The Shadow of Great Britain

424: Chapter 240 Conversation with the Foreign Minister (5K)_2 424: Chapter 240 Conversation with the Foreign Minister (5K)_2 “The French have been much more subdued these past few years than during Napoleon’s time, and as for Bavaria, well, I admit I have a bit of a family tradition of prejudice against them.

You might not know this, but my father was an immigrant from Hesse in Germany, so…”

Arthur, smiling, asked, “So how do the Hessians view the Bavarians?”

The diplomat, also smiling, began, “My father used to say: ‘Bavarians are a transitional species between Austrians and humans.’”

Upon hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but joke, “In that case, perhaps I happen to have a genuine Bavarian among my friends.”

The diplomat stopped in his tracks and feigned sorrow, “Oh, Officer Hastings, hearing such news is truly unfortunate.”

Arthur, shaking his head with a smile, said, “It’s nothing, I’ve gotten used to it.

Being friends with a Bavarian isn’t so bad.

Looking on the bright side, it’s certainly better than dealing with Austrians.”

The diplomat burst into laughter, pointing at Arthur, he said, “Perhaps you shouldn’t have become a police officer; our Foreign Office is also in dire need of talents like you.

If we sent you as an ambassador to Bavaria, I believe you would do quite well.”

Arthur responded humorously, “That sounds like a fine posting, at least better than being assigned to manage the London Zoo.”

The diplomat, now serious, said, “Mr.

Hastings, I must remind you politely that the elections for the lower house are not the responsibility of the Foreign Office.”

Arthur replied seriously, “I understand, I took a tour around the Foreign Office lobby before you arrived.

I didn’t see that little hammer that could silence the baboons here.”

After these words, the two looked at each other and couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

The civil servant led Arthur to the door of the minister’s office, his smile significantly reduced, “Well, Mr.

Hastings, I shall leave you here.

It has been a pleasure conversing with you, and considering you rescued me from the dreary environment of the Foreign Office, let me boldly give you a tip.

Although Viscount Palmerston does not directly oversee the Home Office, you probably know of his relationship with Viscount Melbourne, the Home Secretary.

Viscount Melbourne’s sister, Lady Copper, well…saying more would be indelicate.

Hence, when you speak with his lordship, it might be best to appear as sincere as possible.”

He despises those less clever than him and is wary of those who are more so.

Be cautious with your compliments and careful with your criticisms.

In short, dealing with him isn’t easy, and given your humor, I wouldn’t want to miss out on your jokes when I visit Scotland Yard in the future.”

Arthur, tipping his hat slightly with a finger, said, “Thank you for the tip.”

The civil servant knocked on the office door, announcing loudly, “Your Excellency, Officer Hastings is here.”

“He’s arrived so soon?

The afternoon tea I intended to have with him isn’t ready yet.

Go urge the restaurant at the corner to hurry up with the meals, and I’ll chat with Mr.

Hastings for a bit.”

Arthur was invited into the room, and as soon as he entered, he saw the files piled up in front of Palmeston like a small mountain.

Palmeston took off his glasses, stood up with a smile, holding his teacup, “How have you been recently?

The work at Scotland Yard is busy, but once the London District Prosecutor’s Office is established, the burden on your shoulders will be even heavier.

However, I think a young man whom Lord Brougham has taken a liking to certainly won’t be lacking.”

Arthur followed Palmeston to sit in front of the sofa, took off his wet hat and placed it on the table, and before he could speak, Palmeston was rambling on.

Palmeston put down the porcelain cup, “The weather in London is just like this.

Unfortunately, now that I’m a minister, otherwise, according to my habit when I was a backbencher, during such Parliament recess, I would typically vacation in Cornwall.

If I went further, perhaps to France or the Apennines, their sunlight is something England can’t compare to.

By the way, Arthur, where did you go on your post-graduate trip?”

The Red Devil, leaning on the sofa, smirked, “Oh, Arthur, look!

The Minotaur is starting to wheedle you, does he want to gobble you up in one bite?

Let me see how you plan to get out of this labyrinth.

Are you planning to attach Icarus’s wings to yourself?

But frankly, the sun is too close to you at this moment.

If you do this, your wings will definitely melt, and then you’ll fall into the sea just like Eld.”

Arthur merely chuckled softly, “Your Excellency, the cost of a continental tour is still too prohibitively expensive for me.

Although it is a tradition in the British educational field, a two-year journey costing over five hundred pounds a year is quite a significant amount for me.”

Palmeston only shook his head with a smile, “No, Arthur, you are simply unwilling.

You might think I’m a noble, so I must be very wealthy.

If you’re speaking of the present me, that’s indeed true.

However, if you knew my condition when I just graduated from Cambridge, you would definitely laugh at me for being a poor lad.”

Arthur inquired, “Did you undergo some misfortune at that time?”

“Exactly,” Palmeston took a sip of tea, “When I graduated from Cambridge, my father had just passed away.

He indeed left me a substantial inheritance, amounting to 75,000 pounds, but at the same time, he also left me with a debt of 90,000 pounds.

I took that money