The Shadow of Great Britain

396: Chapter 231: The Editorial Department’s Story (6K)_2 396: Chapter 231: The Editorial Department’s Story (6K)_2 After the incident, Viscount Palmerston, the Foreign Secretary, immediately expressed his condolences to the Greek ambassador, and he sternly condemned the murderer, claiming, “In this difficult moment, the entire public of Great Britain stands with the Greek people who are fighting for freedom.”

Currently, the Greek government has declared a national state of temporary emergency.

During this urgent time, all military and political affairs will be governed by a supreme governing committee of three, consisting of the General of the Army, Koroktetrionis, the General of the Navy, Miaolis, and the leader of the Greek Parliament, Mr.

Koleitis.

Arthur tapped his fingers on the table, muttering nonstop: “It’s quite a typical tragedy of Ancient Greece, isn’t it, Alexander?

Let us observe three minutes of silence for Mr.

Kapodistrias, such an eminent politician.”

Great Dumas put down the newspaper and said, “So, should Scotland Yard also lower its flag to half-mast as a sign of mourning?”

Arthur said regretfully, “If I had the power, I wouldn’t mind doing so.

Unfortunately, I do not.”

Great Dumas was not fooled by Arthur.

As a vigorous 19th-century Republican, he was not only extremely attentive to the situation in Europe, but at the very least, very concerned about it.

As for Greece, a focal area in recent years, Great Dumas had his own research.

Pointing at the list of Greek governing committee members in the newspaper, he said, “The General of the Army, Koroktetrionis, is an ardent pro-Russian leader, one who was in tight accord with the assassinated Greek president.

The Greek Army’s weaponry and training were largely supplied by Russian aid.”

“The General of the Navy, Miaolis is also very interesting.

I recall that when British idealists like Byron and Shelley went to Greece to assist in the war, most were responsible for controlling the defense at Myson Gin, and the supply there was managed by Miaolis for several years.”

“After the British sent General Thomas Cochrane, a bomb enthusiast of the Royal Navy, to fight in Greece, Miaolis was specifically responsible for assisting him.

Can you tell me, Arthur, exactly what his role was?”

Upon hearing this, Arthur only lifted his finger towards Koleitis, the last name on the committee list: “Before that, why don’t we talk about Mr.

Koleitis?

Alexander, he is a great Republican just like you, a spiritual Frenchman, filled with an indescribable love for the land of France.

Even now that France itself is not a Republic, that does not change Mr.

Koleitis’s ardent pro-French inclination.”

The office was quiet for a while and then Great Dumas and Arthur exchanged a smile.

As Great Dumas chuckled and shook his head, he said, “Ah…

Arthur, maybe you’re right: in politics, there are no people, only ideas.

No emotions, only interests.

Politically, you can’t say it’s killing a person; it’s just removing an obstacle.

Mr.

Kapodistrias was removed because he only suited the interests of the Russians.”

Arthur flipped through the manuscript at hand and similarly praised: “You are also right, just like it’s written in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo.’ Once a person acquires a significant amount of wealth, a luxurious lifestyle becomes a necessity.

When a person attains a sufficiently superior position, his ideals shine brighter.”

“So was this incident really the work of you British fellows?”

“Given the lack of evidence at hand, I am inclined to believe this might have been a French-style accident.”

“Alright, then let’s meet in the middle and consider it an expression of dissatisfaction by the Greeks themselves.”

“Exactly,” The Times “has already given a sufficiently objective evaluation, meeting the expectations of many.”

Arthur had just said this when the editorial office door suddenly opened.

The face that appeared at the door stunned both Arthur and Great Dumas.

“Alfred, what brings you here?”

Tennyson removed his hat, appearing somewhat tired but still managing a slight smile: “Didn’t Disraeli tell you?

Mr.

Dumas is the editor-in-chief for fashion literature, and I am responsible for romantic literature.”

Great Dumas was startled and said, “They made you an editor?

What is Benjamin up to?

Doesn’t he know you’re still studying at Cambridge?”

“I…” Tennyson paused: “I’ve dropped out.”

“Dropped out?” Arthur raised an eyebrow and asked, “Did you encounter some trouble?”

“Exactly, tell us if you’re facing any difficulties.” Great Dumas put his arm around Arthur’s shoulder and thumped his chest, saying, “See, we can help you sort out interests, and if we really can’t, we’ll just remove the obstacles.”

Arthur glanced at him, lit his pipe, and took a puff: “Alexander, dropping out of school doesn’t seem extreme enough to require that kind of action.”

Tennyson hung his hat and coat on the rack: “No worries, you two needn’t concern yourselves about me.

I only dropped out because my father passed away and I couldn’t afford the Cambridge fees.”

“This…

your father passed away?”

“Alfred, I’m very sorry to hear this.”

Tennyson sat down on a chair: “It’s alright, God always calls people to Him, it just happened to be my father this time.

But Cambridge certainly isn’t as reasonable as God; no money means you drop out, that’s the rule.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas immediately pulled out his wallet: “How much is the Cambridge fee?

Just say the amount; I can lend it to you first.

You don’t need to rush to pay it back.”