The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 1636 - 37: Louis’s Fate (2)

Moreover, any noble with a bit of status would keep a variety of servants to provide emotional value, such as jesters, dwarfs, storytellers, and black servant attendants, among others.

Although these household servants rarely did any real work, in the eyes of Russian nobility, their identity demanded they own as many serfs as possible. Even those among the nobility who had fallen on hard times would put on airs, ensuring a few servants followed closely behind when going out, or else they’d lose face in aristocratic circles.

Though the Russian aristocrats’ lifestyle was all about grandeur, their household scale was unmatched in Europe.

However, for a lady of noble birth accustomed to the bright lights of industrial society and deeply influenced by liberalism, the lifestyle of Russian aristocrats was extremely distasteful to her, even to the point of shame. She couldn’t easily part with the fashions of London, the perfumes of Paris, or the liberal political and social atmosphere.

As expected, as soon as Arthur mentioned the luxurious lifestyle of Russian nobility in front of Mrs. Levin, she couldn’t help but frown.

"There are many geniuses among Russian nobility, but even more fools. Unfortunately, you seem to have encountered the latter."

Upon confirming Mrs. Levin’s attitude, Arthur apologized with a small smile: "Perhaps, but during my time in Russia, I didn’t only deal with the ’fools’ you mentioned. The thinking of those older gentlemen was indeed peculiar, but the young people, the young people were wonderful."

"Are you talking about Moscow University?" Mrs. Levin didn’t shy away from her understanding of Arthur’s experiences: "I heard they held a welcome party for you and even composed an ode dedicated to you."

Of all his experiences in Russia, the one Arthur least wanted to bring up was this.

Mrs. Levin’s act of bringing up what is best left unsaid caused Arthur to defend himself with his lack of Russian language proficiency: "The poem is certainly excellent, but unfortunately, my level of Russian doesn’t support my understanding of its nuances. I insist it must be deeper than it appears."

Arthur’s words amused Mrs. Levin.

"It seems you’ve learned a lot in the years you’ve worked in diplomacy, certainly more humorous than during your time as a policeman."

At this point, Mrs. Levin shifted the conversation: "Speaking of which, since you enjoy Russian life so much, why do you have to do things that displease the Tsar? As far as I know, our sovereign admired you greatly beforehand."

Arthur replied with a smile: "It’s not that I intentionally do things displeasing to the Tsar, but it’s in my nature. I am consistent in my actions. If the Tsar truly accepts me, he wouldn’t be surprised by what I do. If he is surprised, it means he misunderstood me before. I respect the Tsar deeply, even now, but respecting someone means not avoiding their flaws and hoping for them to improve upon being pointed out, thus becoming a better person. In terms of advancing Russian society, I have always been your ardent advocate and most enthusiastic supporter."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Levin looked at Arthur for a moment before smiling lightly: "Quick-witted young man, I never realized you had this talent."

Arthur tipped his hat and slightly bowed to Mrs. Levin: "When one walks the line between life and death, although the initial intent remains unchanged, one must learn some tricks to protect oneself. I hope this does not offend you, Madam."

Lady Cooper, who had been quietly observing, couldn’t help but complain softly: "I truly cannot imagine why Henry would dismiss you from the Foreign Office. One possesses the demeanor of a diplomat, speaks like a diplomat, yet is no longer a diplomat."

Mrs. Levin, holding Lady Cooper’s arm, said: "Emily, Sir Arthur was not dismissed, but he submitted his own resignation. However... in diplomatic circles, this is equivalent to a dismissal, as reaching the point of dismissal would be too unsightly."

As Mrs. Levin was about to leave with Lady Cooper, Arthur spoke up to stop her.

"Uhm... Madam, could you please wait a moment."

Mrs. Levin turned to size him up: "Are you going to invite me for a dance?"

"If I can have such an honor, I’d be delighted."

Arthur paused but couldn’t help asking the well-informed lady about the issue he cared about the most: "Louis... or rather, my friend Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, is he still held in Strasbourg? I heard the French Government is considering a public trial for him?"

Mrs. Levin raised her eyebrows with a smile and asked: "Are you talking about that police secretary who failed the coup? He seems to have inherited your bold personality rather than learning careful ways."

Arthur shrugged: "After all, he hasn’t taken a bullet yet. I think your expectations of him might be too harsh."

"Well, it’s a pity, as he won’t get the chance to take a bullet this time either."

Mrs. Levin raised her ivory fan to cover her mouth: "He has long been transferred to Paris for imprisonment. However, I don’t know which jail or castle he’s confined in. As for a public trial, that’s only demanded by a few, particularly the Orthodox Party. But King Louis of France doesn’t intend to publicly try him, because a public trial would definitely provoke opposing sentiments from the Bonaparte and Republican Parties. If the sentence is too light, the Orthodox and Orleans Party would be dissatisfied. Too harsh, and it might incite uprisings from the Bonaparte Party. So, he’s quite troubled on how to handle your little secretary."

Arthur heard this and finally felt relieved: "How do you think this matter will be resolved?"

"Hmm..." Mrs. Levin pondered: "Do you want me to dance with you or hear the result?"

"Please forgive me, I’d like to be greedy this once."

"Both?" Mrs. Levin smiled at Lady Cooper beside her: "This means he’s actually more eager to hear the result."

"Duplicity," Lady Cooper teasingly shielded Arthur by pretending to scold: "Truly a greedy young man."

At this point, she shifted the conversation: "But ultimately, what will be the outcome for that little Bonaparte? I’ve seen him before at a London ball; quite a striking young man. I heard then the Bonaparte Family and the Bouarne Family were trying to matchmake him with Maria the Queen of Portugal, but it never came to pass."

Mrs. Levin understood her friend was protecting Arthur, but she pretended not to notice as she continued: "Originally, whether it would happen was uncertain, but after his coup, the marriage was definitely off. After all, Portugal couldn’t risk becoming an enemy of France by marrying their young queen to a political prisoner. Overall, I think that little Bonaparte will likely follow his uncle’s path. Though he won’t face a public trial, exile is inevitable. Fortunately, King Louis of France isn’t so heartless, considering the letter of petition written by little Bonaparte’s mother begging for clemency, he likely won’t be exiled to a place like Guyana."

Upon hearing this, Arthur finally felt the burden in his heart ease.

Actually, even if Louis ended up exiled to Guyana, he wouldn’t be without opportunities.

Because he has some social connections in South America, and not referring to Eld and his dolphins, but rather Garibaldi who arrived in Brazil at the start of the year.

It’s said that upon Garibaldi’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro, he was warmly welcomed by the local Italian immigrants.

This group of Italians viewed Garibaldi, who led the Genoa uprising, as a national hero of Italy and spontaneously supported him as their leader.

The enthusiastic support from Italian immigrants even made Garibaldi feel embarrassed. In his letter to Arthur, he admitted organizing the Genoa uprising was a mess, and he truly felt undeserving of the trust of his Italian compatriots.

Arthur had Garibaldi’s connections in South America, and if Louis were indeed exiled to Guyana, with Garibaldi’s temperament, once Arthur informed him via letter, he would undoubtedly attempt to rally support to rescue Louis, who had previously joined the Charcoal Party’s revolutionary comrades.