The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 839: After the revision: Chapter 387 King Arthur Who Lives in Scotland Yard (6K4)

We are here for Britain.

——Arthur Hastings, “Greater London Police Department Operational Manual” preface.

In the mist-laden morning, as dawn just broke, the streets of London were still immersed in an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.

Situated in the heart of London near Trafalgar Square, St Martin’s Church, with its ancient and towering Gothic spire, stood quietly in the early light, gradually emitting a faint glow, like a watchful guardian just awakening and silently surveying the surrounding emptiness.

The silent environment lingered for an unknown length, until the uniformed footsteps in the cobbled alleyways surrounding the church broke the tranquil balance. The sound of hard boots striking the cobblestones was like a solemn requiem.

The iconic deep blue tailcoats, epaulettes gleaming, tall black top hats, and even the newly replaced white gloves; police units organized from various districts of London were assembling in queues here.

This was the tradition at Scotland Yard. According to internal regulations, every police officer with the state religion had to form up and attend a church service on Sunday mornings.

However, unlike the usual services, every police district of Scotland Yard chose St Martin’s Church for today’s service location.

Moreover, in addition to the officers of the state church, this service also included officers of Lutheranism, Methodism, Calvinism, the Baptist Church, and other Protestant denominations. Even a Catholic, typically not keen on religious services, Officer Arthur Hastings, attended this time.

In fact, the officers were there precisely for Superintendent Hastings.

And they knew that Superintendent Hastings, a significant figure at Scotland Yard and a model for the police force, was quietly resting in a narrow, dark coffin at St Martin’s Church.

The footsteps gradually ceased, and the restlessness subsided into stillness. The officers, as if having rehearsed countless times, naturally formed a neat phalanx from west to east outside St Martin’s Church, guarding the path on either side.

Every face bore a statue-like resolve, their gazes heavy as they faced the closed doors. The officers’ silhouettes cast against the gray stone walls added to the scene’s imposing strength, steeped in a faint sense of sorrow.

The senior officers leading the police units each held a heavy police saber, the Greater London Police Department’s insignia atop the sabers remained strikingly clear amidst the fog.

Greater London Police Department Commissioner, Police Chief Charles Rowan.

Greater London Police Department Deputy Commissioner, Police Chief Richard Mayne.

Greater London Police Department Special Operations Division Chief, Assistant Police Director Johnny Shepherd.

Greater London Police Department Public Patrol Division Chief, Assistant Police Director Gary Brown.

Greater London Police Department Criminal Investigation Division Chief, Assistant Police Director Michael Clydesman.

…

The two Police Chiefs, five Assistant Police Directors, eighteen Superintendents, and over fifty Inspectors; nearly all of Scotland Yard’s senior figures were present today.

They stood at the forefront of the procession, facing the large, closed oak doors of the church, their expressions and gazes unwavering, just like their subordinates.

Every officer present knew they were awaiting the final tribute to a valiant officer who died in duty.

This officer, who perished in an act to defend peace and order, would have his name etched into the illustrious history of Scotland Yard, becoming an eternal memory for his comrades.

Just as the Scotland Yard police arrayed solemnly before St Martin’s Church, the crisp sound of hooves echoed from afar, striking the ancient stone road like drumbeats, drawing everyone’s gaze towards the source.

A breeze dispersed the morning mist, and several ornate royal carriages came into view at the far end, slowly approaching along the broad avenue, escorted by the cavalry guard.

The carriages, painted in a noble and powerful deep violet, adorned with golden decorations and carvings, were drawn by four robust horses clad in intricate harnesses, their manes flowing with the wind as they moved in unison. Every detail exuded the dignity and splendor of a royal procession.

Atop the carriage, the royal flag combining the Union Jack of the United Kingdom and the Hanover Family crest fluttered gently in the breeze, signifying the distinguished passengers inside.

The carriage halted in the cleared space before the church, and attendants quickly stepped forward to carefully open the doors.

Dressed in formal attire, King William IV alighted slowly, followed by other distinguished figures in elaborate attire.

The Chief Bishop of all England, Archbishop of Canterbury William Howley,

Former Prime Minister, former British Army Commander, England’s Chief Sheriff, Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley,

Royal High Chancellor, Lord Speaker, Chairman of the Privy Council’s Judicial Committee, Lord Brougham,

Home Secretary, Chairman of the National Public Safety Committee, Viscount Melbourne,

Tory Party leader, former Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel,