Chapter 21: A Special Gift
"That's good, my child."
Queen Victoria affectionately patted Arthur's forehead again and asked with a smile,
"Do you have any initial plans for Australia's development? And do you have enough funding?"
"Grandmother, I believe the most important things for Australia right now are to develop basic industry and education. Compared to European countries, Australia is weak in all aspects and urgently needs to strengthen its industrial foundation. But both industry and other sectors require a large pool of skilled people to grow. That's why education is also an essential priority," Arthur replied after some thought.
This had been part of Arthur's plan from the beginning. In the short term, it was simply impossible to develop advanced industries in Australia.
First, the country's basic industry was extremely underdeveloped. Second, it lacked the talent and infrastructure necessary for advanced development.
Instead of aiming too high, Arthur chose to focus on foundational industry and education first.
Once early-stage development showed results after a few years, he could shift toward building high-tech industries and catching up with Europe.
"Arthur, I'm very pleased to see that you haven't become overconfident or arrogant after early success. Even with significant funding, Australia won't be able to match Europe's development within five years.
But with investment in basic industry, cultivation of talent through education, and attracting immigrants and skilled workers from Europe, there's hope that Australia could be completely transformed in ten years," Queen Victoria nodded in approval, clearly comforted.
"For you, Australia is also in a very favorable position. The British Empire lies to the west, the vast Pacific Ocean to the east. Neither the Qing Dynasty nor the island nations to the north are likely to act against you. This gives you ample time to develop," Queen Victoria continued as she walked slowly, holding Arthur's hand.
Arthur nodded repeatedly. The Queen was right—Australia was indeed entering a golden era for development.
Geographically and in terms of natural resources, the country had every potential to become a powerful nation.
The only major weakness was population, but that too could be solved by encouraging immigration, especially now as war loomed in Europe and people sought to emigrate.
All things considered, Australia was one of the most promising nations of the time.
As long as its leadership didn't make major strategic mistakes, it was only a matter of time before Australia joined the ranks of global powers.
"You're still living in that government building, aren't you?" Queen Victoria suddenly asked.
Previously, during her visit to Australia, she and Arthur had been housed in the top floor of the administrative building.
Though modestly redecorated, it was still too plain and unbefitting of Arthur's ducal status.
Now that Arthur held over £200 million in wealth and ruled a country, the building felt even more out of place.
"That's right, Grandmother. But even you're living in such a humble manor—me living in that building doesn't seem too excessive," Arthur said with a smile.
He knew what Queen Victoria was getting at. Now that he held power and had funding, it would seem natural to build himself a palace.
But Arthur had no intention of doing so in the short term.
Even a modest palace would require significant funds.
Given Australia's poor infrastructure, even a small palace would take a long time to build.
More importantly, a new palace would immediately draw the attention of the entire country.
Arthur had just publicly vowed to focus all resources on developing Australia.
If he suddenly started spending lavishly on his personal residence, it would disappoint the people—even if it came from his private funds.
Better to invest everything into national development for now.
Then, once the country was more stable and prosperous, reclaiming a portion of the funds to build a palace would be seen as completely justified—maybe even welcomed.
"Exactly what I wanted to tell you. Though it looks like you have over £200 million, more than the royal families of some European nations, once you start pouring it into Australia's bottomless development needs, you'll find it's only a drop in the ocean.
Your popularity in Australia is a great asset—don't lose it lightly,"
Queen Victoria nodded again with approval. Looking at the young man, now taller than herself, she added with emotion,
"I used to worry about you constantly, but now I see you've begun to grow into a true leader. Arthur, I'm proud of you. If your father could see all this, he would be too."
Arthur didn't respond in words—he simply held her hand more firmly.
Happy moments always pass quickly.
As they wandered the beach, talking and pausing along the way, the afternoon slipped by in the blink of an eye.
By the time they realized it, the sun was already sinking below the horizon.
"That's enough for today, Arthur. I know there's still much waiting for you in Australia. Grandmother isn't dying just yet—you don't need to stay with me all day," Queen Victoria said, patting his hand with a smile.
"Grandmother..."
Arthur felt a pang of reluctance. He had planned to stay a few extra days on Whakaari Island, but she was already urging him to go after just a few hours.
"Go back, my dear boy. No matter what, remember this: never let emotion cloud your judgment.
As the ruler of a nation, the country must always come first,"
Queen Victoria said as she touched his forehead, her voice full of care and seriousness.
"Yes, Grandmother. I understand," Arthur nodded firmly, taking his final leave from her.
At the harbor.
As Arthur stepped onto the ship preparing to return to Australia, Princess Beatrice arrived with a suitcase and said,
"Arthur, this is from your grandmother. She said what's inside is something you'll need in the future—but she also made me promise to warn you:
Do not open or use what's inside for at least five years, not even out of curiosity. Do it for her sake."
(End of Chapter)
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