The Shadow of Great Britain

She paused, her brows slightly furrowed, ”But I truly cannot understand why such a person could be favored by Tsar Nicholas I in Russia? Why is a leader of the Radical Party able to thrive so well in the most authoritarian court in Europe? Is he a man whose words differ from his thoughts?”

If Arthur didn’t understand Victoria’s character and experiences, this White Hall bureaucrat, accustomed to the double talk of London’s political scene, would probably think the Queen was making some double entendre about himself.

However, thankfully this was Victoria, the student he had personally instructed, so Arthur did not ponder further.

In fact, Arthur also found it puzzling why Earl of Dalmo and Tsar Nicholas I could get along.

After all, one was a leader of Britain’s Radical Party, and the other was even more significant — Tsar Nicholas I was the spiritual haven for authoritarians across Europe and even the world.

If viewed solely from political perspectives, it was a wonder they didn’t clash, which would already count as having considerable tact.

But in reality, during Earl of Dalmo’s tenure as Ambassador to Russia, Tsar Nicholas I not only held him in high regard but also treated him more gently than other foreign ambassadors and previous British ambassadors. The Tsar even publicly praised him: ”Dalmo always speaks like a soldier.”

If someone else said this, it might be ambiguous whether it was praise or criticism, but for Nicholas I, who regarded the military as his life, this was one of the highest praises he could give.

Of course, some might think this was just a nicety from the Tsar.

But if it indeed was merely a courtesy, how does one explain Nicholas I personally writing a letter to console Earl of Dalmo during his illness?

After all, among all the British Ambassadors to Russia, Dalmo seems to be the only one thus favored by the Tsar.

Initially, Arthur was indeed baffled by the relationship between Earl of Dalmo and the Tsar, but since that encounter where Arthur clashed with the Tsar over Russia’s refusal to withdraw its troops from Moldavia and Wallachia, he began to understand what was truly happening.

For after he confronted Tsar Nicholas I, this great authoritarian not only did not bear a grudge but instead admired him.

Upon combining this incident and the personalities of Dalmo and Nicholas I, Arthur finally arrived at a vague conclusion.

Though their political views differed, it did not stop Tsar Nicholas I from appreciating Dalmo’s character. Nicholas I’s methods revealed that the Tsar innately favored those who were frank, tough, decisive, straightforward, and who conducted themselves more like soldiers than politicians.

And Earl of Dalmo was precisely such a person.

Such a personality when placed in Britain, would make both parties view him as dangerous and overly radical, while the Tsar found Dalmo straightforward, reliable, and having gentlemanly dignity.

Though Dalmo often spoke harshly, almost always establishing his limits immediately, practices that British politicians deem taboo, Tsar Nicholas I viewed them as acceptable and exceptionally appreciated this quality of clarity in speech.

Moreover, Dalmo was Grey’s son-in-law at the time, hence, the Tsar believed every word Dalmo said would certainly be carried out.

For Tsar Nicholas I, dealing with a diplomat like this was far more relaxed than dealing with those who spoke in circles, people supposedly formally educated in diplomacy.

Victoria listened quietly to Arthur’s explanation.

All those fragmented evaluations she heard earlier — whether proud, hard to get along with, unsociable, stubborn, or politically ignorant... under Arthur’s description seemed to suddenly gain reason.

”So, that’s it...” Her voice was lower than before, ”I used to think... if someone couldn’t fit into the Cabinet, couldn’t cooperate with colleagues, then it must be his flaw. But listening to you say this... the respect he received in Russia, the trust he gained before the Tsar... are not things that the sociable ones could achieve.”

Arthur replied with a smile, ”That’s right, Earl of Dalmo does understand politics; he just chooses not to pretend. Such people naturally don’t cater to British politics. But precisely due to this unwillingness to yield, compromise, or please others, his firmness made him feel approachable to someone like Tsar Nicholas I, who judged people with black-and-white standards.”

”Arthur, I find I can now somewhat... imagine what kind of person Earl of Dalmo is.” Her gaze inadvertently fell upon Arthur, ”And understand... why he appreciates you as well.”

Arthur’s lips subtly curled at her words, but to avoid any lapse of etiquette before the Queen, he lightly cleared his throat, seemingly to ease the atmosphere.

Victoria gently added, ”Turns out the three of you... really are quite alike.”

Arthur slightly hesitated, ”The three of us?”

His brow involuntarily furrowed; clearly, he was not keen to see himself, Earl of Dalmo, and Viscount Melbourne grouped together.

”Yes, Earl of Dalmo, you... and my father. You all don’t excel in pleasing others, but this doesn’t hinder your integrity.”

”Duke of Kent?” Arthur hadn’t expected these three individuals. He couldn’t help but ask, ”Why did you suddenly mention Earl of Dalmo and Duke of Kent today? Is there some connection between them?”