Chapter 19: Bad News from the Queen
New Zealand, Whakaari Island.
The first session of the Lower House had gone smoothly, but it did little to lift Arthur's spirits. News had come from Queen Victoria's side—Her Majesty's health was worsening rapidly. It was said she might not survive until winter.
Arthur had anticipated this outcome, yet he still found it difficult to accept.
In recent years, Queen Victoria's health had been deteriorating. Some governmental duties had already been transferred to the crown prince.
And after enduring the grief of losing yet another son, though she outwardly appeared strong, Arthur knew very well that the death of Duke Arthur had been a heavy blow.
What had kept her going all this time—aside from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—was the memory of Prince Albert and her deceased children. That was also why she had insisted on traveling all the way to Whakaari Island.
Upon hearing the news, Arthur urgently dispatched a warship to visit her on the island.
After a long two-day voyage, he finally arrived at Queen Victoria's residence.
Waiting to greet him was Princess Beatrice, Arthur's aunt.
Her eyes were red with tears as she said to him, "Arthur, go on in. Your grandmother is waiting for you."
Arthur entered the modestly decorated room and immediately saw Queen Victoria lying on the bed.
She was visibly thinner than when they had last parted; her eyes were sunken, and she looked a decade older.
"Arthur! My child, come to Grandmother," the Queen exclaimed, delighted upon seeing him enter.
"Grandmother!" Arthur responded, stepping forward and taking her wrinkled hands in his own.
"How have you been in Australia, Arthur? Are you adjusting well?"
She gently touched his forehead, smiling as she asked.
"I'm doing very well, Grandmother. Thanks to the Royal Guards you gave me, I was able to smoothly take control of all of Australia.
Under my guidance, we've established a dual monarchy system of government. The Lower House has been elected, and we're preparing for the cabinet elections now," Arthur replied with a smile.
"A dual monarchy, is it? Aren't there any opponents in your government?"
Queen Victoria asked with some surprise upon hearing the term.
"As of now, there aren't. The former colonial premiers didn't control the military, and I appointed them as interim cabinet members.
So far, no one has openly opposed the new governmental structure," Arthur said seriously after thinking for a moment.
"And the Royal Guards—you left them all in Australia?" the Queen asked again.
"Yes, Grandmother. While I've earned the support of most Australians through my speeches and reforms, I kept the Royal Guards there just in case," Arthur nodded.
"Good. Very good. As a ruler, you must never let down your guard—even in times of peace.
Your reforms going so smoothly is both a blessing and a curse. Everything may look perfect now, but no one knows when or where opposition might rise,"
Queen Victoria nodded approvingly, finally concluding her string of questions.
"You arrived just in time, Arthur. A new group of servants arrived from the mainland recently.
You, Louise, and the girls will need more help living in Australia.
When you return, take some of the cooks, doctors, and servants with you. As the ruler and royal family of Australia, don't let yourselves appear too humble,"
the Queen said with sudden thoughtfulness.
"Yes, Grandmother."
Seeing her concern, Arthur could not bring himself to refuse.
"Grandmother, how has your health been lately?"
Arthur quickly changed the subject to express his concern.
"As you can see, Arthur. I'm old, and I don't move around well anymore.
I thought I'd take a stroll to the beach, but I barely made it past the garden before I ran out of strength—and my legs won't stop aching.
But maybe it's for the best. Perhaps I'll get to see your grandfather and your father a bit sooner,"
the Queen said with a sigh, then gave a faint, ironic smile.
"Please don't say that, Grandmother. I'm sure you'll live to be a hundred. When that day comes, I'll bring your great-grandchildren to see you again,"
Arthur quickly interrupted her gloomy thoughts, trying to lift her spirits.
"Heh..."
Queen Victoria chuckled softly and shook her head, but didn't press the topic further.
"Grandmother, may I take you for a walk around the island? A little fresh air might help ease your mind and body."
Arthur stood up, intending to take her outside to clear her head.
"Alright, let's go to West Beach. Albert and Arthur both liked it there,"
Queen Victoria surprisingly agreed, smiling as she nodded.
While Princess Beatrice helped her into a wheelchair, Arthur called over the Queen's personal physician, Dr. Makoto, and quietly asked,
"Dr. Makoto, how is my grandmother's condition, really?"
Dr. Makoto looked around cautiously, then took a few steps back and whispered,
"Your Grace, Her Majesty isn't suffering from any specific illness—which, ironically, is the most troubling part.
All test results indicate that her body is simply shutting down due to age. Conservatively speaking, she may only last until autumn."
Until autumn. And it was already early June.
That meant Queen Victoria had perhaps three months left.
Though it was shorter than in recorded history, it was still a reasonable outcome, given that she had endured another round of heartbreak.
Arthur had suspected it, but hearing it spoken aloud by Dr. Makoto still made his heart sink like a stone.
"There's no treatment? No other option, Dr. Makoto?"
Arthur asked hopefully, unwilling to give up.
"I'm afraid not. Her Majesty is experiencing natural deterioration.
With the current level of medical science, we're simply out of options,"
Dr. Makoto shook his head again, letting out a heavy sigh.
(End of Chapter)
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