The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1825 - 112: Alliance of the Strong (Part 2)

Arthur merely glanced at it and knew that the book was of good quality. This wasn’t just because Balzac had helped in editing it, but because Victor’s life story itself was legendary enough. Furthermore, he used exaggerated descriptions in many parts. Such a half-true detective story would definitely appeal to London readers.

Arthur closed the manuscript, roughly understanding Victor’s intent: "So, after all this, you came to London today to talk business with me about publishing."

Victor, seeing Arthur’s expression, knew that the publishing matters should be settled. He chuckled and said, "I don’t want to discuss just this one book. Later this year, I’m planning to publish a new one. Its title is very trendy and eye-catching, called ’Criminals: A Physiological Analysis of Life and Language.’ In it, I will publicly reveal all the famed criminals of the Paris underground society over the past century and detail their methods and the various slang used in the trade."

Arthur couldn’t help but laugh: "When did you decide to become a writer? If you really plan on doing this, let me be blunt with you: you might be the world’s best detective, but you certainly aren’t the world’s best detective novel writer. Your main business is already profitable; there’s no need to compete with Balzac and Dumas for their livelihood, is there? You’re different from them. If they can’t write, they’re just vagrants. But if you don’t write, you’re still Francois Vidocq."

Victor was quite flattered by Arthur’s praise, but he still didn’t intend to change his plan. He replied with a smile, "Perhaps that’s true. I don’t expect to reach the levels of Balzac and Dumas in writing, nor do I dare to compare sales with them. But, my friend, my purpose in writing is different from theirs. I’m not writing just to make money."

"Then could it be to criticize societal issues, expressing your resolute refusal to compromise with evil forces?" Arthur was amused by Victor’s statement. "If that’s the case, I suggest you go to Russia, where doing so in Moscow and St. Petersburg might better demonstrate your courage."

Victor grinned, his pipe making a slight turn between his fingers.

"There’s no need to go to Russia. After all, the Russians haven’t smeared my name or tried to tarnish my reputation. My friend, I’m not writing to put on airs, to pander to the public, or to threaten other writers’ livelihoods. For over twenty years, due to the peculiarity of my profession and my complex early experiences, many people have become curious about me. Unfortunately, their curiosity mostly turns into slander against me.

Over the years, the slander against me has never stopped. Each time, I console myself by saying they demean me because they don’t understand me. But my lenience hasn’t stopped them; instead, it encouraged them to intensify their attacks. I’m not a self-abusive pervert, nor am I those transcendent giants in mythological stories. I have a temper, and I have the ability to speak.

In the past, I didn’t counterattack because I didn’t have the time or the ability. But now, everything is different. I now not only have money but also a lot of free time, so I plan to make them understand who I really am again. I am not only a normal person but also a good person, a hero like Prometheus. I know what sort of evaluation pleases me, and I have decided never to yield to those villains again.

Since I established the detective agency, everything has been on my terms. And I’ve slowly learned how to wield this devil-like power in my hands. Do you know how many business people in Paris, after underestimating my presence, suffered financial losses because they didn’t come to me for advice? How many of them were tricked out of a huge sum? Sometimes, I really can’t understand these fools. Maybe they’re blind, so blind that they can’t see the name Victor clearly hanging on my office door."

Arthur quietly listened to Victor babbling about his "heroic narrative," his face always carrying a subtle, unchanged smile.

He ultimately did not pour cold water.

Because he understood that Victor came today not to receive advice, but to seek applause.

Although he felt that if this continued, Victor would eventually make a big mistake.

However, he also knew that pointing it out now would only make him seem too meddlesome.

So, Arthur changed his expression, leaning slightly forward, and spoke in a nearly approving tone: "You’re right, Mr. Victor. Over the years, how many people have gossiped about you, slandered you, but how many of them truly know who you are? ’Victor’s Memoirs’ might be an opportunity for the world to rediscover who you are. Compared to the Parisians, English readers have no prejudice against you. In fact, I think they would quite like someone like you."

Victor’s face wrinkled with laughter: "You’re absolutely right, my friend! Of course, you understand me!"

Arthur seamlessly shifted his tone and seemingly casually offered a side suggestion: "But, Mr. Victor, have you considered that if ’Victor’s Memoirs’ becomes popular in London, it might create a marvelous chain reaction? The English might start discussing you, imitating you, even trusting you... and the most direct result would be that they’d want to work with you and seek your help, just like the Parisians."

Victor was taken aback: "You mean..."

"I’m just speaking offhand." Arthur laughed as he spoke: "After all, I can’t guarantee that ’Victor’s Memoirs’ will serve as an advertisement for the Breaux Detective Agency in London."

Victor hadn’t thought of this, but Arthur’s words sparked his interest: "Then... my friend, do you think the English would be willing to hire a... a Frenchman as their detective?"

"Hard to say." Arthur pondered, chin in hand: "But as you know, back then, we even had people here who wanted Napoleon to rule Britain. Hiring a French detective doesn’t seem that surprising. Besides, so many noble households already have French cooks; they likely wouldn’t mind their private detectives being any nationality either."

"That’s true..." Victor murmured to himself: "Thinking about it carefully, expanding business in London isn’t entirely unfeasible either..."

Seeing Victor was swayed, Arthur immediately seized the opportunity: "It’s quite coincidental, Mr. Victor. Actually, I’m quite looking forward to you opening a branch in London. If that day ever comes, I might be the first to support it."

Victor’s eyes lit up, his eyebrows raised: "Oh? Do you have cases that need more hands? My friend, don’t fool me. In London, what’s something you can’t handle?"

"You’re giving me too much credit. I might have my own ways, but comparing investigation capabilities, how can I match with you?" Arthur exaggeratedly shook his head: "To be honest, I’ve recently encountered a few things, each more troublesome than the last. I’m in a dilemma about which professional to seek advice from. The people over at Scotland Yard I know well, but they have too many rules and follow case procedures, which leads to them being unable to meddle in certain fringe issues."

At this point, Arthur paused deliberately and added: "But if you come, then things would have a turning point."

"Oh?" Victor raised his eyebrows high: "Let’s hear it. What kind of matter has stumped my friend Arthur? I thought no one could stump you yet."