Chapter 712: Spring Outing

Chapter 712: Chapter 330: Spring Outing

March 12, 1886, the weather was clear with not a cloud in the sky.

A slightly bulky carriage slowly traversed the road, clearly bearing the emblem of the Spanish Savoy Royal Family.

To drive this somewhat cumbersome carriage, six handsome white horses were harnessed at the front, their strong and powerful hooves easily moving, pulling the luxurious carriage forward slowly.

In front of the carriage were two magnificent horses, both white; one was dignified and majestic, ridden by a well-dressed man around thirty years old. The other appeared younger, seemingly a colt. However, due to excellent genes, the colt bore a young boy without difficulty, and together, the two horses guided the carriage forward.

Several knights bearing weapons rode dispersedly around these two horses. The knights cautiously observed the surroundings while respectfully and fervently watching the men on the central steeds during their idle moments.

Behind the carriage were specially modified cars carrying palace servants and various utensils and goods.

The rear of the convoy consisted of hundreds of cavalry, responsible for escorting the entire team forward, providing protection for its safety.

“Little White, speed up, we’ll fall behind Father,” the excited Crown Prince Juan Fernando discontentedly urged his colt from atop the white steed.

The white colt, as if intelligent, accelerated its pace after young Juan Fernando spoke, managing to catch up with the pace of the leading horses.

“Father, wait for us!” The leading horses suddenly quickened their steps, displeasing the youngsters in the carriage.

Initially leisurely enjoying the scenery along the road, upon seeing their father and brother riding away, they began calling out.

“Ahaha!” Carlo, riding ahead the fastest, heard the calls from the youngsters and pulled the reins to slow the horse, reminding young Juan Fernando, “Let your colt run slower, lest it gets tired before reaching our destination.”

The young one obediently nodded, mimicking his father by tightening the reins to halt the colt.

Though not yet eleven years old, Crown Prince Juan Fernando had already been exposed to and learned riding skills. While not yet as skilled as Carlo, he could ride a small colt freely at a relatively slow pace.

The royal horses were specially trained, selected not only for their robustness but with a gentle temperament, free from wildness.

This personality in the colt ensured no accidents; as long as the pace was controlled, even someone unfamiliar with riding could manage a slow ride.

“Carlo, does the Aranjuez Palace truly have a garden larger than the one at Madrid Palace?” Queen Sophie curiously asked, satisfied with the Madrid Palace’s large garden but welcoming the chance to see an even grander one.

“Certainly, Sophie.” Carlo nodded with a smile, telling his queen, “The garden at Aranjuez Palace houses seeds of trees and flowers brought back by all the botanists and adventurers from around the world over the centuries in Spain; it should have the most abundant variety of plant seeds in Spain.

Knowing you love flowers, I had swathes planted last year, and now is the perfect time to appreciate them.”

“Really? I want to see them too, I want to see them!” Before Queen Sophie could nod in response, Princess Sofia, who had been enjoying the scenic view from the carriage window, leaned out excitedly, speaking to her father.

“Haha, of course, you’re included, Sofia.” Carlo nodded, naturally not refusing his most cherished princess’s request.

Aranjuez Palace was Carlo’s destination, one of the Spanish Royal Family’s chosen summer residences.

Originally the property of the Bourbon Royal Family, after Carlo became King of Spain, these palaces belonging to the Bourbon family naturally became his.

Aranjuez is not far from Madrid, situated in the southernmost part of Madrid Special City, forming a triangular area with Madrid and Toledo.

This triangular region is among the densest for palaces and castles in Spain, inhabited by numerous old-style nobility.

Carlo had reasons for selecting Aranjuez as the summer residence. Firstly, Aranjuez Palace was originally the Royal Family’s summer residence, boasting beautiful landscapes and a tranquil environment, perfectly suited for royal living.

Additionally, Aranjuez is not far from Madrid. If urgent governmental affairs required Carlo’s attention, he could reach Aranjuez from Madrid within a few hours.

While this palace wasn’t well-known among Spanish palaces, in terms of historical heritage and scenery, Aranjuez Palace ranked among the top.

Aranjuez Palace was hailed as Spain’s Versailles Palace, showcasing, besides its prominent gardens and lake views, porcelain chambers, armory rooms, and jewelry rooms, rich with gold, silver products, and ornaments.

When Queen Isabella fled Spain, due to the Revolutionary Army advancing on Madrid, she had no time to gather these gold items.