Arthur then asked a question, perhaps because it was his first ti encountering such a situation, Tsar Nicholas I’s attitude made his tone noticeably harsher: "And what about your garrisons in the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia? According to the previous Qushita Treaty, the war between the Ottoman and Egypt has ended. Are your troops planning to stay there for Christmas?"
Nicholas I, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but turn his gaze to the Earl of Dalmo: "Who exactly represents Britain better, you or Sir Arthur Hastings?"
The Earl of Dalmo knew this question was not just a provocation but also a direct probe by Nicholas I into Britain’s stance and the coordination within the delegation.
He remained calm, his tone still elegant, but with a barely perceptible hint of sharpness.
"Your Majesty, Sir Arthur Hastings is an indispensable mber of our delegation. His insights not only reflect his personal wisdom but also demonstrate our attention to your country’s affairs. As for who better represents Britain, there seems to be no need to discuss this—it’s all within the authorization of His Majesty the King of England and the Foreign Office."
He paused slightly, adjusted his tone, and continued: "However, Your Majesty, if you prefer to hear specific opinions from a young cultural attaché, I am willing to continue listening as an observer."
Nicholas I, having heard this, showed a slight cold smile.
He slowly leaned back into his chair, remained silent for a mont, then turned his gaze towards Arthur: "Sir, it seems that your superior has quite a bit of trust in your performance. May I then interpret that those sharp questions just now also reflect the official stance of the British Empire?"
Arthur realized that this was already beyond the realm of diplomatic rhetoric.
He took a slight breath, adjusted his stance a bit, stepped forward, and t the Tsar’s gaze while maintaining a polite distance.
"Your Majesty, every question I posed just now is rooted in real observation and a deep concern for the European situation. They were not intended to offend, but to gain a clearer understanding of your country’s true intentions in regional affairs. While I may just be a cultural attaché, our entire delegation’s mission is to make the relationship between your country and Great Britain more transparent and stable."
Nicholas I slightly squinted his eyes, not answering imdiately, but habitually tapping the armrest with his fingers before standing up.
His tall figure cast a shadow, seemingly freezing the atmosphere of the entire audience hall.
"Transparent and stable?" he repeated, "Young man, I appreciate your candor. But in Russia, these two words often an different things. I can tell you, the Russian garrison in Moldavia and Wallachia is there to ensure the order of that land. As for whether they will be there for Christmas..."
He paused slightly, neither confirming nor denying, but at least his tone had softened considerably: "That depends on whether that land still requires Russian order."
Nicholas I then turned to the Earl of Dalmo: "As for the other issues ntioned in this state letter, I will read them carefully and decide. But please convey to your Foreign Secretary that Russia does not welco any form of interference, especially attempts to ddle in Black Sea matters. Equally, Russia will not ddle in the affairs of other countries at will. If the situation in the Ottoman Empire stabilizes, I will soon withdraw troops from Moldavia and Wallachia."
With that, Nicholas I stood up and left the audience hall under the gaze of all present.
As soon as he left sight, a court attendant in a red ceremonial dress adorned with golden epaulettes approached.
"Distinguished mbers of the British delegation, His Majesty has specially invited you to attend the banquet at the Winter Palace tonight to express his respect and friendship towards your country. Please allow to arrange a place for your rest and preparation, after which servants will guide you to the banquet hall."
The Earl of Dalmo let out a slight breath, his gaze scanning over the accompanying British delegation mbers before finally resting on Arthur’s face: "Your candor is indeed surprising at tis, but perhaps it is precisely this candor that can achieve unexpected effects in certain situations. However, you must rember that the Tsar is a man of unstable temperant, and so of your phrasing today was ill-considered."
Colonel Stewart also winked at Arthur, not forgetting to gently wave his fist at him, showing that this staunch Royal Navy hawk appreciated Arthur’s straightforwardness.
As for Sir John Lipton, also an attaché, he slightly furrowed his brow. As a British gentleman educated in classics at Oxford, he always found Arthur’s wording to be overly rash and bold.
As for the first secretary who had just co to their senses, most stood with Arthur. This wasn’t because they thought Arthur’s response was outstanding, but purely because they found the Tsar’s condescending attitude irritating.
Everyone appreciated strong individuals but did not like being the ones subjected to the strong. If the strong must be on the opposite side, they naturally support soone brave enough to stand against them, and Arthur undoubtedly played that role today.
Arthur was not overly thrilled by the Earl of Dalmo’s praise and caution. He rely nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Your Excellency, my primary duty is to promote cultural exchange, but as it pertains to national interests, I will do my utmost, not allowing any personal gains or losses to harm Britain. My education at the University of London, my experience at Scotland Yard, my knighthood—everything—does not permit to make such a move."
"You... although that was indeed our original aim in founding the University of London..."
The Earl of Dalmo smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of solace but also implicitly complex emotions: "Your character is indeed much like mine, but Arthur, you need to be aware, here it is not Britain but Russia. Your remarks earlier have successfully attracted His Majesty the Tsar’s attention. If you insist on doing so, be prepared to give it your all, and I hope you can maintain this composure at tonight’s banquet, in future exchanges, and at various cultural salons."
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