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

Liverpool Old Dock, Gladstone Import and Export Trade Company.


From afar, the thundering sound of horse hooves crescendoed as Gladstone sped on horseback, skillfully slowing his pace as he drew near his destination.


The servant responsible for parking the guests' vehicles in front of the door recognized the approaching figure and hurriedly stepped forward to take the reins from Gladstone as he dismounted.


Without much explanation, Gladstone, having removed his leather gloves, asked, "Is my father in?"


"He's inside, but he mentioned he has to visit the port authority later."


"The port authority? Is the morning meeting over?"


"It just ended not too long ago. You can see the fresh wheel tracks left by the departing guests; those are still fresh."


"Don't hurry with the carriage, I'll go have a chat with him first."


Having said that, Gladstone stuffed his gloves into the servant's hand and then rushed up the steps toward the third floor.


Chapter 289: Gladstone's Family Ethical Drama