A Special Gift

"That's good, child," Queen Victoria said, affectionately patting Arthur's forehead again. "Do you have any initial plans for Australia's development? And is your funding sufficient?"

"Grandmother, I believe the most important things for Australia right now are developing basic industry and education. Compared to European countries, Australia is weak in all aspects and needs to rapidly improve its most fundamental industrial strength. Both industry and other sectors require the cultivation of a large number of talented individuals to develop. Therefore, education is also a crucial aspect that must be prioritized," Arthur said after some thought.

This was something Arthur had planned in advance. It was fundamentally impossible to develop various advanced industrial systems in Australia in a short period.

Firstly, Australia's basic industrial foundation was extremely backward. Secondly, there was a severe shortage of talent, lacking the necessary conditions for developing advanced industries.

Instead of aiming too high, it was better to focus on building basic industries and developing education in the short term.

After several years, once initial progress was made, the focus could shift to building advanced industries and technology companies, catching up with European countries.

"Hmm, Arthur, I am very pleased that you haven't become overconfident or arrogant due to your initial success. Even with substantial financial support, Australia cannot catch up to European development within five years. However, through the accumulation of basic industries and education for talent, along with attracting a large number of talents and immigrants from Europe, it is highly hopeful that Australia will be completely transformed in ten years," Queen Victoria nodded with satisfaction, saying to Arthur with great relief.

"For you, Australia's current environment is also very advantageous. To the west lies the territory of the British Empire, and to the east is the vast Pacific Ocean. To the north, neither the Qing Dynasty nor the island nation would proactively attack you. Under these circumstances, you have ample time for development," Queen Victoria continued walking, holding Arthur's hand, as she spoke.

Arthur nodded repeatedly. Queen Victoria was right; Australia was indeed in a golden age of development. Both geographically and in terms of mineral resources, Australia possessed the capital to become a powerful nation.

The only significant lack was population, which could be addressed by attracting immigrants during this period when European wars loomed and European populations were migrating in large numbers.

Overall, Australia was undoubtedly a country with top-tier development potential during this era. As long as the ruler's decisions were not significantly flawed, Australia would certainly be among the powerful nations in a few decades.

"You are still residing in that government building, aren't you?" Queen Victoria suddenly asked.

When Queen Victoria was in Australia before, she and Arthur had been arranged to stay on the top floor of the government building.

Although the top floor had been simply decorated, the renovation was still basic and did not befit the status of Duke Arthur.

Now that Arthur possessed over two hundred million pounds sterling and an entire country, this building was even less fitting for his status.

"That's right, Grandmother. Even you are staying in such an ordinary estate, so it would be more ostentatious for me to live elsewhere," Arthur said with a smile.

Arthur knew what Queen Victoria was implying. After all, Arthur now held power and had substantial funds, so building himself a palace would seem natural.

However, Arthur did not have such plans in the short term. Even a very simple palace would cost a considerable amount of money.

Furthermore, given Australia's backwardness in basic industry and infrastructure, even a small palace would have a long construction period.

Besides, the construction of a palace would inevitably attract the attention of all Australians.

Arthur had just solemnly declared his intention to develop Australia, and then immediately spent a large sum of money to build himself a palace. Even if it was his own money, it would inevitably disappoint some people.

It was better to invest all the funds into the country's development first. Once the nation was built, the funds could be recouped. This way, when Arthur eventually built his palace, the Australians would not only not object but would consider it natural.

"Yes, this is actually what I wanted to discuss with you. Although it seems you have over two hundred million pounds sterling, even richer than the royal families of some European countries, in reality, once these funds are poured into the vast needs of national development, you will find them to be merely a drop in the bucket. You have gained considerable prestige in Australia, which is good, and you must not lose it easily," Queen Victoria nodded again with satisfaction, looking at the boy who was now half a head taller than her, and said with a touch of emotion, "Originally, I was worried about you in every way, but now it seems you have begun to grow into a qualified ruler. Arthur, I am proud of you. Your father would also be very pleased if he knew all this."

Arthur did not reply, merely tightening his grip on Queen Victoria's arm.

Pleasant times always passed quickly. As Queen Victoria and Arthur walked and talked, the afternoon flew by without them realizing it. By the time they noticed, the sun was already setting.

"Alright, Arthur, let's stop here. I know you have many matters to attend to in Australia, and your grandmother is not on her deathbed, so you don't need to accompany me at all times," Queen Victoria said, patting Arthur's hand one last time with a smile.

"Grandmother," Arthur said with reluctance. He had intended to stay on the Isle of Wight for a few more days to accompany Queen Victoria, but she was already asking him to leave after only a few hours.

"Good child, go back to Australia. No matter when, you must always remember not to be swayed by emotions. As the ruler of a country, the nation is the most important thing to you," Queen Victoria said, stroking Arthur's forehead as she instructed.

"Yes, Grandmother, I understand," Arthur nodded firmly and bid Queen Victoria a final farewell.

The port.

As Arthur stepped onto the ship to return, Princess Beatrice arrived late and handed Arthur a briefcase. She said, "Arthur, your grandmother asked me to give this to you. She said it contains things you will need in the future, but she also warned me to tell you not to use anything inside for at least five years, even for her sake."

First update. Some readers have said there's no revenge plot, but that's not the case; it's just not the right time. Besides, given Queen Victoria's affection for Arthur, would she really not leave him any backup plans?

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