Chapter 20 : Conversation on the beach

Arthur wanted to ask a few more questions, but when he saw Queen Victoria, supported by Princess Beatrice, seated in a special wheelchair and slowly making her way toward him, he tactfully closed his mouth.

Although the Queen's fragile health was well-known throughout the British Empire, speaking of her illness in her presence would only make her uncomfortable—or worse.

"Come, Arthur. This is the perfect moment to enjoy the sea view, and the weather is ideal." Queen Victoria seemed to be in good spirits. Pushed by Princess Beatrice, she approached Arthur and smiled at him.

"Very well, Grandmother," Arthur replied obediently.

The weather had been relatively cold earlier, and though Queen Victoria had arrived on the island of Whakaari, she didn't seem to enjoy the sea view much. She had only glanced at it briefly before spending most of her time inside the mansion.

Although the mansion had been the home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, it didn't hold the same nostalgic value for her as the beach. In her heart, her sweetest memories were tied to another place.

Under the fiery red sunset, the waves crashed against the rocks, sending up foam and creating a beautiful rainbow under the sun. It was here that Queen Victoria had shared happy moments with Prince Albert and several of their children.

Perhaps because she was returning to her former home, Queen Victoria seemed much better than when she had been confined to her hospital bed. Not only did her face show a faint blush, but her complexion had also improved noticeably.

"Arthur, come, walk with me." Queen Victoria rose from her wheelchair, extended her hand to Arthur, and began to slowly make her way toward the beach that stretched out before her.

As Queen Victoria walked toward the beach, her feet sank into the sand. Each step must have been exhausting, but she seemed to relax with every one.

Arthur hurried to help her stay steady.

Grandmother and grandson wandered aimlessly along the beach, without the support of servants or the watchful eyes of guards.

"Arthur, there is something my heart has held onto for a long time. I've thought about it deeply, and I feel I must tell you." After a long silence, Queen Victoria finally spoke.

"Grandmother, go ahead. Arthur is listening." Arthur nodded solemnly, smiling at Queen Victoria.

Arthur knew that even if Queen Victoria kept things from him, she always did so with his well-being in mind.

"Arthur, your father's murder was investigated long ago, but because it involves royal family secrets, it was never made public. In fact, only I know the results of the investigation." Queen Victoria paused, turned to look at him, and said gravely, "Do you know what the motive was?"

Arthur shook his head. Aside from the properties and territories he had inherited from his father, he held no power in Britain. That's why it had been nearly impossible for him to uncover who had killed Duke Arthur in such a short time.

"Ah!" Seeing Arthur's response, Queen Victoria sighed deeply and added with regret, "Your father was killed by your uncle Edward's forces. The reason I never told you before was because I feared you might lose your composure upon learning the truth, and I also feared for your life, which could be in danger once again. I could only hide it from you for a time. I've lied to you for so long... don't blame me, my dear, will you?"

Arthur was stunned for a moment. Then, regaining his breath, he said firmly, "No, Grandmother. How could I blame you? I know everything you did was for my sake. If that was the only way to protect me, the truth was better left unrevealed."

Seeing that Arthur didn't blame her, Queen Victoria lovingly stroked his forehead and continued, "When I learned the truth, I wanted to immediately strip Edward of his title and support you as the heir. But reason told me I couldn't do that. First, removing a crown prince without cause would only tarnish the royal family's prestige and could jeopardize its very existence. Second, Edward's power is deeply entrenched in the United Kingdom, and I couldn't uproot it just for you. Under those circumstances, even if you were to inherit the throne in the future, I fear you wouldn't be able to hold your ground after my death. Fortunately, your proposal to go to Australia was a blessing in disguise, as it allowed you to escape the danger, and that brings me some relief."

Arthur was deeply moved by her words. Despite her greater influence in the United Kingdom, Queen Victoria knew she couldn't remove the crown prince at will.

The mere fact that Queen Victoria had considered removing Edward under such circumstances showed how much she cared for Arthur.

"Unfortunately, all of this is because of that cursed throne, but I remember my father telling me over and over that he had no interest in that damned throne." Arthur also sighed with a hint of helplessness.

In Arthur's hazy memory, he recalled how his father, Duke Arthur, had always been affectionate toward him and had repeatedly stated in public and private that he wanted nothing to do with the throne.

The truth was that Crown Prince Edward had been blinded by power and interests, choosing to ignore family ties.

But if Duke Arthur hadn't died, if Arthur had wished to inherit the title, he would have had to wait until the duke abdicated, or he could only obtain the title through war.

No matter the path he took, once the title was his, it would already be too late to develop.

"Arthur, I hope you can let go of the hatred and focus your efforts on developing Australia. Nowadays, Edward has the support of many nobles and British forces, and his ascension to the throne seems inevitable. Compared to the British Empire, Australia is like an egg hitting a rock. Edward will face the consequences, but I hope you don't let yourself be dragged into the vortex of hatred. What's most important now is that you take care of your mother and sisters." Queen Victoria sighed and, with a firm gaze, solemnly told Arthur.

Seeing Arthur's face, almost identical to that of her beloved son, Queen Victoria feared he might fall into the spiral of hatred. She knew that opposing the British Empire was a losing battle, but she still wished to provoke Edward.

"I know, Grandmother. I won't do anything irrational. Now that I am the Duke of Australia, my only goal is to develop Australia." Arthur nodded and spoke with determination.