Chasing Time

“Next, we have the most noble recipient of the Order of the Garter, the Grand Cross of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Grand Cross of the Bath, the Victoria Cross and the lower grades of Knighthood, the leader of the anti-colonial movement, the bell-ringer of the East India Company, the hero of the Crimean War, a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifelong dear friend of literary giants such as Dickens and Great Dumas, a steadfast supporter of scientific luminaries like Faraday and Darwin, having served as assistant under-secretary, deputy under-secretary, and permanent under-secretary in departments of the Home Office and the Navy Department of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the inaugural Cabinet Secretary and head of the civil service, the first graduate and most distinguished alumnus of our school. Please welcome Sir Arthur Hastings to deliver a speech on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the University of London.”
Arthur's gaze swept across the crowd before him, looking at the young faces and murmured, “Agares, what do you think I should say?”
The Red Devil's wraith hovered behind him, saliva almost dribbling from the corner of his mouth, “Look at these ignorant souls; they still worship you as a hero. Why not say something they'd like to hear?”
Arthur took a deep breath and let out a deafening roar, “Oxford is a bunch of whores' bastards!”
“Oh!!!!”
The audience erupted into thunderous applause.
“Cambridge is the same!” he added immediately.
The applause grew even more fervent...
(The protagonist, possessed by a devil, travels through 19th-century Britain in a world without magic)

The Shadow of Great Britain

Knightsbridge, southeast corner of Hyde Park, Wellington's private residence—London No. 1, Apsley House.


Holding a goblet in his hand, the Duke of Wellington looked at Arthur, who had come back to report, with a face full of surprise.


"Young man, I thought it would take you quite a while to bring back something useful for me; how did you manage to have a breakthrough so quickly?"


Arthur replied with a smile, "A little unexpected joy. Although it might not necessarily be very useful, given that the time for the meeting is drawing near, I believe that even the slightest piece of news should be promptly reported to you. After all, in your hands, sometimes even the most insignificant breakthrough can help Britain gain tremendous national benefits."


Upon hearing this, the Duke of Wellington couldn't help but laugh, "Indeed, you really know how to speak. How about something to drink? I particularly recommend the Margaux Chateau from Bordeaux."


Chapter 174: Secret Report