Making a Big Fuss

More of a symbolic compensation under Queen Victoria's threat and the satisfaction of achieving his goals, rather than a belated birthday gift.

Arthur's 17th birthday was on January 13th. Influenced by Duke Arthur, the birthday was quietly celebrated by himself and his family, without any festivities or gatherings.

But this didn't mean the British Royal Family, led by Queen Victoria and Crown Prince Edward, was unaware.

On the contrary, as Crown Prince, who was made Prince of Wales at a young age, Edward had cultivated a significant personal power base over a long period. While it was insignificant to Queen Victoria, it was certainly not so insignificant that he wouldn't know about Arthur's birthday.

Regardless, the fifty million pounds sterling from Crown Prince Edward was real, and Arthur naturally wouldn't refuse it.

Although thirty million pounds of it was a loan from the Bank of London, Crown Prince Edward held a majority stake in the Bank of London, making this thirty million effectively a gift.

With this, Arthur's funds would soon reach one hundred and thirty-seven million pounds sterling. In terms of personal wealth alone, Arthur was confident he could rank among the world's top five.

Without paying attention to Arthur's reaction, Crown Prince Edward finally breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Queen Victoria's somewhat satisfied expression.

The Crown Prince understood that although he seemed to be the undisputed heir to the throne, if Queen Victoria were to depose him as Crown Prince, the vast majority of the British public and political circles would endorse the decision.

Never underestimate Queen Victoria's standing in the hearts of the British commoners. Her supreme status in the hearts of all the kingdoms was an indispensable condition for Britain to consolidate into the vast United Kingdom.

"Arthur, you should have become the supreme Duke of the British Empire, but I won't stop you if you wish to go to remote Australia. As your grandmother, I have little to give you, so I'll offer you one hundred million pounds sterling as compensation and industrial equipment worth fifty million pounds." Queen Victoria patted Arthur's head as she spoke.

"Australia is, after all, a remote region. Let alone its education and healthcare, its infrastructure is extremely backward and very unstable," Queen Victoria said slowly. "The money I'm giving you isn't for you to indulge in pleasure, but for you to use this money and this industrial equipment to develop Australia's infrastructure, healthcare, education, and industry. It's for yourself, and equally for all Australians, isn't it?"

"I understand, Grandmother. Since I have become the Duke of Australia, I will make the development of all of Australia my lifelong goal," Arthur nodded and said solemnly.

"That's good. Although we are traveling together this time, you are going to Australia, and I am going to New Zealand. Grandmother cannot watch over you and protect you at all times. You must walk your own path from now on," Queen Victoria continued to instruct.

"On behalf of the British Royal Family, I am gifting you a Royal Guard Army of two thousand men. Their families will also accompany you to Australia. Arthur, if you cannot bear it, go to New Zealand to find Grandmother. Do not force yourself."

Queen Victoria's seemingly nagging words were as warm and comforting as the spring sunshine in Arthur's heart.

Having been in this world for over five months, Queen Victoria was one of the few people who treated him sincerely.

March 4, 1900.

The fleet, which had been prepared for over half a month, finally set sail. However, the scale of the fleet had expanded significantly this time, with four thousand accompanying guards, half of whom already belonged to Arthur personally.

Speaking of the Royal Guard Army, also known as the Royal Guard Division, it was a private army belonging solely to the British Royal Family, with a history spanning several hundred years.

Every guardsman was an elite handpicked from the British Army, far superior to ordinary soldiers of the British Army in terms of daily training and discipline.

Although the Royal Navy of the British Empire was renowned worldwide, leading to the British Army being less famous, in reality, the combat effectiveness of the regular British Army ranked among the top three in Europe. Apart from being slightly inferior to the German Army and the French Army, it surpassed the armies of other European countries in terms of soldier quality and weaponry.

And the Royal Guard Division, meticulously selected from these British Army soldiers, possessed combat power comparable to the German Elite Army.

Composed of five infantry regiments, two cavalry regiments, and one reserve regiment, the Royal Guard Division was actually an important means for the British Royal Family to maintain its rule.

The departure of the fleet was met with a large send-off from many London citizens. Even after the entire fleet had sailed away, the fervent crowds remained at the port, reluctant to leave for a long time.

On March 14th, after a ten-day voyage, the fleet arrived at the Suez Canal, a waterway that was, and would remain, the busiest in the world.

The Suez Canal connected East Africa with India, Southeast Asia, and other regions, and was regarded by Britain as a crucial means of controlling India.

As a result, the British Empire had stationed a heavy military presence at the Suez Canal since gaining control of it, to protect this vital waterway.

The guards at the canal had learned of Queen Victoria's impending arrival long in advance and had already formed ranks to welcome her.

Arthur also felt the adoration and respect the British people of this era held for Queen Victoria. This was both the pride and glory of all British people in the achievements of the British Empire, and also an acknowledgment of the Queen who had governed the empire for decades.

After reviewing the canal guards with Queen Victoria, the fleet set sail again, this time its destination was India.

Queen Victoria's journey this time might be more than just a simple recuperation. Although the purpose of the journey was very clear, she would stop at the Suez Canal, India, and Australia before finally arriving at the Isle of Wight in New Zealand.

The three stopping points chosen by Queen Victoria all held special significance. Australia, of course, was Arthur's future territory, and Queen Victoria's choice to stop there was not without the intention of deterring local powers.

As for the Suez Canal and India, they were strategically important regions that the British Empire could not afford to lose.

Britain's rise was half due to the technological advantage brought by the Industrial Revolution, and half due to the vast lands, population, and cheap resources obtained through external colonization.

Especially India, which not only possessed inexhaustible labor and numerous excellent ports but also produced abundant agricultural products, earning it the title of the "Jewel in the Crown."

For the British Empire, the importance of British India far surpassed that of all other colonies combined.

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