Empire Rising: Spain

The war in the East Indies is raging on, while on the other side, Carlo’s commercial empire continues its relentless expansion.

It’s August in Spain, and the temperature isn’t as hot as imagined. One of the main reasons Spain became a tourist destination in later generations is undoubtedly its comfortable weather.

Madrid’s four seasons are distinct, with hot summers and cold winters.

However, this distinctness has its limits; Madrid’s winter doesn’t fall below zero, with average temperatures between 3 to 10 degrees Celsius.

In summer, the average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, with the hottest barely exceeding 30 degrees, not enough to make someone sweat profusely.

To say the least, Carlo truly enjoys the climate of Spain. The summers are sunny, and it’s safe to say, there’s not a cloud in the sky.

With such a comfortable climate, it’s no wonder Carlo isn’t staying cooped up in the Imperial Palace. Since the beginning of summer in June, Carlo and Queen Sophie haven’t stopped moving, exploring the diverse scenery of inland Spain.

Though Spain’s size is small, comparable to a province in later eras, its small size houses several different climates. The inland and coastal areas have varying climates, each with its unique characteristics.

During the summer, Carlo, accompanied by Queen Sophie, two maids, and numerous servants, headed in a grand procession to the Balearic Islands in Spain for leisure.

There’s a reason Spain becomes one of the most popular tourist countries in the future. The breathtaking scenery of the Balearic Islands alone is enough, even regular coastlines hold unimaginable beauty.

The emerald green waters, golden sand, azure sky, and few white clouds turn the ordinary beach scenery into a picturesque painting, attracting countless tourists.

The kind of beauty that can attract the Royal Family surely represents the most exquisite scenery among Spanish beaches.

Ses Illetes Beach, known in later generations, was once praised as one of the top ten beach sceneries in Spain.

Located on Formentera Island in the Balearic Islands, Ses Illetes Beach is renowned as the pinnacle of Spanish beach beauty, with its unique charm.

The tourism on Formentera Island is its main industry, and the only reason it attracts many visitors is precisely the beauty of its beach scenery.

Among these, Ses Illetes Beach is the most aesthetically pleasing of Formentera’s beach scenery and the most chosen tourist destination.

Of course, with over a century between now and the future, Formentera Island is just a small, sparsely populated island, with few tourists.

The reason Carlo chose Formentera Island as a travel destination is not only the beautiful beach scenery but also its seclusion and safety for the Royal Family.

Carlo’s outings are unlikely to be as simple as those of ordinary people. Even traveling within Spain’s own territory, Carlo is accompanied by hundreds of servants and guards.

Traveling with Carlo were the Royal Family’s private physician, two quirky maids, dozens of servants with different responsibilities, and over a hundred guards.

Carlo disliked his travels being interrupted, so before heading to the Balearic Islands, Steward Loren had instructed local officials not to disturb without permission.

Queen Sophie was truly delighted to be traveling.

After all, she’s not yet twenty, and enjoying playtime is only natural. Carlo is more than willing to indulge this nature.

Walking with Queen Sophie on the soft sand, Carlo was in a very good mood. Spain’s development thrives, and the colonization of Africa goes smoothly, putting Carlo in a very relaxed state of mind.

Soon after, Carlo and Queen Sophie returned to the center of the beach, lying on the sun loungers that the servants had already prepared.

Large parasols stood beside the loungers, with Anna and Alice attending closely to Carlo and Queen Sophie.

Queen Sophie was well aware of Anna and Alice’s relationship with Carlo. In fact, such matters are unavoidable; before marrying into Spain, her mother, Princess Sissi, had already advised her not to be overly concerned with such things.

A king does not favor a queen who meddles in everything. For Queen Sophie, living well with Carlo and giving birth to several princes and princesses is enough.

Anna dutifully came to Carlo’s side, smiling as she massaged him. Alice, similarly, went to Queen Sophie’s side, performing the same massage duties.

Queen Sophie was relieved that, although Carlo had lovers, there seemed to be only Anna and Alice for now. After all, they had followed Carlo since his time in Italy, leaving Sophie nothing to criticize.

At least Carlo is much better than other nobles. Some nobles simply enjoy affairs, often with married women, isn’t that more scandalous than Carlo?

Enjoying the maid’s massages and the non-scorching sea breeze, Carlo admits that such days are indeed comfortable.

However, comfort aside, it always felt like something was missing in his mouth, lacking a hint of the soul of summer.

After some thought, Carlo finally realized what he was missing, none other than the famously lauded “Fat House Happy Water” of future eras.