He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 196

< 196. Marriage Negotiations >

On the way back to the lodging after seeing Caterina off, Prince Pietro fumed.

“No matter how I think about it, I can’t forgive those loan sharks.”

The heinous scene that happened to Caterina seemed to be etched in the Prince’s mind.

Teo said to the agitated Prince,

“How many people must have suffered like that? The fact that Caterina was humiliated by those guys ultimately stems from a lack of power. If the Doge [chief magistrate of Venice] had been powerful, things would have been completely different.

Venice, the Kingdom of Naples, and England… and individuals, must remember and keep in mind that they can be trampled on at any time if they don’t have power.”

“…Yes, Count.”

After sharing various stories, the Prince brought up Caterina again.

“How can Caterina have such profound thoughts at her age? It wasn’t a long time, but as I talked with her, I felt really ashamed of my actions.”

“It’s admirable that the Prince listens to her and reflects on his actions.

But why did you hide the fact that you are the Prince of the Kingdom of Naples from Caterina until the end?”

“I wondered what meaning there would be in revealing my identity now. I was going to put her on the list of candidates first and then tell her directly after receiving final permission.”

Having solidified his decision to marry Caterina, the most important issue was obtaining the permission of the Neapolitan royal family.

In this era, where arranged marriages were taken for granted, women’s opinions were rarely considered.

It was very common for decisions to be made unilaterally based on the opinions of parents, families, and the royal family without the couple even meeting.

Returning to his lodging, Prince Pietro sought out Minister Grimaldi.

“Did you call for me, Your Highness?”

“Yes, Count. The thing is, you put the Doge’s daughter on the candidate list, right?”

“Yes, I formally listed Bianca, the Doge’s eldest daughter.”

“Then, please add the name Caterina Manoinito to that list as well.”

Minister Grimaldi tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“Caterina Manoinito…? Did the Manoinito Doge have a daughter with that name? Which daughter is she?”

“Caterina Manoinito is originally the daughter from the Manoinito Doge’s first wife. Bianca is the first daughter from the second wife.

In other words, strictly speaking, the Manoinito Doge’s first daughter is not Bianca but Caterina. Caterina did not attend the greeting yesterday. I suppose you weren’t aware of this, Count?”

Minister Grimaldi blinked for a moment and clapped his hands.

“Ah! That’s right! I distinctly remember there being a very pretty daughter about ten years ago, but I assumed her face had changed as she grew up.

That pretty daughter wasn’t there that day. And the current Doge’s wife was the second wife. Haha, I’m learning about this story for the first time today.

But how did you come to know Caterina, Your Highness?”

“Well, I just happened to find out.”

Sensing that the Prince did not want to elaborate, Minister Grimaldi was reluctant to press further.

“Ah, yes. I understand. I will add her to the candidate list as you requested.”

◈ About ten days later. Mid-March 1797, Kingdom of Naples.

King of Naples’ office.

“When Count Sanderson saw them in person, who impressed you the most?”

At King Ferdinando’s question, Teo confidently replied,

“I strongly recommend Caterina Manoinito, the eldest daughter of the Doge of the Republic of Venice, as the Prince’s bride.”

The King, who was reviewing the candidate list written by Minister of Interior Grimaldi, raised his head.

“Republic of Venice… the Doge’s eldest daughter?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The King and Queen exchanged glances.

Crown Prince Carlo and other ministers present also looked bewildered.

Queen Carolina asked Teo.

“Can you explain why you believe the Doge’s daughter from the Republic of Venice, which we wouldn’t even consider visiting in the first place, is the most suitable?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. My philosophy of marriage is that even in unions between families and royalty, the personal inclinations of the individuals involved must be well-matched.

In that respect, Prince Pietro and Caterina Manoinito, the eldest daughter of the Doge of the Republic of Venice, are highly compatible.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, but if they complement each other effectively, their strengths will shine even brighter.

Prince Pietro and Caterina are exactly like that. If they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses and work together, they will be able to achieve great things in the future…”

In an era where arranged marriages were the norm, Teo’s words, which had successfully connected numerous couples with his unique perspective on marriage, carried considerable persuasive weight.

The King also questioned Prince Pietro.

“Have you met the Doge’s daughter named Caterina?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Did you like her?”

Prince Pietro replied without hesitation.

“Yes, Your Majesty! I liked her very much.”

The King and Queen looked surprised at the Prince’s reaction.

Teo’s explanation continued.

“However, when the sons and daughters of the royal family marry, not only their personal inclinations and family background but also the potential political and economic ramifications of the union should be thoroughly considered.”

King Ferdinando inquired.

“Even if the two individuals are well-suited as a couple, isn’t the Republic of Venice a country currently facing political and economic challenges?

Moreover, it declared neutrality long ago and is unarmed, so it’s not particularly helpful to our kingdom as a military alliance. Except for its location in the center of Mediterranean trade, which offers some trade advantages.”

Teo shook his head at the King’s words.

“No, Your Majesty. Forming an alliance with the Republic of Venice will provide us with more than just the benefits of Mediterranean trade.”

“Are there other advantages?”

“Yes. Currently, most countries with significant military power around the Kingdom of Naples, including England, Austria, and Prussia, are concerned about the expansion of France.

At a time like this, if the Kingdom of Naples, which defeated the French army, joins forces with the Republic of Venice and forms a united front, other European countries will naturally be more inclined to join this alliance.

This is because the surrounding countries are acutely aware of the destructive potential of the Republic of Venice’s unique geopolitical location, specifically the geographical advantages of the Mediterranean, when it develops its military capabilities appropriately.

Ultimately, joining forces with the Republic of Venice can serve as a catalyst for more easily establishing a united front with other surrounding forces and preventing France’s military expansion in the Mediterranean region.

In this way, the Kingdom of Naples will not only maintain a strong alliance with England but also have greater flexibility to adapt if an alliance is disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, as stronger allies will emerge from a broader network of relationships in the future.

Moreover, if we consider the future economic potential of the Republic of Venice, given its strategic location…”

Teo’s words, coming from the hero who saved the Kingdom of Naples from the French invasion and a highly influential figure in England, could not be easily dismissed by anyone.

Furthermore, Prince Pietro, who typically frowned and avoided the topic of marriage, was displaying unprecedented enthusiasm for marrying the Doge’s daughter of the Republic of Venice.

As a result, the King and Queen became very interested in the Doge’s daughter of the Republic of Venice, ‘Caterina Manoinito’.

Queen Carolina looked at the King and said.

“Your Majesty. Count Sanderson’s strong recommendation and the lady who captured Prince Pietro’s heart so quickly… I’m truly intrigued. I want to meet that child in person as soon as possible.”

“Yes. Me too. Now that we’ve reached this point, let’s summon that lady promptly.”

“Yes. Since she is not a member of the royal family, there seems to be no need to proceed with the formal marriage negotiation process. First, let’s send a polite request to Venice to see if we can invite her here?”

Consequently, a formal letter from the King of Naples was sent to the Republic of Venice, initiating marriage negotiations.

However, given that Caterina Manoinito, the Doge’s daughter, held a different status than a typical kingdom’s princess, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Naples stipulated that they wished to meet her in person first. To this end, Minister Grimaldi was tasked with traveling to Venice and bringing Caterina back.

And this rumor spread rapidly throughout Europe, originating in the Italian region.

◈ Fifteen days later, early April 1797. Republic of Venice, Doge’s Palace.

The entire Republic of Venice was in an uproar over a letter that had arrived a few days prior.

This was due to the news that Bianca Manoinito, the eldest daughter of the Doge of the Republic of Venice, had been identified as a potential marriage partner for the third son of the King of Naples.

And soon, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Naples was scheduled to visit Venice in person with an official invitation.

The person most delighted by this news was the wife of the Manoinito Doge.

* * *

“Isn’t the preparation complete yet? If you continue to dawdle, the Minister of the Kingdom of Naples will arrive first!”

The Doge’s wife, growing increasingly impatient, bustled in and out of Bianca’s room, constantly urging her.

Minister Grimaldi, who had arrived at the port of Venice, would be arriving at the palace shortly.

“Mom, please! I need to put more effort into perfecting my hairline!”

Bianca, with swollen eyes, yelled.

Unfortunately, she had been unable to resist her appetite the previous night and overeaten, causing her face to swell up. Bianca was doing her best to compensate by meticulously styling her hair.

The Doge’s wife was furious, but knowing her daughter’s personality, she suppressed her temper as much as possible.

“Okay, I understand. Come down quickly as soon as you finish your hair! Everyone is waiting for the Neapolitan minister!”

Bianca snorted at her mother’s words.

“Humph- What’s the point of fawning over some Minister of Interior? If I marry the Prince of the Kingdom of Naples, he will become my subordinate. And what’s the point of looking good for that old man? The Prince is already head over heels for me.”

Bianca grumbled while looking in the mirror at the maids who were diligently working on her hair.

The Doge’s wife, unable to bear it any longer, finally lost her temper.

“You little thing! You’re saying that because you don’t understand royal marriages! Royal marriages are just at the negotiation stage. Moreover, you have to go and meet the King and Queen in person. You’re being so relaxed in a situation where things could go wrong! You have to behave really gently from today!

And who knows what will happen when you go to the Kingdom of Naples? At the very least, Count Grimaldi needs to be on your side!”

“Okay, I get it! I get it, so please get out of here! You’re really annoying!”

**

A few hours later, the Government Conference Hall of the Republic of Venice.

Inside the largest conference hall of the Doge’s Palace, more senior officials and councilors than ever before had gathered.

Not only Ludovico Manoinito Doge (Head of State), but also his daughters and wife, the six aides who oversaw major public affairs, the Committee of Ten, and most of the councilors from the Council of Forty were in attendance.

In fact, except for the Doge, the rest were all wealthy nobles who worked without pay and strived for the prosperity of the Republic of Venice.

There were many nobles who were genuinely concerned about the safety of the Republic, and they were anxious about the increasingly severe threat of French invasion in recent years.

One gray-haired councilor congratulated the Manoinito Doge.

“Doge, if a marriage with the Kingdom of Naples is concluded at this crucial time, what could provide a more secure diplomatic defense than this? Haha.”

“I congratulate you in advance. Of course, it is still in the negotiation stage, but since the permission of the Neapolitan royal family has been granted, isn’t the possibility high? Haha-”

The popularity of the Kingdom of Naples was higher than ever, as it had defeated the French army led by Napoleon.

At a time like this, the actions of the Neapolitan royal family, which was seeking a bride, were of great interest to all the surrounding countries.

However, as the Republic of Venice, which had passed its prime and was now in decline, had nothing particularly special to offer, it could not harbor great expectations.

Moreover, it was difficult for anyone to imagine that they would want to form a relationship with the Doge’s daughter, who was not a royal family member of a monarchical country but merely the political head of a republic.

However, unexpectedly, they bypassed the powerful kingdoms and principalities and announced that they would negotiate a marriage with the Doge’s daughter of Venice, leaving everyone puzzled but excited.

At that moment, the captain of the palace guard ran up and shouted.

“The Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Naples is now entering!”

“Oh- Count Grimaldi is arriving now.”

The Doge and noble councilors, who had been waiting nervously, all rose from their seats and busily straightened their clothes.

An official engagement had not yet been made.

It was only at the negotiation stage, so it was essential to make a favorable impression on the high-ranking official of the Kingdom of Naples.

“Ah-, he’s coming in over there.”

Turning his head at the words of the aide councilor, he saw Minister of Interior Grimaldi entering the conference room entrance with a bright smile, accompanied by several attendants.

Ludovico Manoinito Doge rushed forward and greeted him, shaking his hand warmly.

“Thank you for your efforts in coming here.”

“Haha- It’s an even greater pleasure to see you again.”

While exchanging pleasantries, Minister Grimaldi presented gifts from the Kingdom of Naples and a letter from the King regarding the marriage negotiations.

In this era, not only marriages between nobles but also marriages between countries involved intricate marriage negotiation procedures dealing with various dowries, inheritance rights, engagements, religions, and alliance issues.

However, since the Republic of Venice was not a royal family in the traditional sense, the procedure was greatly simplified.

However, as a prerequisite for the engagement, they requested prior consent to invite the Doge’s daughter to Naples for evaluation.

After greeting several people, Minister Grimaldi rose from his seat and addressed the assembled group.

“In the meantime, our kingdom has invested considerable effort in selecting a marriage partner for His Highness Pietro de Bourbon, the third prince.

However, fortunately, we had Theo Sanderson, the King’s son-in-law and a noble British count, who provided invaluable assistance in choosing a partner for the Prince.

After much deliberation, His Majesty the King accepted Count Sanderson’s recommendation and decided to proceed with negotiations for a marriage with the Doge’s eldest daughter of the Republic of Venice.”

Wow-

Oh- Count Sanderson!

Clap clap clap-

Congratulations, Doge!

As the marriage negotiations were officially announced by the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Naples, the atmosphere inside the conference hall became even more charged.

Minister Grimaldi looked at the Doge’s daughters and continued.

“…Therefore, the eldest daughter who has been selected will need to accompany me to the Kingdom of Naples tomorrow.”

At the Minister of Interior’s words, Bianca pouted with a sulky expression.

“Do I have to leave so soon? I’m not ready yet… Give me one more day.”

Bianca, who had puffed up her chest and adorned her head with all sorts of ornaments, was already treating Minister Grimaldi as if he were a subordinate.

Her father, Manoinito Doge, frowned and cautioned Bianca, but she paid little attention.

Fortunately, Minister Grimaldi did not seem to mind much. Instead, he delivered unexpected news with an embarrassed expression.

“Bianca Manoinito. I regret to inform you that you have not been chosen as the final candidate. It appears that the royal scribe made a significant error when recording the name last time.”

The Doge’s wife, whose smile had vanished, asked with surprised eyes.

“Not Bianca? What mistake occurred?”

“Because you stated that your eldest daughter was Bianca, I recorded it that way in the candidate list, and the scribe who reviewed the record seems to have assumed that the Doge’s eldest daughter was Bianca Manoinito.

Ultimately, the scribe mistakenly identified Bianca as the Doge’s eldest daughter and sent the mail to Venice based on His Majesty’s decision to appoint the Doge’s eldest daughter of the Republic of Venice as the marriage negotiator.”

The Doge’s wife flared up.

“What are you talking about? Not the eldest daughter? If our eldest daughter isn’t Bianca, then who…”

At that moment, the Doge’s wife’s eyes turned to Caterina.

“…Could it be?”

“The person who has been selected as the marriage negotiation partner in our Kingdom of Naples is…”

Minister Grimaldi, glancing at the name on the invitation letter once more, raised his head and said.

“…Um, Caterina Manoinito, the eldest daughter of Manoinito Doge!”

< 196. Marriage Negotiations > End