In the golden October of autumn, the annual harvest season arrived once more. The joy of abundance smoothed away the wounds left by the World War, and all of Bulgaria basked in the delight of a bountiful harvest!
"Your Majesty, Count Paul, the Russian envoy, has come to call!" a maid whispered in Ferdinand's ear.
Ferdinand set down the document in his hand. The Russians had finally come knocking—both as he had expected, and not as he had expected!
Logically, the Russians should have come seeking help long ago. Whether it was the Russian Civil War or the Paris Peace Conference, Nicholas II could no longer do without Bulgaria's support!
Ferdinand had not expected the Russians to hold out until now. After all, every day they delayed could mean an immense loss for the Russian Empire!
The Russians' largest force was still in Germany. Without Bulgaria's support, it would be utterly impossible for them to return home. The Tsarist government simply had no ability to provide them with logistical supplies now.
"Bring him over. I'll see him here," Ferdinand said calmly.
Compared to years ago, Count Paul had grown old. The high spirits and radiant vigor of his youth were long gone. He was no longer the ambassador to Bulgaria either, but his bearing remained excellent.
They had already been "old friends" for many years, and their meeting was very informal. Ferdinand could see that Paul was somewhat anxious, so he did not waste time on pleasantries.
"What would you like to drink? Help yourself," Ferdinand said casually.
"Coffee for me," Count Paul replied.
No sooner had he spoken than a maid brought him a cup of coffee, clearly prepared in advance. Not just coffee—every kind of tea and pastry was kept on hand in the royal palace around the