The Shadow of Great Britain

Russian autocracy... it is truly evil!

If it weren’t for Sir Arthur’s unwavering determination to serve the people of Britain, he might as well have succumbed to temptation and stayed in Russia for good.

After all, the esteemed Count Sergei Stroganov himself said that in terms of wealth, there are two more in his family like him.

Compared to the Stroganov family, even the British Royal Family is almost turning into a small household.

You know, the royal budget passed by Parliament this year grants Victoria a statutory annual income of only 385,000 Pounds, even adding the Lancaster Royal Family’s property income, it barely reaches 450,000 Pounds.

And 450,000 Pounds is just barely tied with Count Sergei Stroganov’s personal income.

However, no matter how evil Russian autocracy is, since they came as guests this time, Arthur has to fulfill his duties as a host.

Moreover, even if he didn’t want to entertain them, he had no choice.

After all, the security affairs for the coronation ceremony are led by Lord John Russell, the Home Secretary, with Arthur fully responsible for execution.

If anything goes wrong with the execution, Arthur feels that even if Victoria forgives him and retains his Court Non-Resident Attendant position, the Cabinet and Parliament will certainly not let him off the hook.

And for Arthur, just holding the title of a Non-Resident Attendant is nothing short of a humiliation to his character.

He had already heard rumors saying some ”malicious busybodies” were privately discussing that Arthur Hastings was merely a sycophant who pleased the Queen.

It’s utter nonsense!

However, thinking about it, if at this crucial moment he botches the security work, allowing the Home Office to seize the opportunity to demote him, while he conveniently retains a court position as a Non-Resident Attendant, then... wouldn’t those vicious attacks against him be confirmed?!

Sir Arthur is a man of dignity!

Although he is far from reaching the middle-class annual income of forty thousand pounds, merely struggling at the ”subsistence level” as a York farmer, for the ambitious Sir Arthur, money has long been placed in a secondary position given his current status.

Arthur Hastings is determined to be remembered in history, to leave a mark in Great Britain’s history lessons.

Therefore, these unfounded accusations against Sir Arthur make him feel even worse than having his works pirated by publishing pirates.

You folks, truth is self-evident, justice is in people’s hearts, history will judge me.

After finishing today’s work at Buckingham Palace, take a leisurely visit to Fleet Street, see how Lewis’s manuscript is coming along, and have Imperial Publishing prepare a few articles to clear Sir Arthur’s name in the coming days.

As Arthur pondered, he suddenly felt as if someone had blocked the sunlight in front of him.

He instinctively looked up; before his sight fully focused, he first saw a familiar piece of dark fabric.

”Your Majesty.”

Arthur almost reflexively stood straight, took a half step back, and then bowed.

Victoria stood in front of Arthur, her demeanor much calmer than it was in the study earlier.

”Sir Arthur, have you waited long?”

”Not at all, Your Majesty.” Arthur shook his head with a guilty smile: ”And I took the opportunity to organize the security arrangements in my mind.”

At this point, Arthur seemed to want to cover up his little schemes in his mind, he continued: ”Have you seen the crown specially made for you? I just happened to pass by the Royal Jewelry Company Randle Bridge the other day and went in for a visit. Your Majesty, I must say, that crown is extraordinarily beautiful.”

”The Coronation Crown of Queen Victoria”

Actually, according to British coronation tradition since Charles II, the coronation ceremony was supposed to use the Saint Edward’s Crown, but unfortunately, due to the size and weight of this crown being too large for Victoria, this coronation ceremony had to customize a new crown suitable for a female to wear.

Victoria was originally not very interested, but upon hearing Arthur mention the crown, she couldn’t help but ask: ”Is the crown finished?”

”The main part is completed, next it’s just a matter of setting the most important few gems.” Arthur replied with a smile: ”Although the crown is expected to use 3093 gems, the Black Prince Ruby embedded on the front remains the most dazzling one.”

Victoria was somewhat moved by Arthur’s explanation: ”I heard they also plan to take the sapphire from Confessor Edward’s Ring and set it in my crown?”

”Indeed, the sapphire’s position is directly below the Black Prince Ruby.” Arthur spoke here, his tone unconsciously slowed: ”The people at Randle Bridge explained to me that the arrangement is to show respect for tradition. The Black Prince Ruby symbolizes the continuation of the King’s Power and secular strength, while the sapphire from Confessor Edward signifies devout faith. The two are aligned vertically, precisely on the central axis of the crown.”

Victoria listened attentively, nearly unable to contain her eager feelings: ”I really want to see what that crown will finally look like, just hearing your description is already enough to make one excited.”