KEO.PLUS

Furthermore, with Princess Louise, Arthur’s mother, constantly urging him, Arthur found himself rather helpless.

Wouldn’t the best way to escape this situation be to find a suitable Duchess for the Australian Federation?

At this point, one cannot but commend the beauty of Russian girls. Regardless of what happens later, the beauty of Russian girls in their teens is indeed at its peak, a fact confidently affirmed by Arthur both in the present and for future generations.

Before finding a Duchess for Australia, a question needs careful consideration: how many benefits would a marriage alliance with Russia bring to Australia?

If viewed from a historical perspective, the Russian Monarchy will be destroyed in about ten years, and a marriage with them will not be of any help at that time.

However, there is now a significant difference from history. Russia’s defeat in the Russo-Japanese War in history led to a higher level of internal resentment.

But now, Russia’s failures are more a temporary compromise due to internal and external troubles rather than being defeated by the island nation’s military.

Although there are still many internal concerns in Russia at present, Russia without Germany’s problems can enjoy nearly ten years of development and recuperation.

With Germany’s assistance and loans, the decaying Russian Empire can hold on for a while longer.

It is even uncertain whether Russia will participate in World War I in the future. Will a Russia that does not mobilize its military really be overthrown by the revolutions that will break out later?

No one can be sure of this, but the probability of being overthrown has greatly decreased.

Moreover, looking at the present, there are still many advantages to marrying into the Russian royal family.

Firstly, Russia is currently the world’s fourth strongest power. Apart from the British Empire, the German Empire, France, and the United States having sufficient advantages, no other country is necessarily a match for Russia.

Secondly, there is a large population within Russia, and a considerable portion of it tends to emigrate.

If a marriage alliance can be formed with Russia, Australia can also accept a portion of Russian immigrants. Of course, this is after ruling out revolutionaries and dangerous elements.

Russia still longs for its Far East policies. To implement these policies, they must rely on Australia’s support.

This also means that Australia can obtain more resources and benefits from Russia and cultivate Russia’s Far East power, ensuring that Russia’s military force in the Far East always remains above that of the island nation, indirectly suppressing the rise and expansion of the island nation.

You must understand that it only took a few decades for the island nation to change from a backward feudal country to a power recognized worldwide.

Even in the future, the island nation’s ambitions expand to the entire Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand.

This also means that the island nation is likely to become one of Australia’s strong enemies. It is necessary to make preparations in advance and use Russia’s power to suppress the island nation.

Although this may eventually lead to Russia’s dominance in the Far East and the occupation of more areas in the southern Qing Empire.

In fact, the major powers have a significant stake in these areas, and naturally, they will not allow Russia to expand at will in this region.

If Russia wants to ask for more, the European nations, led by Britain, will not agree, and the island nation will fight to the death to maintain its last chance to become a major power.

At that time, the Far East will again become a battleground for Russia and the island nation, and Australia’s military industry will usher in new opportunities.

After understanding all of this, Arthur no longer resists the possibility of a marriage alliance with Russia and has even begun actively selecting a suitable partner.

Under the premise of being well-matched, Arthur naturally wants to find a qualified, at least clever, understanding, and undisturbing girl who is content to be a Duchess for Australia.

Of course, appearance is also one of the essential criteria for Arthur’s selection. Although he does not pay too much attention to appearance, who doesn’t want the person by their side to have a beautiful face?

After a while, Nicholas II, accompanied by Empress Alexandra, attended the banquet but only exchanged a few words with Arthur before leaving.

Arthur was the host of the banquet, and Nicholas II was aware that his presence would draw some attention, so he tactfully took his leave.

As Nicholas II left, the beautiful music resumed, and the banquet gradually reached its climax.

Many people had already entered the dancing area and were dancing gracefully to the music, setting the atmosphere for the banquet.

Up to now, Arthur had been invited to dance at least ten times and had danced three or four times.

Even though he was prepared, he was still a little tired, so he found a corner to sit down.

Next to Arthur, Mary, who had been trying to think of a reason to invite Arthur to dance, widened her eyes in surprise, as Arthur had unexpectedly come to her.

At this moment, Arthur also saw Mary next to him and nodded with a smile as a greeting.

Gulp!

Mary quietly swallowed and, gathering her courage, picked up a glass of red wine and stood up to chat with Arthur.

Unfortunately, perhaps due to her nervousness, Mary’s feet slipped as she got up, and she accidentally tripped over the stool.

The stool wasn’t light, and Mary lost her balance, falling onto Arthur’s lap, her head aimed straight for Arthur’s vital spot.

“Ah!”

Luckily, Arthur was prepared and blocked the incoming danger with his hand, barely managing to hold Mary’s head back.

Mary’s cherry lips lightly touched the vital spot like a dragonfly skimming water before being helped up by Arthur.

“Are you alright, miss?” Arthur asked politely.

This accident caught Arthur off guard, the sudden contact causing him to stumble.

“I’m fine… Your Highness.” Mary’s cheeks were as red as a ripe apple, even seemingly dripping blood.

Although Mary didn’t understand more complicated matters, she knew that such intimate contact was inappropriate.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I just… accidentally tripped.” Mary hurriedly explained.

Although the accident led to her contact with Arthur, Mary didn’t want to be thought of as doing it on purpose and didn’t want to leave a bad impression on Arthur.

“It’s alright, miss. Could I know your name?” Arthur asked with a smile, shaking his head, not minding the incident just now.

In fact, Arthur only now noticed the girl’s appearance, her looks standing out even among the beautiful crowd at the banquet, delicate and lovely.

“Mary, Mary Pavlovna, Your Highness,” Mary said, nodding slightly.

The incident in the corner drew everyone’s attention, since the location of Arthur also represented the focus of the whole scene.

But when everyone saw that the main characters were Arthur and Grand Duchess Mary, they all waited for the result very tactfully.

“Mary? That’s lovely. May I invite you to dance?” Arthur nodded and invited the girl in front of him to dance.

Mary nodded gently again, her white, jade-like hand resting on Arthur’s, as they walked to the center of the dance floor.