Chapter 0109: The Crown Prince's Choice
"Who are those two young ladies? Why does the Crown Prince seem enamored with them?"
"That appears to be Her Royal Highnesses, Princess Helmutchud and Princess Gundelinde, daughters of His Majesty King Ludwig III of Bavaria. I wonder which princess has caught the Crown Prince's eye."
"So they are princesses from the Kingdom of Bavaria; surely only they are worthy of the esteemed Crown Prince!"
Yet, despite this acknowledgment, many noblewomen cast envious glances at Princess Helmutchud and Princess Gundelinde. How they wished Qin Tian were to choose them instead!
Indeed, among the noblewomen present, Princess Helmutchud and Princess Gundelinde held relatively high standing. The Bavarian royal family was one of the oldest in the German Empire. It is worth noting that prior to German unification, the Hohenzollern family of the German royal family was merely the royal family of the Kingdom of Prussia. At that time, the Kingdom of Bavaria was a powerful state, second only to Prussia. During the wars of German unification, Bavaria was the mainstay among the southern German states in resisting Prussian dominance. Even after its defeat and incorporation into the German Empire, the Bavarian royal family continued to rule, wielding significant power and status within the Empire.
Unbeknownst to Qin Tian, he was entirely absorbed in the enchanting beauty of one young lady who seemed like a fairy, convincing himself that she was indeed his destined wife.
Princess Helmutchud and Princess Gundelinde, while enjoying their meal, sensed that the atmosphere had shifted.
Princess Helmutchud looked up just in time to see Qin Tian approaching them, step by step.
"Oh my God! Is the Crown Prince really coming towards us? Could it be that he is interested in me?" Princess Helmutchud felt a sense of divine favor wash over her. After all, she was quite confident in her looks. However, considering she was two years older than Qin Tian, she had not anticipated his interest at this momentous occasion. Now, however, she believed a miracle was about to unfold. If love blossomed, age would be no barrier; after all, she was merely two years his senior.
"Gundelinde, stop eating! The Crown Prince is here; we must not leave him with a poor impression!" Princess Helmutchud urged her younger sister, adjusting her posture to appear as dignified as possible, eagerly awaiting Qin Tian to greet her, inquire about her name, and embark upon a perfect romance, culminating in marriage that would elevate her to one of the most esteemed women in all of Germany.
The very thought sent a thrill of excitement through Princess Helmutchud, as if fate had unexpectedly bestowed a delightful fortune upon her.
Only then did Princess Gundelinde realize what was transpiring; she hastily set aside her food, her face briefly flashing with panic, resembling a startled fawn.
Qin Tian approached the two princesses.
"Your Highnesses, greetings!" Princess Helmutchud sweetly exclaimed, offering a polite bow to Qin Tian.
Princess Gundelinde shyly followed suit, greeting him as well.
"Good day! Beautiful ladies, may I inquire your names?" Qin Tian asked, his gaze resting on Princess Gundelinde.
"I am called…" Princess Helmutchud was eager to respond, but soon realized that Qin Tian's attention was entirely on her younger sister, sending her spiraling from elation to despair.
"Oh God! What is happening? Is this some cruel jest? Why does the Crown Prince favor the younger Gundelinde over me?" Princess Helmutchud's expression became strained, her eyes betraying a hint of jealousy as she glanced at her sister. Though she had to concede that Gundelinde's beauty surpassed her own, she could not help but feel that the younger princess, still a budding flower, was no match for her maturity as a woman.
Princess Gundelinde stood momentarily stunned, surprised by the Crown Prince's interest. She looked at her sister briefly before quietly replying, "Your Highness, I am Gundelinde."
"Gundelinde, the daughter of His Majesty King Ludwig III of Bavaria?" Qin Tian recalled having perused the information on the noble ladies attending the celebration.
"Yes!" Princess Gundelinde nodded.
"Beautiful Princess, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance?" Qin Tian bowed slightly, extending an invitation.
After a moment's hesitation, Gundelinde placed her hand in his, accepting his request.
As the enchanting music filled the air, Qin Tian and Princess Gundelinde began to dance gracefully. Both hailing from royal lineages, they had received training in court etiquette, which naturally included dance. Though their movements were slightly tentative, they complemented each other beautifully.
However, the noblewomen watching Princess Gundelinde were filled with envy. If gazes could kill, the lovely young princess would have been reduced to ashes!
"Oh God! Why is the Crown Prince captivated by that little girl? Does he prefer someone younger?"
"Don't be ridiculous; the Crown Prince is only twenty, a mere three years older than Gundelinde. Their ages are perfectly matched!"
"Hmph! I am clearly more beautiful than Gundelinde; why did the Crown Prince not choose me?"
Undoubtedly, Qin Tian's invitation to dance with Gundelinde had signified his intentions, sending a clear signal that she had become his object of pursuit. Such a development elicited a mix of joy and despair among the onlookers, as countless noblewomen felt they had lost an opportunity to ascend to greatness.
"It seems the Crown Prince has found his target; this is indeed cause for celebration!" Count von Tirpitz remarked with satisfaction.
"The union between the Prussian and Bavarian royal families would greatly strengthen the unity of the German Empire," Prince Heinrich added.
As two of the most powerful states within the German Empire, a marriage between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Kingdom of Bavaria would undoubtedly be beneficial in stabilizing the Empire's internal dynamics and consolidating its strength. After all, Prussia represented the northern reach of the German Empire, while Bavaria signified the southern frontier.