The Shadow of Great Britain

Victoria turned her face away, avoiding Arthur’s probing gaze: ”It’s nothing, just that before you came, I chatted with Leisen about some... past events.”

Arthur was not unfamiliar with such ”past events,” or rather, he had already investigated them thoroughly several years ago.

It’s just that, Duke of Kent, Earl of Dalmo, Canada...

Rarely does anyone dare to link these words together in front of the Queen.

But it was apparent that today, Victoria herself had already connected them.

Indeed, Victoria’s voice sounded softly again: ”You know, my father... his experiences in Canada before he passed, many are things I only slowly heard about after growing up. Many matters, I thought I no longer cared about.”

Victoria sighed lightly: ”But today, for some reason... I suddenly very much want to know what exactly he did in Canada all those years. So... I asked about the Earl of Dalmo.”

Arthur watched her quietly, having already guessed Victoria’s purpose for summoning him to Buckingham Palace today, the very thing he had been anticipating these days.

Victoria seemed to be searching for a suitable reason, a reason she could convince herself with to once again entrust Arthur.

Arthur leaned against the back of the chair, as if he finally realized something, he stood up straightened his back: ”Your Majesty, is there anything I can do for you?”

Victoria was taken aback.

For that instant, she almost blurted out the phrase — I want you to persuade the Earl of Dalmo to return to Canada.

But the words stopped at the lips, she found it hard to say.

Her throat moved gently, as if forcibly swallowing the words.

”I...” Her eyelashes trembled slightly: ”I haven’t decided yet.”

”Your Majesty...”

Arthur stood there, gazing quietly at her, his shadow elongated by the afternoon light falling at his feet.

Although he was nearly smoky with anxiety, seeing Victoria remain silent, Arthur finally couldn’t hold it in.

”Do you wish for me to persuade the Earl of Dalmo to take up the position of Governor of Lower Canada again?”

Victoria seemed to be lightly touched at a place she dared not confront, her body slightly shuddered.

”I...” Her fingertips lightly tightened on her knee: ”Why would you... ask this?”

Arthur did not avoid nor hesitate.

”Because each word Your Majesty said just now,” he stated calmly, ”was paving the way for this request.”

Victoria was startled.

Arthur continued: ”You mentioned his character, Nicholas I’s trust in him, his experience in Canada... even mentioned Duke of Kent. All these combined, Your Majesty, could they lead to any other conclusion?”

Victoria lowered her head, as if denying yet admitting.

Arthur softened his voice: ”You are asking me if the Earl of Dalmo is trustworthy, and if he can be persuaded to return. Is that right?”

”Arthur...” Victoria finally looked up at him, her face flushed with embarrassment: ”I don’t know... if I still have the right to ask you to do this again.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur suddenly smiled.

”Your Majesty.” Arthur knelt on one knee: ”If this is your request, then even a trip to the North Pole, I would comply. Moreover, the rapport between me and the Earl of Dalmo... at least isn’t so bad that meeting him would get me thrown out.”

Victoria was amused, lightly drawing a breath: ”You’re always so clever, just like the Earl of Dalmo, and...”

She didn’t finish her sentence.

Arthur seized the moment of her slight relaxation, resolutely ensuring Victoria made the promise now: ”So, please tell me, do you truly wish for him to return to Canada?”

The study fell silent for a brief beat.

Victoria’s lowered fingers gently tightened, then slowly clasped Arthur’s hand: ”Yes, Arthur. That is... what I hope for.”

Arthur slightly bowed: ”If this is your will, then, God willing, your expectation shall be fulfilled.”

Victoria breathed a long sigh of relief.

But Arthur did not stop and continued saying: ”However, before that, I must first remind you of the most important matter.”

”What?”

Arthur looked directly at her: ”If you wish to persuade the Earl of Dalmo to return to Canada... mere reinstatement is far from enough.”

Victoria was stunned: ”Why?”

Arthur slowly stated: ”Because the Earl of Dalmo is not afraid to bear responsibility. On the contrary, he wishes to assume responsibility, but the prerequisite is that he must possess the power commensurate with that responsibility. What he most detests is being given an empty title without the authority to accomplish anything.”

Victoria naturally replied: ”Of course, isn’t that rightfully the case?”

Arthur nodded, continuing: ”You also know, Canada’s current situation... not just anyone can withstand it. So, if merely allowing him to return as Governor of Lower Canada, it would just be sending him back into the same cage that previously destroyed Duke of Kent’s reputation. After all, achieving something doesn’t rely solely on personal capability and good wishes.”

Victoria’s face paled slightly, recalling what Leisen had just told her about her father’s strict military governance in Canada: ”Then... what can I do for him?”

”You don’t need to do much for him, just give him a stage where he can truly fulfill his ambitions.” Arthur bowed his head requesting: ”I solemnly request you appoint the Earl of Dalmo as the Governor-General and High Commissioner of British North America, fully in charge of affairs related to Upper and Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and the Bermuda Islands colonies, and commission him to thoroughly investigate the political situation post-Canadian rebellion, proposing necessary reform measures.”

Though politically immature, from Arthur’s description alone, Victoria realized that upon appointment in this manner, the Earl of Dalmo would become the British Royal Family and Government’s highest spokesperson in North America, in nominal and practical terms, the ”Vice King” of British North America.

However...

Victoria raised her head, her eyes still carrying some hesitation: ”Arthur, if I agree to this appointment... are you willing to personally make the trip to see the Earl of Dalmo?”

However, it wasn’t his fault to hesitate because if Victoria agreed to this appointment, she would then have to turn around and convince Viscount Melbourne and his Cabinet to consent.

After all, this appointment wasn’t part of the plan she previously discussed with Viscount Melbourne.

Arthur bowed and paid his respects, without hesitation: ”Your Majesty, even if you disagreed with the appointment, I have no right to refuse your request.”

Upon hearing this, Victoria gently blinked, as if finally able to breathe.

Suddenly, she regained the tone befitting a Monarch: ”Then let it be so, we shall consider it settled.”