The Shadow of Great Britain
Chapter 506 - 506 268 The King's Power 4K6_3

506: Chapter 268: The King’s Power (4K6)_3 506: Chapter 268: The King’s Power (4K6)_3 Louis had expected Arthur to reveal some earth-shattering secret, so this sudden twist made him burst into uncontrollable laughter, “I thought your collection of jokes about my uncle was already extensive, but it turns out you not only enjoy gathering tales about the Emperor of France but also can’t let the King of Prussia off the hook?”

Arthur replied with an innocent face, “Who knows?

Perhaps in the future, I might even add the Tsar of Russia to my collection of stories?

But when you think about it, be it kings or emperors, they’re all humans after all.

I’ve always felt everyone has a nose and two eyes, so there shouldn’t be much difference.

Louis, you might even become an emperor in the future.

Although you might not catch up to Frederick the Great, I think you’d at least be much better than Frederick I, who, after all, was hardly normal to interrupt a priest’s prayer on his deathbed.”

“Interrupt a priest’s prayer?

How did that happen?”

Arthur began, “At that time, Frederick I was about to pass away.

The court priest by his side started reciting, ‘Naked I came into this world, and naked I shall depart.’ Hearing this, Frederick I struggled out of bed and exclaimed, ‘No!

I can’t meet God completely naked; fetch my military uniform!’

Upon hearing this story, Louis laughed so hard his eyes squinted, and leaning against the window with arms crossed, he said, “Arthur, you clearly don’t hold these emperors and kings in high regard.

Despite this, why do you still reluctantly follow the commands of the King of Britain and compile that whatnot ‘Basic Sabre Technique for Policemen’?

Even though both the Emperor of France and the King of Prussia wield much greater power than the King of Britain.”

Arthur took a sip of tea and gently set down his cup, “Louis, you’ve been at Scotland Yard long enough; have you carefully looked into the ‘Metropolitan Police Act’ of 1829?”

“This…”

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Louis replied, “I remember Scotland Yard’s regulations, but I haven’t looked into the ‘Metropolitan Police Act’ in such detail.”

Arthur merely smiled and said, “No matter, I’ll recite it for you.

The first article of the ‘Metropolitan Police Act’ states: His Majesty the King has the right to establish a new police force to maintain safety in and around London.

His Majesty can appoint two individuals as leaders of the police force, under the direct supervision of a government minister in managing the police force.”

“Hmm…” Louis frowned, “Is there anything special about that?”

Arthur shook his head slightly, rose to his feet, and patted Louis on the shoulder, “This article isn’t particularly special, but it clearly explains a principle and logically sets it in the ‘Greater London Police Department’s regulations’ overview.

Legally, the Greater London Police Department and its subordinate London Metropolitan Police force pledge allegiance only to the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, not under direct government control.”

“As for the Home Secretary, he can manage Scotland Yard because he was temporarily appointed by His Majesty the King as the highest administrative officer of the Greater London Police Department.

Hence, my obedience in drafting the ‘Basic Sabre Technique Training Manual for the Police Force’ has nothing to do with whose esteem I hold in regard, as my duty is solely to be accountable to the source of my authority.”

Upon hearing this, Louis was first stunned, then thoughtful, stroking his chin, and after a moment, he smiled, “Interesting.”

Arthur returned the smile, “There are many interesting things in this world; this is just one of them.

I’ve said it before, even His Majesty the King of Britain is not as weak as you might think.

It is just that in Britain, His Majesty and our Cabinet have developed a subtle balance over the last half-century, and hence are generally reluctant to exercise their powers.”

Louis opened the window and took a deep breath, “Arthur, I always gain something new from our conversations.

But enough of that, over at the Royal Society, when you borrowed the demonstration equipment from Faraday, didn’t you promise to submit a paper?

How’s that coming along?

I was planning to head there today; should I take it along for you?”