Chapter 6 : Movilization Of The Army

More than a belated birthday gift, it was a symbolic compensation granted to Arthur in the face of the latent threat from Queen Victoria and the satisfaction of having achieved his own goal. Although Arthur did not openly admit it, he knew this gesture was a way to keep him under control, far from the heart of the British Empire.

On January 13, Arthur turned 17. Influenced by his father, the Duke, he celebrated this birthday discreetly, in the privacy of his family, without public festivities or grand displays. However, the tranquility of that day was deceptive. The British royal family, led by Queen Victoria and Prince Edward, was well aware of his every move.

The heir apparent, Prince Edward, who had been named Prince of Wales at a young age, had amassed considerable power over the years. Although it was not something Queen Victoria openly discussed, Arthur's birthday did not go unnoticed. In fact, it was used as an opportunity to send a clear message: Arthur was a pawn in their power game.

The 50 million pounds donated by Prince Edward were real, and Arthur had no intention of refusing them. Although 30 million came from a loan from the Bank of London, most of the bank's shares were owned by Edward himself, making the sum a disguised gift. With this money, Arthur's funds would soon reach 137 million pounds, a fortune that would place him among the richest people in the world.

Prince Edward observed with relief the look of satisfaction on Queen Victoria's face. He knew that, although he was the first in line to the throne, his position depended entirely on the Queen's favor. If she decided to revoke his title, the majority of the British people and political circles would support her without hesitation. Queen Victoria's status was unquestionable, and her influence had been key to the unification of the United Kingdom.

"Arthur, you should have become the supreme Duke of the British Empire," said Queen Victoria with a mix of firmness and melancholy. "But I will not stop you from going to remote Australia. As your grandmother, I have nothing good to give you, so I will give you 100 million pounds in compensation and industrial equipment worth 50 million pounds."

The Queen placed her hand on Arthur's head, a gesture that could be interpreted as affection or as a way to reaffirm her authority.

"Australia is a remote land," she continued. "The infrastructure is precarious, education and healthcare are insufficient. The money and equipment I give you are not for your amusement but for you to develop Australia's infrastructure, industry, education, and healthcare. It is for you and for all Australians. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Grandmother," Arthur replied solemnly. "Now that I am the Duke of Australia, I will make the development of this continent my life's goal."

The Queen nodded, satisfied.

"Although we are traveling together this time, you are going to Australia, and I am going to New Zealand. I cannot watch over and protect you all the time. You must forge your own path," she said before adding, "On behalf of the British Royal Family, I assign you a Royal Guard of 2,000 men. Their families will also follow you to Australia. If you cannot bear it, come to New Zealand to find me. Do not force yourself."

The Queen's words, though seemingly cold, resonated in Arthur's heart like a ray of sunshine on a gray day. In the more than five months he had been in this world, Queen Victoria was one of the few people who had treated him with sincerity.

March 4, 1900

The fleet, which had been preparing for over half a month, finally set sail. This time, its size had increased considerably, and the escort of guards accompanying it numbered 4,000. Half of them belonged personally to Arthur, the young protagonist whose loyalty and military prowess were already becoming legendary.

The Royal Guard, also known as the Royal Guards Division, was a private army that served exclusively the British royal family. With a history spanning hundreds of years, each of its members was an elite soldier carefully selected from the British Army. Their daily training and discipline made them far superior to regular troops, turning them into a formidable force on the battlefield.

Although the Royal Navy of the British Empire was famous worldwide, the British Army did not enjoy the same reputation. However, the combat effectiveness of the regular British troops was among the top three in Europe. Only the German and French armies slightly surpassed them, while the British Army outperformed other European nations in terms of soldier quality, weaponry, and equipment.

The Royal Guards Division, composed of five infantry regiments, two cavalry regiments, and one reserve regiment, was a cornerstone in maintaining the power of the royal family. Their combat effectiveness rivaled even that of the German elite forces, making them an indispensable tool for the crown.

The departure of the fleet was met with enthusiasm by a crowd of Londoners. Even after the ships disappeared over the horizon, the people remained at the port, reluctant to leave, as if sensing that this journey would mark a milestone in the history of the Empire.

March 14, 1900

After ten days at sea, the fleet arrived at the Suez Canal, the busiest waterway in the world and a crucial strategic point for the British Empire. The canal connected East Africa with India, Southeast Asia, and other regions, and its control was vital to maintaining British dominance over India.

Since the British Empire had taken control of the Suez Canal, it had stationed elite troops to protect it. The soldiers, aware of Queen Victoria's imminent arrival, lined up along the canal to welcome her. Arthur, who accompanied the Queen, could feel the admiration and respect the British people held for their monarch. That sentiment reflected not only pride in the Empire's achievements but also a deep recognition of the Queen who had ruled it for decades.

After reviewing the canal's garrisons alongside Queen Victoria, the fleet resumed its journey, this time heading to India. Although the official purpose of the trip was the Queen's recovery, Arthur knew that this voyage had far deeper implications. Each stop was carefully planned to reinforce the Empire's power.

The Suez Canal and India were strategic zones that the British Empire could not afford to lose. India, in particular, was known as the "jewel in the crown." Its inexhaustible labor force, strategic ports, and abundant agricultural production made it the Empire's most valuable colony. For Britain, India was more important than all its other colonial possessions combined.

The rise of the British Empire was partly due to the technological leadership achieved during the Industrial Revolution, but also to the vast territorial expansion and resources obtained through colonization. India was the heart of that empire, and Arthur knew it.

The next stop would be Australia, a territory that, in the future, would be under Arthur's control. Queen Victoria's decision to stop there was no coincidence: it was a warning to local forces, a demonstration of power reminding everyone who ruled those territories.

Finally, the fleet would arrive at Whakaari Island in New Zealand, completing a journey that would not only reinforce British control over its colonies but also solidify Arthur's legacy as one of the Empire's most promising leaders.