Giovanni hadn't expected Augustus to be so blunt, but since he, or rather his King, was asking for a favor, he certainly couldn't retort. He could only force himself to explain, "His Majesty the King is very busy with state affairs and truly cannot spare the time. Furthermore, it would be inconvenient for the King to personally meet you…"
Giovanni paused, preparing to organize his next words.
Augustus immediately continued where he left off, "So he took advantage of this Medici Family banquet, and using your identity as a member of the Medici Family, sent you to see me to seek aid. Is that right?"
Giovanni thought for a moment, then replied cautiously, "That's roughly the meaning, but it's not 'using' as you put it, but rather a task assigned to me by the King. Knowing how to use people effectively is an essential quality for an excellent monarch."
"Sending an Army General to seek diplomatic aid, Philip III truly knows how to use people effectively," Augustus quipped.
Hearing the sarcasm in Augustus's voice, Giovanni unhesitatingly defended the King, "Although I am currently an Army General, prior to this, I also served as an ambassador between Spain and Florence in Madrid. Therefore, this can be considered my old profession, and His Majesty the King's arrangement is not without reason."
Augustus smiled. Giovanni indeed had some genuine talent in military matters, but his ability to serve as an ambassador between Spain and Florence so early in his career was almost entirely due to his family background. Just like being sent to him now to seek aid.
"That's not right, this probably wasn't Philip III's own idea. After all, he doesn't personally manage many of Spain's affairs." Suddenly, Augustus seemed to recall something, a look of realization on his face.
"I remember now, you really can't represent Philip III. The Duke of Lerma, he can definitely make decisions for Philip III, or Rodrigo would also do. If one of them had come, then anything could be discussed. It's just a pity they aren't named Medici."
After speaking, Augustus gave Giovanni a meaningful look.
"Your Holiness, how are you so knowledgeable about the internal situation in Spain?" Giovanni asked, greatly surprised.
"I've only heard a little," Augustus said modestly.
"As far as I know, although it was indeed the Duke of Lerma's suggestion to send me this time, it was ultimately His Majesty who made the decision," Giovanni admitted.
"Giovanni, can you honestly tell me, what kind of monarch is Philip III in your eyes?"
What kind of monarch Philip III was, Augustus knew without asking, otherwise he wouldn't have so easily entertained the idea of poaching Giovanni.
Philip III, as recorded in history, neglected state affairs, wasted his youth, and enjoyed hunting, dancing, and opera, spending his days immersed in music, banquets, bullfights, and farces, his life controlled by court favorites.
He mainly relied on unlearned, greedy ministers like the Duke of Lerma to assist him in governing. Rodrigo, who started as a servant, gained favor and rose quickly, becoming a member of the ***** Council and parliamentary secretary, and holding the title of Elector of the Seven Churches, for his success in arranging Philip III's entertainment activities.
During Philip III's reign, Spain's economy experienced a severe decline, and its Navy lost its previously unrivaled power. It suffered a series of setbacks in diplomacy and military affairs, ultimately leaving a strong but hollow Spanish Empire to his successor.
Such a monarch, apart from the few favored officials he casually promoted and who obeyed his every word, probably no one would like him. Even those favored officials, while enjoying all the benefits of his favor, secretly looked down on him from the bottom of their hearts.
Augustus's purpose in asking Giovanni for his opinion on Philip III was very clear.
Although this was his first meeting with Giovanni, Giovanni happened to be asking for his help, which presented a very good opportunity. Anyway, no one stipulated that poaching could only be attempted once; even if it failed, knowing Giovanni's thoughts earlier would help in finding the right approach.
"I'm sorry, I cannot casually discuss my King with outsiders," Giovanni replied without hesitation, avoiding the question.
"Do you consider me an outsider? That makes things difficult. I consider you my dear uncle. And the reason Philip III sent you here probably wasn't for you to act as an outsider, was it?"
Augustus suddenly felt he should really thank Philip III, or perhaps the Duke of Lerma, for sending Giovanni to meet him.
"Please forgive my inappropriate wording; we are, of course, family. However, for Spain, you certainly cannot be considered one of their own." Sensing that Augustus seemed to be inducing him to say something, Giovanni also became alert.
"What about you?"
"What did you say?" Giovanni looked bewildered.
"I mean, do the Spanish people consider you one of their own? Do they truly see you as one of them, or do they only think of you when they find you useful?"
"Your Holiness, please watch your words," Giovanni said, sounding a little angry.
Augustus remained relentless: "Is it not true? Accept reality. They simply don't trust you. You probably won't be able to earn their trust no matter how many years you spend. Philip III only trusts his favorites. Are you willing to constantly associate with those unlearned, greedy scoundrels, and even be trampled underfoot by them?"
Giovanni had just understood Augustus's intention and found it incredibly unbelievable, but upon closer thought, it didn't seem like a bad thing. So he probed, "Spain is the most powerful country in the world, there are more opportunities here, and I have already achieved some success through my own efforts. How can I give up halfway?"
What Augustus knew but couldn't say was that Giovanni's development in Spain had already reached its limit. From 1600 onwards, and for the next ten years, Giovanni would make no further progress, and Spain's arrogance would not last for many more years.
Historically, in 1616, Giovanni eventually defected to Venice, serving as the Commander of the Venice Republic's army. Because of this, Augustus was very confident about poaching Giovanni.
Everything Venice could offer, he could offer too, and he could offer even more, including more trust and more opportunities.
Being a member of the Medici Family was the reason Philip III sent him, and this also benefited Augustus in winning over Giovanni.
Augustus took a deep breath, adjusted his state, and switched modes, "Your efforts and abilities are seen not only by the Spanish but by everyone. But what have your years of diligence and hard work brought you? Stagnation in your career and their suspicion. Everyone sees these things too. Your Medici Family identity can give you your current status, but it also dictates that you will not have further development in Spain. Since that's the case, why should you seek something far away when it's close at hand?"
"But there's no place for me in Tuscany anymore."
"Not in Tuscany, but there is in the Papal States!" Augustus exclaimed excitedly.
"The Papal States? What position can the Papal States offer me?" Giovanni couldn't help but show his interest.
Seeing that Giovanni was truly interested, Augustus pressed harder, "Admiral of the Navy of the Papal States. I hope you can take on this position. The Papal States' Navy is bound to achieve great things. And believe me, this is just the beginning. I can guarantee that you will have further development in the future."
"Navy? But I have no experience commanding a navy," Giovanni said, surprised.
"What does that matter? When you served as a diplomatic ambassador, you also had no experience commanding the army, and didn't you do very well? From the Army to the Navy, what's the big deal?"
After a long deliberation, Giovanni finally made up his mind, "You're right, I accept your invitation! But I must first return and report to King Philip III. If I were to go directly to the Papal States now, it would certainly be seen as a diplomatic insult and would damage relations between our two countries."
"That's excellent! I understand you. The Papal States awaits your arrival!"
"And what should I say about the aid?" Giovanni didn't want the last task given to him by the King of Spain to be left unresolved.
"You tell them directly that I hope to help normalize relations between Spain and France, which will greatly facilitate Spain's war to suppress the Netherlands, but it also requires their support and cooperation. Since you cannot represent Philip III, specific matters will require them to send someone of sufficient standing to discuss."
"Okay, that's what I'll do!"