The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur had a pipe in his mouth and was lounging on that ebony-edged leather sofa, holding the freshly printed Economist from this morning.

As for the editor of The Economist, the honorable Mr. James Langworth, he was sitting in the chair opposite Arthur, leisurely sipping tea. It was evident that he had great confidence in today’s publication, so much so that there was a smile lingering on his lips as he drank.

”James,” Arthur put down the newspaper and praised, ”Your editorial is truly well-crafted; it appears impartial, and it’s simply a model of media neutrality. When I brought you over from The Times to be the editor of The Economist, it was exactly this potential of yours that I saw. The board spent a significant sum, not to appoint you as a propaganda minister.”

James Langworth, while placing his teacup on the mantelpiece, chuckled at this comment, ”Is that so? I thought you were going to criticize me for being too smooth.”

”Smooth? How could that be?” Arthur took a draw from his pipe and crossed his legs, ”Every reporter under our Empire Publishing writes honestly and holds no bias. Even when it comes to the chairman of the board himself, they should criticize when necessary. After all, we have always advocated for press freedom, and that’s not just lip service. Especially this segment, your high praise for Belgium’s investment in the telegraph industry is truly insightful.”

”Sir, it’s a great honor to have your trust. After all, independence is the cornerstone of our existence at Empire Publishing,” Langworth remarked half-jokingly, ”Even if our independence happens to increase our stock price by forty percent, that’s just because we seek truth without bias, nothing more.”

”Of course,” Arthur raised the teacup and took a sip, ”Hard work does not go unrewarded. The free market won’t let honest people suffer.”

”But...” Arthur slowly put down his teacup, ”Honest people also need opportunities sometimes. With Leopold visiting Britain, it’s best to strike while the iron is hot.”

Langworth immediately grasped the hint without a moment of hesitation, ”You mean, publish more pieces?”

”No, no, no, James, don’t misunderstand me,” Arthur waved his hands repeatedly, ”How could I interfere with The Economist’s independence? I just think that the public has the right to understand the broad prospects of the telegraph industry and the importance of enhancing communication speed. Moreover, Belgium has long been a friendly nation to Great Britain; the progress of a friend is something the general public, the Foreign Office, and even Her Majesty the Queen herself would undoubtedly welcome.”

”Indeed.” Langworth nodded, his tone completely natural, ”I was just thinking the same. In fact, at The Economist, a series of telegraph-themed articles, an analysis of the economic benefits of telegraph technology, and an exclusive interview with Professor Charles Wheatstone are already in preparation.”

Even Sir Arthur Hastings, who was typically stern before his subordinates, couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction upon hearing this news.

This patient, who miraculously recovered yesterday afternoon, stood up and patted the other on the shoulder, ”James, you truly are one of the rare conscientious media people on Fleet Street.”

”Just fulfilling my duty, Sir,” Langworth replied while refilling the tea, ”Moreover, the reason we report these is purely due to our love for the truth.”

Hearing this, Arthur finally couldn’t help but speak, ”By the way, apart from having a chat, there’s some good news I want to share today.”

Langworth raised his eyebrows knowingly, ”Sir, I seldom hear bad news when I come to see you.”

Arthur reached out to stop Langworth from pouring the tea and instead walked over to the office liquor cabinet to take out a fine bottle of Bordeaux, personally pouring a glass for this invaluable member of Imperial Publishing, ”This year’s salary adjustment plan is about to be released, and before it’s officially published, I wanted to get your opinion. James, the board believes a twenty-five percent salary increase for mid-level management is appropriate...”

As Langworth lifted the glass of Bordeaux and heard ”a 25% raise,” it was as if he was struck by lightning, his fingertips trembling around the glass.

Though he tried his best to maintain a composed smile, a flush of unsuitable red spread to his ears.

”Sir, you... this news is more moving to me even more than the first editorial of mine published on The Times front page...”

Langworth was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to even articulate the word ”moved.”

To his surprise, Arthur merely waved his hand and sat back down on the sofa.

”However...” he suddenly changed his tone and spoke slowly, ”I personally... actually oppose it.”

Langworth’s wine glass wobbled, almost spilling a few drops.

He instinctively straightened his spine, a twitch at the corner of his mouth, ”You think the increase is too high?”

”Not too high,” Arthur shook his head, resolutely stating, ”Too low!”

Langworth was stunned for a moment, not even managing to put the glass back on the coffee table in time.

”You know, James,” Arthur continued, ”Living in a city like London, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold, even a 25% salary increase for an editor—what does that achieve? One would still be drinking inexpensive tea, unable to afford even a few servants and a coachman. Let alone the editor, even I sometimes feel the pinch.”