The Shadow of Great Britain

471: Chapter 256: London 800,000 Forbidden Army Instructor (4K6)_3 471: Chapter 256: London 800,000 Forbidden Army Instructor (4K6)_3 His words had just finished when a series of knocks on the box door was heard, and a neatly dressed waiter hurried in.

He whispered to Lionel’s side, “Sir, Britain’s most distinguished guest has already left St.

James’s Palace.

Do you think we should go downstairs to prepare and welcome him grandly outside the theater?”

Upon hearing this, Lionel quickly asked, “Does His Majesty have any entourage with him?”

The waiter replied, “The news just came back that he only brought a few close attendants, mostly Chamberlains from the palace service.”

Lionel, upon hearing this, said, “Then let’s not make it too grand, a simple reception will do.

Everyone knows His Majesty the King doesn’t like making a big fuss.

His most annoying hobby is limited to delivering a few lengthy speeches to a bunch of guests after getting drunk at banquets.

From the looks of his entourage, his visit to watch the duel is just a spur-of-the-moment entertainment, not for any political purpose.

His Majesty probably just found tonight’s court ball too boring; he indeed has some distaste for these social obligations.”

Upon hearing this, the waiter nodded and then added, “Young master, there’s also news that, although His Majesty didn’t bring outsiders this time, the few outsiders seem to include the Henry Angelo brothers.

I heard that they just came back from the Balkans this afternoon and were summoned to St.

James’s Palace by His Majesty the King.”

“The Angelo brothers?”

At this, Lionel couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows, “This…

this could be a bit tricky.”

Seeing Lionel in a dilemma, Arthur followed him out the door, asking, “Is there a problem?”

Lionel began somewhat troubled, “Arthur, I’m afraid you and Bertrand will need to show some real skill today.

His Majesty’s arrival brings some unknown variables; it seems he’s brought a couple of experts with him.

You’ve heard of the Angelo brothers, haven’t you?”

“Henry Angelo?” Arthur thought for a moment, “I know there’s an Angelo fencing school on Bond Street; are they related?”

Lionel nodded, “Exactly, that school was founded by their father.

Since old Angelo passed away, that school is now in the hands of those two brothers.

If they hadn’t gone to the Balkans to study Hungarian swordsmanship recently, there’s no way they would have allowed Bertrand to run wild in London.”

Arthur asked, “From your tone, these brothers are quite formidable?”

Lionel took a deep breath, “Whether they’re formidable, I don’t know.

But among the brothers, the elder Angelo’s Scottish broadsword technique has been incorporated into the basic training regimen of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, also known as the ‘Black Watch.’ And the younger Angelo is even more outstanding; his close-combat knife technique, custom-made for the sailors of HMS Excellent, has now become a standard training course of the Royal Navy.

And his book on martial arts ‘Practice of the Infantry Sword Exercise’ has been listed as the instructional manual for sword and bayonet training for both infantry and Cavalry.

You know, His Majesty the King served in the Royal Navy for over a decade, so he holds great respect for the Angelo brothers, who’ve established military standard swordsmanship.

I even heard that His Majesty the King seemed to intend to appoint them as the heads of swordsmanship for the Army and Royal Navy respectively.”

Hearing this, Arthur couldn’t help but mutter, “Commander General of the eighty thousand London forces?

Interesting…”

Seeing Arthur so nonchalant, Lionel sighed, “Arthur, our script might deceive the layperson, but facing experts like the Angelo brothers, and with them standing right beside His Majesty, if word gets out…

our reputations won’t be easy on the ears.

Even if it doesn’t get out, with His Majesty…”

After pondering for a moment, Arthur suddenly spoke, “Lionel, you’re right.

It seems we must adapt our script on the fly.”

“You have a plan?”

“There is a plan, but the execution depends not just on me and Mr.

Bertrand.

Lionel, you’re also important tonight.”

“Me?” Lionel asked, puzzled, “What specifically do you need me to do?”

Arthur beckoned to him and whispered in his ear, “Listen, when the duel starts, you first stabilize His Majesty and the Angelo brothers…”