The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 1830 - 114: Unexpected Allies (3)

He’s been working here tirelessly for quite some time; in the end, he can’t let someone else reap the rewards, can he?

Sir Arthur is not the kind of person who blindly goes in circles, completely indifferent to his personal gains and losses.

The white roses in Kensington Garden are in full bloom, the wind passes through the trellises, yet the fragrance blowing on Arthur’s face always makes him feel as if someone is slapping him.

Arthur remains seated, his cane resting on his knees, appearing calm, seemingly lost in thought, but in truth, every footstep resonates clearly in his ears.

He hears the glass door of the garden gently open, and then, as he anticipated, the steady sound of leather boots stepping onto the gravel path.

"Sir Arthur Hastings?" The greeting sounds deep and magnetic, with a hint of a German accent.

Arthur looks up, indeed, standing before the garden is the legendary Baron Stockmar.

’Portrait of Baron Stockma’ painted by German artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1847, now housed in Windsor Castle

Arthur looks equally surprised, standing up and bowing slightly, "Good afternoon, Your Excellency."

"I just came from the Duchess, and she mentioned that you were waiting in the garden," Stockmar nods gently, "so I dared to disturb you for a few minutes. After all, we ought to meet face to face."

Arthur smiled slightly, "If I recall correctly, His Majesty Leopold once said you are his most trusted friend."

"I prefer to be called ’his former physician,’" Stockmar’s tone unchanged, "I am familiar with fractures, infections, heart failure... If it weren’t for His Majesty’s need, I would actually prefer to open a small clinic back in Coburg."

With that, Stockmar brushes the dust from his sleeve before slowly sitting on the bench next to Arthur, "I heard you just secured the exclusive rights for the Belgian railway telegraph?"

Arthur nods lightly, smiling as he responds, "Your Excellency’s information is indeed timely; this matter seems to have only recently been settled."

"Not exactly timely, after all, the newspapers are already full of it," Stockmar comments, "If Brussels progresses quickly, the formal approval for construction might be granted by next spring."

Stockmar’s gaze does not rest on the flowers, instead observing Arthur quietly, "By the way, I haven’t had the chance to thank you in person."

"Thank me?"

"Indeed," Stockmar smiles slightly, "His Majesty returned from his last visit to England with high praise for you. He said that not many in London are truly friends of Belgium, but you surely are one. As a friend of Belgium, naturally, I must thank you. Moreover, I recall that you contributed to the London Conference during Belgium’s independence?"

Arthur gives a faint smile, lightly turning his cane half a circle, "I can only say that I was merely fulfilling my duty. His Majesty’s commendation is truly flattering."

"No need for modesty, you’ve evidently done far more than that," Stockmar shakes his head, "To make a king remember a young man and persuade him to embark on a major construction project within hours... I must say, that is quite rare in our time."

Arthur’s reply is exceedingly cautious, without conceding, "If Your Excellency means I’ve gained His Majesty’s favor, then I can only say it is His Majesty’s wisdom and magnanimity that allowed me the opportunity to showcase myself."

"Hmm..." Stockmar nods gently, "But you also know, His Majesty’s favor can invite quite a few people’s displeasure. In London, being a friend of Belgium means bearing considerable pressure."

Arthur raises an eyebrow at these words, "Your Excellency means?"

Baron Stockmar folds his gloves carefully and places them on his knee, "Are you a graduate of the University of London? A student of Mr. Jeremy Bentham?"

"Exactly," Arthur nods with a smile, "I remember you graduated from Jena University, right?"

"Have you been to Jena?"

"Barely, perhaps," Arthur responded with a cheerful smile, "I went to Jena to clean up after some Gottingen rascals who got into fights there."