The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur jokingly said: "Perhaps I should call you General, after all, you are a Major General in the Polish Army."

"Being a Major General is certainly an honor," Ramorino replied. "However, I prefer you call me Lieutenant, Lieutenant of the Empire's artillery, which is my rank in the Italian Corps."

Arthur replied with a smile: "Lieutenant of the Empire's artillery, that is indeed a good title. But Lieutenant of the Kingdom of Italy might sound more pleasing."

Ramorino had been observing Arthur's reaction, and upon hearing Arthur's answer, he nodded slightly: "I think so too. However, achieving this with our current strength is still somewhat challenging."

Though Ramorino merely mentioned it casually, Arthur read a different meaning in his words.

A Polish General emerged from Italy, and naturally, Italy could also produce a Polish General.

The Poles suppressed by Tsarist Russia and the Italians suppressed by Austria coming together seemed very reasonable.

As if by divine intervention, a burly man emerged from the carriage soon after Arthur had this thought.

"What's the matter? Not yet negotiated?"

Garibaldi glanced at the man: "Mr. Graf Ski, no problem, we've met an old friend. Both our friend and a friend of Mr. Chopin, Sir Arthur Hastings from London."

Graf Ski paused upon hearing the name, then slapped his forehead: "Is it the British Knight who helped us publish articles in London? I heard Prince Chartoryski mention him before, and Mr. Mitskevich's 'Forefather's Eve' seems to have been released with his help."

Graf Ski approached enthusiastically. He initially wanted to give Arthur a hug but stopped when he saw Arthur's formal attire: "Hello! Joseph Graf Ski, Major and Commander of the 4th Light Cavalry Artillery Battalion of the Kingdom of Poland!"

Arthur removed his hat and returned the greeting with a smile: "The heroic charge of the Battle of Iganie, the outstanding cannonade in the Battle of Ostrołęka, I've heard Mr. Mitskevich and Mr. Chopin praise you multiple times."

Arthur's gaze swept over the three of them: "Are you three planning to attend Mr. Chopin's concert at the Paris Opera House tonight?"

"Ah… Mr. Chopin's concert should indeed not be missed, but unfortunately, we have other arrangements today."

Graf Ski explained: "But we can go together another day; Mr. Chopin gave Giuseppe and me two tickets for next Wednesday."

Upon hearing this, Garibaldi turned and asked: "Will Wednesday be possible? Didn't the French Government demand we withdraw completely from France by next Monday?"

Ramorino waved his hand: "It's fine, you and Joseph can stay. He's Polish, and since you joined recently, your name isn't even on the roster yet. Mazzini's side, I can help explain for you both, say you still have some property in Paris to settle."

"Will you explain…?"

Garibaldi scratched the side of his face: "He's not easy to talk to; he is very strict and insists on prompt execution of set plans. If he learns we stayed for a concert, he would rage."

Ramorino didn't seem to mind Mazzini's orders: "He's never been in the military or commanded any campaigns. He believes war is about drawing blueprints and shouting slogans to push Austrians out of Italy? How to transfer funds, recruit soldiers, procure weapons, embark and land forces, how many enemy troops are there, what firepower do they possess? Many aspects remain unclear. In my opinion, with our current preparations, progressing within half a year would be quite good."

Though Arthur didn't know whether Ramorino unintentionally or deliberately discussed these secrets in his presence, since Ramorino dared to speak, Arthur dared to listen.

Appearing timid now would instead make the other party suspicious.

"Sorry."

Arthur spoke: "If I understood correctly, you're planning an expedition against some Italian principality?"

Graf Ski candidly replied: "Indeed, I would prefer to initiate an expedition against Poland, but if I did that, the ones being expelled this time would be the Poles, not the Young Italy. To allow our distressed compatriots to remain peacefully in Paris, Mr. Chopin can continue playing piano at the opera house, we temporarily settle for less."

Unlike Ramorino, Graf Ski seemed genuinely to treat Arthur as one of their own.

After all, compared to the Italians, Arthur indeed made contributions in Poland's difficult times. Besides, even without labeling himself as 'Polish sympathizer,' Whitehall's esteemed members already believed it.

Since that is the case, it's better to follow through completely, as this is also a stance among Bentham's disciples.

More importantly, there are quite a few members of this faction in Parliament currently.

Seeing this, Arthur removed his hat to bid them farewell: "If so, I wish you success. I've always been your supporter, regardless of whether in London, Paris, or any other place, my stance remains consistent."

As soon as Arthur finished speaking, the eerie voice of the Red Devil reached his ear: "The same in St. Petersburg?"

"Let's discuss it then."

"Alright, let's discuss it then," Graf Ski said with a broad smile as he bid farewell: "I'll be visiting Mr. Chopin's residence this weekend; we can talk then."

Garibaldi chimed in: "Exactly, I'll be there too. You haven't finished telling us about Eld Carter last time, you surely have many tough guy tales."

Arthur watched as the three boarded a carriage with a half-broken door, seeing them disappear into the crowd, he then wiped sweat from his forehead: "I originally just lied to Louis that Young Italy was in danger, didn't expect they really plan for front-page news."

"How do you plan to explain this to that kid from the Bonaparte Family?" the Red Devil sneered: "Young Italy actually being Royalists?"

Arthur arched an eyebrow: "Words are flexibly spoken; even God can be a Royalist, why can't Young Italy?"