Chapter 21 : A special gift

"Very well, my son," Queen Victoria tenderly stroked Arthur's forehead and, with a smile, asked him, "Do you have any preliminary plans for the development of Australia? Do you have sufficient funds?"

"Grandmother, I believe the most important thing for Australia at this moment is to develop our basic industries and improve education. Compared to European countries, Australia is lagging behind in every aspect. We need a drastic improvement in our most basic industrial capacity. Industry and other sectors require a massive training of talent before they can advance. That's why education is a vital link that we must strengthen," Arthur explained, pausing for a moment to reflect.

This was a plan Arthur had been contemplating for some time. Developing advanced industrial systems in Australia within a short period was simply unfeasible.

First, Australia's basic industries were terribly underdeveloped. Second, there was a critical shortage of skilled labor, and they lacked the necessary conditions to implement advanced industries.

Rather than aiming for overly ambitious goals, Arthur thought it best to focus on consolidating basic industries and strengthening the education system in the short term.

Once the initial steps were well underway, they could begin building advanced technological industries and close the gap with European powers.

"Well said, Arthur. I'm glad to see you haven't been carried away by temporary success or excessive ambition. Even if we had abundant financial resources, Australia couldn't achieve the development of European powers in just five years. However, through the gradual accumulation of basic industries, strengthening talent through education, and attracting European migrants, there is hope that Australia will renew itself within a decade." Queen Victoria nodded with satisfaction and added proudly, "It's a good plan. You have a sensible vision."

"The current environment is favorable for you, Arthur. To the west, the British Empire offers a strong support network, and to the east, the vast Pacific Ocean serves as a natural shield. Neither the Qing Dynasty nor Japan has any reason to attack you. Under these conditions, you have the time you need to develop without haste," Queen Victoria continued as she walked, holding Arthur's hand.

Arthur nodded firmly. Queen Victoria was right. Australia was in a golden stage of development. From its strategic geographical location to its vast mineral resources, Australia had the potential to become a powerful nation.

The only thing relatively lacking was a large population, but that could be resolved by attracting immigrants, especially since Europe was embroiled in a whirlwind of wars, causing a significant migration abroad.

In short, Australia undoubtedly had great development potential. As long as its rulers made wise decisions, the country could rank among the great powers within a few decades.

"Are you still living in the government building?" Queen Victoria suddenly asked.

When the queen visited Australia, both she and Arthur resided on the upper floor of Government House. Although the apartment was simply decorated, it was still modest, which did not match the status of Duke Arthur.

After acquiring over 200 million pounds in assets and ruling an entire country, the building was beginning to feel too small for his growing stature.

"That's right, Grandmother. Even you live in such a common residence. For me, living there is still important," Arthur replied with a smile.

Arthur understood what Queen Victoria was trying to convey. Now that he had power and great wealth, it seemed natural to build a palace. However, in the short term, he had no plans to do so. Even a simple palace would require a significant investment.

Moreover, due to the lack of infrastructure and the underdevelopment of basic industries in Australia, even a modest palace would take years to build.

Building a palace at this time could be counterproductive. Arthur had just promised to invest in the country's development, and now he was starting to spend exorbitant sums on a personal residence. Even though they were his own resources, it could lead to disappointment among some Australians.

The most sensible thing was to allocate all funds to the development of Australia and wait until the country was stronger. That way, when the palace was finally built, Australians would not only not oppose it but would see it as something natural.

"Well, that's exactly what I wanted to tell you. Although you now possess over 200 million pounds, surpassing even the Royal Families of some European countries, once these funds are allocated to the vast needs of national development, you'll find they are only a fraction of what's necessary. You've gained a lot of reputation in Australia, which is positive, but you must not lose it easily." Queen Victoria looked at Arthur with satisfaction, now a young man who towered over her, and added with a touch of emotion, "I've worried about you for so long, but now it seems you've truly become a capable ruler. I'm very proud of you, and your father would be too if he knew all this."

Arthur didn't respond, but he squeezed Queen Victoria's hand more firmly.

As often happens, happy moments are fleeting. While Queen Victoria and Arthur were walking, the sun began to set without them noticing. By the time they realized, it was already late.

"Alright, Arthur, let's leave it here. I know you have much to do in Australia, and I'm still young, so you don't need to stay with me all the time." Queen Victoria gave Arthur a final pat on the hand and smiled.

"Grandmother," Arthur showed a slight reluctance. He had hoped to stay on Whakaari Island a few more days to accompany Queen Victoria, but he didn't expect her to dismiss him so soon.

"Good boy, return to Australia. Always remember that, as a ruler, the welfare of the country must be your priority, not your emotions." Queen Victoria stroked Arthur's forehead and gave him her final advice.

"Yes, Grandmother, I understand," Arthur nodded with determination and bid farewell to Queen Victoria, ready to fulfill his destiny.

At the port, as Arthur prepared to board the ship, Princess Beatrice approached and handed him a suitcase.

"Arthur, this is what your grandmother asked me to give you. She said you'll need its contents in the future, but she warned me not to let you use it for at least five years, not even for her sake." Princess Beatrice handed him the suitcase with seriousness.

Arthur took it silently, and without further words, he headed towards the ship, the weight of his future on his shoulders.