Restart Spain Chapter 26

At the banquet at the Portuguese Royal Palace, the Portuguese royal family was present to show their respect,

The 12-year-old Crown Prince Carlos and the 10-year-old Prince Alfonso also greeted Alfonso XII obediently behind Queen Maria.

The difference between Spanish and Portuguese is actually not big. Similar to the difference between Henan dialect and Anhui dialect, they all belong to the range that sounds strange but can be understood.

Therefore, there are not many obstacles in communication.

It was also the first time that Alfonso XII met Hepburn. She herself was really pretty, um, yes.

Then, under the leadership of King Louis I, everyone took their seats. Now he likes this young man very much to his taste.

"Sit down, Alfonso, and have a taste of the level of Portuguese chefs."

"Then I'll be more respectful than obedient." Alfonso replied, and the maids began to serve dinner.

In the West, the meal is divided, and a knife and fork is used. As for what Alfonso eats, he can't tell.

"Alfonso, what do you want to do when you come to Portugal this time?"

Louis I asked casually, and he didn't care about the etiquette of eating and not talking.

"Actually, this time, the most important thing is to reach an agreement with Portugal, or even an alliance."

Alfonso replied, and Louis I was startled by the word "alliance", raised his head and opened his eyes to look at Alfonso.

"Alliance? You should know that our relationship with the British has always been good, but our relationship with Spain has not been satisfactory."

Louis I was obviously not very optimistic about the alliance.

"Your Majesty Louis, you should know that today in Britain, France, Germany and other countries, domestic changes are changing with each passing day, while we in Spain and Portugal are stagnant because we are immersed in the great achievements of the past."

Alfonso stopped his knife and fork and looked at Louis I calmly.

"And our country has recently embarked on the road of revival, and our revival will inevitably be suppressed by the old powers. This is inevitable. The British and the French will not let us become stronger again."

Alfonso tapped the table with a fork, pointed to the ground under his feet, and said in a deep voice, "Portugal is in the same situation as us, and Spain, which is also in the process of rejuvenation, is Portugal's best partner."

"But this does not deny the support the British are giving us now. It is the support of the British that enables our country to withstand the pressure of your country and survive."

Louis I also stared at Alfonso and said that the British have thick thighs these days, and he didn't want to fight against the British Empire because of Spain.

"But in fact the British didn't bring you any actual help. The British just used Portugal as a means to check and balance us."

Alfonso is not showing weakness, Portugal is really just a **** of the British.

The biggest reason for the good relations between Portugal and the British is that they fought against Spain at the same time.

When Spain was prosperous, Portugal's status in the hearts of the British was naturally important, but Spain has been down and out in recent years, so the British naturally don't care about Portugal's development.

"I want to hear how you plan the alliance between Portugal and your country. Abandoning the British is too expensive for us."

Louis I's expression didn't change in the slightest. It was nothing to talk about such a sensitive topic at a family banquet.

"First of all, the trade on the border between Spain and Portugal will be fully opened, the economic exchanges between the two sides will be strengthened, and the economy will be integrated into a whole to become prosperous together.

Secondly, our two countries signed a non-aggression pact to save troops on the border between the two countries.

If possible, our two countries will establish a military alliance. If we want to gain a decisive voice in the world, the combined strength of the entire Iberian Peninsula cannot be ignored by anyone. "

Alfonso finished the three demands in one breath.

"Your Majesty Alfonso, if we reach an agreement with your country, the British support for us is bound to decline or even stop."

Louis I said, this is a very real problem, and the British give money, although not much.

"His Majesty Luis, if Spain becomes your country's partner, just not restricting trade within the country will greatly stimulate domestic industry and commerce in Portugal, and we will also allow large domestic companies to invest in Portugal."

Alfonso responded that it is really difficult to make the Iberian Peninsula a rope without money.

"Spain will invest in a steel plant in Portugal, Le Monde will set up a branch in Portugal, and the government will guide private enterprises to invest in Spain."

The conditions given by Alfonso this time must not be too big. Steel plants are the foundation of a strong country. The power of Le Monde's public opinion is now known to the world.

It can be said that the conditions given by Alfonso brought great benefits to Portugal.

"If we are to fall to Spain, we must form a military alliance, and the British's revenge can only be shared by our two countries."

Louis sighed and was moved by Alfonso's conditions. In this world of the weak, there is nothing more important than truly improving one's own strength.

"As long as His Majesty Louis agrees to this matter, we can let Canovas negotiate with His Excellency Joao in detail on the specific terms. What do you think?"

Alfonso picked up the red wine glass and looked at Louis I.

"Do, for our friendship."

Louis I also raised the cup and touched it in the air.

After a while, seeing that the business is almost over, Queen Maria talked to Isabelle in front of Hepburn and Alfonso.

"His Excellency Prince Isabel, I am very satisfied with His Majesty Alfonso."

Maria's thoughtless words amused Isabel.

"Of course, I am also very satisfied with Princess Hepburn. If the queen allows me, I think I can let the two young people communicate alone for a while."

Isabelle said, pointing to Alfonso and Hepburn who had already finished their meal, meaning they could get to know them individually.

"That's natural, Hepburn. Take Alfonso for a walk. After dinner, you need to walk around to digest it."

Maria turned to look at Hepburn's instructions, Hepburn nodded shyly, and looked at Alfonso.

"Then, Your Majesty, let's go."

Hepburn was also shy and speechless at this time. Girls in this era are not the same as later generations. The way Alfonso had just discussed serious business with his father made her feel a little strange.

"Mmmm." Alfonso nodded quickly, completely different from his usual serious and confident look.

This gap made Hepburn look at Alfonso with a strange feeling.

The two walked one after the other in the beautiful Portuguese Royal Palace...

Chapter end