Chapter 605 - 288: A Hero Fading with Age (Part 2)

Prime Minister Prim was born in 1814 and is now 68 years old, which, in this era, is definitely considered to be a long life. If it weren’t for the assassination, which caused his health to deteriorate rapidly, Prime Minister Prim could have possibly lived until seventy or eighty, which is quite different compared to his historical outcome of being assassinated at the age of 56 in 1870. At least he lived 12 more years than history recorded.

Four years older than Prime Minister Prim, Prime Minister Serrano is even more advanced in age at 72 this year. Carlo also communicated with Prime Minister Serrano, who formally requested not to hold any position, intending to retire honorably and enjoy his later years.

In fact, people of every era are quite similar. No matter how many years one can live, in old age there will always be various pains and tortures to face.

The health of Duke Serrano was considered relatively good, but after reaching the age of 70, his condition gradually worsened.

Fortunately, Prime Minister Canovas’ ability is sufficient; as Deputy Prime Minister, Duke Serrano does not have to undertake too much state affairs, essentially serving as a figurehead to enhance the influence of Prime Minister Canovas, Earl.

Now that Prime Minister Canovas already holds substantial political influence, it’s naturally time for Duke Serrano to retire.

For Carlo, there was of course no objection to Duke Serrano’s proposal to retire.

Since Duke Serrano had already reached the pinnacle of the Spanish nobility, the rewards Carlo gave him were mostly wealth-related, allowing him to spend his later years in affluence. This acted as a statement to all the officials loyal to the Royal Family, showing them that loyalty to the Royal Family not only ensures a good end but also earns titles and wealth, granting one’s offspring a life of prosperity.

Compared to Prime Minister Prim, Duke Serrano’s health was still much better. Prime Minister Prim was already critically ill, while Duke Serrano remained relatively healthy.

Carlo also communicated with Prime Minister Prim’s doctors about his health issues. The doctors were already at their wit’s end regarding Prime Minister Prim’s condition, and now it was entirely a matter of seeing how long he could hold on.

According to the doctors’ estimates, Prime Minister Prim could only hold on for a maximum of half a year. This also increased Carlo’s visits to Prime Minister Prim. For Carlo, Prime Minister Prim was indeed both a good teacher and a helpful friend, and it was his protection that helped Carlo through the most vulnerable years before becoming King of Spain.

The reason why Carlo’s brother, historically King Amadeo I of Spain, quickly voluntarily relinquished the Spanish throne stemmed significantly from the assassination of Prime Minister Prim before he even arrived in Spain.

With no supporters for the King, the throne was bound to be unstable.

What Carlo did not expect was that before Prime Minister Prim, another noteworthy figure quietly passed away.

When news of Garibaldi’s death from Italy came, Carlo was in the Royal Palace accompanying his young son Martin and daughter Sofia.

Martin, not yet three years old, was in the most adorable phase of childhood. Carlo enjoyed the leisure time, holding six-year-old Sofia in his left arm and nearly three-year-old Martin in his right, while checking on the studies of seven-year-old Prince Juan Fernando.

Upon hearing the news of Garibaldi’s death, Carlo immediately put the two little ones down, staring incredulously at the messenger, and asked, "What did you say? Mr. Garibaldi has passed away?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. News arrived from Italy that Mr. Garibaldi died this morning at his residence on the island of Capri, and the Italian Government is currently preparing for Mr. Garibaldi’s funeral." The messenger respectfully handed a telegram to Carlo and explained.

Carlo took the original telegram, carefully read it, and sighed, saying, "This is truly bad news. Have Giotto and Menotti been informed?"

"Not yet. Upon learning the content of the telegram, I rushed to report to you immediately." The messenger replied.

"First notify Giotto, and then send a telegram to Lanfang to bring Menotti back." Carlo thought for a while and instructed.

"As you command, Your Majesty." The messenger nodded and went to convey Carlo’s orders.

After the messenger left, Carlo sat in the Royal Palace gazing in the direction of Rome, lost in thought.

"Father." Prince Juan Fernando approached, looking at Carlo with concern.

"No need to worry, little Juan. Heroes like Garibaldi will surely enter heaven and no longer suffer from the pain of illness." Carlo suppressed his complex emotions and looked at his eldest son with a contented smile.

For Carlo, there was nothing more delightful than seeing his eldest son grow into a promising individual.

Since receiving the rigorous elite-style noble education set by Carlo, Juan Fernando never complained and meticulously completed all the assignments Carlo gave him.

The professors, whom Carlo hired from across Europe for him, were also very satisfied with little Juan’s efforts and had praised his diligence many times before Carlo.

As of now, Prince Juan’s performance greatly satisfied Carlo. Once he completes his studies and undergoes some political capability training, even if he cannot grow into a brilliant and formidable pioneering monarch, becoming a competent ruler who faithfully maintains the kingdom is also entirely within reach.