The Shadow of Great Britain

After completing his mission, he returned to London without a moment’s delay to report back to the Queen.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to his excessive exertion, he fell ill as soon as he arrived in London and had to stay in the hospital for several days.

Originally, according to the doctor’s advice, Sir Arthur should have rested for six months.

However, to ensure the successful hosting of the concert, he decided to be discharged as soon as his health showed signs of improvement.

Upper society’s reactions to Sir Arthur Hastings’ actions were mixed.

Some people thought he was just a countryman who had climbed to a high position through opportunistic means.

Others outright stated: "Sir Arthur’s eagerness is really discomforting. Be it an Attendant or a Civil Servant, none of them debase themselves and ingratiate others like this!"

But where there are those who disdain, naturally there are those who appreciate.

Some believed that those envious remarks were nothing but slander against Sir Arthur, for no one would risk their life just to curry favor.

Lower House Member Mr. Disraeli, more than once at gentleman club gatherings, spoke righteously for his old friend: "In my view, Arthur’s deeds are a continuation of the old English nobility spirit. Treating duty as a belief, no matter how exhausted till fainting, not allowing the Queen to lose face in public."

However, regardless of whether people praised or criticized Arthur’s actions, everyone felt it appropriate that Sir Arthur was seated next to the Queen today.

Perhaps because Arthur was attending today, tonight’s menu seemed slightly more sumptuous than usual.

On the French-annotated menu, the soups offered included chicken porridge soup and vegetable soup.

The first course was a selection of three fish dishes: salmon, dory fish, and cod. The second course included sirloin steak, stewed capon, roast lamb, and chickpea beef tongue.

Among the two sets of side dishes, the first set featured lamb chops complemented by fillet of plaice, four different chicken dishes, veal brisket, and mini pastry pies. Two roast dishes were also served: roast quail and roast capon. The other set of sides included German sausages and an omelet soufflé.

Lastly, additional dishes included lobster salad, braised meat cubes with aspic, peas, and artichokes, along with desserts like Macedonian fruit salad, wine jelly, raspberry cheesecake, vanilla cheesecake, cherry charlotte, Chantilly hat, Linzer torte, and ice cream.

Yet, compared to the sumptuous meal, Arthur was evidently more interested in the guests’ conversations at the table.

Arthur’s dining posture in formal occasions was always restrained, with his left hand gently supporting the silver fork, moving so lightly that it barely made any noise against the porcelain plate.

But at that moment, he keenly caught a voice coming from across the table.

That hoarse, slightly resonant voice was unparalleled in all of London.

It was none other than the Duke of Wellington.

Even across half a long table, two candelabras, and three noblewomen’s headdresses, the old hero’s voice still pierced through the crowd, as clearly as his shouts on the battlefield of Waterloo while commanding the cavalry.

"I say..." The Duke of Wellington nearly announced to the whole table, yet he himself didn’t seem aware of it.

His body leaned slightly forward, as if whispering to his neighbor, Sir Pier: "Robert, have you been invited to the Buckingham Palace concert?"

Sir Pier was slightly taken aback, not having had the chance to reply before hearing the Duke continue on his own: "I have been invited... but to be honest, I really don’t understand why, during the concert, they place the chairs so far apart."

He put down his wine glass, proceeding methodically as if analyzing a battlefield setup: "I’m not saying the music is bad... it’s just, my ears have become less adept at hearing these fine, fragmented sounds. Cannon fire, I can hear, drum beats too. But the piano, the violin, and that... that..."

"Clarinet?" Sir Pier attempted to help him fill in.

"Probably." The Duke of Wellington raised his index finger, lightly tapping his right ear: "I’m not criticizing the concert, but if I can’t hear it, then I’d rather not listen."

The several lady guests exchanged smiles, while Sir Pier looked across the table helplessly.

Arthur pursed his lips, stifling his amusement, pretending he hadn’t heard.

However, as he turned his head, he noticed Victoria suddenly hesitated while dining, appearing somewhat distracted.

She had evidently heard the old Duke’s earlier remarks.

Arthur set down his knife and fork and inquired within the bounds of politeness: "Your Majesty, it seems... you appear somewhat displeased."

Victoria raised her head: "Displeased? No, I’m not displeased. It’s just..."

At this point, she suddenly looked up, searching around, but unfortunately, Viscount Melbourne had conveniently taken leave for the dinner tonight.

Victoria hesitated, glancing around before settling her gaze back on Arthur: "Sir Arthur, if it’s not too much trouble, could you accompany me for a walk? I just... want to get some fresh air."

The Queen’s request—how could a loyal subject refuse?

Arthur bowed slightly: "Your Majesty’s command is my honor."

Victoria showed a trace of a grateful smile before turning to leave the dining room.

Following etiquette, Arthur waited a minute after she left her seat before withdrawing slowly.

He had just walked not far from the dining room when he saw Victoria standing by the window in the corridor.

"Arthur."

Victoria finally spoke, perhaps influenced recently by the title of "Lady Melbourne"; just a moment ago in the dining room, she hadn’t dared to chat much with Arthur, fearing she’d be dubbed "Lady Hastings" in a few days.