The Shadow of Great Britain

439: Chapter 245: Unparalleled Zither and Sword (5K8)_3 439: Chapter 245: Unparalleled Zither and Sword (5K8)_3 The gentleman seated to my right is the leader of the British fashion novel scene and a French Romantic playwright, the creator of “Christina,” “Henry III and His Courts,” and “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Mr.

Alexander Dumas, the editor-in-chief of popular literature for the “British.”

As for me, Benjamin Disraeli, although I have not yet become Prime Minister, please believe that I will be in the future,” he said.

Chopin, hearing this string of dazzling titles, felt his brain crammed to the brim and was still not quite sure what was going on.

Seeing him like this, Arthur simply laughed and said, “Don’t worry, Frederick, now that we are friends.

Your concert is in my hands, just as you said, not just for you, but also for the Polish people.

Since we have already published Mr.

Mitskevich’s manuscript, we will not refuse to host another concert.”

Moreover, your background speaks for itself; you are an outstanding pianist, not lacking in the ability to perform, but merely in need of an opportunity.

Frederick, I will give you that opportunity, I will give you the best platform to showcase yourself, and if you seize it, you will soon become famous throughout the musical world of London.”

Though the music halls of London are not as renowned as those of Vienna, they will bring you the money you need.

Generally, London’s money carries a whiff of copper, but you are capable of giving it a noble purpose, using it to help your compatriots live a little better; I can think of no more meaningful way to use it.”

Chopin, upon hearing these words, stood there, dumbstruck.

He had prayed to God for a successful journey, but he had not anticipated it turning out this well.

Arthur hadn’t even asked him to play a piece right then and there to prove his aptitude.

This was indeed the best news he had heard in the last six months.

His lips trembling slightly, Chopin pursed his lips and said, “Arthur, I really don’t know how to thank you.

It seems the Prince and Viscount did not deceive me; you truly are a person of great justice and empathy.

I…

I must on behalf of my compatriots offer you my thanks.

Arthur, I…

I am truly grateful to you.”

Arthur smiled and waved his hand, “Frederick, there’s no need to be so formal.

I’ve said it before, we are friends now.

And as friends, it’s only right that I help you.

Alexander knows, Benjamin knows, I have always treated my friends this way.

Besides, in a few days, I may no longer have the chance to play the piano, and if I am gone, London’s citizens will certainly need a more outstanding pianist as a successor.”

“Not able to play the piano?

What…

What’s happened to you?” Chopin asked, startled.

“Is something going to happen in a few days?”

Arthur nodded smilingly, “Indeed, in a few days, I have a duel to the death with the French Swordsmanship Master, Mr.

Francois Bertrand.

This duel has garnered a lot of attention, I have heard that tickets were sold out days ago.

Among the audience coming to view the duel, there are not only ordinary citizens of London but also many luminaries from London’s social circles.

Thus, I also plan to schedule your debut in London on the same day, on the stage where Mr.

Bertrand and I will fight our duel.

Frederick, promise me, if by then I no longer have the chance to play a farewell piece for my beloved audience, you must take my place and carry on performing on stage.

I know, you have not only the playing ability to match the London music halls but also a precious and sincere heart; you will do even better than me.”

“This…” Chopin heard these words and felt his heart suddenly tremble.

He had never expected Arthur to utter such words resembling a will, “Mr.

Hastings, if my performance necessarily comes at the cost of your curtain call, I don’t think there’s any need for such a performance to occur.

I implore you to reconsider the suggestion just made.”

Arthur shook his head and said, “Frederick, the duel has long been decided, so don’t put too much psychological pressure on yourself.

Whether I live or die in a few days is not your concern.

On the contrary, I am very glad that you were here at this moment.

You have made this duel incredibly meaningful, elevating it to another level—it’s no longer a monkey show.

If I die, then it is but a necessary sacrifice for the liberation of the Polish people.”

The Red Devil, hearing this, could not help but burst into laughter, “Arthur, you little devil, are getting naughtier by the day.

You’ve swindled the old, the young, women, and now men.

With those words, no matter the outcome of this performance, this young chap named Chopin will feel uneasy in his heart.”

“But, Arthur…”

Chopin wanted to continue persuading, but before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by Great Dumas.

Great Dumas gave Arthur a thumbs-up in approval and then exclaimed loudly, “That’s manly, Arthur, you truly haven’t let me down!

A duel should be like this, if one is not ready to die, why bother with this game of men?

As for you, Frederick, rest assured.

With Alexander Dumas here, I won’t just watch my big brother die on the dueling field.

Leave the matter of the duel to Arthur, Benjamin, and me.

The piano, leave it all to you.”

Disraeli was startled by these words, “There’s something in this for me?

Alexander, I’m not good with a gun!”

“Then practice!” Great Dumas gave him an unamused look, “A Prime Minister of Britain who can’t sail is bad enough; if you can’t shoot, what kind of Prime Minister are you?

Benjamin, you don’t want to admit that even Eld could outdo you in this respect, do you?”

Disraeli originally wanted to argue a bit more, but as soon as he heard that Great Dumas had brought up Eld, the innately competitive Jewish lad immediately felt indignant.

He glared and adjusted his tie, saying, “Alexander, who are you looking down on?

I just don’t practice often, but a talented person only needs to pick up a gun, and it won’t be long before they can shoot with the precision to split a willow leaf from a hundred paces!

Don’t forget, my competition is with an expert axe-wielder, and though I have no intention of competing in strength, I can still match him in skill.”

Arthur, upon hearing this, paid them no heed, but instead looked at Chopin, and with a raised eyebrow, smiled and said, “So, Frederick, do you have confidence now?

For the sake of the Polish people, the three of us have staked our lives.

If you truly want to thank us, then say no more, and just show the British public something truly remarkable on the stage, on the piano keys.

Express your talent, your warm affection for your Polish homeland, and the suffering the people of Warsaw are enduring through the piano keys, Frederick, dazzle them with your brilliance!”

When Chopin heard this, he felt as if his breath was caught in his chest, but it didn’t feel constricting; it was an indescribable feeling as though a pair of hands were helping him to stand upright, instilling in him a powerful, magnificent strength.

His heart was warm, and no trace of timidity or shyness could be seen on his face; he felt an unending surge of energy throughout his whole being.

He grasped Arthur’s hand tightly and nodded emphatically, “Arthur, whether for your efforts or for the Polish people, I must honor your trust!

Please believe in me, as I believe in you!”