The Shadow of Great Britain

514: Chapter 271 Politics and Science (4K4)_2 514: Chapter 271 Politics and Science (4K4)_2 Arthur simply smiled, “Because I feel that you all have debated long enough and should end this topic to talk about something else.”

Walking by Arthur’s side, Louis asked, “So?

What is your conclusion then?”

Arthur just shrugged and said, “Every nation finds some pleasing compensation for its discouraging deficiencies: the relentless North has its iron-like toughness, the diseased South has its golden sunshine, the gloomy Spain has its faith, the humor laid upon others rejuvenates the impoverished France, and the fog of Britain beautifies the power of freedom.”

Heine couldn’t help frowning and asked, “What about Germany?”

Arthur laughed, “Germany?

Germany has nothing at all.”

Upon hearing this, Heine slightly shook his head and said, “I knew it.”

“No, Heinrich, don’t misunderstand me,” Arthur spoke up, “Just like the German literature you’re well aware of, the tradition of German literature is to have no tradition.

Before the 18th century, Germany couldn’t even produce a single book that literature critics would besiege.

But after 1750, the soil of German literature suddenly became fertile, producing plenty of masters and philosophers.

Having nothing isn’t always a bad thing because it also means freedom from the shackles of tradition.

Whether this state of unboundedness is good or bad is for the Germans to decide.”

Hearing this, Great Dumas laughed heartily and consoled Heine, “You’re right, and moreover, Germany certainly isn’t entirely without, at least you have beautiful German girls.”

Heine furrowed his brow even more upon this comment, “Alexander, the moment you uttered those words, I knew for certain you’ve never been to our place.

The word ‘beautiful’ hardly applies to most German girls.

Have you ever seen dragon cavalry on the march?

German girls, especially the peasant girls from our region, walk exactly like dragon cavalry.”

Laughing heartily at this, Great Dumas said, “No wonder the German cavalry units in Britain’s army are more proficient than the domestic British cavalry, it seems they have been trained by their mothers from the womb!”

This remark slightly upset Mr.

Cook, a retired army lieutenant walking alongside Arthur.

He followed up with a sarcastic comment, “When it comes to women’s fighting spirit, I’d say the girls of France take first place.

If not for Joan of Arc, chances are we would have the same king as the French now.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas retorted, “Sir, are you harboring some beautiful wish?”

Unwilling to be outdone, Cook replied, “Sir, would you like to fight a duel?

Although I have retired from the army, I must politely remind you that, despite not being able to defeat French girls, Britain has been mostly victorious in battles against France since the Hundred Years’ War.”

Seeing both men reaching for their pistols at their waists, Arthur hastily intervened to soothe the atmosphere, “Alexander, you have already fought three duels this month, doesn’t your pistol need maintenance?

And you, Mr.

Cook, you know you’re retired and it’s a time of peace, so even if you win in a duel, the War and Colonies Department won’t be issuing you a promotion commendation.

Moreover, I would have to invite you to make a trip to Scotland Yard.”

Upon Arthur’s words, Cook had to restrain his dueling urge, and taking off his hat, he apologized, “Sorry, Mr.

Hastings, I didn’t mean to trouble you.”

Great Dumas also removed his hand from the holster, “You’re in luck, I haven’t lost a pistol duel since I came to Britain.”

Arthur changed the subject, “Speaking of which, what brings you and Heinrich to the Royal Society today?”

Great Dumas smirked, “We’ve already visited nearly all over London, and today we thought of changing the pace by attending a science lecture at the Royal Society.

Unfortunately, we bumped into Mr.

Faraday lecturing.

As you know, one needs to book tickets in advance for Faraday’s lectures, and since we couldn’t get them, we could only wander outside the lecture hall waiting for the next one.”

Hearing this, Arthur asked, “Didn’t you go find Charles?

Even without tickets, if he were to talk with people at the Royal Society, they would most likely let you in.”

“Oh, Mr.

Wheatstone?

Better forget about that,”

Great Dumas shook his head, “You know his character too well; doing favors for people was never part of his considerations.

And that fellow, to keep others at bay, has even started imitating Mr.

Faraday, locking himself inside a Faraday cage to concentrate on his research.

That room is full of high-voltage electricity; I definitely don’t want to go in there and get cooked to a medium-well.

By the way, what brings you to the Royal Society today?”

“Me?” Arthur took out a manuscript from his pocket and waved it at Great Dumas, “The paper I promised Mr.

Faraday is finally finished, so I took the opportunity to bring it to him during my free time today.”

Upon hearing this, Great Dumas suddenly remembered the previous matter, “Is this paper the reason you were uprooting so many of my potatoes?

Still, I don’t understand what potatoes have to do with the research in electromagnetism.”

Having witnessed Arthur’s invention before, Louis laughed and helped explain, “Although it’s hard to believe, I did indeed see Arthur generating electricity with just a few potatoes.”