The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur lowered his gaze in front of her: ”Your Majesty, this is not your fault, but because you are too young and too dazzling. Anyone who wants to seize control of public opinion will not miss any opportunity to bring you down.”

He raised his head and gently consoled, ”So... I hope you can allow me to pause this matter for now. At least, until your current political environment stabilizes, until the shadow of His Majesty William’s death fades, and while Parliament is still redistributing power... do not hand them a knife.”

Victoria seemed to be struggling to suppress the grievance and anger in her chest, she raised her head: ”Then... Arthur, what if I insist on investigating?”

Her fingers were clenched so tightly they turned white; Victoria could tolerate attacks on her personally, but she found it really hard to ignore Arthur’s act of taking the bullet for her.

Arthur looked at her, his eyes moved slightly.

Not out of being touched, but because of a headache.

If the news attacks were aimed at Victoria, he would have likely already talked to the relevant parties, but this involved Viscount Melbourne, as the most outstanding alumnus of the University of London, Arthur really had little interest in saving face for the Prime Minister who marginalized Lord Brougham and Earl of Dalmo.

He came to Buckingham Palace today just to find a reason in advance to block Victoria’s mouth, to employ a bitter ploy, so that this esteemed student’s good teacher wouldn’t assign him such tasks.

But now it seemed that Victoria was very angry about the Fleet Street reports attacking Arthur, and was even willing to damage her reputation to strike back at the tabloid reporters.

Fortunately, Arthur had a contingency plan, and the secretary-general of this police committee promptly advanced to phase two swiftly upon seeing this.

After a good while, he slowly spoke: ”Your Majesty, if you insist, I will of course comply.”

Victoria’s lashes trembled slightly, as if she were relieved; she had been worried that Arthur would reject her capriciousness.

But in the next moment, her heart was again suspended by Arthur’s words.

”However...”

”However?”

Arthur looked up at her: ”I must be honest with you. Investigation is not the best way to resolve the issue.”

Victoria was stunned: ”Why?”

Arthur slowly sat back down in the chair in front of her: ”Because, Your Majesty, the best way to cover up a piece of news... was never to block the news.”

He paused, giving Victoria ample time to digest this sentence: ”But to create another bigger story. A big enough, noisy enough story to make the entire Fleet Street boil over as if it was set on fire.”

He let out a gentle breath: ”As soon as such a story appears... any little ripple about you and Viscount Melbourne will be swiftly forgotten.”

Victoria’s breathing became erratic: ”You... you’re going to create news?”

”No.” Arthur shook his head: ”I’m going to release news.”

Victoria was taken aback: ”Re... release what?”

Arthur pushed the thick, radical version of the ”Police Bill Draft” on the table forward a few inches.

Victoria’s heartbeat accelerated in that instant.

All the incidents that happened today suddenly connected in her mind.

Why was Arthur in such a hurry to come to Buckingham Palace today?

Why did he uncharacteristically submit the draft in advance?

Why did even Viscount Melbourne not know in advance that there was a radical version of the ”Police Bill Draft”?

Why did he play dumb when I asked him about those reports earlier?

He wasn’t unaware; he knew everything, but he planned it all in advance.

If I hadn’t pressed further today, he planned to say nothing, but instead resolutely throw himself into the fire pit, bearing the consequences for me...

Victoria knew that as soon as this radical version of the draft was released, from London to Manchester, from Liverpool to Bristol... all the Parliament members, reporters, landlords, sheriffs, and supporters of the old system who are unhappy with police reform would target Arthur.

He would soon become the best target in Britain.

Arthur didn’t explain more, just shook his head with a helpless smile: ”Your Majesty...”

Victoria’s throat tightened slightly: ”Arthur, you...”

Arthur said little else, just smiled and waved his hand: ”Who would care who you talked to yesterday in the face of such big news? Who would continue to stir up an outdated court rumor? When the entire nation is debating whether police departments should shake the tradition of local autonomy, no one would waste attention on slandering your personal relationships.”

Victoria stared at him in a daze.

For the first time, she realized that the ”taking a bullet” Arthur often mentioned before was not just a metaphor.

He really would make all of London open fire on him.

Arthur said in a low voice: ”Your Majesty, this is why I recommended the radical reform version today. It’s not because it’s perfect; it’s far from perfect. It’s not because it’s secure; it’s not secure at all. But even if it’s neither perfect nor secure, it remains the most appropriate in the current situation.”