The Shadow of Great Britain

434: Chapter 243: The Three Musketeers (5K4)_3 434: Chapter 243: The Three Musketeers (5K4)_3 Arthur, upon saying this, couldn’t help but sneak a glance at the Red Devil perched in the tree.

Agares, with his keen sense, caught Arthur’s gaze and burst out furiously, “Arthur, I must emphasize again that it is not a pitchfork, it is the Devil’s trident!

You ignorant bumpkin, do you know about the Spear of Longinus that pierced Jesus?

In the Roman Empire, possessing the Spear of Longinus meant holding the empire’s authority and could also determine the fate of the world.

The material of my trident is the same as the Spear of Longinus!

The only difference is that my trident has not yet thirsted for the blood of a savior Prophet!

Don’t fucking think I’ll lend it to you.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur just looked at the Republic thirteen years in Great Dumas’s hand and then at the trident cradled in Agares’s arms, before shrugging regretfully, “It seems the Devil’s possessiveness is even stronger than that of the French, perhaps at times like these, I really can only rely on Colt, the young American chap.”

Great Dumas, hearing this, reassured him, “Arthur, you must have confidence in yourself.

You are capable of taking down thirteen Barbary Pirates alone, how could the swordsmanship of Francois Bertrand pose a threat to you?”

Arthur shook his head, “I used to think so too, but ever since I’ve read the work of Master Michael Hunter, my confidence isn’t quite as steady now.

I always worry that in the midst of the fight, Mr.

Bertrand might suddenly call up a few dozen brothers from the audience.

Alexander, remember to bring a gun when you go see the match, and if all else fails, we’ll take them on.

If Britain can have a German legion, then there should be no problem with me and you, the French literary giant, fighting side by side.”

Just as Arthur said this, he suddenly saw Disraeli humming a tune and pushing open the fence gate, entering the vegetable garden.

He glanced at the rows of munitions on the table and asked with a frown, “Arthur, have you finally started dabbling in the arms trade from Scotland Yard?”

Arthur took a puff of his cigarette, “Sorry, Benjamin, I don’t have the guts to meddle in the Royal Navy’s business just yet.

These guns are part of Alexander’s collection.

Are you interested in trying a couple with him?”

Great Dumas also nodded and added, “Benjamin, trust me, my marksmanship is very accurate.”

“So by ‘trying a couple,’ you mean using me as a target?”

Disraeli rolled his eyes, “Alexander, I have dedicated my life to the people of all Britain, if you want to test your guns on me, consider taking British nationality first.

No more jokes though.

Speaking of which, Arthur, I have a favor to ask you.”

Arthur leaned against the table and asked, “Let me guess , is it something to do with that Tory Party upstart, Mr.

Gladstone, whom you can’t stand?”

Pointing at Arthur with a smile, Disraeli said, “Arthur, you really get me.

Yes, I do want to put him in his place.”

“Put him in his place?” Great Dumas grabbed a handgun and tossed it to him, “This one has the largest caliber, one shot would surely blow his head off.

Keep it clean, and with Arthur’s capabilities, I’m sure you can plead for a more lenient punishment like exile to Australia.”

Disraeli curled his lip and said, “Alexander, this is Britain, can you not always apply your French political logic here?

I have no intention of taking Gladstone’s life.

Moreover, my marksmanship isn’t accurate, and if that wood-chopping aficionado starts swinging his gigantic axe about, I might not even be able to outshoot him.”

Arthur replied, “Perhaps you might consider asking Alexander for some special firearms training, and while we’re at it, let me mention that if you still can’t shoot straight after that, you might also learn from him how to fire cannonballs.

Don’t forget, he served as a deputy lieutenant in the French artillery.”

Great Dumas proudly said, “Indeed, whether it’s howitzers, mortars, or cannons, I master all their firing techniques.

Calibers from 8 pounds, 12 pounds, 24 pounds up to 36 pounds, it just depends on which type you find more comfortable to use.”

Disraeli cursed upon hearing this, “Alexander, there’s indeed a reason why you’re wanted by the French.

And you, Arthur, look at the rotten ideas you’re giving me.

I said, I don’t intend to kill Gladstone, I simply want to outdo him, that young man has recently been too arrogant in our party, the limelight he’s stealing should have been mine!”

“Well then, my dear Benjamin, who made you Prime Minister?

I, this little police officer from Scotland Yard, can’t possibly argue with you.”

Arthur then asked, “So, where exactly do you want to embarrass Gladstone?”

Disraeli coughed, “Arthur, didn’t I mention to you before about the work Gladstone and I did at Scotland Yard, counseling prostitutes?

What was that, aren’t you closely connected with Miss Fiona from the East End?

She should have quite a few professionals in that area under her, right?”

Arthur raised an eyebrow and said, “Are you suggesting that I arrest all of Fiona’s people so that you can counsel them?”

“Oh no no, how can we call it an arrest?”

Disraeli said with a teasing smile, “We must be gentle with the ladies, we are merely asking them to come.

And we don’t need all of them, just inviting a few will do.

These ladies that are invited, please tell them, when Gladstone comes to counsel, to act disdainful as much as possible, and when I come to counsel, to be immediately moved.

If they could shed tears and play out some drama, that would be even better!

In a nutshell, I want it to be clear who is superior when comparing me with Gladstone.

Of course, I won’t be asking these ladies to come over for free, I’m willing to pay them a remuneration and a token of my appreciation.”

Great Dumas, upon hearing this, could only click his tongue in amazement and say, “Benjamin, I thought that since the first time I met you in Hyde Park, you had stopped hiring actors.

How come you’re relapsing into old habits now?”

Disraeli, his face reddening, scolded, “Alexander, this is not about hiring actors, this is politics, do you understand politics?

Deception is also one form of political expression, and moreover, I’m willing to provide these ladies with a fee.

Isn’t that much more comfortable than earning money outside?

Just for a few tears, this is already very easy money!”

Arthur heard this, didn’t contradict Disraeli’s words, and after pondering for a moment, suddenly said, “Benjamin, if you really want to put some thought into this matter.

I suggest you also get in touch with Charles, he mentioned before about setting up a Urania House to help fallen women learn skills.

If you could collaborate with him, you might even get into the newspapers to boot.”