The Shadow of Great Britain

249: Chapter 168 Arthur’s Colleague in France (4K6)_3 249: Chapter 168 Arthur’s Colleague in France (4K6)_3 It was precisely because Victor had been so successful that Scotland Yard, at its inception, had specifically studied his various groundbreaking achievements and incorporated some of them into Scotland Yard’s “Police Operations Manual”.

Arthur had once considered meeting this esteemed predecessor, but the tight budget at Scotland Yard, compounded by the Tory Party’s precarious situation, meant that even if Sir Peel had great trust in him, it was impossible to allow Arthur a trip to Paris on public funds while London’s political scene was in disarray.

However, unexpectedly, instead of Arthur going to seek out Victor, Victor had come to him.

That a figure like Victor, who usually oversaw Paris’s security intelligence system, would come in person also indicated the significance the French placed on the London Conference.

But as Arthur thought about this, he suddenly felt something was amiss.

He frowned slightly, muttering to himself, “Although it is more professional for the police to handle security, sending Victor over…

could it be they intend to retrieve Alexander?”

A chill ran through Arthur’s heart; losing the Great Dumas during the London Conference would be no trivial matter.

Though the Great Dumas was not exactly a high-ranking official, the recent extensive media hype had turned this portly man into a significant symbol of Britain’s defense of justice and fairness.

While such face-saving issues were not particularly meaningful in reality, they deeply influenced the public opinion environment and political party approval ratings.

Although most of Britain’s populace did not have the right to vote, this did not mean that the Whig and Tory Parties dared to ignore their voices; the public’s imagination was the foundation of a politician’s power.

In matters where a direct responsible party could be identified, neither party minded sacrificing someone for an apology.

If things really went awry, even if Lord Brougham wished to protect him, he would have to weigh the pressure of public opinion.

Consideration of these matters made Arthur suddenly feel that he needed to meet with the widely renowned Mr.

Victor without delay.

Although it was unlikely he would be able to pry the truth from Victor’s mouth, even a smattering of information could greatly benefit Scotland Yard’s strategic planning during the conference.

As Arthur was contemplating these issues, the Duke of Wellington, who was reclining on a sofa chair with a wine glass in hand, suddenly spoke again.

“Arthur, would you mind doing me a small favor?”

Arthur came back to reality, smiling as he asked, “Do you need help in a private capacity or an official one?”

The Duke of Wellington swirled his wine glass, “It doesn’t matter, either is fine.

If I were to ask you in one capacity only, I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to handle the issue.

And since you are in charge of my security during the London Conference, it should be only sensible for me to give you commands in both capacities, right?”

Arthur did not contest this, but pondering over the Duke’s previous words, he suddenly said with a smile, “Do you hope that I will act like Mr.

Victor?”

“No, I need you to do even better than him.”

The Duke of Wellington got up and paced slowly, saying, “Though I know this may be a bit difficult for you, there are disagreements between us, the French, and the Russians on the issue of Belgium’s independence.

Some things are inconvenient if I inquire personally, but if you were to gather information from below, perhaps you could enjoy some unexpected gains.

On the French side, you can start with Victor.

Regarding the Russians, I’ve heard from a few friends that Almack’s Club recently welcomed a new pianist, Arthur Hastings?

That small contraption you brought, called the phonograph, is also quite satisfactory.

Last week at the club’s dinner, I heard Lady Copper say that the wife of the Russian ambassador, Countess Livon, also ordered one from you?

I wonder if you have delivered that phonograph to her yet?”

The Duke of Wellington had made his point clear; how could Arthur not understand his meaning?

Arthur let out a slight sigh, removed his hat, and said with a wry smile, “Your Excellency, you’ve really posed a difficult problem for me.”

The Duke of Wellington laughed heartily, patting Arthur on the shoulder, “Young man, you need to be tested.

But you shouldn’t feel too pressured over this.

Although the Whig and Tory Parties are on opposite sides, we have always acted in unity on foreign affairs.

If you manage to handle this matter well, the Whig side will certainly be pleased.

Of course, even if things don’t work out, it’s not the end of the world.

With Brougham around, you’re unlikely to run into any trouble.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur looked up at the corner clock on the wall.

The hour hand was precisely at twelve, and as the clock struck, he placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, “Your Excellency, I accept the command.”