The Shadow of Great Britain

Van Prat smiled slightly, his tone still modest and polite: ”Your Excellency is right. Piracy is indeed deeply rooted in Brussels. From an economic development perspective alone, the Belgian Government should not easily resort to action. But since the pirated books involve His Majesty’s concern for international reputation, the police naturally have to step in. However...”

He paused slightly, as if a bit embarrassed: ”This still involves the interests of your company. Only with your confirmation and cooperation can it seem justified.”

Arthur asked casually, ”Did those pirates only pirate Imperial Publishing’s works?”

”Of course, they also pirated others.” Van Prat coughed lightly: ”But rectifying the piracy industry must be done step by step. The related pirated works of the Imperial Publishing Company are the first targets for investigation in Brussels. As for the other companies, that’s a matter for later batches to consider.”

Hearing this, Arthur became even more convinced that Leopold must be in need of his help.

Because anyone with a bit of sense could hear that Van Prat’s words were practically telling Arthur outright that the Brussels police’s anti-piracy campaign was a one-time affair.

Moreover, if it were merely a copyright dispute, Belgium could entirely handle it in the name of ”rectifying the publishing industry,” without the need for such cautiousness.

Van Prat’s statement of ”alleviating your worries but requiring your nod” was excessively humble.

However, given that they had come this far in the conversation, ignoring it would appear impolite.

Besides, Sir Arthur Hastings had wanted to put an end to Brussels pirates for a long time.

”I understand.” Arthur nodded: ”Please convey my thanks to the Brussels police. If they need me to provide evidence or written explanations, I will arrange for someone in London to send them. If they require the cooperation of the London police, I will also do my best to assist.”

Upon hearing Arthur’s promise, a hint of relief flashed in Van Prat’s eyes, and he promptly agreed, ”That’s great. Please rest assured, the Brussels police will certainly handle this matter appropriately and won’t trouble Your Excellency too much.”

”If that’s the case, I leave it to you all.” Arthur bowed slightly, as a gesture of polite thanks, then looked up: ”However, I’d like to inquire about a more important matter. When might His Majesty Leopold be available to see me?”

Van Prat replied with a smile: ”Your Excellency’s eagerness is understandable. In fact, as soon as His Majesty learned of your arrival in Brussels, he instructed us to prepare for an audience. But since you are visiting privately, coordination with the palace schedule is still required to ensure decorum. His Majesty specifically instructed that before the audience, Your Excellency should take some rest and not overexert on the day of arrival. According to the current plan, the earliest will be tomorrow afternoon when His Majesty can receive you at the Laken Palace. As for the exact time, I need to confirm with the palace later. If there are any changes, I will personally come to Bellevue Hotel to inform you.”

Arthur understood the implication behind Van Prat’s words, that he would need to report today’s conversation in the car to Leopold. Since their conversation went so smoothly, Arthur was almost certainly expected to see Leopold tomorrow.

However, had Arthur just declined the Brussels police’s ”goodwill,” the audience might have been delayed.