The Greatest Showman - Chapter 1516: The Choice Puzzle

Everyone has their responsibilities and obligations, and the nobility is no exception.

After the Earl of Oxford's grand banquet, the London upper class underwent profound changes, but the Hall family's long-standing heritage, social status, and extensive network of contacts remained. These aspects, however, demand an heir—someone to inherit them. This is both the responsibility and the obligation of the Hall family, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Though George and Elizabeth are still in their prime, continuing to enjoy the privileges of aristocracy, their relationship with Renly has become irreparably strained. The influence of the noble class has faded, and after the passage of time, their reemergence onto the social scene might not bode well for the Hall family.

Thus arises a question: Should George and Elizabeth continue their family's legacy, or should the next generation take the reins?

The upper class has already made its decision: it is time for Elf and Arthur to take their place in society.

Over the years, Renly's influence has been pervasive, and the Hall family is no exception. The changes in Elf and Arthur are now palpable. While Elf has never spoken to Renly—or, more accurately, to anyone—Arthur can sense her internal conflict. Ever since the Earl of Oxford's banquet, Elf has been caught in a personal struggle, a silent conflict that no one knows about, yet one that undeniably exists.

But in the end, decisions must be made. Elf's character has never been one for indecisiveness.

Elf made her choice: to assume the responsibility of the Hall family and become its new spokesperson.

As a full-time doctor, Elf's work is demanding and arduous. Without needing to ask, one can understand how much she has sacrificed. It may even be more than imagined. For this reason, she has always been absent from many social gatherings, and the upper class is well aware of her dedication to her profession.

Now, for the sake of the Hall family's honor, Elf must make difficult choices and sacrifices, most likely even forgoing her career. Yet, she remains resolute. If she has any doubts, she hides them well from Arthur.

As Arthur pointed out, Renly and Elf are strikingly similar. Both have paid an unimaginable price for their perseverance. Their determination and decisiveness go far beyond what others can fathom.

The only difference is that Renly chose himself, while Elf chose the family. From childhood to adulthood, this dynamic has remained unchanged. As a result, Renly and Elf will never coexist harmoniously. Their recent conversation—cold, polite, distant—serves as the perfect proof: like two strangers, they are unable to connect.

Even though Elf has a special love for drama, in front of family and duty, all personal feelings must be set aside. Renly, however, is different.

It is not a matter of right or wrong—it is simply a matter of choice. Elf and Renly have chosen different paths, each choosing a different form of protection.

Arthur and Edith are not so different. They, too, have their struggles, burdens, and concerns. Edith, for instance, was trapped in London for over a month because of her nanny, Denise. Arthur, on the other hand, has always been shackled by the expectations of being the heir to the title. He has never been able to truly be himself.

Arthur has a carefree, wanton personality. He enjoys attending various parties, where the socializing and laughter allow him to feel relaxed and joyful. He also enjoys navigating different networks, where the drudgery of managing contacts offers him a certain satisfaction, a pleasure in strategizing.

If he could, Arthur would trade it all to simply be a party planner, free from the weight of family obligations. He would live without worrying about the reputation and legacy of the Hall family. He would be free to stand as himself.

But he cannot. Because he is Arthur Hall, the future Lord Hall.

Arthur knows better than anyone that without the advantages of his family's connections, he would have nothing. The convenience his surname provides is irreplaceable. More than that, he cannot simply give it up—he cannot escape his role.

His life has been mapped out for him since birth. He cannot act rashly. He cannot make mistakes. He cannot even have his own thoughts. Even when he feels suffocated, he cannot break free. For Arthur, the concept of freedom and dreams was doomed to vanish the moment he was born.

Some have wondered why European aristocrats often seek vacations abroad, even choosing remote, exotic places. It's not about morality or patriarchy; they simply wish to escape, to flee from their suffocating lives. No one says it's right, but it's the only form of resistance they have.

Thus, the British upper class is more tolerant of such behaviors. Take the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, for example. Camilla had long been part of the picture, even tacitly. Over time, Princess Diana began to resist this, and her resistance grew stronger.

Arthur envied Renly—not because of his talent or achievements, but because Renly had freedom.

Renly could breathe freely, run freely, and imagine freely. He knew what he wanted, so he pursued it. As for Arthur, he has no idea what he wants—or even what he doesn't want. He is like a marionette, trapped in a life dictated by others.

Sometimes, Arthur wonders if he enjoys the parties so much because they are a way to hide his loneliness in the crowd.

Unlike Elf, who is decisive, and Renly, who is reckless, Arthur remains trapped in his own self-imposed cage. Only he remains bound by these invisible chains.

A small gasp at the Cannes Film Festival lifted Arthur's spirits for a moment. Today, he agreed to meet with Renly, hoping Renly would assign him responsibilities for the Venice Film Festival. Arthur was prepared to prove himself.

But then, Elf appeared.

Elf reminded Arthur, "You are Lord Hall. You know your responsibilities."

As the heir to the title of Baron Hall, Elf wants Arthur to step up, to take responsibility, before George and Elizabeth reclaim their position.

Although Elf didn't use harsh words, the quiet weight of her statement pressed heavily on Arthur's chest. It felt like he was drowning, desperately needing something to hold onto.

Arthur's eyes turned to Renly, filled with despair. "What should I do?"

Renly had no answer.

Arthur searched Renly's eyes for a glimmer of hope, but he found nothing. The despair weighed heavily on him.

With a bitter smile, Arthur thought of when Renly was forced out of New York. Was Renly more angry or desperate then? But the memory was blank—Arthur couldn't recall it. Perhaps he never cared. It was just a fleeting moment, something he dismissed and forgot.

This is their life. So, what does Arthur want now? What can he ask for?

Renly sat quietly, sensing something was amiss with Arthur. He couldn't know the pain Arthur was enduring, but he understood that this was how nobles handle things—cold, detached, objective. Renly had always maintained this distance, telling himself it was the right way to act.

Yet, in the end, Renly couldn't keep up the facade. He couldn't stand by, not this time. Perhaps he had never truly been a noble.

"You know my answer," Renly said quietly.

Arthur, who had been drowning in despair, suddenly felt a glimmer of hope. He raised his head, staring at Renly, bewildered and confused.

Renly exhaled. "I'm not you, Arthur. Our situations are different. But you should know my answer. It's the same as it always has been—and will be. And now, you're not asking for my advice because you want it. You're asking because you've already made a decision. You just need the courage to move forward."

Arthur slowly came to his senses. He savored Renly's words, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. It wasn't the answer he had hoped for, but it was the answer he had expected. Renly didn't hide it. He didn't wear a mask. He simply stared at Arthur, laid bare in his pain and vulnerability.

Arthur's smile widened, but it was sad and resigned. He looked at Renly, his younger brother across the table. "Renly, you know you're an asshole, right?"