"The 'Trade Item'"

During this period, Franz also received a special "gift": little Lakshmi Bai, who had traveled across the ocean from India.

It must be said that the Raja of Jhansi was quite farsighted; he had sent Lakshmi Bai out of the Indian Subcontinent just as the rebellion broke out.

The stated reason for sending her was high-sounding—to study Austria's advanced culture. In reality, it was to avoid disaster, as he had no idea how long the chaos would last or whether it would eventually engulf Jhansi.

The Raja of Jhansi, Ganga Rao, was not like the rulers of other princely states who believed the time for action had arrived. On the contrary, he felt that choosing to protect himself until the situation became clear was the correct path.

Undoubtedly, he was a master of "playing it safe," but it was a pity his strength was too meager and his time too short, ultimately leading to his death and the fall of his state.

Although the old Raja had good intentions, Lakshmi Bai clearly did not grasp the meaning behind them. The moment they met, she launched an Indian-style flying kick at Franz, though she lacked the prowess seen in Bollywood films.

The result was that she was snatched from the air by Franz and dealt with on the spot. Lakshmi Bai's actions terrified Vilas, who had accompanied her.

With a dozen guns leveled at him, Vilas knelt and raised his hands, yet he still took a heavy blow from a rifle butt to the back of his head. After a thorough search by the guards, he was tied to a nearby tree.

Only then did Lakshmi Bai realize what a disaster she had caused, tears welling up in her eyes. Franz felt a bit helpless; the little one had likely just