Queen Victoria's Will

By the time Arthur and William II returned to the manor, it was already past 4 PM.

Queen Victoria's critical illness was no longer a secret among Europe's high-ranking officials, leading to a countless number of dignitaries visiting to express their condolences. The small port on the Isle of Wight was actually experiencing a traffic jam.

It was already past 5 PM when Arthur saw Queen Victoria again.

During this afternoon, hundreds of high-ranking officials from European countries, members of the Royal Family, and Queen Victoria's descendants had a brief chat with her one by one.

Reflecting on Queen Victoria's life, she had made immense contributions to the British Royal Family and Britain.

During her reign, Britain became the world's leading power, established the Empire on which the sun never sets, and ascended to the throne of world dominance.

In the hearts of all Britons, Queen Victoria was an irreplaceable, great monarch and a witness to the British Golden Age.

In places unseen by the crowds – mainland Britain, its colonies, and even corners of the world – people spontaneously offered blessings and prayers for Queen Victoria.

This elder, who had dedicated her life to the British Royal Family and the Government, received the recognition of all Britons and even most Europeans at the end of her life.

Compared to noon, Queen Victoria's complexion had visibly worsened, her breathing was rapid, and her chest heaved.

The most noticeable difference was that while there were few doctors and nurses in the room at noon, by the afternoon, the room was filled with them.

Perhaps sensing her own physical condition, Queen Victoria began to call out anxiously.

Those around her listened carefully and finally heard her cries.

"Arthur! Arthur!"

"Quick, find Arthur! Her Majesty wants to see Arthur! Hurry!" everyone relayed Queen Victoria's command.

At this moment, Arthur had already arrived at the manor and was slowly walking towards the room.

Upon hearing the anxious calls, Arthur was startled. He quickened his pace, rushing to Queen Victoria's room in a few steps and pushing the door open.

"Arthur!" Seeing Arthur push the door open, Queen Victoria's dim eyes lit up, and she called out.

"Grandmother, I'm here. Arthur is here." Arthur quickly stepped forward and took Queen Victoria's hand, which was hanging in the air.

"Arthur, Grandmother loves you. Please forgive Grandmother, but the prestige of the British Royal Family cannot be damaged, or everyone will be plunged into eternal damnation. I have already told Edward to pay you further compensation and to help Australia establish its industries. Arthur, carry on your father's and my wishes, live well, and don't dwell on the past anymore, okay?" Queen Victoria tightly gripped Arthur's hand, speaking each word with difficulty.

"I understand, Grandmother. Don't worry, Arthur has never blamed you, Grandmother," Arthur quickly nodded and said.

"That's good, child. Your father was my favorite son, and you are my favorite grandson. Arthur, I know you have your ambitions, but they require long-term accumulation, don't they?" Queen Victoria used her last bit of strength to skillfully stroke Arthur's forehead and said with a smile.

"I understand, Grandmother. Please don't speak, get some rest. We'll have a good chat when you're feeling better," Arthur said reluctantly, feeling the decreasing strength in Queen Victoria's hand.

"It's alright, child. Go call Edward," Queen Victoria continued.

Crown Prince Edward had already been waiting nearby. Upon hearing Queen Victoria mention his name, he quickly knelt by the bedside.

"Edward, no matter what, Arthur is your nephew, isn't he? He has lost his father and will soon lose his grandmother. Protect this child; this is my final request to you," Queen Victoria looked at Edward and said.

"Yes, Mother. Please rest assured, as long as I am here, no one will be able to touch Arthur," Crown Prince Edward quickly nodded and said.

"All the attendants and guards I brought with me will be gifted to Arthur after my death, including their families," Queen Victoria said. "British New Guinea will be managed by Australia. Britain will relinquish all sovereignty and management rights. At the same time, Arthur will be appointed Governor-General of New Zealand for a term of twenty years. No one shall revoke this governorship in any way. After twenty years, a decision will be made based on the will of the people of New Zealand, whether to remain with Australia or return to Britain."

"Yes, Mother," Crown Prince Edward hesitated repeatedly but finally had no choice but to agree to Queen Victoria's command.

This was because he saw the murderous look in Queen Victoria's eyes; if he dared to refuse, Queen Victoria's will might contain a clause to pass the throne to someone else.

This caused an uproar. It was known that British New Guinea and New Zealand combined covered hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of land.

Moreover, these two regions were very close to Australia. If Australia completely controlled them, then Australia would be the natural overlord in the South Pacific, beyond anyone's reach.

As for Queen Victoria's appointment of Arthur as Governor-General of New Zealand for twenty years, everyone saw it as essentially gifting New Zealand to Arthur for free.

If Australia controlled New Zealand for twenty years, could New Zealand still escape Australia's grasp?

"Edward, I want you to promise that the British Empire will not launch any actions related to Australia within twenty years, not even diplomatic threats. Furthermore, the British Empire will provide Australia with all kinds of support, including military means, within ten years, and will recognize and guarantee Australia as a completely independent nation. During this period, Australia must be provided with at least five million pounds sterling in various support annually, and immigration to Australia must not be stopped under any pretext." Queen Victoria continued.

Crown Prince Edward had no choice but to make further assurances to Queen Victoria.

If these promises were implemented, Australia would not have to worry about any foreign enemies for ten years, as the British Empire would provide immediate support.

As for Crown Prince Edward breaking his word, with the presence of many European dignitaries and royal families, if he truly acted in bad faith, he would instantly lose prestige and credibility in the eyes of both the dignitaries and the British public.

Queen Victoria's objective was simple: to make Crown Prince Edward make these promises in front of everyone, leaving him no chance to resist or refuse.

Second update, sorry for the delay. Also, please support!