Chapter 42: Queen Victoria Critically Ill

Translator: 549690339 |

Along with the opening of the university, Australian Primary Education Schools, also known as elementary schools, opened as well.

Compared to the stricter enrollment requirements of universities, Australian primary schools have very low requirements, even virtually none.

Compared to universities, basic education does not require expensive tuition fees, and since Arthur has already waived half of the fees, Australian people are still willing to let their children receive basic education.

More importantly, compared to the relatively high investment in universities, the investment in primary schools is virtually close to zero except for teachers and textbooks.

Even an ordinary high school graduate can barely become a primary school teacher, and under such circumstances, the cost of operating a primary school has been reduced to the bare minimum, with the total cost of constructing Australian primary schools equivalent to the cost of one Australian National University.

On October 21st, Arthur set out on his journey to White Island again.

It has been more than four months since his last visit to White Island, and under Arthur’s management, Australia has shown a booming development trend and order, and has basically stabilized.

However, at the same time, Queen Victoria’s health has gradually declined. Although her life has been extended compared to the previous private doctor’s prediction of three months, she is indeed at the end of her rope.

This time the notification to Arthur came from Prince Edward, who traveled a long way from the United Kingdom aboard a warship.

Seeing his uncle again, Prince Edward seemed to have changed from the gloom of a few months ago to a bright and radiant appearance, full of happiness.

Although the bad news of Queen Victoria made Prince Edward lose his smile, the inner satisfaction and relaxation also showed involuntarily.

“Arthur, long time no see!” Upon seeing Arthur, Prince Edward patted him hard on the shoulder and said with a smile.

“Yes, uncle, it’s been more than six months since we last met.” Arthur’s calm nod betrayed no ripples, as he calculated Prince Edward’s intentions in his heart.

“How have you been in Australia?” Prince Edward asked with a smile.

“Very good.” Arthur nodded.

The atmosphere was a bit awkward, but the good news was that they soon arrived at the harbor of White Island. The warship slowly docked, and Prince Edward and Arthur disembarked.

This time, there was no one to greet them, as everyone was preoccupied with taking care of Queen Victoria and couldn’t spare any hands.

“Come on, Arthur, let’s go see your grandmother.” Prince Edward chuckled lightly and walked straight towards Queen Victoria’s estate.

Entering the manor, Arthur smelled a strong scent of medicine, accompanied by the pungent odor of disinfectant.

Servants in the manor were busy with their duties, and some didn’t notice the arrival of Prince Edward and Arthur. Some who did notice were signaled by Prince Edward not to salute.

Swiftly entering Queen Victoria’s room, the room was already filled with her descendants, and Queen Victoria was chatting and laughing with them all.

Seeing Prince Edward and Arthur enter, Queen Victoria’s eyes lit up, and she said hurriedly, “Arthur! Come to grandmother.”

Hearing Queen Victoria’s words, everyone quickly made way for Arthur, allowing him to easily reach her side.

“Arthur, you are such a good boy. How has it been in Australia lately?” Queen Victoria shakily held Arthur’s hand and asked with a smile.

“I’m fine, grandmother. You don’t need to worry about me. With the Guards there, I am the safest in Australia.” Arthur responded with a smile.

“That’s good, that’s good, child. You are so pitiful, my good child. Australia is a land of poverty and hardship. You have suffered there.” Queen Victoria expertly touched Arthur’s forehead and said.

“Mother, since everyone is here, why don’t we have our meal first? These little ones must be hungry, so let’s eat and then chat, alright?” Princess Beatrice noticed that Queen Victoria was in good spirits and asked at once.

In recent days, perhaps due to a combination of physical and mental ailments, Queen Victoria’s appetite has waned, and she only barely eats two slices of bread and drinks a cup of milk per day.

This time Queen Victoria’s mood improved significantly, and Princess Beatrice wanted her to enjoy a good meal.

Seeing the queen nod, Princess Beatrice immediately ordered the servants to serve lunch.

Since the room could not accommodate so many people dining at the same time, most of them had to go to the restaurant next door to eat.

Seeing Arthur about to leave, Queen Victoria hurriedly pulled him back, saying, “Arthur, have lunch with your grandmother today, alright?”

Seeing Queen Victoria’s hopeful eyes, Arthur found it difficult to refuse and could only nod emphatically.

Queen Victoria’s lunch was simple, consisting of mashed potatoes and milk as the main course, and a few pieces of stewed, tender beef.

“How is the life in Australia? There aren’t many delicious foods, especially when Australia is barely self-sufficient in food production.” Queen Victoria stirred the mashed potatoes in the bowl and asked.

“It’s not bad, grandmother. Australia has a large area for cultivation, and even if the population increases in the future, it can easily support everyone. Although the variety of food may not be as rich, it’s more than enough for me. However, you, on this remote White Island, depend heavily on the support from the British mainland for basic food supplies, even though New Zealand’s animal husbandry is quite developed. If only Australia had some specialty products, I’d really like to send you something every once in a while.” Arthur said apologetically.

“I’ve heard that you founded a university in Australia a while ago. How is it going? Do you need support from the UK?” Queen Victoria asked tirelessly.

“It’s going very well, grandmother. Considering Australia’s student population and the number of teachers, the university only admits 800 students per year. The enrollment for this year has been completed, and the university has officially started operating. So far, the founding of the university has been very successful. Conservatively speaking, in three years, the university will be able to train at least 800 outstanding graduates for Australia per year. These graduates will enter various industries in Australia, accelerating Australia s development and construction.” Arthur was generally satisfied with the university’s achievements.

In this era when university scale is generally small, Australian National University, enrolling nearly 1,000 students per year, is already considered a rather large university.

Although the current teaching quality of the university is not high, the graduates it can produce are more than sufficient for Australia’s development and construction.