The Shadow of Great Britain

Capítulo 1358: Chapter 193: The Devil That Tempts the Human Heart (Part 2)

“Fifteen years…” Arthur gently repeated the number, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rim of the teacup. Though Hutter’s words were simple, they tugged at certain emotions deep within him like an invisible thread.

Calculating the time, how many years had it been since he came to this world?

Arthur forced himself not to dwell on those matters and instead asked, “Have you gone back to England these years? London changes year by year; the train has reached Paddington, the New London Bridge is open, and theaters in the West District keep popping up. As for the East District… it remains much the same, except that illegal buildings are increasingly being constructed.”

Hutter shook his head, “I haven’t gone back. Although the Moscow Company reimburses the rent for employed staff, our salaries aren’t much. Coupled with daily expenses here, if I were to go back to London every year, it would probably mean working for a year or two for nothing.”

“Not even once?”

“No. However, I often write home, and my siblings frequently write to me. My sister got married at the start of last year, and my brother-in-law works for the railway company, which is considered respectable. As for my two brothers, the elder one is quite steady, working at a dockyard as a shipbuilder, and I’ve heard he’s doing quite well, soon to be promoted to foreman. But the younger one is still not settled, having developed a habit of idleness. He doesn’t stick with any job for long. Two years ago, he got into a drunken fight, losing two teeth and ending up being sentenced to six months of hard labor in jail.”

As Hutter spoke of these things, he couldn’t help but sigh, “If my father were still around, he’d probably be able to keep him in line. But ever since the old man died five years ago, he’s been increasingly unmanageable. My elder brother is mild-natured, so his words don’t hold any sway over the younger one. My sister is also short-sighted; she knows full well that the younger brother is useless, but whenever he goes to her asking for money, she secretly gives it to him.”

Though it was just simple family chatter, it revealed Hutter’s character.

This Constitutional Soldier Captain was a seasoned, steady realist, and he had ample reason to turn to Arthur for both emotional and rational motives.

He came to Russia initially to earn a living, and if someone could offer him better pay and benefits, and a chance to return to London to give his lazy brother a kick in the rear, then company rules, the Third Bureau’s regulations, all could be ignored.

Arthur timely interjected, “Regarding your brother’s issues, once I reach Moscow or Petersburg, I’ll write a letter to Ledley King, the Police Superintendent at Scotland Yard. He’ll arrange a position. For Ledley, such loafers aren’t entirely useless; at times, blending in with troublemakers can be a special skill.”

Hutter quickly waved his hand in response, “Colonel, that’s not what I meant. It’s certainly good if he can secure a position, but I genuinely hope he’ll reform and become a respectable person.”

“Hmm… That could waste a good potential.”

Arthur massaged his temples, “Nonetheless, alright, since you request it, I won’t hand it to Ledley. However, Tom’s crime information center is not suitable for his wild nature, and besides, Tom isn’t the type to enjoy bickering… Over at Plunkett’s side, the Ghost Team requires a calm and composed character… Perhaps it’s best to assign him to Greenwich, Tony’s temper might be explosive, but it’s just right for managing slackers. Richard, I assure you, your brother will become a competent officer. If he proves incompetent under Tony’s supervision, then he’ll be relegated to serving tea and water at the “British” editorial office.”

Hutter listened to Arthur, and after a moment of silence, he removed his hat and bowed his head, showing minimal change in expression, yet deep within his composure lay a rare thread of gratitude.

“I apologize, Colonel. Having been in the constitutional soldier’s line for long, I’m not adept at expressing gratitude. But rest assured, following me will ensure your safe arrival at the destination, even if the French invade, as previously agreed. Additionally, I owe you a great favor.”

“Richard, there’s no need for such formality,” Arthur smiled, raising his teacup, “I thought we’d long been friends.”

Hutter placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, “To be your friend is an extraordinary honor.”

As they reached this point, Hutter asked, “But have you decided yet? Are you going to search Moscow first or head straight to Petersburg?”

Arthur was no longer in the agitated state reminiscent of Eld as before; he was in no rush to decide, “There’s still time. Even if I’m a few days late getting to Petersburg, it’s no problem. Richard, which city between Moscow and Petersburg do you find more worth exploring?”

“Well… it depends on what style you prefer. Russia is a country of multi-layered lifestyles, a feature reflected in its cities, with Petersburg and Moscow representing this. As the capital and trade center, Petersburg’s lifestyle is closer to the West, with a courtly and bureaucratic culture. Whereas Moscow is the old capital, with aristocratic culture, maintaining much of Russia’s national traditions. Generally, introducing new things to Moscow is harder than Petersburg. Still, if you want to experience the authentic Russia, nowhere is more suitable than Moscow…”