The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 523 - 274 Don’t Flirt Here_2

Faraday, seeing Arthur so angry, hurriedly placated him, "Arthur, don’t be so agitated. There is no enmity between Viscount Melbourne and me, and it’s not about the money. I’m not short of money. I don’t have the trouble of paying rent, as the Royal Society has provided me with a free two-bedroom suite, and in addition, I receive an annual salary of 80 pounds. If I want to start new research, the Royal Society would also subsidize some of the material costs. I’m the son of a blacksmith, my father could never have imagined his son living the life I have now. I live better than most people, and I’m truly very satisfied materially."

Upon hearing this, Arthur feigned surprise, "Ah... You... So your conflict with Viscount Melbourne has nothing to do with money?"

Faraday was also taken aback, "Because of money? Arthur, what do you think caused the conflict between us?"

Arthur, pretending to be embarrassed, said, "I... I just feel that the subsidy of three hundred pounds doesn’t match your worth at all. If the Parliament doesn’t want to give a subsidy, they can choose not to, but if they do, they should give you at least three thousand pounds a year."

Faraday was amused and exasperated by Arthur’s words, "Arthur, three hundred pounds and three thousand pounds are the same to me. I do not lack money, nor do I want to accept a subsidy from the government. They should use the money where it’s more needed. As for Viscount Melbourne, what I need from him is not three hundred pounds, but a formal and dignified apology."

As soon as Faraday finished speaking, Arthur immediately cut in, guiding the conversation, "Just an apology to forgive Viscount Melbourne, wouldn’t that be letting him off too easily?"

Faraday tried to appease him, "Arthur, you’re taking this too seriously. From start to finish, this has always been a matter of an apology. Viscount Melbourne must reflect on his arrogant attitude. Besides that, I need nothing else."

Red Devil, hearing this, laughed so hard his thigh was slapping, "The dam has willingly opened a crack, looks like the eel is about to slip through."

Eyeing him, Arthur then thumped his chest, assuring Faraday, "Rest assured, although I don’t carry the same weight as you in the scientific community, or even at Scotland Yard, where I am just an insignificant little policeman, but I will certainly relay your message to Viscount Melbourne. He either apologizes to you or he accepts my resignation. Either way, he must choose one."

With that, Arthur didn’t give Faraday a chance to retain him, and he strode energetically out of the laboratory.

Behind him, only Faraday’s voice trying to prevent him lingered, "Arthur, don’t be rash, it’s really not that big a deal!"

Arthur jogged all the way, his neck bandage bouncing up and down.

It wasn’t until he’d run a good distance that he stopped under a large tree and pulled out his pipe to put in his mouth.

The sound of the match striking the phosphorus rang out, followed by a series of inhalations and exhalations, as thin white smoke rose beneath the tree.

"Sorted."

After a couple of puffs, Arthur thought about going back to explain the situation to the Civil Servants, but just as his steps rounded the corner, he found the Civil Servants at that moment gathered around a lady, bowing and scraping as they inquired about her recent well-being.

The lady, too, seemed somewhat familiar to Arthur.

Although she was dressed in an unassuming floral dress today, the signature pigeon-blood red ring shining on her knuckles allowed Arthur to recognize her at first glance.

That was none other than Viscount Melbourne’s sister, one of Viscount Palmeston’s lovers—Mrs. Copper.

Mrs. Copper inquired, "Has Mr. Faraday agreed to reconcile?"

The Civil Servants replied, sweating profusely.

"He... We have already earnestly begged for his forgiveness, but... Mr. Faraday’s attitude is extremely stubborn, and he has no intention of compromising."

"You know, scientists usually have some quirks... which in Mr. Faraday’s case, mainly manifest in an exceptionally stubborn temper, like a mule."

Hearing this, Mrs. Copper lifted her fan to cover her mouth, her eyes full of anger, "You are simply too impertinent! How can you compare the greatest scientist in Britain and the most cultured gentleman of the Royal Society to a donkey?!"

Civil Servant Bart also realized he had misspoken and quickly apologized, "Sorry, madam! It was a poor analogy on my part, I meant to say Mr. Faraday is as stubborn as a Scot. But rest assured, we have just sent someone else to continue persuading him, and we believe our colleague will find a way."

Arthur stepped forward, just in time to speak, "Mr. Bart, it’s a good thing you didn’t compare Mr. Faraday to a Scottish mule. If I had known you held him in such regard, I would never have agreed to persuade him for you."

Seeing Arthur, Mrs. Copper was somewhat surprised, "Mr. Hastings? What are you doing here... oh, I almost forgot, besides being an upright officer, you are also a talented scientific researcher."

Arthur removed his hat and greeted her with a smile, "Good afternoon, madam. It has been awhile, and you still shine so brightly."

Mrs. Copper, seeing Arthur’s eyes glowing red, felt her irritable mood somewhat soothed.

"I am also pleased to see you again. Mr. Hastings, your grace remains as ever. They mentioned that someone else went to convince Mr. Faraday, that person entrusted with such responsibility, wouldn’t happen to be..."