Chapter 4 : The Queen's Decision

"I understand, Arthur. I agree that you should go, but not now." Queen Victoria remained silent for a long while, then nodded with difficulty and spoke those words with a mix of firmness and sadness.

"Thank you, Grandmother." Arthur finally let out a sigh of relief upon hearing this and looked at Queen Victoria with gratitude, though deep inside, a sense of unease about what lay ahead still lingered.

"Once we've resolved all the issues of this period, I will accompany you to visit Australia!" Queen Victoria suddenly spoke, her words echoing unexpectedly through the room.

"You're going to Australia?" Arthur was momentarily stunned. He then remembered that Queen Victoria had visited the small Isle of Wight, south of England, in late 1900—a place where she often sought refuge to reminisce about the good times she had shared with Prince Albert and their children. That trip had been a final attempt to relive the happy days before death separated them.

"Yes." Queen Victoria seemed lost in beautiful memories. It took her a moment to regain her composure. She looked at Arthur and said with a melancholic smile, "Then your grandmother can accompany Arthur for a while. Perhaps I won't see you again in the future."

When Arthur heard Queen Victoria say this, he felt a lump in his throat. His eyes burned, but he forced himself to hold back the tears. He couldn't show weakness, not now.

"No, Grandmother. You can stay with Arthur for a long time. You'll live to be at least a hundred," Arthur said quickly, trying to hide the fear that gripped him.

In truth, when Queen Victoria traveled to the Isle of Wight, she was already aware of her declining health. Yet, she had decided to make that journey to honor the memory of her husband and children. Now, after experiencing the pain of losing a loved one once more, she seemed to have accepted that her health was not what it used to be. Perhaps that was why she planned to return to the island, seeking a dignified end to her life.

"Haha, that's wonderful, Grandmother. I wish you a long life," Arthur said, forcing a smile. Queen Victoria nodded but did not refute his words. However, her slightly sad eyes and trembling hands betrayed that she did not share his optimism.

"Arthur, are you really going to Australia?" After regaining her composure, Queen Victoria looked at him seriously. "You must understand that Australia is not like the United Kingdom. It used to be a place where our criminals were exiled. Although that's no longer the case, there are still many Australians who are not obedient. If you want to go there, you must be prepared at all times. The people are not docile. You must hold on to your weapons and wealth to ensure that you and your loved ones come to no harm."

"Yes, I'm ready, Grandmother," Arthur replied solemnly, clenching his fists. He knew this would not be an easy journey, but he was determined to prove his worth.

"Very well, Arthur." Queen Victoria gently touched his head. "I will tell the Government to exchange all the territories you've inherited with Australia, and your title will be changed to Duke of Australia. Of course, if you can't bear life there, your grandmother will always welcome you back."

"Thank you, Grandmother," Arthur nodded, grateful but acutely aware of the immense responsibility he had just taken on.

Queen Victoria acted swiftly. The next day, the British Government issued a statement announcing that several Australian colonies would be merged into the Duchy of Australia, governed by Arthur. The titles he had inherited from his father were returned to the British Empire.

At first glance, the exchange seemed like a significant loss for Arthur. His two original duchies, though not vast in territory, were located in the heart of the Empire. Australia, on the other hand, was a vast but underdeveloped colony, with a sparse population and a backward economy. Even after unification, it would take decades to reach the level of prosperity of his former lands.

Although the government and the British public were surprised by the exchange, many understood the decision upon recalling the recent assassination of Arthur's father, Duke Arthur. The shadow of betrayal and war loomed over the family, and Australia seemed to be both a refuge and a potential battlefield.

January 31, 1900.

Twenty days had passed since the territorial exchange, and everyone seemed to have accepted the new reality, including Queen Victoria and Arthur. During that time, the Queen had spent hours caring for Princesses Louise, Margaret, and Patricia, while Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward visited her frequently. However, Arthur knew his departure was imminent. Australia awaited him, and with it, a destiny that could define not only his life but the future of the Empire.

Perhaps because he knew he would have no trouble inheriting the throne after Arthur's territorial exchange, Crown Prince Edward was unusually kind to him. He even promised to sponsor Arthur with a considerable sum of money when he departed for his new territory. However, behind this apparent generosity lay a power play that Arthur could not see. Queen Victoria, with her characteristic shrewdness, had deliberately hidden the truth: the man behind his father's assassination was none other than his own uncle, Crown Prince Edward.

Despite everything, Arthur would not refuse Edward's gift. He needed that money. The development of Australia, the territory he now controlled, would require a massive investment and Herculean effort. Although Arthur had the potential to secure significant funds in the future, he knew it would not be easy to gather such an amount in a short time. For now, his priority was to consolidate his power in Australia before thinking about any unexpected wealth.

Twenty days after intense preparations, Queen Victoria made an announcement that shook the Royal Family and the British Government: she had decided to retire to Whakaari Island in New Zealand to recover from her exhaustion. The news sent political shockwaves through the Empire. Since the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Victoria had lived through long periods of seclusion, but her presence had always been a pillar of stability. Although she had reappeared in public in recent years, celebrating her reign's anniversaries with great pomp, her temporary retirement was a worrying sign.

Queen Victoria was not just a symbolic figure; she was the heart of the British Empire. Her influence extended beyond political borders, reaching deep into the souls of her subjects. Her reign, marked by the expansion and splendor of the Empire, had made her a symbol of unity and power. Her absence, even if temporary, left a void that no one else could fill.

This phenomenon was not new. Generations later, Queen Elizabeth II would also demonstrate how a long reign could elevate the prestige of the monarchy and solidify its place in the hearts of the people. But in the Victorian Era, with the British Empire at its peak, Victoria's figure was even more significant. Her retirement to Whakaari Island was not just a personal act but a strategic move that could alter the balance of power within the Empire.

Meanwhile, Arthur, far from the intricate power games of the court, was preparing for what would be one of the greatest battles of his life: the conquest and consolidation of Australia. He knew that Edward's money was only the first step on a path full of challenges. What he didn't know was that his uncle, the Crown Prince, was already weaving a web of intrigue that could change the fate of everyone.