The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 929: Chapter 30: Hidden Voyeur_2

The Red Devil placed his hand on Arthur’s shoulder, winking and sarcastically remarking: ”Arthur, you little rascal, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that day three years ago. Do you still begrudge your education now? Or do you still think Oxford and Cambridge are better choices than the University of London? I’ve long told you, the University of London is superior to both Oxford and Cambridge.”

Arthur did not respond to the taunts of the Red Devil, nor could he trust his boastful gibberish.

In Arthur’s view, this fellow didn’t have the ability to foresee the future, so when Agares sent him to the University of London, it wasn’t foresight but a mere jest.

As for the things that transpired later, it was more a blunder aided by the currents of history.

As the saying goes, in a person’s fate, one must consider both personal struggle and the course of history.

As a trailblazer standing at the forefront of the new era, Arthur simply smiled and bowed his head, saying: ”Of course, Your Excellency, I am very pleased to accept your invitation. To apply my knowledge is always gratifying, and if my learning can aid Britain’s diplomatic endeavors, then so much the better.”

The Earl of Dalhousie, seeing Arthur agree, happily raised his glass to clink with him, saying: ”Being able to go with the finest officer in all of Britain to Russia gives me much peace of mind. It seems my decision not to immediately accept the Foreign Office’s recommended candidate was correct; had I done so, it might have allowed a stuffy Oxford student to take a place among our University of London graduates.

Arthur, we’ve settled it then; when you finish your work in the Kingdom of Hanover, come directly to Saint Petersburg to find me. As for the Foreign Office, I’ll send them a letter directly explaining the situation. However, be prepared to work with me, my standards are quite high.

You should know, throughout my life in Parliament, I’ve advocated for a few things: first, parliamentary reform; second, Catholic emancipation; third, establishing the University of London to promote education; fourth, advocating for free trade. The first three have already declared success, and the fourth is in progress. This time, in the work to stabilize relations with Russia, regardless of good or ill, I hope we can surpass the achievements of previous envoys.”

Faced with the Earl’s grand aspirations, Arthur did not respond directly.

Regarding the Foreign Office’s stance towards Russia, Arthur had already gleaned from the Liverpool affair, yet the dazzling fireworks from the explosion in front of Golden Lion Inn at the old docks of Liverpool remained unforgettable.

Arthur simply smiled and replied: ”Rest assured, I will do my utmost to perform the duties of Cultural Adviser. The definition of cultural exchange was already conveyed fully to me by the Foreign Office before I departed London.”

Knock, knock, knock!

Just as Arthur finished speaking, the door to the room was knocked upon.

Standing guard by the door, the servant opened it and found a lady wearing a lace-trimmed hat, who politely removed her hat to greet: ”Madam, have you entered the wrong room?”

Victor, merely covering his mouth, squeamishly responded in a falsetto: ”Is Sir Arthur here? I think I just saw him come in this way.”

The Earl of Dalhousie and the others glanced over at Victor, knowingly smiled, and rose to farewell: ”We can continue chatting at the Paris embassy; it’s quite impolite to keep the lady waiting.”

Arthur seeing this, took off his hat without a hint of blush and steady heart: ”Much obliged.”

Arthur was about to head out when suddenly the Earl recalled something and called out to Arthur: ”By the way, Arthur, there is a banquet at the embassy tomorrow night; if you are not busy, you may attend and perhaps bring along your companion.”

”Banquet?” Arthur queried with a puzzled glance at the Earl of Dalhousie.

The Earl nodded slightly, saying: ”Indeed, the attendees will not only include us but also some senior officials from the French Government, such as the Senate President Louis-Adolphe Thiers, Education Minister Francois Guizot, Paris Observatory Director Jean Alarco, and Navy Department Archives Director Minier, among others. Besides, the banquet will host many notables from the cultural and arts circles. As a diplomat, especially a cultural adviser, knowing more people is always beneficial.”

”Guizot?” Arthur cheerfully commented: ”I’ve only read about him in books before; it is indeed an honor to meet him in person.”

The Earl naturally replied: ”You mean ’History of the English Revolution during King Charles I and Charles II’s Reigns,’ right? This book is quite famed in Britain; besides ’History of the Origin of the European Parliamentary System’ is also an outstanding work. I have always believed that if Britain could assimilate seasoned scholars like Guizot into the Government as France does, our system would certainly improve.”

Arthur merely chuckled and shrugged: ”Your insight is admirable.”

With that said, he walked out of the room, gently closing the door behind him.

Who would have guessed that just before returning to the room, Victor’s deep voice sounded in his ear: ”Brother, I had no idea you were also attending tomorrow’s banquet!”

As he walked, Arthur asked: ”Are you also among the invited?”

Victor nodded slightly: ”Technically, the banquet is organized by a friend of mine, Benjamin Appel, Paris’s most renowned political broker. Though of humble roots, he knows well how to relate to others; some call his methods flattery and sycophancy, but nonetheless, Benjamin deals with the entire upper society of Paris. Do you remember the executioner Samson we last met? I took Samson to the banquet last time at Benjamin’s specific request.”