The Shadow of Great Britain

However, the position of the Sheriff was not abolished; the act merely transferred the appointment authority of local Sheriffs to the city council, without forcibly requiring the establishment of local police departments everywhere.

The old Sheriff and Arthur, who was thirty years his junior, got along well on most topics, except for differences in opinions about police matters. The old Sheriff repeatedly emphasized that adhering to local traditions was most conducive to national stability, while Arthur had a preference for modern city policing.

Unexpectedly for the old Sheriff, an issue they had argued about just a few days ago quickly turned into a real event before him.

Princess Victoria’s condition was critical, and as Ramsgate’s highest law enforcement authority, he was responsible for protecting Royal Family members in emergencies.

Thus, Sir Arthur Hastings requested him to immediately sign and issue a search warrant for Albion Villa.

In theory, apart from the King’s own residence, which enjoys immunity, the Sheriff has the right to issue a search warrant for any residence under reasonable suspicion.

However, if the residence belongs to a Royal Family member, it is highly sensitive both politically and ceremonially.

If one insists on searching, there must be very strong reasons, and it usually requires special authorization from the Home Office or even the Privy Council.

So, when Arthur approached the Sheriff, his first reaction was to immediately report the situation to the Kent County Captain, who would then contact the Home Office and the Privy Council for special permission.

The old Sheriff moved his finger away from the medication purchase list: ”According to protocol, I should first report to the County Captain and let him notify the Home Office and the Privy Council. Once the order is issued, we can all hold ourselves accountable.”

Arthur did not move but lightly tapped his cigar on the windowsill: ”Waiting for the order is etiquette. Not waiting is saving lives. And what Her Highness is facing now is not an etiquette issue, Mr. Murphy. Frankly speaking, if you are willing to sign the search warrant today, that would be great. But if you do not want to take this risk, I have already decided to break into Albion Villa myself. If you want to act according to protocol, then I am a potential criminal right here; don’t you plan to detain me?”

The old Sheriff felt a chill at Arthur’s words, knowing Arthur was right.

If he refused to sign the search warrant, and Arthur forcibly entered a Royal residence, he would have to arrest him, otherwise he would be severely negligent.

However, if he arrested Arthur and caused the death of Princess Victoria due to illness, he would be procedurally correct, but secretly, who knows how many people would resent him.

Those city council members who nominated him as Sheriff, and His Majesty the King, who issued his appointment letter, how would they view him?

The old Sheriff steeled himself and asked: ”Sir Arthur, I don’t doubt your reliability, but this matter is significant. Are you certain the situation is truly this severe?”

”Let me give you four pieces of evidence.”

Arthur extended his finger and said: ”First, medical refusal. My friend, Mr. John Snow, was blocked out of Albion Villa, and he has confirmed that Her Highness is critically ill. Second, the evidence. The frequency and dosage of Laudanum and Ergot Wine in this prescription are irrational. If you don’t believe it, you can immediately summon local doctors to see if these medications can be taken like candy. Third, do you remember the last time you saw Her Highness on Ramsgate Beach? It was two weeks ago! Fourth, and the most crucial, I have here a handwritten letter from Lady Leisen at Kensington Palace, clearly stating that Her Highness is dizzy and nauseous, has had a high fever for several consecutive days, her cheeks are now severely swollen, and Sir John Conroy intends to coerce her with her illness into agreeing to extend the regency period and appointing him as the Queen’s Private Secretary upon her accession.”

Arthur slapped Lady Leisen’s handwritten letter onto the table: ”The original of this letter is right here, and later I will have someone deliver it overnight to London and present it to His Majesty the King. If, after viewing the letter, His Majesty still believes that searching Albion Villa at this time is inappropriate, then I acknowledge my conscience is clear.”

The old Sheriff’s hand hovered above the letter; he hadn’t read the letter, but regardless, these matters made him feel extremely out of touch with reality.

He couldn’t imagine someone going so mad, especially in the presence of the Duchess of Kent. He was perplexed as to why the Duchess wouldn’t intervene if Conroy was truly threatening Victoria’s life, instead leaving someone like Arthur Hastings, who seemingly had nothing to do with Kensington Palace, to plead for the Crown Prince.

The old Sheriff pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead, staring at Arthur’s face, trying to find any signs of deceit in his expression. But no matter how he looked, he only saw absolute certainty.

”Sir Arthur, I mean no offense, but I must ask, how do I know this isn’t a scheme you concocted? If this letter is forged, then I’m being roasted over the coals by you.”