The sun was setting in Athens when massive ships flying the French flag appeared on the horizon. Their white and blue sails, their cannons shining, and their fleet organized like a floating army. The scene was unusual; it looked more like a show of force than a friendly visit.
In the harbor, people crowded together, whispering:
"Who is this?"
"They say it's the Marshal of France himself…"
"De Mauret… the man who commands the sea in the name of France."
De Mauret stepped off his flagship with confident strides. He wore an aristocratic red coat embroidered with gold, his gray wig carefully styled, and his short, gold-encrusted cane in his hand. He looked not just like a naval commander, but like a nobleman who came to rule.
He was escorted by elegantly dressed French guards, and ahead of them musicians played a short melody, as if announcing the entrance of a statesman rather than a mere military commander.
In the marble hall of the palace, Melos sat on the temporary throne, beside him Madus, the chancellor, behind him Silverus, the commander of the army, and Traeus, the marshal of the Athenian sea. Peridos, the inquisitor, stood in the shadows, watching with his piercing eyes.
De Maurier entered, bowed briefly, then smiled coldly and said:
"Gentlemen of Athens… I am honored to be among you. I come not as a stranger, but as a friend. France does not see Athens as a small city at sea, but as a jewel worthy of protection."
De Maurier responded cautiously:
"You are welcome, Marshal. But Athens does not need guardianship. We have our own men and our own sea."
De Maurier smiled even more and said:
"Certainly… but the sea today is not what it was. Trunks is extending his influence, Lamour has returned from the shadows, and the Crimson Queen has declared herself mistress of the sea. Athens alone will not withstand these storms. But with France… you will be safe."
Silverus intervened sharply:
"Athens does not need foreign protection. Our army is sufficient."
But De Maurier did not lose his smile. Instead, he looked at him calmly and said:
"Your army is strong on land, yes. But the sea… the sea needs fleets that know how to tame the waves. And I command the largest fleet in Europe."
Mados, the advisor, intervened and said in a deep voice:
"And what does France demand in exchange for this protection, Marshal?"
De Maurier approached slowly and then said:
"I only ask for a permanent port for my fleet in Athens, and trade privileges for France. In return, I guarantee that no pirate will dare touch an Athenian ship."
A heavy silence fell. The offer was both tempting and dangerous.
"Your offer sounds like an alliance… but it could turn into dependency," Melos said, staring at him.
De Mauret replied with a cold smile:
"Subservience is a harsh word, sir. Let's say it's a partnership… a partnership between an established power and a rising one."
At that moment, Perdus took a step forward and said:
"Sir Melus, allow me to ask our guest a question."
Melus nodded.
Perdus stared at De Mauret. "A rare poison was used to assassinate King Silius. A poison found only on distant islands, accessible only by European ships. Do you know anything about it, Marshal?"
A sudden silence fell over the hall.
De Mauret smiled even wider and said:
"You are a brilliant detective, Perdus. But I am a man of the sea, not a poison dealer. France does not sully its honor with such games."
But his gleaming eyes said something else: that he knew more than he was admitting.
After De Mauret left the hall, Melos met with his men.
Silverus said angrily, "We cannot allow him to control our ports. This is a disguised occupation."
Taraeus said, "But his fleet could be a shield against the pirates."
Madus smiled and said, "Sometimes, an alliance with an outside power gives you time to strengthen yourself. Don't reject his offer too quickly."
Perdus said in a low voice, "Be careful... this man offers nothing for nothing. He may have had a hand in Silius's death."
That night, Melos sat alone in his palace, thinking. He knew Athens was vulnerable to the pirates and that De Mauret's offer was tempting. But he also knew that accepting the offer might mean that Athens would cease to be Athens, but would instead become a shadow of France.
He whispered to himself, "Should I protect the kingdom... or sell it out?"