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"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.
