CHAPTER 23 #2
“You’ve actually kept a full beard!” Hedy said, releasing Atalante. “What’s going on in Milan? Who’s helping manage the business after you left?”
“You won’t believe who I got to be the new agent—” Atalante said mysteriously. “Alejo!”
“How did you meet him?!” Hedy couldn’t help but laugh. “He is quite the successful scoundrel.”
“Mr. Medici sent his men to hire him,” Atalante waved his hand. “I’ve got a few trusted guys helping to look after things. I’ll just visit twice a year to check the books, and everything will be fine.”
“I think,” he turned his head to look at the brand-new city and the Immortal Bird flag hanging by the window, grinning, “you definitely need a sharp old friend to help take care of things here.”
“True…” Hedy let out a long sigh of relief, took a sip of wine, and asked, “Who sent for you?”
“That was me,” Machiavelli, who had been sitting in the corner flipping through books, waved his hand. “No need to thank me.”
Hedy raised an eyebrow, smiling with a resigned expression.
“Actually, I asked these two gentlemen to come for the same reason.” The consultant sat up straighter, his eyes shifting toward the man standing beside Hedy. “Mr. Da Vinci, you and Mr. Zino should be leaving here soon.”
“Before other countries send their representatives, taking the nearby small duchies will be as easy as taking something from a bag.”
Hedy's first instinct was to look at the map spread out on the table.
Machiavelli's assessment was spot on; there were still many small city-states in the surrounding areas.
Between Genoa and Milan lay a natural barrier—the long and undulating Ligurian Apennines. Their army could easily capture cities like Ferrara, the Duchy of Asti, and the various small port cities along the western coastline.
If they hesitated too long, Milan and France might intervene, but acting swiftly was always worthwhile.
"You’re obviously new to this position," Machiavelli said, standing among them and staring into her eyes. "And you’ve become accustomed to following armies and giving commands during military operations."
Hedy turned to look at Leonardo, her fingers gripping the edge of the table.
"But war should be left to the soldiers," Leonardo replied, also gazing at her, his voice laced with determination. "There are more important matters for you to handle now."
The establishment of national order, the connection and communication between multiple territories, politics, economy, religion, science...
"So, the joint recommendation from myself and the others is for Mr. Leonardo and the two others, including Zino, to lead the conquest," Machiavelli emphasized, "We’ll leave enough garrison and explosive devices within the city."
"I can hold the country," Luris said, wiping his longsword. "France has lost tens of thousands in this year’s war. Any hasty action would be like handing their throat to England and Spain."
"Milan won’t act rashly," Atalante said without hesitation. "I’ve heard that Sforza and the Lord of Naples have gone to Florence for a new round of common defense alliance meetings."
It was a golden opportunity.
With their military temporarily away, there would be no negative consequences.
Several commanders were in place to guard and train the soldiers, and the design of the machinery and ammunition could be entrusted to the elderly Fabio.
Michelangelo could help modify the blueprints and assist with complex projectile calculations.
Hedy took a deep breath and nodded.
"Let’s head to Ferrara in the north first."
That night, a grand ball was held in the castle, with the sounds of flutes and pianos interwoven, soaring above the dance floor like larks in flight.
Hedy did not join in the revelry. After a brief opening speech, she stepped out onto the terrace as the others began to dance and lose themselves in the celebration.
Compared to the lively atmosphere inside, the terrace was silent and cold, the night wind biting like the opposite end of the poles.
She took a sip of wine and suddenly remembered her old agreement with Botticelli.
Years ago, she had made wine in an oak barrel at the Old Palace and promised to meet again in five years to share a drink together. How many years had it been since then?
She lowered her gaze, swirling the wine in her glass, letting the faint aroma spread.
"Leonardo?"
The man behind her sighed, "I’ve been as light-footed as I can."
Hedy turned to face him and said, "I was just thinking about the old days at the Old Palace."
"Those were happy times, weren’t they?" Leonardo couldn’t help but laugh. "Back then, you were still the alchemist helping me move bodies."
Hedy smiled and waved her hand. "I never want to touch that kind of thing again."
"But next time, if I ask you again?"
"I’ll still agree." She looked at him. "You’re obviously very cunning."
Leonardo poured her half a glass of wine and leaned against the railing with her, both of them feeling the night breeze.
The slightly curled black hair was blown by the wind, reminding her of a mermaid with flowing hair in the deep sea.
"Do you remember that barrel of wine, Leonardo?" Hedy gazed out at the city in the night, her voice a little hoarse. "I wonder if Botticelli secretly drank it all."
"No, I sealed it up with several seals before I left," he turned to look at her. "The first barrel of wine you made has been aging for seven years, and the others for six."
"Has it been that long?" She paused for a moment, then sighed. "When we return to Florence, that grumpy guy… I wonder if he’ll even share a glass with us."
Leonardo removed his outer robe, gently draping it over her shoulders.
"He will," he said slowly. "After all, you are a Medici."
At that moment, Hedy belatedly sneezed and tightened the coat around her, muttering softly, "You’re leaving the day after tomorrow, and I’m a bit uneasy."
They barely had time to be together.
Even after confirming their feelings for each other, they wouldn’t have the luxury of walking hand-in-hand or whispering sweet words like most ordinary lovers.
In this world torn by war, they each carried too many responsibilities and missions on their shoulders.
They had walked this heavy road together, and even though they could rest for a brief moment now, it was only just the beginning. There was still a long... long way to go.
"Anyway, now, Mr. Leonardo... no, General Leonardo," she looked at him, "you’ve become an even more brilliant and reliable presence— I trust you."
"But no matter what, surviving is more important than anything else."
"The territories and duchies, even if we don’t capture them now, there will be countless more opportunities in the future.
" Her pale blue eyes held a hint of warning.
"General, when you return, make sure you don’t lose any limbs or features.
Fabio certainly won't be kind enough to give you a wooden nose. "
Leonardo let out a soft chuckle, his eyes focused on the ground.
He remained silent for a long time before speaking in a quiet voice. "I’ve been thinking about what kind of gift I should give you as a betrothal gift."
She froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing with a soft pink.
"You will be the most beautiful bride in the world… but before proposing, I should at least have a worthy gift ready." He looked up at her, awkwardly but with the same nervousness of a young man asking for her hand. "Gold and silver fabrics aren’t enough."
He wanted to take this entire coastline, like a pearl necklace, and claim it as the best wedding gift, the perfect symbol for their union.
Hedy raised her hand to cover her face, pausing for a moment before murmuring, "You want..."
No... she wasn't ready yet...
"I’ll do it when I return," Leonardo leaned in and kissed her cheek, his smile mischievous. "But we’ve already had an engagement, haven’t we?"
She laughed softly, then casually added, "That line in movies isn’t usually a good omen."
He seemed to not fully understand, looking confused. "What?"
"Nothing," Hedy patted his shoulder. "I’ll be waiting here for your good news, General."
As for the wedding… perhaps now wasn’t the right time.
On the morning of September 4th, the three teams set off towards the north, and the repair of the city walls and post-war tasks began to unfold.
Michelangelo had transformed into a completely different person compared to before. While he was still quite young, and roughly the same age as Machiavelli, their areas of expertise complemented each other perfectly.
It became clear that Machiavelli's letters to strangers were not only forceful in their wording but also extremely effective, with results that were noticeable and impressive.
Niccolò Machiavelli was more adept at adjusting policies, as well as researching and guiding public opinion.
Hedy gave him plenty of freedom to observe and study the lives and thoughts of the people in the city.
He was like a sly and sharp fox, constantly sniffing out vulnerabilities to exploit, making sure that the policies were accepted by the people in the easiest and most favorable way possible.
As for Michelangelo, his time at the Florence Academy had clearly shaped him into a more well-rounded individual.
His circumstances had also significantly improved.
The Medici family continued to provide him with generous sponsorship, and although Botticelli had been traveling frequently in recent years, even his brief visits brought valuable and insightful advice.
Michelangelo made progress in painting, sculpture, mathematics, and physics, and he had read through Leonardo’s extensive manuscripts, delving deeply into them.
Now, the two of them, one skilled in the arts and the other in political strategy, were able to assist Hedy in adjusting the city’s planning and defenses while also offering reliable policy suggestions.