Chapter 1763: Departure

At this time, in Europe.

The Messenger sent by the Orthodox Holy Crusade negotiated with Frederick II regarding the whereabouts of Little Peter.

Neither side could reach a mutual agreement.

Frederick II did not want to hand Little Peter over to the Eastern Orthodox Church; he was of the Swedish Royal Family, and the Eastern Orthodox Church was the state religion of Tsarist Russia—on what grounds should he hand Little Peter over to the Russians?

Both sides remained deadlocked, with no result.

The Messenger delegation of the Eastern Orthodox Church thought of a Method.

Since Frederick II would not hand Little Peter over, they would leak this matter.

When the time came, the Orthodox Holy Crusade would mobilize its great army and launch a direct attack on Prussia.

They would coerce Frederick II into handing Little Peter over.

Soon, all of Europe knew the news that Frederick II was holding the Swedish Royal Family hostage.

Countless people condemned Frederick II's actions.

Even within Prussia, there was strong dissatisfaction with such behavior by Frederick II.

The pressure of public opinion grew increasingly intense.

This made the Nobles within Prussia feel a sense of unease; they did not care how chaotic things were outside or how they commented on Prussia.

However, this move directly affected the masses within the country.

Moreover, Frederick II had actually thought of concealing Little Peter's identity from them, which was the most intolerable part.

Some Nobles and Councilors jointly requested an audience with Frederick II.

"Great Emperor, if Little Peter is of the Swedish Royal Family, we should have made preparations early, rather than ending up in this current situation."

"Yes, that is correct; although our Prussian state has received aid from Longyan, it remains in a precarious position."

"He is of the Swedish Royal Family; perhaps we could..."

Frederick II was furious: "Could what? Involve such a young child in a war?"

"It is true that Little Peter is of the Swedish Royal Family, but I absolutely will not allow you to use this point to reach certain cooperation with the Swedish Royal Family."

Frederick II stared at everyone; the thing he feared most had happened.

He had originally wanted to negotiate with Sweden in private to achieve his own goals, but he had not expected it to turn into a situation known to everyone.

"Your Majesty, even if we do not hand Little Peter over to the Eastern Orthodox Church, the current pressure of public opinion has already affected the country; we must have an explanation for this matter."

Frederick II gave a cold snort: "Is our Prussia afraid of being scolded now? Tell the Swedish King that I will hand Little Peter over to him."

Everyone was silent; even though the country was in an uproar, what they were still thinking about was using Little Peter to exchange for more benefits.

"He will absolutely not be handed over to the Eastern Orthodox Church."

Seeing Frederick II's such tough attitude, everyone could only give up reluctantly; it was a pity to just hand over such a good pawn as Little Peter.

Soon, Prussia announced that Little Peter would be handed over to the Swedish Royal Family, rather than to Tsarist Russia.

Once this matter was announced, it caused an uproar in Europe.

Some believed that Frederick II had made the correct choice and that Little Peter should not be involved in the war.

Others believed that Frederick II was cowardly and timid for actually agreeing to hand over Little Peter, a member of an enemy royal family.

After the Swedish King Adolf received this news, his expression became extremely complex; he did not know that Little Peter was still alive.

After Little Peter went missing last time, he had thought that his most beloved grandson had died in the war.

No matter what, he had not expected that Little Peter had not only not died, but was instead in the hands of Frederick II.

However, now the Orthodox Holy Crusade actually wanted to take Little Peter away.

Combined with the last time the Tsarist Russian Messenger delegation visited Sweden, wanting Little Peter to return to Tsarist Russia as the heir to Tsarist Russia.

Adolf felt a deep sense of powerlessness; he did not know how to refuse Tsarist Russia.

Even if Frederick II handed Little Peter to Adolf, he would still have to go to Tsarist Russia.

This was a destined ending that no one could change.

Adolf sighed deeply; he was glad that Little Peter was still alive, but he also felt helpless—Little Peter would eventually leave his side.

On the first day Prussia made this news public, the Swedish Imperial Palace welcomed a special guest.

Adolf personally received her.

"Respected Empress, what matter requires your personal service?" King Adolf performed the rites of a subject.

Sweden was currently a vassal state of Tsarist Russia, so Adolf performed the rites of a subject.

Elizabeth looked at him and said indifferently: "You should know the purpose of my visit this time."

"Little Peter is about to return, and I hope that this time, he will return to Tsarist Russia with me."

It was indeed for this matter that she had come; Adolf's heart sank, and he said: "No one will go against the Empress's will; Little Peter will return with you."

Hearing these words, Elizabeth I nodded quite satisfiedly.

"Mm, I will wait here for Little Peter to return."

Hearing this implication, Adolf realized that Elizabeth was determined to take Little Peter away.

Originally, he had wanted to take the opportunity to negotiate with Elizabeth I for a period of time, to let Little Peter stay with him for a while longer, but now it seemed such a situation was almost impossible to happen.

"Respected Empress, I am afraid that is a bit inappropriate."

Elizabeth I turned around and glanced at Adolf: "There is nothing inappropriate about it; for Tsarist Russia, Little Peter is a very important heir."

"I also have not seen my sister's son for a long time, and I want to see him soon."

Elizabeth I thought of her sister who had married far away to Sweden, and felt some loss in her heart; the sisters and brothers among them were now all... sigh.

Elizabeth I turned and left, not giving Adolf another chance to speak.

Adolf sighed; Little Peter leaving him was already a destined ending.

Soon, Adolf dispatched a Messenger to negotiate with Frederick II.

Ensure this matter is implemented as soon as possible.

Frederick II did not make things difficult for the Swedish King, nor did he put forward any additional conditions.

Although he did not care about others calling him the troublemaker of Europe, the pressure of public opinion within the country was too great and would affect his rule.

What he wanted to build was a powerful German Empire, not a nation without the recognition of its people.

Frederick II quickly completed the negotiations with the Swedish Messenger.

He handed Little Peter over to the Swedish Messenger.

"Tell Adolf that Sweden is also a German nation, and we are all German."

Frederick II stared at those Messengers and said in a deep voice.

These Messengers lowered their heads and did not say another word.

Frederick II looked at Little Peter, who was ready to depart, and smiled: "Hey, Little Peter, you are about to see your grandfather."

"Great Emperor, you will be my idol for life," Little Peter bowed slightly and said solemnly.

Frederick II laughed heartily, ruffled Little Peter's hair, turned around, and waved his hand; the group bowed deeply and set off on their journey home.