Chapter 23 Fantastical Reality

The middle-aged gentleman wearing a black top hat and a gold-rimmed monocle repeated his question upon seeing Arthur's lack of response.

"Excuse me, are you Police Officer Arthur Hastings?"

Arthur slowly turned around, noticing the familiar face of the other party.

"You're looking for me?"

The middle-aged gentleman smiled as he removed his white glove from his right hand and reached out to Arthur: "Not looking for you, but waiting for you."

Arthur, somewhat bewildered, took the man's hand: "Have you been waiting long for me?"

"Not long," the middle-aged gentleman smiled, "Just two days, I had thought you wouldn't return."

"Two days?" Arthur asked, "What have you been waiting for me to do?"

The middle-aged gentleman gestured to a servant behind him, and soon, a document was handed to him.

The middle-aged gentleman smiled, shaking the document in front of Arthur: "You see, I am here to deliver a letter of thanks from the police."

Arthur, hearing this, gave a wry smile: "You ought to know that I am no longer a policeman."

"No matter."

Having said that, the middle-aged gentleman asked, "If you don't mind, could you come with me? I have some presents in the back, which I hope to give you altogether. Even if you've decided to resign, I still wish to offer you this token of gratitude from the citizens of London for your fair enforcement of the law."

Arthur wanted to refuse, but the Red Devil's image suddenly appeared before him again.

Agares, speaking indirectly, said: "Arthur, those ten pounds in savings might get you to America, but once there, you'll have little left. Accept his gift, it's what you deserve! You still need to eat, and I don't want to see you starve in the streets. It's not easy to find a crook of your caliber these days."

Arthur felt there was sense in Agares's words after hearing this.

So, after a moment's hesitation, he accepted the middle-aged gentleman's request.

"I truly appreciate your generous donation. I may indeed need this gift right now."

The middle-aged gentleman merely smiled; he said nothing but led Arthur to stand on the landing of the stairs leading to the second floor.

Just as Arthur was feeling perplexed, the middle-aged gentleman suddenly turned around and spoke to everyone behind him.

"Recently, the Adam Evans theft case, which was overseen by the Greater London Police Department, has attracted widespread attention from the citizens of London and the public of Great Britain.

"The Times," "The Manchester Guardian," and other reputable media have published articles praising the exemplary performance of Police Officer Arthur Hastings from Scotland Yard's Greenwich District in Magistrates' Court. The citizens of London have been very complimentary about Officer Arthur's actions.

Such behavior has also sparked widespread debate in the House of Commons by the representatives, and the highest court has likewise called for a revision of the "Bloody Act."

All these achievements are attributable to the relentless struggle and effort of Police Officer Arthur Hastings.

Officer Arthur's performance in the Magistrates' Court has set an example, establishing an image of a just, illustrious, and responsible policeman for the public.

He has perfectly adhered to the historic tradition and professional code 'The police are the public, and the public are the police' stated in the 'Police Instructions.'

And this is precisely the goal that Scotland Yard has been tirelessly pursuing since its establishment.

Therefore..."

The middle-aged gentleman unfolded the document in his hands and loudly announced to the crowd.

"The Home Secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the highest administrative officer of Scotland Yard, Sir Robert Peel, hereby reads Order No. 23 of this year from the Home Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

After discussion within the internal administrative meeting of the Home Office, taking into account the joint recommendation by the superintendents of the five main police districts of the Greater London Police Department, and respecting the strong voice of the vast majority of London citizens,

The Home Office, after careful deliberation, has decided to exercise the power defined in the internal regulations to formally reject the resignation application of Superintendent Arthur Hastings from the London Metropolitan Police's Greenwich Division.

And, in recognition of his service, to promote Arthur Hastings to Police Superintendent of the London Metropolitan Police's East London Region, Greenwich Police District, with jurisdiction over 4 divisional police chiefs and 144 patrol officers, supervising the RG1, RG2, RG3, and RG4 patrol districts.

This decision shall take immediate effect from the date of issuance of the executive order."

As soon as Sir Peel's voice fell, a uniform sound of rising erupted within the office.

Arthur turned around in a daze, seeing his colleagues facing his direction, standing like a row of sharpened swords.

"Salute to the Police Superintendent of the Greater London Police Department, Arthur Hastings!"

With a swish, countless hands were raised to the brows in unison, making a synchronized motion.

Arthur felt his mind was a mess, even weaker than when he had faced the onslaught from Wilcox, so weak that he needed to hold on to the banister to keep standing.

Nevertheless, he mustered the last bit of strength in his body and raised his hand to his brow.

His saluting posture was as standard as that of his colleagues.

Sir Peel smiled as he handed the letter of appointment to the bewildered Arthur.

"Officer Arthur, if you disagree with our decision to reject your resignation, you can also sue the Home Office in civil court. Of course, I would not like to see that happen. The best outcome I hope for is that you accept this appointment on account of our friendship," he said.

A Police Inspector, with three 'V's adorned on his epaulettes, carried a brand-new police uniform and shoulder badges studded with three Bath stars up the steps, and stood before Arthur.

He first saluted Arthur with a grave face, then declared with vigor.

"Welcome back to the force, Chief!"

Arthur's hand hovered over the familiar uniform, hesitating for a while before finally resting his sweaty palm on the Greater London Police Department's emblem with a sense of relief.

Upon seeing this, the saluting officers could no longer contain their excitement, cheering as they crumpled and shredded the newspapers on the table, throwing them into the air.

The fragments of paper fell like snowflakes in every corner of the office.

But from the incomplete scraps of newspapers, Arthur still struggled to make out some of the headlines and contents.

——The conscience of Great Britain is pulsing at Scotland Yard

——The glory of Great Britain, we are very fortunate to have such an outstanding officer

——The citizens of London cry out, keep Officer Arthur Hastings

——The Arthur Officer in my eyes, an exclusive interview with the courthouse scribe Charles Dickens

——The Duke of Sussex submits a joint signature of eight hundred jurors to the House of Commons, urging Parliament to expedite the revision of the 'Bloody Code'

——The House of Commons is expected to hold a hearing seminar with the Supreme Court as early as this week

——Home Secretary Robert Peel in the House of Commons: It's time for us to change!

——Officer Arthur graduated from the University of London, that atheist academy on Gower Street

——But no one is a purer believer than he is, God is in his heart

——The Iron-blooded Prime Minister Duke of Wellington forces the King to comply, the 'Catholic Emancipation Act' successfully passes the House of Lords vote

——Non-Anglicans will have the same rights as Anglicans and may hold public office unimpeded

——Civil war canceled! All factions in Ireland agree to set aside their prejudices and build a strong Britannia

——The King mourns the passing of the new act as if bereaved, and it is said that his weeping, like that of a coward, could be heard all night at Windsor Castle

——Oxford University severely criticizes the 'Catholic Emancipation Act', believing it betrays the historical traditions of Great Britain

——Oxford University angrily withdraws their support for Sir Peel in the House of Commons because he broke his promise not to block the Emancipation Act in Parliament

——Sir Peel has officially changed his constituency from Oxford University

——Sir Peel responds to Oxford University's criticism: Although Catholic emancipation is a great danger, civil war is an even greater one. Those who still maintain their prejudices after the situation changes are nothing but slaves to their vanity. Non-Anglicans can also possess noble integrity and talent, and Officer Arthur is a representative of such.

——Duke of Wellington: I thank my friend Peel for his support of the bill, he has done much in the House of Commons.

Arthur, looking at this surreal scene, couldn't help but cover his forehead.

He muttered to himself, "My God, am I really not dreaming?"