The Shadow of Great Britain

Even with the most optimistic expectation, this Whig Party can at most last for three years, which means there might be a new election as soon as 1840.

Moreover, if calculated by average values, Melbourne Cabinet’s good days will end by the end of next year.

Indeed, Arthur doesn’t like the Whig Party, nor can he say he particularly admires the current Prime Minister, Viscount Melbourne. In fact, it’s because Viscount Melbourne’s sister, Lady Cooper, had looked after him in their youth that he at least doesn’t hold excessive animosity toward her brother.

As for the Conservative Party, he has a decent relationship with the Duke of Wellington and greatly respects this British war hero.

However, this war hero is getting on in years and isn’t one to meddle in party struggles.

As for the current leader of the Conservative Party, Sir Peel...

Arthur couldn’t know this former superior any better.

Peel is not a dangerous man.

But precisely because of this, he is genuinely dangerous.

In Arthur’s view, Peel lacks almost all traditional politicians’ flaws: he’s not addicted to socializing, doesn’t get caught up in speeches, doesn’t chase applause, nor does he need to rely on some illustrious family to prove himself. He believes in systems, believes in order, believes that power should be centralized, clear, and accountable.

This isn’t a crime in itself, and it even aligns closely with Arthur’s ideals.

But the problem lies in Peel’s attitude toward ”tools,” which is so dispassionate it’s almost cruel.

In Peel’s world, there are no irreplaceable individuals, only components that are still useful at the current stage.

Currently, the tool signed with the designation ”Arthur Hastings” clearly has a bit too much self-awareness for Peel’s liking.

More importantly, Peel knows the police system far too well, even more than the system itself, because fundamentally speaking, although Arthur is the soul of Scotland Yard, Peel is its founder.

If Rowan and Mayne had to choose between Melbourne and Arthur, they would undoubtedly stand on Arthur’s side without hesitation.

However, if the choice were between Peel and Arthur, Arthur feels the answer to that question is just as obvious.

The Whig Party needs to control the police system through Arthur, so they have to make a series of choices with ”contemporary limitations,” leaving many ”historical legacy issues.”

But Peel doesn’t need that. In Peel’s eyes, Arthur is a risk that must be dissolved in the future.

What makes Arthur even more uneasy is knowing that Peel doesn’t regard Victoria highly.

Peel wouldn’t act against him out of personal grudge, nor because of his humble origins, radical stances, or close ties with the Royal Family.

Peel would acknowledge Arthur’s capabilities, even privately praise his efficiency and judgment.

Then, with extreme calmness, place him in a position where he can no longer cause structural impact.

Defined as a product of a historical phase, given a respectable yet marginal position, required to cooperate with reforms, adhere to restructuring, and understand the big picture...

Goddamn it!

For Arthur, this is even more distressing than being sent to the Caucasus.

The most damnable part is, when that day comes, Arthur will hardly have any reason to resist.

He’s not Peel’s enemy, nor could he even be considered an obstacle to Peel. He’s just someone who has already fulfilled his mission.

For a gentleman who had already decided to dedicate his brief life to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...

How can this be possible?!