The Shadow of Great Britain

716: Chapter 344 The Eve of France_2 716: Chapter 344 The Eve of France_2 The two were talking when suddenly, from the music room ahead, a series of intense notes with sudden alterations echoed out.

It was a fierce and tumultuous transformation, like an approaching tempest, seemingly narrating the unexpected London downpour and capturing the essence of this cold British winter.

Then came a somewhat bizarre series of chords, the discordant harmony accompanied by a dramatic shift in emotions, as if an unreal dream was shattered by an abrupt iron fist, like a clear glass window smashed by a thug’s crowbar.

Strangeness, ferocity, and struggle emerged at once, as if trapped by thugs in a dark alleyway.

Wrestling continuously, fighting, yearning, a roar-like plea for help, but it was midnight, and the glimmer of hope longed for had yet to appear.

The ground was strewn with dirty, icy, foul water, which merged with the warm, gushing blood, the marks of struggle fading bit by bit under the relentless rain.

Perhaps tomorrow the sun will still rise as usual.

But no one will know what happened here during the harsh storm of last night.

The dark clouds have covered everything.

And how could this be called light?

The sun rises, bringing with it what can only be called the day.

Louis took a dull drag of his cigarette, “It seems Mr.

Chopin has understood everything, though it may not necessarily be a good thing, at least it saves us the trouble of explaining further to him.”

The door to the music room opened and the first to come into Arthur’s view was the Great Dumas, who had taken the initiative to carry Chopin’s luggage.

As a republican warrior, he had always felt quite guilty for not being able to help Chopin and Poland.

Arthur stepped forward and took Chopin’s precious right hand, “Frederick, I am very sorry about this.”

Chopin looked somewhat haggard; within a few short months, his life had gone through several ups and downs.

This only added to his innately delicate temperament a touch more melancholy.

Still, he managed to gather his spirits, trying his best to show a trace of a smile.

“Arthur, the person who should be apologizing isn’t you.

You’ve done all you could.

On the contrary, I think I should apologize to you.

I shouldn’t have dragged you into this mess.

Alexander has already told me about the Liverpool incident.

If it were me who took that bullet, I would have faced it unflinchingly, taking it with my chest as the most noble act a Polish citizen could do for his country.

But you’re not Polish, you don’t owe us anything.

The things you’ve done are all because you have a heart as upright and golden as yours.

Actually, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I had planned to bid you farewell and head to Paris.

I worry that if I continue to stay in London, the Liverpool incident might happen again.

There are too many villains in this world, and though I can’t punish them all, at least I hope good people like you can survive.”

Upon hearing Chopin’s words, Arthur felt that the elaborate farewell he had prepared suddenly had no place to be said.

Since Chopin chose to respond with sincerity, he naturally would repay with the same.

Arthur looked at him and fell silent for a moment, but eventually decided to lean down and whisper in the ear of the diminutive man, “Frederick, this isn’t your fault.

If there’s anyone to blame, it’s only because our position is too low at present.

If you truly want to do something for your homeland, then create a new world with your hands there.

At the same time, remember to keep your distance from certain people.

Sometimes, to accomplish something, you do not necessarily need to charge to the front lines, especially someone as uniquely valuable as you.

People don’t love their neighbors; they hope to find them in high and distant places.

Otherwise, how can you become their star?”

Upon hearing this, Chopin was first stunned, but by the time he regained his senses, he found a brand-new banknote already stuffed into his hand by Arthur.

“Arthur, this…”

Arthur pushed Chopin’s hand back, “A £300 bill of exchange from the Rothschild Bank, that’s the balance of your income from performances at the London Philharmonic Association over the past few months.

Although I dislike measuring friendship with money, without it, getting by when you’re abroad can be very difficult.

“I’ve arranged for your ticket from London to Marseille.

Once you arrive in Marseille, head straight for Paris by carriage, then go to Rothschild’s Paris branch to withdraw the money, and finally, to the Paris Opera House to find Mr.

Mendelssohn, who is holding a touring concert there.”

“I have explained your situation to Mr.

Mendelssohn in a letter.

He tells me that many of Paris’s well-known pianists, such as Liszt, Heller, and others, are very interested in you.

Beethoven’s student, your friend Mr.

Czerny, is currently in Paris as well.

I believe that with their help, you will soon be able to hold your first concert in Paris.”

“As for the Government departments, I’ve also used personal contacts to notify the Security Department of the Great Paris Police about your situation.

The head of the Security Department, Mr.

Francois Vidocq, will arrange for someone to meet you at the Paris Opera House, and they will take care of all the various administrative official documents you might need while traveling in France.”

“If your premiere in Paris is successful, Mr.

Vidocq may even consider making arrangements for you to be introduced to the King of France, Louis Philippe, at the Tuileries Palace.

His Majesty is very fond of sponsoring the arts, has a great appreciation for music, and also plays the violin quite well.

You’re sure to get along with him.”

Chopin was so overwhelmed by Arthur’s barrage of words that he took out paper and a pen from his pocket and said, “Wait…

Arthur, let me write this down.”

“No need.”

Arthur took a package from Great Dumas, and as they walked, he said, “If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask Mr.

Heine when you get there.

He will be returning to Paris with you.”

Chopin took a deep breath, “Arthur.”

“What is it?” Arthur glanced at him and then turned to Great Dumas, “It looks like our Frederick could use some fine West Indian tobacco.

Alexander, do you have an extra pipe?”

Great Dumas just laughed heartily, draping an arm around Chopin’s shoulder, “Brother, don’t take it to heart, and don’t feel too pressured.

I owe this lad a life, but look at me, I’m still going about my business.

Between friends, it’s quite normal to lend a hand when one is down on his luck.

If Arthur ever becomes corrupt and it all comes to light, and he ends up from the streets of London to Paris, don’t forget to give him a bite to eat when you’re a world-renowned pianist.”

Arthur also walked up and, with Great Dumas, put an arm around Chopin’s shoulder and pulled him along, “Don’t worry, Frederick, I don’t eat much; you won’t go broke feeding me.

But do keep an eye on Alexander; I have a feeling that before I go bankrupt, this big guy will end up begging at your doorstep.”

Seeing them joke around, Louis also picked up a bag and teased, “If Frederick doesn’t look after you, you can always come to me.

Of course, that’s assuming that by then, Louis Philippe has already tumbled from his throne.”

Great Dumas joked back, “What?

You planning on taking a seat yourself?”

“Certainly not,” replied Louis, laughing, “Alexander, you know me, I’m the same as you, we both have always been committed to republicanism.”