On the narrow inland river channel, countless small boats and rowboats were moving along, advancing slowly.
Almost every small boat carried a gentleman dressed in a flak suit from the Rococo period [Note 1], pairing long stockings, holding a lace parasol at the stern of the boat, while a lady wearing a lace bonnet and a lace-trimmed long dress sat in the middle.
Boating on the Thames River is a compulsory course for every English gentleman and lady.
Even though the waters of the Thames have long been murky and emit a foul stench, they still manage to discuss the future without changing expression.
Our protagonist, Little Jerome, clearly had no mind for leisurely sightseeing, standing at the bow of the boat, constantly tiptoeing to gaze around the shore.
Under the sailor's expert skills, the small boat did not collide in the inland river channel and gradually approached a small port at the London Dock.
Little Jerome seemed to have spotted something on the shore, and before the little boat was completely roped in and docked, he grabbed his luggage with one hand and jumped ashore with a leap.
In the sailors' astonished gaze, Little Jerome smiled and gave his thanks: "Thank you for your help during this journey. Please also give my regards to the captain!"
With that said, Little Jerome turned and disappeared into the bustling crowd.
"What an affable prince, unlike those fellows in Paris! Always eager to look down their noses at everyone!"
"Exactly right!"
"If he were to run for president, I'd definitely vote for him!"
"A prince running for president? I suspect the authorities wouldn't agree to that!"
"Who knows?"
The sailors lounging on the small boat showed off their fervor like keyboard warriors of later generations.
Sadly, they had no keyboards in hand.
...
After traversing the crowded dock, Jerome finally arrived at a small town near the London Dock, where he met the person he was supposed to meet.
"Percy, it's so good to see you again!" Little Jerome said with a smile, giving the middle-aged man before him a warm hug.
Count Feixia de Pessiri,
Of course, the title of Count was how Percy introduced himself to the outside world, while Little Jerome had reason to suspect that Percy's count status might be forged, or perhaps he was a count from some region in Italy.
All of Europe knew that under the leadership of the holy Pope and the kings of various states of Italy, the titles in Italy were depreciating at a speed visible to the naked eye.
In Italy, all you needed was to occupy an island or even just mark a plot of land out of thin air, then pay the Pope or the state king a certain sum to be ennobled, just like the protagonist in the Count of Monte Cristo.
Nowadays, not only in Italy but across all of Europe, noble titles were losing value at a visible speed, and in the region of France under the Orléans Dynasty, instances of large investors being ennobled as viscounts had started to occur.
In the 18th century, such things were unimaginable, as capital was eroding the ancient noble system at an unbeatable speed, and the glory of the nobility was declining after the war led by his uncle.
But back to the point, while Percy's count status might be debatable, his opportunistic heart loyal to his cousin Charles Bonaparte has never waned.
From 1835 to now, a total of 13 years, this Bohemian journalist (also self-proclaimed), contributor to the "France Western Magazine" (which ceased publication after only one issue), continued to stir up all sorts of big news in France with unmatched vigor for his age along with his cousin.
The Strasbourg Uprising of 1840 was the masterpiece of the count in front of him. [Note 2]
"Your Highness Jerome, we are also very pleased to see you again! However…" Perrini's expression revealed a hint of doubt.
If his memory served correctly, the last time he saw the prince was about more than a year ago, and the then (young) Prince Jerome was not as slim and fit as he appeared now.
A year ago, the prince was like a "child" weighing over 300 pounds, easily out of breath after jogging a few steps.
"Hmm…" Little Jerome pondered for a moment before explaining, "A lot of things happened in between that made me resolute about losing weight!"
Perrini showed a knowing and slightly lewd expression.
Although French women are known for their unique tastes, few are attracted to overweight men.
Perrini also had to admit that the slimmer Little Jerome was, in some ways, a better fit than Prince Louis (Napoleon Louis) to act as a propagandist for Bonapartism.
Little Jerome did not know what Perrini was thinking, but that did not stop him from guessing that Percy was surely muttering something to himself.
"Percy, the gentleman standing aside is my cousin's new recruit, right?" Little Jerome's voice reached Percy's ear.
Returning to his senses, Perrini hurriedly introduced the person to Jerome, "Your Highness, this is Colonel Flak, who once served in the French Foreign Legion!"
Little Jerome took a closer look at the robust man in front of him, whose chiselled face betrayed the iron-bloodedness and fierceness of a soldier, an aura only felt on veteran soldiers, and the clearly calloused bend of his index finger.
"French Foreign Legion? Excellent!" Little Jerome nodded with satisfaction and stepped forward to shake Flerri's hand, saying, "The House of Bonaparte needs people like you!"
"It is my honor to serve the Emperor!" Colonel Flerri [Little Jerome likely thought it was self-proclaimed or carelessly conferred by his cousin] responded meticulously to Little Jerome.
Little Jerome released Flerri's hand and patted him on the shoulder to show encouragement.
Then he turned to Percy and asked half-jokingly: "Percy, where is Our Majesty now? Could it be that he no longer wishes to see his cousin?"
"Your Highness Prince, His Majesty…" Percy drooped his head, his expression slightly dejected.
PS: 1. Rococo period: An 18th-century art style and art form originating from France and spread across Europe.
Flak suit: A product of the Rococo period, it was simplified in appearance, more akin to later tailcoats, after shedding unnecessary embellishments under the influence of the 18th century and the Industrial Revolution, often paired with a decorative "Kile" inner vest.
2. Strasbourg Uprising: Refers to the revolt in 1840 when Napoleon III, encouraged by Percy, attempted a comeback against the July Monarchy by sneaking into France's Boulogne to recruit a legion. The comical coup lasted only a few hours and ended with the complete arrest of Napoleon III, who was then imprisoned in Strasbourg until his escape in 1846.