shadow of britain

Chapter 849 York Spider? What kind of web did you weave? You're just a spider! (Bonus Chapter for Alliance Leader)

The Earl of Liverpool did not answer immediately; he simply looked at Conroy in silence.

“Your Excellency,” Conroy spoke again, deliberately slowing his pace as if realizing he had been too harsh, “we are all doing this for Her Highness’s good.”

“Is that so?” the Earl of Liverpool said casually. “Then please allow me to remind you, Sir John Conroy, that Her Highness the Princess has turned eighteen today.”

Conroy's eyelids twitched slightly.

The Earl of Liverpool continued, “Legally, Her Highness the Princess has complete autonomy. You, I, and even the Duchess of Kent can only act in accordance with her wishes. And the list you presented tonight, frankly speaking, is less an advisory suggestion and more a resurgence of certain old habits.”

Arthur saw Conroy's expression suddenly freeze, and his usually impeccable rhetoric suddenly failed him, leaving the Grand Steward of Kensington Palace somewhat at a loss.

After a moment, Conroy forced a smile: "If Your Excellency insists on this... then I have no choice but to comply. But I believe that when Her Highness truly realizes the difficulties of governing, she will immediately understand how much help I have given her."

The Earl of Liverpool didn't respond, but just stared at Conroy with a strange look that was neither affirmative nor negative.

Conroy paused, as if searching for a way to regain the upper hand: "Please understand, Your Excellency, I am only concerned that Her Highness the Princess is being misled, especially by Rezen... that governess from Hanover, her influence has far exceeded what is appropriate. A foreigner, a lady with no political experience, is able to interfere in royal affairs at will, which is undoubtedly a danger."

"Whether Lady Lezen is suitable is for His Highness to decide," Liverpool said calmly, "not for you."

“But she’s German, and a woman!” Conroy emphasized. “She doesn’t understand our country’s system at all, nor our people. Although Her Highness is 18, her mind is far more immature than her age suggests. She is too young and easily swayed by appearances and emotions. You should know how gullible and romantic she is; what happened between her and Lord Elfenstone has already proven that Her Highness is currently completely unprepared to assume the responsibilities of governing the country. She needs someone to assist her.”

The Earl of Liverpool slowly closed the document in his hand: "We all know that Her Highness the Princess grew up within high walls, and I need not say who built those walls. Sir John, I must be frank, you are currently unwelcome in Her Highness's inner court."

Conroy's smile froze instantly; his facial muscles twitched, and his straight back became awkwardly hunched over.

If someone else had said these words, such as Sir Arthur Hastings, Conroy would most likely have ignored them and might even have argued with the person who said them.

However, Conroy was somewhat taken aback that this straightforward denial came from the Earl of Liverpool.

The 3rd Earl of Liverpool, the half-brother of the former Prime Minister and the 2nd Earl of Liverpool, was not only influential within the Conservative Party, but also one of the few figures who were respected by the Duchess of Kent and trusted by Victoria.

If even the Earl of Liverpool is now on his opposite side, it can only mean that his current situation is precarious.

Conroy wasn't unaware of this before, but he certainly didn't expect the situation to have gotten this bad.

The Earl of Liverpool bluntly stated, "If you insist on demanding a formal private secretary position, you will only provoke stronger resentment in politics and among the public. According to the Regency Act, Her Highness the Princess is of legal age, so her choice is the final decision. If you continue to pester her, it will not only be of no benefit to her, but will also isolate you."

Conroy's lips trembled slightly, as if he wanted to refute, but in the end he didn't dare to say it.

“Your Excellency!” Conroy pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, “I am not entirely asking for a position for myself. I have been with Her Highness the Princess for many years, and since she came into this world, I have devoted all my energy to her. I swear to God, I have spent far more time and effort on her than on my own daughter. No matter how others criticize me, at least I have done my best and put in my effort. If I have made any mistakes, it is only that I was too enthusiastic and too eager.”

He raised his head, a bitter smile on his face: "Is everything I've done for the Duchess and Princess all these years just wiped clean? Even if I haven't done anything meritorious, I've certainly put in a lot of effort, haven't I?"

Arthur and Flora were twirling slowly on the dance floor, his hand resting naturally on her waist. Arthur, engrossed in watching the spectacle, couldn't help but slightly tighten his fingers, as if trying to pull her closer to observe the expression on the face of the Kensington Grand Steward over her slender shoulders. Conroy, meanwhile, was now pleading and complaining in a low voice, his posture disheveled, his tone almost begging—a stark contrast to his usual arrogant and self-assured demeanor.

The scene before him was somewhat ironic, making Arthur chuckle inwardly; he hadn't seen such an amusing farce in a long time.

The candlelight flickered on Flora's face, and she could feel the faint pressure from Arthur's palm.

Flora's heart skipped a beat, a blush rose to her cheeks, and her breathing quickened slightly. Her skirt swept across the floor with the rhythm, as if trying to contain the sudden flutter in her heart.

The Earl of Liverpool listened to Conroy's grievances without changing his expression, then simply tapped the carpet lightly with his cane: "Sir John, please remember, when it comes to the question of succession to the throne, merit is no one's shield. However..."

Looking at Conroy's dejected appearance, he suddenly changed the subject and extended an olive branch: "Your contributions are undeniable. If the unfortunate event does occur, Her Highness the Princess will have to take responsibility, and she certainly needs a capable assistant in financial matters. If you are willing to focus your energy on accounts and treasury management, I will consider recommending this position to the Cabinet. You will receive a substantial pension and retain a very respectable status."

Conroy's dim eyes suddenly lit up, but the Earl of Liverpool immediately added a condition: "On the condition that you do not interfere in politics under any pretext, and do not influence Her Highness's decisions. More importantly, you must clearly and explicitly express in front of everyone that you respect Her Highness's independent will."

Arthur paused slightly, and Flora, who was already dizzy and disoriented, was brought back to reality by this sudden stop.

She suddenly realized that she had just been immersed in that almost dangerous intimacy, and her heart was pounding faster than music.

Her fingers trembled slightly in Arthur's palm, but Flora couldn't bring herself to pull her hand away.

Just as Flora looked up, she happened to catch a glimpse of the faint smile on Arthur's face.

In an instant, that gentle smile almost completely captivated her again.

She couldn't tell if she was afraid or infatuated; she only felt the heat on her cheeks growing stronger, and she was completely drawn into Arthur's aura.

Arthur glanced at the Earl of Liverpool out of the corner of his eye and immediately understood the old Conservative nobleman's thoughts.

Arthur Hastings has come to St. James's Palace today in accordance with the wishes and requests of His Majesty the King and other dignitaries, and so has the Earl of Liverpool.
However, due to their different circumstances and statuses, the methods they could use when facing Conroy were naturally different.

The Earl of Liverpool never intended to simply dismiss Conroy or completely eliminate his henchmen. Such a harsh approach would inevitably provoke strong resentment from the Duchess of Kent, and might even provoke a backlash from this sensitive German widow. Given the precedent of the Ramsgate affair, being too forceful with Conroy at this juncture would only make Victoria's situation more precarious.

From a personal perspective, the Earl of Liverpool, this old fox, is actually not willing to offend Kensington Palace too much.

Although Victoria and her son have a bad relationship right now, who can guarantee that they won't reconcile in the future?
If the relationship becomes too strained, and one day the two of them suddenly become a loving mother and daughter, then the Earl of Liverpool will find himself in a lose-lose situation.

That's why what the Earl of Liverpool really wanted was a dignified, aristocratic cleanup.

He outwardly acknowledged Conroy's hard work and even generously offered to vouch for him, providing him with a position as steward of the Queen's treasury and a substantial pension. However, this was merely his side of the story; any document not put in writing is invalid.

The Earl of Liverpool could certainly petition the cabinet, and even go to great lengths to advocate for Conroy.

As for whether it will work out...

That's beyond his capabilities.

The matter was settled, and Conroy had to remember his kindness.

If things don't go well, it's the Whig cabinet's fault. Even if Conroy holds a grudge, it's against Prime Minister Viscount Melbourne and his cabinet members.

This old thing...

They're quite "meticulous" in handling matters!
He's done all the good work by himself!

The flickering candlelight seemed to dance in Conroy's eyes. He clenched his teeth, and the veins on his forehead bulged with suppressed emotion.

Just moments ago he was holding his head high, but now he has no choice but to bow his head.

He knew in his heart that he had no other choice.

If you refuse now, it's like pushing yourself to the edge of a cliff, leaving you with nothing but the last vine to cling to.

Finally, he let out a long sigh: "Your Excellency... since you insist so much, then I have no choice but to accept it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Conroy slowly extended his hand, his movements strained yet retaining a last shred of dignity.

The Earl of Liverpool remained composed, calmly extending his hand to shake his: "Don't be too sad, Sir John. Your achievements are evident. I believe that in time, everyone will understand your good intentions, and when that time comes, you will certainly be reinstated. After all, apart from the Duchess of Kent, there is probably no one else in the world who understands Her Highness better than you."

Upon hearing this, a flicker of fire rekindled in Conroy's eyes: "Given time, will he be given important responsibilities again?"

“That’s right.” The Earl of Liverpool smiled and took off his hat. “Just like Sir Arthur Hastings.”

Conroy felt as if he had swallowed a dead fly upon hearing this; the name was like a cold arrow that had struck his ears at that very moment.

But when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. He could only force a laugh and agree, "That's right, just like... Sir Arthur Hastings."

He subconsciously looked up and searched the dance floor, and sure enough, he spotted Arthur dancing gracefully with Flora. Arthur looked calm and composed, with a faint smile on his face, as if he hadn't noticed the tumultuous moment between Conroy and the Earl of Liverpool.

Conroy felt a tightness in his chest, and an indescribable sense of humiliation welled up inside him.

He recalled his humble and submissive demeanor just moments before, and then saw Arthur's composed and dignified posture. It felt as if he had been publicly humiliated, and a bloody sense of shame surged within him.

However, the Earl of Liverpool didn't even offer him a word of comfort.

Liverpool lightly flicked his sleeves, put on his hat, and said, "Let's leave our conversation here for tonight, Sir John. I will remember my promise, and I hope you will too."

After speaking, he nodded slightly, turned and left, walking straight towards the dance floor.

Liverpool's pace seemed to be in sync with the game, but their eyes were firmly fixed on Arthur.

As the music ended and the rhythm changed, he walked to the edge of the dance floor and whispered to Arthur, "Sir Arthur, please come over later. I have some things I'd like you to convey to His Highness, especially regarding the agreement I just reached with Sir John Conroy."

Flora was still immersed in her world with Arthur when the drumbeats stopped. As if she were rising from underwater, she took a deep breath, the light in her eyes still lingering.

Arthur's palm still held the back of her hand, maintaining proper etiquette, but a strong sense of dread was already emanating from him.

“Excuse me, Flora.” He lowered his voice, sounding as gentle as a soft breath: “The Earl of Liverpool needs my assistance.”

"Now?" Flora asked almost instinctively. She knew the answer, but still wanted to hold onto even a fraction of the time.

Arthur gently closed his fingertips, pulling her rapidly beating heart back half a step.

He bowed slightly more deeply than usual, so much so that Flora could smell the unique scent of tobacco and citrus cologne mingling on his collar.

“Her Highness needs a reliable messenger.” Arthur paused, his gaze sweeping over the tears welling in her eyes before lowering again. “I’m sorry.”

“I understand.” She tried to suppress her emotions with a smile, but her fingertips trembled involuntarily in his palm. “It’s just… I haven’t had time to finish the last half of this dance.”

“Then leave half a lap for me.” Arthur’s voice was very soft, almost a whisper: “When I come back, we can continue.”

Flora nodded, reluctantly stepping aside, her skirt trailing behind her as if gently gathered by the wind.

She suddenly realized she was still clutching his collar, and blushed as she urged him again, "Go quickly and come back soon, I'll wait for you."

(One more chapter, coming later)

(End of this chapter)