Chapter 2399 - 316: What Are Ten Thousand Clocks to Me! (2)

Leisen’s eyes widened slightly.

"Madam, do you know? In my life, I’ve done many things worth regretting. There are things that keep me awake at night when I remember them. There are things I wish I had never done. But there is one thing I’ve never regretted." Arthur suddenly turned back and remarked, "I’ve never regretted standing up when someone needed me."

The light in Leisen’s eyes froze.

"You ask me, am I not afraid of losing everything I’ve painstakingly gained? I tell you, I am afraid, of course, I’m afraid. I’m no saint; I’m just an ordinary person from the street. I know what it’s like to lose everything, and I know how difficult it is to start over. I’m terrified! An office, a salary, a position where one can exercise authority at White Hall—these are the things countless people dream of."

Arthur turned around and stood at the window, his back to her, looking out at the endless gray-white fog.

"But Madam, do you know? There are things in this world more important than fear. There are things more important than living. There are things more important than everything I currently have. Because a position is ultimately just a position, power is ultimately just power; these things are temporary. From the moment I obtained them, they started to lose value."

Arthur paused and then continued, "I believe that the bureaucrats at the Home Office, the officers at Scotland Yard, may obey due to my position and power, but their respect for me comes from something deeper. They respect me not because I am the Executive Deputy Secretary of the Home Office; that’s just a meaningless result. For my subordinates, what they value more is my journey from a street patrolman to an Executive Deputy Secretary."

The firelight from the fireplace cast over Arthur’s side, dividing his face into two halves, one bright and one shrouded in shadow.

"I am not proud of the identity of Executive Deputy Secretary because obtaining this title requires only a negligible appointment. But I am proud of my journey from street patrolman to Executive Deputy Secretary because this process was not only lengthy and arduous but also demonstrates that I possess certain precious qualities recognized by society and esteemed individuals alike."

Arthur’s cane was upright before him, his hands folded over the silver eagle’s head, his spine straight as an iron post embedded in the floor.

"The choice you gave me today is to choose between the position I hold and Flora. You think this is a difficult choice. You think I should give up the latter to preserve the former."

Arthur’s lips curved slightly, his smile faint and gentle: "Madam, you’re wrong."

Leisen’s complexion turned pale.

Arthur stared directly at her, his eyes so calm they were hard to meet: "Because, when a person sacrifices their soul to preserve a position, all they preserve is an empty shell, but what they lose is everything."

Behind Arthur, the shadow of Agares was faintly visible, sighing, as if the Red Devil was lamenting his Contractor escaping the trap he had painstakingly set.

Arthur’s words were like a stone, striking the silence of the reception hall.

Lady Leisen sat there motionless, her lips trembling slightly, her eyes wide as if she’d seen something she couldn’t comprehend.

"Is this... is this your answer? Do you know what you’re saying?"

Upon hearing this, Arthur placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly, gracefully: "Madam, someone who abandons the weak and forsakes Knightly Spirit in times of crisis could not have appeared at Albion Villa on that night in Ramsgate. You, clearly, do not truly understand me."

Arthur’s words echoed in Leisen’s mind over and over.

Ramsgate...

Albion Villa...

That night...

She certainly remembered that night; it was the moment closest to destruction in her life.

King William IV was still alive, Victoria was still an underage girl, and Conroy and the Duchess of Kent’s regency dream was about to come true.

If that Regency Agreement were really signed, if Conroy gained power, what could a female tutor from Hanover, a pitiful creature scraping a living at Kensington Palace, an outsider who could be thrown out at any moment possibly count for?

She would be driven away, sent back to Germany, and lose her goal of twenty years of struggle.

At that time, it was this person.

It was this man standing in front of her at that moment who extended a strong hand of aid from outside Albion Villa’s iron gates.

In a sense, Arthur Hastings, this man not only saved Victoria, but he also saved Leisen.

But now, this person who had once turned the tide stands opposed to her.

For Flora Hastings, for that woman who oppressed her for more than ten years.

Lady Leisen clenched the armrest of the sofa chair, her knuckles whitening, her lips trembling as she slowly stood. The hem of her skirt swept lightly across the floor, making a rustling sound.

"Sir Arthur, you have always been a noble gentleman. I believe that in this country, even those who dislike you have to admit your noble character and outstanding ability. Before today’s conversation, your actions were almost impeccable, and I have always had no intention of being your enemy and have regarded you as a precious friend. But... I must say, I am very disappointed with your performance today. I do not wish to believe you have committed any crimes, but your words today confirm some people’s prejudices and unfounded rumors against you."