Beach Conversation

Arthur wanted to ask a few more questions, but seeing that Queen Victoria, supported by Princess Beatrice, had already gotten into a specially made wheelchair and was slowly approaching, he wisely shut his mouth.

Although Queen Victoria's poor health was an unspoken truth throughout the British Empire, discussing her condition in front of her would inevitably displease the Queen and even worsen her frailty.

"Let's go, Arthur. This time of year is perfect for enjoying the sea views, and the weather is just right," Queen Victoria said with a smile, appearing to be in good spirits as Princess Beatrice pushed her towards Arthur.

"Of course, Grandmother," Arthur replied obediently, following along.

Because the weather had been cold earlier, Queen Victoria had not truly experienced the seaside scenery despite being on the Isle of Wight, only catching a brief glimpse before settling in at the estate for an extended stay.

While the estate was a place where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had lived with their family, Queen Victoria felt the beach held more nostalgic memories than the estate itself.

Under the fiery sunset, waves crashed against the rocks, sending up spray that formed a brilliant rainbow in the sunlight. It was in a place like this that Queen Victoria had spent the happiest times of her life with Prince Albert and their children.

Perhaps due to revisiting a familiar place, Queen Victoria's complexion looked much better than when she was confined to her sickbed, appearing more rosy and her spirits much revived.

"Arthur, walk with Grandmother," Queen Victoria said, rising from her wheelchair and beckoning Arthur to join her as she slowly walked towards the beach ahead.

As Queen Victoria drew closer to the sand, her feet sank deeper into it. Logically, each step should have become more strenuous, but Queen Victoria seemed to grow more at ease.

Arthur quickly followed, offering his arm to support Queen Victoria.

The grandmother and grandson walked aimlessly along the beach, without the assistance of servants or the vigilance of guards.

"Arthur, there's something that's been weighing on my heart for a long time. I've thought about it extensively, and I feel I must tell you," Queen Victoria finally said after a long silence.

"Please tell me, Grandmother. Arthur is listening," Arthur replied respectfully, nodding with a smile.

Whatever Queen Victoria had kept from him, Arthur knew she was acting in his best interest.

"Arthur, the assassination of your father was investigated long ago. However, due to royal secrets involved, it was never made public. In fact, besides myself, no one else knows the investigation results yet," Queen Victoria said solemnly, stopping her walk and turning to face Arthur. "Do you know the reason why?"

Arthur shook his head. Apart from the inheritance and territories he received from his father, he had no influence in Britain and naturally could not have discovered the murderer of Duke Arthur in such a short time.

"Alas!" Seeing Arthur shake his head as she expected, Queen Victoria sighed heavily and said with regret, "Your father was assassinated by the forces of your own uncle, Edward. The reason I didn't tell you before was twofold: first, I feared you would lose your mind upon learning the truth, and second, I feared you would be targeted again. Therefore, I had to keep it from you. I've deceived you for so long; you won't blame your grandmother, will you?"

Arthur was stunned for a moment, then quickly regained his composure and said decisively, "No, Grandmother. How could Arthur blame you? I know everything you've done is for my own good. In those circumstances, knowing the truth would only have been detrimental."

Seeing that Arthur did not blame her, Queen Victoria tenderly stroked his forehead and said, "The moment I learned the truth, I desperately wanted to strip Edward of his title and make you the Crown Prince. But reason told me I couldn't. Firstly, deposing the Crown Prince without any reason would greatly diminish the Royal Family's prestige and even threaten its survival. Secondly, Edward's influence is deeply entrenched in Britain, and I couldn't eradicate it for you. Under these circumstances, even if you were to inherit the British throne in the future, you likely wouldn't be able to hold onto it after my passing. Fortunately, you proposed to go to Australia, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing you to escape danger. That has put my mind at ease."

Hearing Queen Victoria's words, Arthur was deeply moved. Although she held considerable influence in Britain, deposing the Crown Prince was not a simple matter.

The fact that Queen Victoria had even considered deposing the Crown Prince in such a situation demonstrated her genuine care for Arthur.

"Alas, it's all the fault of that damned throne. But I recall my father once saying that he clearly had no interest in that damned throne," Arthur sighed, speaking with a hint of helplessness.

In Arthur's somewhat hazy memories, he remembered his father, Duke Arthur, being very caring towards him and stating on many occasions, both publicly and privately, that he had no interest in the cursed throne.

It could only be said that Crown Prince Edward was blinded by power and profit, disregarding familial ties.

Yet, one could not deny that if Duke Arthur had not died, Arthur would have had to wait for his father to abdicate or earn the title through war to inherit it.

Whichever method it was, it would have been too late to develop the territory after acquiring it.

"Arthur, I hope you can let go of your hatred and focus your energy on developing Australia. As it stands, Edward has gained the support of many British nobles and powers; his succession to the throne is a foregone conclusion. Compared to the British Empire, Australia is like a moth to a flame, both now and in the future. Edward will face retribution, but I hope you also won't fall into the abyss of hatred. For now, taking care of your mother and your two sisters is the most important thing," Queen Victoria said earnestly to Arthur with a sigh.

Looking at the face that so closely resembled her favorite son, Queen Victoria truly did not want Arthur to fall into the vortex of hatred and, knowing it was impossible to oppose the British Empire, choose to provoke Edward.

"I understand, Grandmother. I will not do anything rash. I am now the Duke of Australia, and my focus is on developing Australia," Arthur replied, nodding.

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