The Shadow of Great Britain

253: Chapter 170 Tsarist Russia Spy (4k4) 253: Chapter 170 Tsarist Russia Spy (4k4) If you ask a Briton where the wealthy in London live,

they would surely tell you that the rich reside in West London.

But if the person answering is an authentic old Londoner, they would certainly narrow it down a bit further.

An old Londoner would tell you, “Only those parvenus from the countryside cluster in places like Kensington, Chelsea, and Notting Hill, while the true old nobility of London usually reside in the Mayfair District.”

As the old Londoners say, the Mayfair District, being one of the earliest developed affluent areas in London, not only boasts convenient transportation but also houses the most luxurious and upscale commercial and artistic zone in all of London.

Regency Crescent, Sotheby’s auction house, the Royal Academy of Arts, and, of course, London’s three major shopping districts—Burlington Arcade famous for high-end jewelry and luxury goods, Piccadilly Street known for its high-end clothing, and Bond Street focused on antique and art appreciation.

A massive amount of high-end commercial real estate not only attracts a large number of nobles to settle there but also leads to clusters of foreign embassies in the area, with the Embassy of the Russian Empire in Britain being one of them.

As the wife of the Russian Ambassador to Britain, Countess Livin naturally resided within the embassy.

During the time of the London conference, the already heavily guarded embassy area naturally escalated its security level.

Although it was dusk, the military police standing guard in front of the embassy dared not relax their vigilance.

In an area unnoticed by the military police, Arthur was leisurely circling the embassy in a public horse carriage.

Next to Arthur sat Eld, a Royal Navy cartographer with a protractor in hand, occasionally glancing at the embassy while meticulously sketching a map of its structure, and Pinkerton, a nervous youngster sweating in his palms.

Based on Arthur’s understanding of the history of British architectural development, since the 18th century when London experienced several large-scale epidemics, the concept of ventilation rapidly popularized across Britain, and high-end residences like embassies were certain to be equipped with large wooden air ducts and vents.

By the time the carriage had circled the embassy for the third time, Arthur eventually spotted an inconspicuous square hole behind the door of the embassy’s back eaves—judging by its nearly half-meter width, it was undoubtedly a ventilation port.

Sized like this, adults would mostly be unable to enter, but a child with stunted growth due to malnutrition could likely squeeze through.

Arthur pointed to the vent and whispered to Pinkerton, “That’s what I mentioned to you, have you done this kind of work before?”

Pinkerton eyed the vent and, after a long pause, slowly nodded, “I…

I used to sweep chimneys for people.

The vent looks similar to a chimney; I should be able to crawl through.

Just that…”

“Just what?” Arthur asked softly, “Allen, speak now if there’s an issue.

It’s better to say it now than to find yourself stuck in the vent once we start.

Even if you think this operation might fail, you should speak plainly.

We still have time to think of another plan.”

Upon hearing this, Pinkerton quickly waved his hands, “No, sir, you misunderstand, I’m not trying to back out.

I just want to know whether there will be an open fire below this vent?

The thing I feared most when I swept chimneys was when homeowners, to hurry us up, would light a fire directly below, and the choking smoke would leave me nowhere to run.

Several kids in our place died this way, suffocated alive.”

Eld, who was drawing, couldn’t help but curse upon hearing Pinkerton’s statement, “Are those fucking employers mad from drinking too much Thames River water?

They put a fire under you while you’re sweeping chimneys?

That’s no different from intentional murder.”

Pinkerton just managed a forced smile, “It’s unavoidable, sir.

The kids who sweep chimneys either have dead parents or might as well have them dead.

Even if we were suffocated, nobody would care, and the employers could settle it with some money.”

As Pinkerton spoke, he couldn’t help but hang his head again, thinking about his own circumstances.

Seeing him like this, Arthur simply took his head in his hands and shook it vigorously, “Allen, I’m sorry to hear about your chimney-sweeping peers, but there’s nothing I can do about it, at least for now.

Just because I can’t seek justice for them doesn’t mean I can’t cover you.

Remember, you’re my man now, an employee of the London Area Temporary Survey and Statistical Bureau.”

To oppose you is to oppose me, to oppose me is to oppose Scotland Yard and the University of London, to oppose Scotland Yard and the University of London is to oppose the Home Office and the Lord Chancellor’s office, and to oppose the Home Office and the Lord Chancellor’s office is to oppose the entire United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.”

I will not allow anyone to threaten the lives of my lads, or even, let’s take ten thousand steps back, if something unfortunate does happen to you one day, even if I can’t save you, I will definitely send the perpetrator’s entire family to the gallows.

You must have confidence in me about this.”