The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 960: Chapter 42: Fear of wolves ahead and tigers behind_2

During my time in London, my addiction to friendship and republicanism had almost run its course. So, please allow me to first indulge in some love.”

If Arthur didn’t know what kind of person this fat man was privately, he might really think he was quite a gentleman.

Facing such a friend, Arthur could only silently light a cigar, exhaling a puff of smoke: ”You’d better disappear from my sight immediately, otherwise, I’m going to inform the guards that there’s a republican here, and he’s brought quite a few friends to this party.”

Great Dumas stared at him upon hearing this: ”Damn it! Arthur, you can’t do that! If you really say that, those guards will definitely think I’ve got explosives hidden on me and am planning to conspire with the republicans to blow everyone sky-high.”

Arthur indifferently took a drag from his cigarette: ”Afraid of what? It’s not like you haven’t done something like this before.”

”Mr. Zhongma, weren’t you going to invite me to dance? What are you standing there stupidly for?”

Upon hearing his dance partner’s urging, Great Dumas reluctantly pulled Victor, who was busy building connections with Paris Police Chief Jusco, over to Arthur.

”Mr. Victor, could you please look after my friend and maybe teach him how to court women, you see, he’s already become ill from holding back.”

With that, Great Dumas dashed away: ”Dear, can you dance square dance? I just learned it in London, it’s much more fun than the Waltz.”

Victor was rather displeased to be dragged to Arthur’s side. Despite having been convinced to retire by Great Paris Police Hall, there’s a saying that goes, a man at fifty is like a blossoming flower. If President Jusco agrees, Victor feels he could still make a comeback in the Security Department.

Even though he was somewhat irritated, Victor did not show it on his face. Because he had already seen it, the first thing Jusco, the director, did upon arriving at the party was to toast Arthur.

As a seasoned pro in the Paris police scene, Victor certainly understood what this meant.

Either, Arthur hadn’t told him the truth before; his trip to Hanover was likely not a demotion but a promotion.

Or, this young man was hiding his family background. If what he said was true, and he made a mistake in London, then his trip to Hanover was cold treatment from his elders, and he could rise again in London whenever the opportunity arose.

Considering this, Victor couldn’t help but inwardly curse himself for his stupidity: ”I knew it, how could a British Sir be so easily titled? Making a mistake and still landing a knightly title, isn’t it because there are elders in the family backing him up?”

Yet, Victor wasn’t planning to expose Arthur.

Although his acting was rather crude, this young master might just be the type that likes to proclaim he’s climbed up entirely on his own abilities?

Haha, other than ability, zero capital—that statement could only fool himself.

Victor pretended as if nothing had happened, leaning against the wall by Arthur’s side. With a quick glance, he noticed a document placed in front of this young man.

Victor couldn’t help but curse inwardly: ”Hypocrite.”

He opened his mouth with a smile: ”Brother, what are you looking at? Are the beauties in the book prettier than the ladies at the party?”

”Not really.”

Arthur replied: ”I’m just curious about the history of the Paris police, so I got this groundbreaking work on French policing in the 18th century, ”On Security”. To be honest, before reading this book, I hadn’t realized the vast difference between Britain’s and France’s definitions of security.”

”Hmm?” Victor took a sip of wine: ”What are the differences between the two?”

Arthur nodded slightly: ”Security means maintaining order in public spaces to protect the interests of the owners. In this regard, Britain and France have no disagreements.

But in specific management, French security includes regulations on the width, length, and layout of streets. Setting up road signs, street lighting, street repairs, cleaning, and street sprinkling in summer.

Consider how buildings should be constructed and occupied to ensure they pose no threat to anyone. For instance, people shouldn’t place flowerpots on windowsills to prevent them from falling and injuring innocent people.

French police also have the authority to provide precise guidance, spreading knowledge on how to produce, transport, process, and sell food. How to slaughter livestock and package them. How to fish, including fishing locations and the tools used, even how to preserve and store fish meat.

How to construct gardens, what plants can be grown in the garden. How to procure and store firewood and charcoal. How to prevent flooding. How to develop industry within cities. How to operate taverns and restaurants.

How to determine hygiene standards for brothels, how to inspect the health status of prostitutes—in other words, all affairs related to citizens’ eating, health maintenance, and ensuring safety belong to the realm of French security.”

Victor shrugged: ”In fact, we also need to build and regulate markets, manage exchanges and fire stations when necessary, operate veterinary schools and hospitals.”

”This is utterly unbelievable. Mr. Victor, you know what? These powers of yours, if placed in London, would be divided into at least five or six departments.