The Shadow of Great Britain

In the study at Laken Palace, Leopold I stood at the window, hands behind his back, gazing at the impeccably trimmed cypress trees in the garden.

"So, he came alone?"

Leopold’s tone was understated, but Van Prat knew the questioning was never about the literal meaning.

"Yes, Your Majesty. He even brought only one travel case, with no servant. He mentioned that two technical experts accompanying him were still in France, but from his tone... His visit to Brussels for inspecting the telegraph line construction by the England Electromagnetic Telegraph Company doesn’t seem to be his main purpose."

Leopold leaned against the back of the chair, tapping the mahogany edge of the armrest with his fingers: "No servants, that must be intentional. He’s rather cautious."

Van Prat nodded and quietly proposed, "Your Majesty, should we follow the original plan and arrange personnel from the Home Office to accompany him in inspecting the construction status of telegraph stations everywhere?"

"Of course, arrange it." Leopold lifted his teacup and said: "The reason Belgium’s telegraph construction has progressed to this point is in no small part due to the England Electromagnetic Telegraph Company. A guest coming all the way from London, we must let him see the construction achievements of his company in person. We need to make him realize that the Belgian Government’s support for the England Electromagnetic Telegraph Company is unwavering."

At this point, Leopold paused and then changed his tone, "However, don’t let reporters know too much, and definitely don’t let newspapers write carelessly. Newspapers in London have been provoking a lot these past two months, saying I influence my niece, saying Victoria is deeply surrounded by foreign governmental forces, that Belgium wants to make her a puppet. I think Sir Arthur Hastings’ private, low-profile visit to Brussels, traveling lightly without even a secretary, is not necessarily due to concerns about us but more likely to avoid speculation from Fleet Street."

Van Prat promptly understood, "I understand, Your Majesty. I will have the Home Office notify the local governments not to set up welcome ceremonies along the way, not to open interviews, not to publicly host government banquets. Sir Arthur Hastings will only conduct site inspections without public announcements."

"We must not put people in difficult positions." Leopold nodded and said: "Let him see what he needs, talk about what needs discussing, but absolutely do not let it become widely known. Give a heads up to the to keep quiet for these few days, let them know this visit is not official business."

"Understood, Your Majesty." Van Prat immediately noted: "Just like a military train at night, speed where needed, pause when necessary, but most importantly, no whistle-blowing."

"You’ve learned quickly," Leopold smiled, standing up, "Bring him to Laken Palace at ten tomorrow morning, I’ll meet him personally."

Van Prat accepted the order and was about to take his leave when Leopold called him back.

"Jules, Albert hasn’t left Brussels yet, has he?"

Van Prat was briefly startled before replying, "No, Your Majesty. He initially planned to set off to join his father in Coburg this weekend, but the rain delayed his journey, so he’s still residing in the North Palace."

Leopold nodded, pacing slowly as if weighing something, "That’s good, invite Albert to meet Sir Arthur tomorrow."

"Your Majesty, do you want him to accompany the entire meeting, or..."

Leopold casually remarked, "Even a few minutes will suffice. Let them meet, exchange a few words. My nephew is still a bit inexperienced in social interactions. Victoria is his cousin, and Arthur is her close minister. Eventually, these two are bound for the same direction."

"Understood." Van Prat’s heart skipped; he dared not question further.

Leopold seemed to recall something and added with a smile, "By the way, tell Albert that Hastings isn’t a romanticist, so he probably won’t be interested in . When the time comes, let Albert discuss something serious, like recognition of the educational philosophies at University of London, promotion of telegraph construction, and support for police reforms in Britain."

Van Prat noted it down and asked, "Should I prepare some materials for Prince Albert in advance or just facilitate casual conversation?"

"Just prepare a little, no need for depth, delving too deep can intimidate. The meeting itself isn’t a negotiation or probing, merely letting them acknowledge each other’s existence. Saying a bit more allows for possibilities, while saying less isn’t a regret either."

"I’ll go notify Prince Albert at the North Palace immediately."

"Tell him, ten-thirty tomorrow morning, to come to the Green Hall, no need for formal attire and not allowed to bring attendants."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

...

The next day, Laken Palace, Green Hall.

The morning light streamed through the high windows, casting shadows of entwined grapevines across the window lattice.

Today’s weather was not particularly hot, but enough for one to remove their coat.

Court attendants pushed the windows half-open, the indoor air carried the complex aroma of freshly cut lawn and horticultural sprays, the gentle fragrance of summer flower beds subtly wafted, mixed with cicada chirps from distant shrubs, lending a tranquil feel.

Arthur, as per his habit, arrived five minutes early.

At this moment, he stood in front of a display board with a map of the Rhine River Basin, carefully examining several marked transportation nodes.