Russia, Saint Petersburg, along the Moika River, not far from the British Embassy near the Winter Palace.
Arthur sat in his office chair, arms crossed, with a pipe in his mouth, his eyes fixed on the velvet-adorned brocade box on the desk.
A second-class Saint Anna Medal, embedded with red enamel and gold, lay quietly inside, the golden sword decoration and ribbon adding more gravity and glory to its already luxurious appearance.
Upon seeing this medal, Arthur couldn't help but recall the scene from last night where the Tsar awarded him the medal.
The Tsar appeared in black military dress adorned with gold embroidery, and with a slight lift of his hand, he could halt the music and draw everyone's attention.
The Tsar took the medal from the golden tray and personally pinned it onto Arthur's chest, with a meticulousness as if afraid to wrinkle Arthur's fine clothes. Such a gentle demeanor and action almost made one forget his nickname was actually 'the Stick'.
