Chapter 2370 - 304: Coronation Ceremony

June 28, 1838, was just an ordinary day for many people around the world.

But for many of the subjects of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, they had been looking forward to this day for half a year.

Even the radical members of the Charter Party, who were dissatisfied with the monarchy, were filled with anticipation for this day.

However, unlike most people, what they anticipated was the chance to hold parades and protests on this day.

Aside from the radicals among the Charter Party, most citizens of London City held an optimistic view of Coronation Day.

Because even the most oblivious person could easily notice that ever since a week ago, the number of unfamiliar faces in London had increased.

These out-of-town visitors, speaking in various strange accents, were swarming into London like sardines into an already crowded can.

Various hired carriages made London completely jam-packed, with colorful banners and festive decorations hanging everywhere on the streets.

On a day like this, even the little shopkeepers of the Jacobin Party, who usually cared little for patriotism and scorned the monarchy, couldn’t help but hang the tricolor flags of red, white, and blue at their shop doors to celebrate the great day of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and their own increasingly enriched purses.

Many street vendors also took advantage of the festive atmosphere to launch various souvenirs and snacks, loudly hawking their wares to passing tourists.

Cafés on both sides of the streets were packed with customers; some were enjoying aromatic coffees and baked pastries, while others engaged in soft conversations in French, German, Scottish English, Irish English, or other languages unintelligible to Londoners.

To cater to the booming consumer market, Billingsgate Fish Market, the largest hub for fish raw materials in London, had moved its opening time from six in the morning to four-thirty.

However, half an hour before the opening of Billingsgate Fish Market, residents near Hyde Park were already awakened by the continuous sound of salutes.

Mayfair, Paddington, Knight’s Bridge... the windows in all areas surrounding Hyde Park trembled with the 21-gun salutes.

Parents hurried to pull their children out of bed, and the family stood by the window gazing at the gun emplacement with billowing smoke in the distance, filled with inevitable tension and excitement.

In the streets and alleys, many vendors were already busy preparing their stalls to welcome the upcoming visitors and excited citizens.

The shopkeepers were also diligently polishing their glass showcases; from gold necklaces to silver earrings, from fashionable hats to silk brocades, every item appeared particularly fitting for this special era.

Meanwhile, at the Baroque Villa at Lancaster Gate 36, one of the ceremony’s executors had awakened half an hour ago.

To say he was "awakened" might not be accurate, for he hadn’t really slept much at all.

Since returning from Kensington Palace yesterday, his sleep quality had suddenly worsened.

Perhaps the approaching Coronation Day had intensified his pressure, or maybe it was that little remaining conscience that was still seeping through.

Although our Sir Arthur Hastings was no stranger to deceiving others, and indeed not for the first time deceiving women either.

He had never before felt he had wronged anyone.

Sir Arthur believed himself to be a person of great principle; he had indeed duped many people, but those he duped often benefited from him as well.

If you were duped without gaining anything, it was typically because you deserved it.

Of course, whether or not you truly deserved it, at least Sir Arthur thought so.

But reflecting on Flora, this "distant cousin" had not only never provoked him, but had also greatly assisted him on his way into the highest echelons of British power.

Whether it was becoming a member of the Hastings family, entering Kensington Palace, or gaining Victoria’s complete trust at Ramsgate, Flora played a crucial role in them all. Yet she had never received anything from Arthur, nor did she ever seek anything.

Hence, Arthur always subconsciously avoided Flora, which was in stark contrast to his attitude towards Fiona.

He could act with impunity in front of Fiona because from the very start, he didn’t feel he owed Fiona anything.

After all, without his help, Fiona might not have gone to prison, but she would certainly still be living a life of drifting on the streets.

And now? Fiona not only became the manager of Nightingale Mansion but also one of the notable female tycoons of Covent Garden, even creating an image as a charitable lady through the media reports of Imperial Publishing.

For Arthur, Fiona had already obtained her due share, and Fiona clearly understood this.

So, she never pressured, or perhaps didn’t dare to pressure Arthur for anything.

Because she feared losing her current delightful life.

But what about Flora?

That was an entirely different matter.

Whenever he thought of Flora’s gentle eyes, there was always an inexplicable pressure deep in his heart.

When Arthur adjusted his attire in front of the mirror, the indescribable guilt resurfaced once again, and the nervous atmosphere before the coronation ceremony unquestionably intensified his anxiety.

Thinking of this, Arthur couldn’t help but quickly straighten his collar, smooth the creases on his pants, and walk downstairs after opening the door.