The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 840: Revised: Chapter 387 King Arthur Residing in Scotland Yard (6K4)_2

President of the Royal Society, President of the Royal Art Association, the King’s brother, Duke of Sussex, Prince Augustus Frederick…

The arrival of these eminent figures instantly lifted the spirits of the officers, who had been under intense attack by Fleet Street news media’s carpet bombing. The officers truly needed such an occasion to bolster their morale.

In that breath-holding silence, all eyes focused on King William IV and the Royal Attendant Officer, Sir George Elliot following closely behind.

George Elliot appeared solemn, holding a crimson tray on which lay a medieval-style knight’s Sword of Honor, a ceremonial flag symbolizing honor and loyalty, gilt spurs, and a deep-red cloak.

Everyone anticipated witnessing His Majesty the King bestowing the highest national honor upon the fallen officer. This act was not only a recognition of Inspector Hastings but also the best encouragement for the entire Greater London Police force’s hard work.

In the heavy and solemn environment, the only sound was the gentle ringing of golden bells from the carriage, whispering about those lives lost for justice and peace.

King William IV stood on the road in front of St Martin’s Church, looking up at the gradually rising sun in the distance, then turned and nodded slightly to the Archbishop of Canterbury beside him.

Dong… dong… dong!

Three peals of the holy bells echoed, and the officers present instinctively took off their hats and bowed slightly in respect.

Only the creaking sound was heard as the solemn and ancient oak door of St Martin’s Church silently opened.

Holy light filtered through the gap in the door, like the first ray of dawn breaking the horizon, instantly illuminating the foggy, gray morning and brightening the eyes of everyone who awaited with sorrow and hope.

Inside the church, the sound of the organ intertwined with faint chanting, adding a touch of mystery and grandeur to the scene.

At this moment, everyone’s heartbeat seemed to synchronize and slow down, with tension reaching its peak as if drawn by an invisible force. Yet, in this tranquility, unexpected footsteps resonated.

From the beam of bright light, a polished black boot stepped out, followed by a white-gloved hand, a neatly pressed tailcoat, the swaying officer’s sword, and the radiant Order of Saint Edward badge on his shoulder.

Arthur’s face looked somewhat pale, perhaps due to excessive blood loss or the prolonged absence of sunlight, causing even his steps to be stiff.

However, this did not prevent him from calmly putting on his black top hat amidst the stunned gazes. Arthur, hand on his officer’s sword, walked slowly forward along the cobblestone path.

The scene was enough to leave the officers dumbstruck; the somber atmosphere was abruptly replaced by incredible astonishment.

The officers widened their eyes in bewilderment and shock; some doubted their vision, and some even dropped their hats.

They once believed they had lost Inspector Hastings forever, yet here he was, standing in the center of the light as if he had never left.

Arthur approached Lord Rowan, and in a moment, their sharp gazes met without evasion or hesitation. Arthur slowly raised his hand in salute and said, “Assistant Police Director in charge of the Police Intelligence Department and London Police Academy of the Greater London Police Department, Assistant Police Director of the London Metropolitan Police, Arthur Hastings, reporting, sir!”

Although Rowan had received the news last night, he couldn’t help but smile in relief, a genuine and unburdened smile, upon seeing it confirmed.

Rowan gazed for a long time before finally nodding at Arthur: “Arthur, I am glad to see you were rescued. Although most of the time I don’t want to admit it, I have to say that just this once, you did very well.”

Arthur looked at his old adversary and smiled with relief: “Like you, it’s my duty, sir.”

Rowan took a deep breath and patted Arthur’s shoulder: “I always said your future was bright. Though this may be the last time, I still want to say…

Rowan stepped back a pace and saluted: “Welcome back to the force, Officer Hastings!”

Rowan’s salute was like a peal of thunder, awakening the officers from this nearly impossible scene. Almost instinctively, they raised their arms in unison: “Welcome back, sir!”

Hearing this, Arthur felt a choke in his chest and involuntarily raised his arm to salute the officers who had fought alongside him for three years: “It is my utmost honor to stand in this line with you, my officers!”

Watching from a distance, King William IV and the others couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

With just a simple appearance, Arthur Hastings was able to win back the hearts of all Scotland Yard officers. This demonstrated Arthur’s significance to them.

Although he wasn’t resurrected, perhaps the name Arthur Hastings had already held an undefinable sacredness for Scotland Yard.