The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1819: Chapter 110: A Pawn Crossing the River Becomes a Chariot

Arthur knew that his words had hit Rowan’s weak spot, but he had no intention of rubbing salt into the wound.

He leaned half against Rowan’s desk with his arms crossed: ”Officer, I hope you take this matter seriously. On the surface, it seems like just another mundane court farce, the usual arrogance of noble ruffians. But in reality, it’s a major issue involving the stability of Britain for decades to come.”

Rowan looked at him: ”How so?”

Arthur lit his pipe and took a slow puff: ”His Majesty the King is already 70 years old and is about to celebrate his 71st birthday. I don’t mean to curse, but everyone knows he has little time left. The choice of a successor will determine the future political direction of the entire country. But think about it, what choices do the English people have before them now?”

He paused for a moment and then continued: ”The Duke of Cumberland has publicly stated on multiple occasions that he is more inclined towards militarized management and is a monarch who prefers to manage the country from horseback. He has even mentioned many times that national security should not be maintained by the police, but by the army and the Guard Cavalry. If he ascends to the throne, the status of Scotland Yard will inevitably be greatly diminished, and it might even be reincorporated into the military system.”

Rowan certainly understood this point, but as a pure retired soldier and professional policeman, he usually did not like to think too deeply about politics: ”It’s true that there is significant conservative power behind Cumberland, but do you really think supporting Victoria is a safe bet? She is the Whig Party’s strong candidate for succession, and although after Officer Robert Cali’s memorial service, many of our lower-ranking officers have become her supporters, I believe many officers still remember how the Whig Party has treated us in recent years.”

Arthur looked up at the smoke drifting to the ceiling from his pipe. He did not refute Rowan’s views; on the contrary, he even expressed agreement: ”The Whig Party has not been enthusiastic about the police system over the years, and I’m well aware of that. To be honest, Officer, when it comes to dislike for the Whig Party, I may not be less than you. You don’t like Melbourne, you despise Duncanon, and as for me, my relationship with Palmerston, as I’m sure you’ve seen in many news reports, is not exactly friendly.”

Arthur paced slowly with his hands behind his back: ”Moreover, we have a common point. We both recognize Sir Robert Peel’s policies. After all, the founding of Scotland Yard was driven by Sir Robert Peel, and his original intention was to replace the traditional militarized management model through professional and specialized law enforcement officers. We dislike the Whig Party, that’s true, but that doesn’t mean we should cut off our nose to spite our face and turn to the High Tories.”

Rowan was both amused and exasperated by Arthur’s words: ”Can you arrange for a crown prince who leans towards the Pier Party to take the throne? If you can, I would be more than willing to support it, and I might even break Scotland Yard’s principle of strict political neutrality for it.”

”Hmm...” Arthur pondered for a moment: ”If you’re truly willing to make that kind of sacrifice, I would give it a try.”

Rowan felt as if he had fallen into Arthur’s verbal trap upon hearing this.

Nevertheless, since Arthur handled Officer Robert Cali’s funeral arrangements properly, Rowan had become more lenient towards Arthur than before, so he was not quick to anger.

He merely poured himself a cup of tea with indifference: ”You’re still the same as always, here on a mission today too?”

”On a mission?” Arthur smiled: ”Officer, you’re being too harsh. I just want to ensure a good future for Scotland Yard.”

Rowan looked at him while holding his teacup: ”What about your own future?”

”That’s not important. My future is just along for the ride.”

”I hope so.” Rowan blew on the steaming tea: ”Then I will trust you, at least your conscience is reliable at Scotland Yard. Now tell me, how can you be so sure that Princess Victoria will become a loyal supporter of the Pier Party in the future?”

Arthur tapped his pipe on the ashtray: ”Princess Victoria herself doesn’t have any clear preference for the Whig Party. She’s only sixteen years old this year. At that age, can you expect these young ladies to have firm political beliefs?”

Rowan neither confirmed nor denied it: ”But you have to admit, she always gives the public an impression of being associated with the Whig Party.”

Arthur chuckled softly: ”Isn’t that because the people she meets every day are all those so-called celebrities held in the palm of the Whig Party? Melbourne, Duncanon, Palmerston, and even that endlessly talkative Mr. Thomas Macaulay—look at these names, which one isn’t a big shot within the Whig Party? A young girl inexperienced in worldly matters encounters these people daily, absorbing all as she goes along; how could she not be influenced? And even if she manages to remain unmoved, newspapers print her name alongside a series of Whig Party labels, creating the impression that she’s a throne successor who staunchly believes in liberalism.”

Rowan put down his teacup: ”So you’re saying her political leanings could change if the people around her were different? Arthur, it’s not that I doubt your ability, but in this matter, you are indeed boasting.”

”That’s right, at this stage, I really can’t change those things. You say I’m boasting, and I can’t refute it.” Arthur nodded: ”However, you might not be aware of the situation inside Kensington Palace. When it comes to arranging tutors and social routes for Princess Victoria, on the surface, it’s the Duchess of Kent, but in reality, the one who truly makes the decisions is Sir John Conroy.”