The Shadow of Great Britain

Low profile, restrained, introspective.

In the music world, Sir Arthur’s style of action is almost diametrically opposed to what he exhibits on stage.

In the ocean of music, his talent is boundless.

Yet in the document-laden waters of the Home Office, not even a level-eight typhoon could shake him.

The atmosphere within Buckingham Palace is vastly different from the streets outside.

”Mr. Atwood’s matter... It was indeed too sudden,” Leisen stood at Victoria’s side. ”Who would have thought that someone as robust as him would unfortunately pass away three months before the coronation ceremony.”

”Mr. Atwood...” Victoria sighed, and could not help but shed tears. ”First our loyal coachman Mason, then the most beloved, loyal, and outstanding Louisa, and now Mr. Atwood... Seeing these people I’ve known since childhood leave one by one is truly saddening.”

Leisen pulled the robe that had slipped from Victoria’s shoulder back up. ”Please accept the inevitable with peace, Your life on Earth is a constant preparation for the Father’s call. At least they all left peacefully, without the slightest struggle, and suffered very little pain. With their kind devotion, we should believe that by the Savior’s grace, they are now bathing in bliss, and you ought to be happy for them.”

Victoria lowered her eyes, her fingers unconsciously clutching the edge of her sleeve. ”I know you’re right, Leisen.”

She raised her head, her eyes still red. ”Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I remember how Mr. Mason taught me to sit upright when riding, think of Louisa watching over my bed all night when I was ill, and Mr. Atwood... Alas... Please do something for me first, Leisen.”

”Yes, Your Majesty.”

”Please convey my condolences to Mr. Atwood’s family on my behalf. Tell them I have not forgotten the effort he put into this ceremony. Regardless of whether his music is ultimately used, he has fulfilled his duties. If they wish, the Royal Family will cover all necessary funeral expenses.”

Leisen heard this, and comforted her with a smile. ”Many people, when talking about mercy, only think about forgiveness and rewards, but true mercy often manifests in these seemingly small yet easily overlooked places. Your Majesty, surely the Father in heaven will see your good deeds.”

”May God truly care for these unfortunate souls,” Victoria sighed. ”Leisen, you must take care of yourself! I no longer wish to lose any family members who have been loyally by my side since infancy.”

”I certainly will, Your Majesty.” At this point, Leisen suddenly paused. ”Let’s put aside the matter of Mr. Atwood’s unfortunate passing for now; his unfinished coronation anthem must be addressed immediately. There’s less than three months until the coronation ceremony, and once composing and ensemble rehearsals are factored in, the schedule grows even tighter. Have you decided who to entrust this task to, Your Majesty?”

Victoria seemed somewhat absent-minded, her thoughts entirely away from the coronation ceremony. ”What opinions do His Excellency members of the Coronation Committee have?”

”Their opinion is that it should be based on your wish, as the remaining three candidates fully have the ability to shoulder the responsibility. But...”

Victoria’s attention returned slightly. ”Is there a problem?”

”It’s not exactly a problem.” Leisen smiled. ”But several candidates indeed have some apprehensions.”

”Hmm?”

Leisen began. ”I already spoke with Royal Music Director Franz Kramer about this matter this morning. Mr. Kramer said if he had six months, he is confident he could produce a piece that would not disappoint your expectations. If given three months, he could manage. However, considering the tight schedule, for it to be ready for the coronation ceremony, he might have to produce a quality piece within a month. This difficulty, for someone of his age, is too high.”

Victoria furrowed her brow; though somewhat disappointed, she could understand Kramer’s cautious attitude. After all, no musician wants to tarnish their legacy late in their career. If blame must be assigned, it can only lie with Mr. Atwood’s untimely fate.

She couldn’t help but inquire about another candidate. ”What about Mr. William Knevet?”

”Regarding Mr. Knevet, it’s even more...” Leisen said with difficulty. ”He was originally responsible for composing a coronation anthem, and according to Mr. Knevet’s statement, the piece ’This is the Day the Lord Has Made’ should be completed on time, but if he were to take on Mr. Atwood’s work now, it might lead to issues at the time...”

Victoria understood what she meant, but if neither Knevet nor Kramer would take over this task...

Then the burden would again fall on Sir Arthur’s shoulders.

The thought emerged but was quickly suppressed by Victoria herself.

She instinctively shook her head.

No, Sir Arthur has already done enough.

No one knows better than she does how much Arthur has worked for her coronation ceremony.

This judgment is not made out of emotion, but based on facts.

Victoria knew all too well, if listing it all, Arthur’s responsibilities for this coronation ceremony have long exceeded the reasonable workload of a Home Office Civil Servant.

She recalled stack after stack of documents he had sent personally to Buckingham Palace.