By April 1932, Nicholas II and his family had finally endured countless hardships and arrived in Sydney by ship from Vladivostok.
By the time Arthur met Nicholas II's family, it was already April 7, the next day.
Nicholas II no longer looked spirited and confident. Instead, he looked like a battered old man in the twilight of his life.
If not for his appearance and clothing, which allowed Arthur to confirm that this was Nicholas II, most people would have thought, judging only by his current state, that he was a refugee who had fled famine in Ukraine.
"Cousin Nicholas, how did you end up like this?" Arthur asked, a trace of surprise in his voice.
According to the agreement between the United Kingdom, Australasia, and Russia, Nicholas II's family should have been treated with courtesy. Even if Russia desperately wanted to eliminate Nicholas II, this scourge, under pressure from the United Kingdom and Australasia, it could only escort all the imperial family members out of the country with due ceremony.
But judging from Nicholas II's appearance, he certainly did not look like someone who had been politely escorted out of the country.
"Arthur..." Nicholas II stepped forward and gripped Arthur's hand tightly. There seemed to be hot tears welling in his eyes, but Nicholas II stubbornly forced them back.
"This must be little Princess Seyana." Queen Dowager Marie turned her gaze toward the little girl held in Empress Alexandra's arms and asked with a smile.
"Your Highness." Under Empress Alexandra's guidance, Princess Seyana obediently greeted Queen Dowager Marie.
"There's no need to be so formal, Seyana." Queen Dowager Marie smiled and stroked Princess Seyana's head. "When you think about it, we're family too."
"All right, Cousin Nicholas. I've already prepared rooms for you. You can rest for a while.