KEO.PLUS

By the time Arthur and William II returned to the Manor House, it was past four in the afternoon.

Queen Victoria’s grave illness was no longer a secret among Europe’s upper echelons, and thus numerous dignitaries from all countries came to express their sympathy towards the Queen. The tiny harbor of White Island found itself congested.

When Arthur saw Queen Victoria again, it was already past five in the afternoon.

Throughout the afternoon, hundreds of European dignitaries, royalty, as well as Queen Victoria’s descendants, took turns to have brief chats with her.

Tallying up Queen Victoria’s life, she had made significant contributions both to the British Royal Family and the United Kingdom.

Under Queen Victoria’s reign, Britain became the world’s leading nation, establishing the British Empire, and ascending to the throne of global hegemony.

In the hearts of all British people, Queen Victoria was an irreplaceable great monarch, a witness to the Golden Age of Britain.

In hidden corners of the British mainland, various colonies, and even various parts of the world, one could see people spontaneously offering blessings and prayers for Queen Victoria.

This elderly woman, who had worked a lifetime for the British Royal Family and the government, gained the recognition of not only all British people but also most Europeans, at the end of her life.

Compared to at noon, Queen Victoria’s complexion was visibly worse by the afternoon. Her breathing was even more labored, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

The most obvious difference could be seen in the number of doctors and nurses in the room, which had grown from a few at noon to a crowd by the afternoon. Perhaps sensing her own physical condition, Queen Victoria started to call anxiously for someone.

People close to her listened carefully and finally heard whom Queen Victoria was calling for.

“Arthur! Arthur!”

“Quick, find Arthur! Her Majesty wants to see Arthur, hurry!” The people began relaying Queen Victoria’s command.

At that moment, Arthur had already arrived inside the Manor House and was slowly making his way towards the room.

After hearing people’s anxious call, Arthur gave a start. He quickened his steps and in a few strides reached Queen Victoria’s room, pushing open the door. “Arthur!” Upon seeing Arthur entering, Queen Victoria’s dim eyes brightened as she called out.

“Grandmother, I am here. Arthur is here.” Arthur stepped forward quickly, grasping the hand that Queen Victoria had hanging in mid-air.

“Arthur, your grandmother loves you. Please forgive me, but the prestige of the British Royal Family cannot be damaged, otherwise, everyone will be doomed. I have told Edward to compensate you further and help Australia establish its industry. Arthur, live well with your father’s and my wishes. Don’t dwell on the past anymore, okay?” Queen Victoria held onto Arthur’s hand tightly, saying with difficulty.

“I understand, grandmother. Don’t worry, Arthur has never blamed you, grandmother.” Arthur nodded hastily in response.

That’s good, child. Your father was my favorite son and you are my favorite grandson. Arthur, I know you have your ambitions, but they also require a long period of accumulation, don’t they?” Queen Victoria exerted her last bit of strength, smoothly caressing Arthur’s forehead, saying with a smile.

“I understand, grandmother. Don’t speak anymore, rest well. When you get better, we will chat more.” Arthur, sensing the dwindling strength in Queen Victoria’s hand, responded reluctantly.

“It’s alright, child. Go call Edward over.” Queen Victoria continued to speak.

Prince Edward had already been waiting nearby. Hearing Queen Victoria mentioning his name, he quickly knelt by the side of the bed.

“Edward, no matter what, Arthur is your nephew, isn’t he? He’s already lost a father and will soon lose a grandmother. Protect this child well; this is my final request to you.” Queen Victoria looked at Edward as she spoke.

“Yes, mother. Rest assured, as long as I’m alive, no one will be able to harm

Arthur.” Prince Edward hurriedly nodded in response.

“All the attendants and guards I brought with me, including their families, will be gifted to Arthur upon my death.” Queen Victoria declared, “The administration of British New Guinea is left to Australia, while Britain gives up all sovereignty and administrative power. At the same time, Arthur is officially recognized as the Governor of New Zealand for a term of twenty years. No one is allowed to revoke the position of Governor in any way. In twenty years, according to New Zealand public opinion, a decision will be made as to whether to remain with Australia or return to Britain.”

“This is, yes, mother.” While Prince Edward hesitated greatly, he ultimately had to comply with Queen Victoria’s command.

This was because he saw Queen Victoria’s fierce gaze; if he dared to say a single word of refusal, her will might contain clauses handing the succession over to someone else.

This had caused quite a commotion. After all, the combined lands of British New Guinea and New Zealand cover several hundreds of thousands of square kilometers.

More importantly, both locations are very close to Australia. If Australia were to gain full control of these areas, it would naturally dominate the South Pacific, beyond the reach of any other nation.

As for Queen Victoria’s appointment of Arthur as the Governor of New Zealand for twenty years, it seemed to everyone there like she was simply handing New Zealand over to Arthur for free.

Could New Zealand possibly escape Australia’s grasp after being under its control for twenty years?

“Edward, I want you to promise that for twenty years, the British Empire will not engage in any activities related to Australia, even diplomatic threats. Moreover, for a decade, the British Empire will provide all kinds of support to Australia, including military assistance, acknowledging and ensuring Australia as a fully independent country. During this time, you have to provide at least 5milhon pounds of various supports annually to Australia, without any excuse to stop immigration to Australia.” Queen Victoria continued.

Prince Edward reluctantly continued to make promises to Queen Victoria.

Once these promises were implemented, Australia would not have to worry about any foreign enemies for ten years, as the British Empire would provide support at the first sign of trouble.

As for the eventuality of Prince Edward not keeping his promises, with most European leaders and royal families present, if Prince Edward were to betray his words, he would instantly lose prestige and credibility among other countries’ dignitaries and the British people.

Queen Victoria’s goal was simple: to make Edward promise under such public scrutiny, leaving him no chance to resist or refuse.