The Shadow of Great Britain Chapter 1675 - 51: I Have Feelings for Scotland Yard3

"Not ’use,’ but ’create.’" Arthur began speaking, "Public opinion is like water; where it flows mainly depends on where we dig the channels. As long as you ensure Scotland Yard cooperates with my actions, I can restore the honor Cali rightfully deserves."

"What do you plan to write?"

Arthur paused, "Have you heard about the undisclosed theft case at Kensington Palace?"

Rowan was taken aback, "What theft case?"

"An ivory-inlaid silver writing box, a gift from George IV to Princess Victoria," Arthur said slowly, "Such a small item could keep the entire Kensington Palace on edge. Fortunately, I recently discovered it at a mariti house in Greenwich, intact."

"Then why are you telling this?" Rowan stared at Arthur, a hint of wariness in his eyes.

"Because I want to write a ’legacy’ for Cali." Arthur lightly tapped the table with his fingers, "I want to tell the citizens of London: it was Officer Cali’s secret dossier on a theft gang, left during his lifeti, that provided the crucial clues to solve this royal theft case."

Rowan frowned, "You’re fabricating a story."

"Yes, but is Fleet Street’s slander against Cali the truth?" Arthur nodded without hesitation, "At least I’m crafting a good story, one that can make all of London, even up to the Royal Family, reevaluate Cali. A story that allows his wife and children to enter the church with their heads held high. Didn’t you say she only asked ’for everyone to know he was a decent man’? Now, not only decent, but also brave, intelligent, loyal, even honored posthumously."

The room was silent for a long ti, only the faint sound of a cigar burning echoed in the winter air.

"You are... altering the truth," Rowan’s voice was low, but his tone no longer carried anger.

"In our line of work, we never survive just on facts alone, we rely on people’s ’belief’ in those facts. And this belief can be shaped. Taking this opportunity, I can organize the newspapers to revisit the events of last year’s Cold Bath incident, using illusion to fight for a chance for the truth to co to light. This is beneficial for Cali, beneficial for Scotland Yard. If things go well, we might even restore Scotland Yard’s reputation."

Rowan stared at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, just getting up, walking to the window, looking out at the street corner where a young officer stood vigil in the biting wind, shivering yet steadfast.

After a long while, he slowly nodded.

"If you can really accomplish this..." he began, "then give it a try. But I’ll warn you, Arthur, if you harbor any ill intent towards Scotland Yard, I won’t be as polite as Viscount Palrston."

"I won’t deny that I’ve made deals with Scotland Yard before, but I swear to God, every deal I’ve made has been above board, because every deal has benefited my old departnt." Arthur stood up, "This is my old battlefield, I just want to give a final salute to my fallen comrades. I don’t need you to write a letter of support, don’t need you to endorse . You just need to keep your mouth shut for a week, pretend you don’t know anything."

"Keep my mouth shut for a week? That’s quite a luxurious proposal." Rowan snorted softly, his voice barely audible, "When you were at Scotland Yard, if I didn’t speak for a week, you could have turned all of London into chaos."

Arthur didn’t directly respond, only reiterated, "Seven days."

"Seven days," Rowan echoed, "Within seven days, spin any story you like, just make sure there’s no handle to grab. After seven days, I won’t ask how you did it, but if things spiral out of control, don’t bla for being ruthless."