She changed Europe

Page 24

"Your Highness need not worry about it; a meal is nothing to speak of."

Upon hearing this, Gisela glanced at the well-dressed man in front of her, but didn't say much. She simply nodded in agreement.

As for your opinion that he's being overly attentive for no reason?

Knowing she was a demon wielder, she wasn't afraid to use her ultimate male-specific attack if this man dared to make unwanted advances towards her. After all, as a former man herself, she knew where a man's greatest physical weakness lay, and that some things could be resolved with a single act.

"Is this your first time in Berlin, Miss?" Bradley asked, seemingly to break the ice, using a phrase he often used when talking to outsiders, as a man and the one "hosting" the meal.

"Yes, how did you figure that out?" Gisela looked at the handsome man with interest and asked this question, clearly observing his insight and logical reasoning abilities.

"Miss, your personality is different from that of the locals in Berlin. You seem more easygoing, and of course, more beautiful and vibrant." Gisela was already tired of hearing compliments. Whether it was the usual courtly rhetoric or a heartfelt expression of emotion, it couldn't stir her emotions in the slightest. After all, she was indeed very beautiful.

“And your accent doesn’t sound like Low German,” Bradley explained to the blonde girl. Although the girl had a great talent for languages, it was all Gisela’s innate language memory, and she had not systematically learned the differences in German.

PS1: A tribute to Roman Holiday 0v0!

Chapter 85 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 19 Recruiting Spokespeople

"What's the difference?" Perhaps out of interest in German itself, Gisela asked with a smile.

"How would you say 'we do' in your language?" the man asked.

“wirmac-en (We do)”

“In Berlin, it’s called wimaak-t (we do).” Oh, I see. The relationship between High German and Low German is actually similar to that between Mandarin and dialects in China. Hearing this, Gisela’s language talent came into play again, so she could understand the other person’s words without any problems.

"To be honest, I'm not actually a local either."

"Oh? Which country are you from, sir?" Gisela asked, resting her chin on her hand as she observed the man's appearance.

"Far phosphorus also zero two Lanxi?"

“No, no, no, I’m not as talkative and romantic as the French,” Bradley joked, teasing himself.

"Britain?"

"The British are far more gentlemanly and well-mannered than I am."

"America?"

"Bingo!" The man clapped his hands; clearly, Gisela had finally gotten it right this time.

"What do you do for a living, sir?" Gisela couldn't help but look at the man in front of her with newfound respect. After all, the United States was in its golden age of prosperity, and its development speed far exceeded that of other traditional European powers. However, it still couldn't compare with Britain, the world's leading superpower at its zenith.

"I am a journalist dedicated to bringing the truth to the public. Of course, the public prefers gossip and scandals to the truth."

“Indeed.” Gisela nodded in agreement. After all, understanding the truth of some things requires a certain threshold, while rumors and gossip can become topics of conversation and are accepted by the public.

"So, what is your role as a journalist?"

"I want to focus on people's lives and the direction of national politics. I want to use my reporting to promote social progress." When talking about his role as a journalist, the man in front of me spoke with an unusually serious tone.

"Sir, do you know that your position is actually in politics? And if you want to go far in this field, you must have a sufficient source of news and maintain good relationships with political figures. Because news is time-sensitive, you have to get the news earlier than others to make it your competitive advantage." Although Gisela didn't know much about the news industry, she came from a world a hundred years in the future, and she had a deep understanding of the power of public opinion a hundred years later.

"Have you ever thought about serving a particular political figure?" Gisela began to scheme again.

"Preaching their clichés every day?" Clearly, the man in front of me, as a journalist, has his own professional ethics.

"Let me put it another way. If a political figure from a European country wanted to commission you to return to America and use your talents and your newspaper as a platform to promote certain viewpoints and opinions there, while also providing you with a stable source of internal policy information on a regular basis, would you be willing?"

"Of course I'd be willing to do that," Bradley said. He had no reason to refuse. First, promoting the views of foreign politicians wouldn't affect his own country's politics (in his view), and he wouldn't be burdened with the principle of misleading the public. Second, obtaining a stable source of news, just as the girl in front of him had said, would benefit the newspaper and its own development.

“A wise choice.” Gisela’s lips curled up. It seemed that sneaking away from Rita’s lecture today was the right decision she could have made.

"I believe that person will be very happy to have met such a wise person."

“Wait a minute, Miss, what is your identity? Could it be…” From her previous remarks, Bradley vaguely sensed that the girl in front of him was definitely not as innocent as she appeared. Could she really be a princess?

“Shh! Sir, how about we play a game? If you satisfy me during your tour of Berlin, I'll answer three questions that interest you, okay?” Gisela said, putting her right index finger to her lips. Clearly, Gisela considered the man before her a subordinate. This method not only cultivated a superior-subordinate relationship but also provided her with a walking wallet—a win-win situation. She could also observe his methods of handling things.

"Then it's up to you, esteemed lady. Welcome to Berlin." Hopefully, my wallet will also receive God's blessing...

"Well then, before we begin, may I ask if there's anything you particularly want to see in Berlin this time, Miss?" Mr. Bradley, having lived in Berlin for many years, believed he knew the city well enough, and asking for the lady's opinion beforehand seemed like a perfectly reasonable move.

"The Brandenburg Gate." As a former straight-laced man, Gisela said the location without hesitation.

Built in 1788 by King Frederick William II of Prussia to commemorate Prussia's glorious victory in the Seven Years' War, this building was commissioned to the renowned Prussian architect Karl Goldhar Langhans. Modeled after the colonnaded gates of ancient Athens, it incorporates numerous emerging artistic styles from the Renaissance period, making it a perfect blend of classical architecture and modern engineering.

The city gate is 20 meters high, 656 meters wide, and 11 meters deep. Inside the gate are five passageways, the middle one being the widest. During this period, only members of the Hohenzollern royal family were allowed to pass through, while the other four gates had no such restriction. The passageways inside the gate are separated by huge sandstone blocks, each end of which is decorated with six Doric columns, each 14 meters high and 1.7 meters in diameter at the base.

To make the gate even more magnificent, the King of Prussia at the time commissioned the famous sculptor Gottfried to design a set of bronze-decorated statues for the top of the gate: a chariot drawn by four horses, and a goddess with wings on her back, holding a staff in one hand and a rein in the other. A Prussian eagle with outstretched wings stands on the scepter adorned with a laurel wreath held by the goddess.

On the inner walls of each passageway are 20 marble reliefs created by Mr. Gottfried, depicting the heroic deeds of Hercules (Uncle B) from ancient Greek mythology.

Thirty marble reliefs depicting the ancient Greek myth of "Peaceful Conquest" adorn the stone lintel above the city gate. After its construction, the gate was named the "Gate of Peace," and the goddess on the chariot was known as the "Goddess of Peace." In 1806, Empress Napoleon briefly captured the statue when his French army entered Berlin, but after the disastrous defeat at Waterloo in 1814, the statue was returned to Prussia and has remained a symbol of Prussia ever since.

Ironically, isn't it? At the heart of the place where the two future world wars were raged, stands such a jarring gate. Perhaps it is for this reason that Gisela has an extraordinary interest in this gate.

“The Brandenburg Gate, is it?” Mr. Bradley thought about the specific route and the attractions he could visit on the itinerary.

PS1: The Brandenburg Gate is still very iconic 0v0

Chapter 86 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 20 A Life's Adventure

On the move—

"Tsk!" Gisela clicked her tongue in obvious displeasure, noticing several Prussian policemen in black uniforms patrolling the street outside the restaurant with serious expressions. Judging from their focused demeanor, she could easily guess that Count Klagenfort had contacted the local Berlin police station. She was surprised that the Imperial Foreign Ministry, usually so slow and inefficient when it came to serious matters, was so remarkably efficient in this area; she had only been gone a few hours, and the police looking for her had already begun their work.

"Sigh, this is really a headache." The policeman holding Gisela's portrait was walking towards the restaurant where Gisela was. Gisela felt it was a pity to be discovered like this, and he would inevitably be lectured by his maid. Although he felt that if he was a little tougher, Rita wouldn't be able to do anything to him, but as a boy, it wouldn't hurt to be a little tolerant, right? Besides, it was a beautiful older sister who had feelings for him.

“Sir, please come closer,” Gisela suggested, though she still wanted to struggle a little.

"Hmm?" Mr. Bradley, who had been pondering his itinerary, was immediately taken aback by this strange request. The social atmosphere of this era was rather conservative; no demure lady would make such a request… unless the other party was…

Thinking this, Mr. Bradley quickly shook his head. "Are you kidding me? I'm over thirty, why would I believe such absurd things?" he thought. "Besides, I'm married." However, out of respect for Gisela, Mr. Bradley still moved slightly closer to her.

But it was only a little bit. Actually, it would be best if she could put her arm around her waist, but Gisela just couldn't bring herself to say it. After all, she wasn't a real girl, and her morals weren't broken to that extent.

Even so, Gisela could detect the masculine scent mixed with cigarette smoke and cologne on the other person more acutely than before, and for some reason, it smelled even worse than she had imagined…

Just then, the policeman pushed open the restaurant door, glanced at the guests for a moment, then fixed his gaze on the table where Gisela was. After comparing the painting for a moment, he shook his head and left.

"So, did you get anything?" The question came from the colleague of the policeman who had been standing outside.

"I did see a lady who looked very much like Princess Gisela."

"Why don't you go up and question him?" Clearly, his colleague was not satisfied with the policeman's statement.

"Are you kidding me! That lady is on a date with another man. Have you ever seen a princess who sneaks out of the house just to see a man?"

"Sorry, I have indeed seen it before." Historically speaking, this is not an isolated phenomenon, and it is clear that this policeman's colleague has an unusually rich knowledge in this area.

"Get out of here, Qun Q Ling Wo Yi Ling! This princess of Austria-Hungary is only 12 years old!"

“I’m just kidding, we should go patrol somewhere else.” His colleague gently patted the officer on the shoulder.

"Your unserious manner is unlike that of a Prussian."

"Who said I'm Prussian? I'm German, born in Poznan."

"But whether it's Prussia or Austria, I'll wholeheartedly support whoever unifies Germany," his colleague said jokingly, shaking his head at the policeman.

"Don't say things like that again. If those people in the political department hear you, you'll lose your job again. Don't forget your little Aisha, she'll be four next year. She's at a crucial stage of growth. If she becomes a magic user in the future, your family will be set for life, don't you think, Baron Ludendorff?" In this era, ordinary families didn't reject baby girls because daughters could become magic users or even magic warriors.

"Come on, my noble title only gives me some advantages when I'm a government official. When my daughter grows up, I will definitely send her to the army. In Prussia, the army is the best way out for a child."

Let's turn our attention back to Gisela—

“Thank you for your cooperation, sir. You can keep your distance from me now.” Gisela gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and spoke as she pursed her lips. This unintentional gesture was particularly charming to Bradley.

"Sir?" Perhaps noticing the other's distraction, Gisela reminded him again.

"Ahem, sorry for daydreaming!" Bradley said apologetically. To be honest, his intuition as a journalist and his earlier guess were somewhat confirmed. He had a feeling that this girl's identity was definitely not ordinary. He even had a bold guess that the police who came in earlier were also there for her.

"Sir, do you have any clean clothes in your suitcase?" Gisela looked at the suitcase at the man's feet; it was clearly large enough to hold clothes.

"Of course there are, but..."

"But what?"

"We only have men's clothing here, and it's obviously not suitable for you."

"That would be perfect." Crossdressing in men's clothing is definitely better than in women's clothing, and the wider pants can actually accommodate my tail. As for the length and size of the clothes, what are scissors for?

"Sir, please lend me one of your casual clothes. Of course, your clothes might get damaged in the process, but I will definitely compensate you afterwards." It wasn't just doubling the profit; it was practically a sure thing, because Gisela wanted this man to be her representative in the New World. Using modern media management strategies, failure was inevitable; this entire industry was still virgin territory waiting to be explored.

In the 19th century, there were many wealthy people, but only a handful achieved success. Why? Because most people couldn't see the future direction of society and were engaged in futile, unproductive work. Capital is the same; smart people invest it wisely and wait for it to appreciate. The vast majority, however, simply drift along, watching their already limited capital shrink further. Clearly, she, possessing knowledge and wisdom ahead of her time, belongs to that small group of intelligent individuals.

"Sir, I'll go to the restroom now. Please be patient and wait a little while." Gisela said with a polite bow and a smile. Of course, Gisela's elegance was inseparable from Rita's special training, even if she wasn't like this before.

After watching the girl leave, Bradley pondered for a moment, then went to the restaurant entrance and called over the little boy who sold newspapers.

“A copy of the Berlin Daily, and here’s the money.” Bradley handed the coin to the boy. The Berlin Daily, as it is known, was founded after World War II, but its name was already widely mentioned by Berliners in the 19th century. Because it was relatively orthodox and conservative, it was still accepted by the public at that time.

"Sir, there was an extra missing person notice in the newspaper today, which I found quite interesting."

PS1: It's the weekend!

Chapter 87 The Eagle of Brandenburg and the Snows of Jutland: Capter 21 The Brandenburg Gate (Seeking votes and collections)

"What's so interesting about it?" Bradley asked the newsboy with great interest. He hadn't expected that general education was so widespread in Prussia, that even this newsboy, who didn't seem to be from a wealthy family, could read the newspaper.

"Princess Gisela of Austria-Hungary has gone missing in Berlin." The newsboy put the money in his hand into his bag, then stood on tiptoe and pulled the page with the missing person notice from Bradley's newspaper.

"We didn't even know when Princess Gisela arrived in Berlin, yet she disappeared there! Isn't that interesting?" The newsboy rubbed his nose, looking quite intrigued. After all, influenced by the fairy tales of this era, children held a certain fairytale-like longing and fondness for princesses.

“How could we possibly know about the affairs of important people?” Bradley replied thoughtfully.

"This princess is so beautiful. I've never seen such a beautiful girl before," the newsboy exclaimed. Although it was just a portrait, Gisela's natural beauty meant that the artist couldn't possibly draw her too badly. Besides, sketching is a very realistic painting technique.

"Goodbye then, sir. Welcome to come back and buy a newspaper from me next time." With that, the newsboy grabbed his bag and ran towards the crowd. It seemed that because of the princess's portrait, today's newspaper sales had mysteriously increased significantly.

At this moment, Mr. Bradley was certain of certain things, because the portrait was just like... Thinking of this, he turned to look at the woman in men's clothing who was walking out of the restroom.

—Walking the dividing line

"At the next intersection, turn left into the square and you'll see the gate," Mr. Bradley, walking behind Gisela, explained to the girl in front of him.

Although he still doesn't know why the princess came to see the Brandenburg Gate, such an overly masculine building, first.

“Yes, sir, I know that. The Brandenburg Gate is located at the intersection of Atdanlington Boulevard on the east side and June 17th Street on the west side.” Gisela’s knowledge of Brandenburg far exceeded Mr. Bradley’s expectations.

The Brandenburg Gate was originally part of Berlin's old city walls, but since the 19th century, the population of European countries has grown at an unprecedented rate. Between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, even with the influence of the Napoleonic Wars, the population of Greater Berlin surged from one million to two million. The city's size expanded like never before, and even the area on the city's outskirts where the Brandenburg Gate originally stood became its new city center.

With the further strengthening of the Kingdom of Prussia and the expansion of its influence within the German Confederation, Berlin has gradually become the economic and cultural center of northern Germany, attracting people from various states.

"Sir, may I ask what you have in your left pocket?" The observant Gisela immediately noticed a folded piece of paper peeking out of Bradley's left pocket.

“It’s nothing, it’s just a professional habit of us journalists. Whenever inspiration strikes, we like to take out a piece of paper to jot down our thoughts or opinions.” As he spoke, Mr. Bradley gave a kind and friendly smile.

"I see. You journalists really have it tough." Gisela nodded, commenting thoughtfully.

Mr. Bradley lied to the girl in front of him; what he had in his pocket was not a blank sheet of paper, but a page of newspaper with Princess Gisela's portrait on it.

The rewards were so tempting that he couldn't help but be tempted, but despite his temptation, he ultimately didn't want to confront the girl in front of him, because deep down he still cherished the opportunity to spend time with the princess.

After all, money can be earned back, but an encounter with a princess is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Wouldn't it be great to use this as material to compile a book?

“Sir, would you like to go to Prague?” Gisela raised his head, straightened up, and patted off non-existent dust with his hand.

Bradley stared at the strikingly beautiful woman dressed as a man before him. Her features were exquisitely refined, her golden hair styled in an unexpectedly stylish updo, and the aloofness in her eyes. Clearly, this woman, who seemed far more suited to men's clothing, was someone he couldn't possibly equate with the 12-year-old Austro-Hungarian princess. Even the prodigy princess who had been touted by the Austro-Hungarian media six months prior couldn't possibly appear as mature as she did.

"The capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia?"

"Yes, sir, it is Prague, the capital of Bohemia, the heart of Europe."

“I would love to go, but unfortunately my job is in Berlin,” Bradley sighed.

"You'll have your chance, if you can seize it." The meaning was somewhat ambiguous, but Gisela's message had been conveyed.

"Is this the Brandenburg Gate?" Gisela turned the corner and saw this famous landmark that has appeared in history textbooks many times. Perhaps because it is located in the city center, this street is much more congested than the roads she had come from, especially the middle lane, which was already congested due to the large volume of traffic.

Do you know what the biggest drawback of horse-drawn carriages is? This is what's driving Gisela most crazy right now: the stench emanating from horse manure everywhere. Whether it's due to Berlin's terrible urban planning and hopeless sanitation design, horse manure has a far greater impact on the city than on Vienna, the imperial capital.

Although Vienna is not as large as Berlin, its living environment, urban sanitation, and even infrastructure are far superior to Berlin's. This is perhaps one of the few achievements of her father's hard work in governing the country. Gisela couldn't help but think of her adoptive father, Emperor Joseph, in this life.

"The sights are nice, but the smells are a bit much." Gisela pinched her nose, trying to be as tactful as possible in her assessment of what she had seen and heard, apologizing to the Berliners living in dire straits.

“Berlin, the other streets are fine, especially this old town. Because the houses are too close together, it not only easily causes traffic jams for horse-drawn carriages, but also hinders ventilation, so it’s normal for the smell to be so strong.” Mr. Bradley sighed helplessly as he looked at the streets.

“Miss, please don’t go through the middle gate, or you’ll run into trouble.” Mr. Bradley pointed to a small house on one side of the open space where the Brandenburg Gate was located in the distance, from which several soldiers wearing Prussian pointed helmets would occasionally come out.

PS1: I lost my ID card again QAQ

Chapter 88 The Brandenburg Eagle and the Snows of Jutland: Capter22 Stop talking nonsense and get on the bus!

"Oh? Is there any story or explanation about it?" Gisela tiptoed and skipped over to Brady, then turned around and asked him with a smile.