The Shadow of Great Britain

A few guards instinctively wanted to block the way, but after meeting the sharp gazes of Plunkett and others, they all stopped their actions.

However, they still felt uneasy, so they discreetly sheathed their sabers and silently followed Arthur.

Arthur strode steadily through the back corridor, the soles of his leather shoes making a crisp yet steady sound on the marble floor. The corridor lamps stretched his shadow long, with Plunkett and several old soldiers of the 95th Regiment flanking his sides, while the guards in the backyard followed closely behind them.

Conroy watched him walk from the backyard to the foyer, the crisp footsteps suddenly came to a halt.

Immediately following, Arthur planted his cane firmly on the ground, both hands overlapping atop the silver eagle head.

He first removed his hat and slightly bowed to the Duchess of Kent, then put his hat back on and said to Conroy, ”It seems someone has presumptuously decided to treat the Princess’s residence as their private property.”

Conroy’s face instantly turned sullen, a trace of anger and impatience flashed in his eyes, but when he saw the imposing old soldiers of the 95th Regiment and the guards behind Arthur, Conroy ultimately suppressed his temper and did not act rashly.

He straightened his body, speaking in a severe yet inwardly timid tone: ”Sir, you are a friend of Kensington Palace, and that’s certainly appreciated. However, leading a group to intrude the Royal residence at night is something I cannot overlook, regardless of how close our relationship may be.”

Yet before Arthur could respond, the old Sheriff Murphy stepped forward, stably positioning himself between him and Conroy: ”Sir Arthur Hastings is here at my invitation, assisting in the execution of official duties.”

Having said this, Murphy picked up the search warrant from an attendant’s hand, giving it a gentle shake. Under the gaslight, the still-drying sheriff’s seal gleamed brightly: ”As I just mentioned, a group of ruthless bandits has recently infiltrated Ramsgate. Their whereabouts are unpredictable, and they are accustomed to operating at night. The regular police force in Ramsgate is limited, unable to ensure the safety of every key location in a short time, so I requested assistance from Sir Arthur Hastings, who has proven his capabilities multiple times in both London and abroad, as well as several Scotland Yard officers vacationing locally.”

After saying this, Murphy slightly puffed his chest: ”So, Sir John Conroy, may we begin the search now?”

Conroy’s mouth twitched, his eyes nearly overflowing with anger.

But he knew very well that arguing further in such a setting would only make him seem guiltier.

Moreover, even if he insisted on obstructing, he couldn’t possibly stop them.

Realizing the situation was beyond his control, he suppressed his temper, spreading his hands: ”You are the sheriff, Mr. Murphy. You already have a search warrant, so do you still need the Duchess and my consent?”

Murphy nodded slightly, then turned to the Duchess of Kent, speaking with solemn sincerity: ”Your Highness, I apologize for disturbing you at this time, but this is also for your and the Princess’s safety.”

The Duchess of Kent pursed her lips tightly, saying nothing, merely nodding slightly in acquiescence.

With Conroy already yielded, she truly didn’t know what else could be done.

Murphy removed his hat again in apology to her, then signaled to Arthur: ”Sir Arthur, I’ll leave the upstairs to you—rooms, corridors, storerooms, it’s all yours. I’ll handle the search downstairs.”

Arthur merely tipped his hat brim slightly, without extra words, turned and led Plunkett and the old soldiers of the 95th Regiment toward the stairs.

The second-floor corridor was dimly lit, the shadows and highlights flickering under the gaslight shades.

Lady Leisen had been waiting at the stairway, with her hands tightly clasped in front of her, her face pale, eyes still tinged red.

She had heard the disputes and clashes downstairs all along, her heart nearly in her throat, until seeing Arthur stepping upstairs, the tense string in her heart finally loosened and fell away.

”Sir Arthur...” she almost called out involuntarily, nearly bursting into tears: ”Thank you, truly thank you. Forgive me, at such a time, I truly don’t know what to say to express my gratitude...”

Arthur raised his hand, gently tapping the ground with his eagle-headed cane, cutting her off: ”No thanks are necessary, Lady. We are both considering the Princess. Loyalty to duty, integrity, and public service have always been my guiding principles.”

Hearing this, Leisen’s eyes reddened further, speaking with a slight tremble: ”You are a true Knight. Not just in bearing sword and armor, performing rituals, but you embody that virtue always ready to step forward at critical moments.”

Arthur, looking weary, gestured slightly with his hand: ”Time is pressing; this is not a moment for pleasantries. Lady, take me to her.”

Leisen held her breath, nodded heavily, then turned to lead the way, quickening her pace, as if fearing for a split second delay might cause Arthur to lose the chance to meet the Princess.

At the end of the corridor stood a heavy double-carved wooden door. Through its crack seeped faint candlelight, mingled with a subtle scent of medicine and alcohol.

She halted, took a deep breath, and gently pushed open one of the door panels.

The air inside was more stifling than in the corridor, with heavy curtains drawn tightly, shutting out the night and sea fog.

The fire in the fireplace had waned to just a few tendrils of dim red embers.

Beside the bed were a few small tea tables, scattered with medicine bottles, spoons, and a kettle of warm water, along with some novels that Leisen often read to Victoria before bed.