The Shadow of Great Britain

465: Chapter 254 London Focuses on You (6K4)_4 465: Chapter 254 London Focuses on You (6K4)_4 Among all our clients, the most valued were the members of the British royalty.

Before his fortunate accession to the throne as King William IV, he had spent a considerable time as Duke of Clarence, scarcely favored by others.

Perhaps it was due to his extravagant spending in his early years, or that others had little respect for him, so his financial situation had been quite dire for a long time.

During that period, Rothschild had provided him with tens of thousands of pounds through long-term stable lending services, thus earning his friendship.

He would occasionally invite my father for a simple dinner, or offer him some sound financial advice.

Just this morning, His Majesty suddenly brought up the subject of this fencing duel.

Having served in the Royal Navy in his early years, he had always been interested in such matters.

Moreover, the whole of London was abuzz with your duel with Bertrand, so he also entertained the idea of attending the performance.

The commands of His Majesty the King might be disregarded by the Nobility of the House of Lords, but for Rothschild, passing up this opportunity was out of the question.

Therefore, Arthur, you understand, winning this duel benefits everyone.”

Having said this, Lionel suddenly lowered his voice: “Arthur, I’ve asked around at the London Fencing Association.

Bertrand’s skill is no joke; he is not without merit.

So, I think, to be on the safe side, perhaps we could…”

At this point, Lionel made a motion of counting money: “Arthur, what do you think?

I don’t want you to lose your honor, but life is precious, isn’t it?

You still have songs to play.”

Seeing his gesture, Arthur stood up solemnly, his voice tinged with sadness, “Lionel!

I didn’t expect, that in your mind, I was such a person…”

Hearing this, Lionel quickly lost his smile, stood up and apologized: “Arthur, don’t be angry, it was just an immature suggestion, I meant no offense.

I’ve habitually used a banker’s logic, sorry, I should have realized this, as a true swordsman, your honor cannot be tainted by money.”

Arthur sighed and shook his head, he picked up a biscuit, and held it up high against the chandelier.

Through the small hole in the biscuit, he could just see the mocking smile of the Red Devil: “Lionel, Mr.

Bertrand has become my friend.

I’ve earned his friendship, just as Rothschild earned His Majesty the King’s.”

“Hm?”

Lionel was suddenly taken aback, he was still thinking about how to apologize to Arthur and hearing this, he couldn’t help but chuckle while holding his waist: “Arthur, being friends with you is indeed thrilling!

I thought you were a sensitive person!”

Arthur tossed the biscuit into his mouth, chewing it carefully: “No, Lionel, you are right.

I am quite sensitive about friendships; it feels like I nearly worked for nothing this time.”

“Ah…”

A confident smile returned to Lionel’s face.

He rested one hand on the back of Arthur’s chair, leaned down, and spoke, “Don’t worry too much, Arthur.

The price of friendship is always steep, especially among significant figures, it’s practically priceless.

Compared to them, I think Mr.

Bertrand is quite a bargain.

But since you like making friends and I do too, maybe you could introduce me to him sometime?

That way, we can split the cost of friendship.”

With that, Lionel extended his hand to Arthur with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

Arthur pulled out a handkerchief to clean the biscuit crumbs off his hands, then confidently shook Lionel’s hand.

Arthur spoke: “Lionel, I hope our friendship is not something that can be simply measured with money.”

Lionel nodded with a smile: “Of course, but I do have thoughts of making further investments because, to me, the current valuation of this ‘stock’ is actually quite low.

Arthur, just having a ‘Briton’ as a surprise was already delightful.”

Hearing this, Arthur just shook his head: “You just don’t listen, do you, Lionel?

However you wish, I have nothing to say, as I am no expert in investments.”

Lionel patted Arthur’s shoulder: “Arthur, perform well today; you are the star of this show, we are merely basking in your light.

Please remember, this Halloween night, all of London is focused on you.”