during a procession to trigger riots and carry out assassinations.
Hedy had witnessed the bloodshed and had been bedridden with a high fever for several days afterward.
The consequence of that event was that the old king, while recovering in his fortress, was assassinated by Medici agents. The heir, Charles VIII, was only sixteen years old and was currently under the regency of the ambitious Duke and Duchess of Bourbon.
History was unfolding earlier than she had expected.
Lorenzo didn’t rush to leave the meeting room. After some time, he directly addressed the group and discussed the war openly.
"France is in the northwest, and the Roman church is in the south."
If both sides sent armies to attack simultaneously, the situation would be much more serious than the previous wars.
"Not only that," Leonardo shook his head. "There’s also Spain to the west."
Spain, with its ties to the Borgia family, could become another major player. If they too participated in the division of interests, it would bring even more naval fleets, creating a huge burden.
"They already know about this, and they’re willing to bring the French plan forward. This is essentially a betrayal," Hedy said quietly. "The Roman church doesn’t want to remain under French control, yet it resists Florence’s influence. That’s why they’re coming here, forcing us to cooperate."
The situation of mutual destruction was enough to foster political marriages and bind interests. The sweet words of young Mr. Borgia had no power against these games of power.
"How long will it take for the French to arrive?" Botticelli suddenly asked.
"At least three to five months. It depends on whether they plan to cross the Alps or come by sea."
"That should be enough time to hold the wedding procession," Botticelli raised an eyebrow, now more relaxed as he looked at Hedy. "So, what are you planning to do?"
"Go back to Milan."
"Go back to Milan."
Both Hedy and Leonardo spoke in unison.
Lorenzo stared at Hedy and said flatly, “When war comes, Milan may not necessarily remain a sanctuary.”
“I can contact Mr. Sforza. We could strengthen our mutual defense alliance,” Da Vinci replied without hesitation. “Naples can also exert pressure on Rome.”
“No, there’s a better way.” Hedy took a deep breath. “I can provide more mercenaries.”
Da Vinci smiled knowingly, while the other men in the room looked somewhat surprised.
“Miss Hedy,” Lorenzo's voice was smooth and low. “Please repeat what you just said.”
“My financial resources are now enough to hire an entire mercenary company.” Hedy sat up straighter, her gaze still calm and resolute. “Since war is inevitable, it’s better to confront it head-on.”
“Ah, so you’ve begun engaging in usury?” Lorenzo frowned. “This is not a simple expense.”
“Actually, from Florence to Milan, I now own more than twenty workshops in different fields and sizes.” Hedy knew that she and he were standing in the core of the most significant power circle. Some things were better laid out in the open.
—Of course, those twenty-some workshops were only under her Medici surname. If you included the businesses she secretly acquired with her Kiesler surname and the help of the Atalante clan, it added up to more than forty.
Botticelli looked genuinely surprised, and even Lorenzo seemed caught off guard by the turn of events.
His impression of this young woman was that of a wise and composed scholar, but in the two or three years since their last meeting, she had transformed into someone entirely different.
—More than twenty businesses?! And she can afford a mercenary company?!
“I’ll go back with Da Vinci to reinforce the forces.
You all keep an eye on movements to the south.
At least in the northwest, we’ll be there to respond.
” She stood up, a smile forming on her face.
“At least for Mr. Sforza, Milan’s prosperity and stability will likely be more important than the light-hearted approval of the church. ”
A mercenary’s son who had seized power through rebellion would never have reached this position if he still feared so-called God and Heaven.
“War is not such an easy game,” Botticelli said, his tone turning serious. “And the Borgia family has years of poisoning history. You must be cautious about everything.”
“I’ll be with her,” Leonardo said without hesitation. “Even if we face war directly, she’ll be in the rear, coordinating and commanding. She won’t be touched a hair.”
“I hope so.” Lorenzo furrowed his brow. “You shouldn’t have to go through all of this.”
“Hide in the Palazzo Pitti and watch the fires of war rage?” Hedy smiled, her expression as mature and perceptive as in her past life. “The story of Troy is not interesting.”
The lord stood up and looked toward Botticelli.
"It seems that a certain wealthy employer has already made up her mind." His voice was calm and indifferent. “We should let her have a good conversation with her fiancé.”
Leonardo froze for a moment, realizing the doubts that Caesar Borgia had expressed earlier.
"I’ll go with Botticelli to stall for time.
You all change into the servants’ clothes as quickly as possible.
There are wagons carrying supplies and barrels of wine coming through the side door not far from here.
The convoy for the north gate is five miles out.
" As the lord reached the door, he paused for a moment, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.
"Remember to come back alive and thank me. "
The door slammed shut with a loud bang. Dechio retrieved the servant clothes from the hidden compartment in the side elevator and gestured for them to change quickly and leave.
Hedy took the familiar maid's outfit, thinking to herself that in both of her lifetimes, she seemed inescapably tied to war.
They turned their backs to each other to change, with Dechio assisting on either side, helping with the fastenings.
“Hedy—” Leonardo said, his voice tentative as he donned his boots. “I didn’t mean to offend you with what I said this afternoon.”
At the time, he had simply acted on instinct, trying to shield her from that arrogant and conceited man.
“Hmm?” Hedy put on her gloves and removed the jewelry from around her neck and ears, her voice calm. “We’re already engaged, after all.”
“Wait—really?!” Da Vinci nearly ripped a button off his coat, his voice shaky. “You’ve really made up your mind?”
“Prepare for the worst,” she replied.
If they were truly defeated, and she were taken by the French or the Romans, she would have enough reasons to refuse the marriage in front of the Pope.
For now, Leonardo was her best option, especially since she already had some affection for him.
—That affection wasn’t the kind of intense, passionate love, but it was a kind of liking that she had never felt for any other man.
He was smart, cheerful, and open-minded about many things.
More importantly, he posed no hidden threat to her.
Once they had finished changing, they made their way to the hidden staircase used for moving goods, descending one after the other from the high tower.
Cosimo was waiting downstairs. When he saw them, he didn’t have time for much explanation and quickly opened the lid of a vintage wine barrel on the carriage, gesturing for them to get inside.
The old ox gave a long, slow bellow before it started moving outside.
There was no suspicion from anyone along the way.
Hedy spent the entire journey reflecting on what had happened that afternoon.
Was Lorenzo implying that, as a bishop, he had already acknowledged their engagement?
In an era without computers or formal records, even an engagement was just a verbal contract, yet it was more binding and serious than any written agreement could be.
They had awkwardly swapped to another carriage on the outskirts of the city, both of them covered in wine stains, with a faint smell of fermentation lingering in the air.
Hedy removed bits of crushed grape skins from her hair and sighed deeply. "If you had kissed me back then, things might have been much simpler."
Da Vinci’s face turned red, and he awkwardly cleared his throat.