The Shadow of Great Britain-Chapter 773 - 366 Lionheart Eld Carter_2

In Byron’s version of "Don Juan," the protagonist couldn’t resist the temptation and was seduced by a married woman at the age of 16. To cover up the scandal, his parents sent him abroad to travel by ship.

As a result, the ship encountered a storm at sea, and he drifted alone to a beautiful Greek island, where he fell into an idyllic love with the daughter of the pirate chief. When the furious pirate chief learned of this, he sold him to the slave market in Ottoman Turkey.

Because of his handsome appearance and elegant speech, he was quickly sold by the slaver as a maid to the harem of the Ottoman Sultan. Such a scenario, with a wolf entering the sheep’s fold, naturally led to a series of amorous adventures.

When the Russo-Turkish War broke out, Don Juan escaped from the court amidst the chaos, joined the Russian army, and, because of his valor in battle, won the admiration of the Russian Marshal Suvorov and thus met Empress Catherine II. Unsurprisingly, Don Juan later gained the empress’s favor and was appointed the Russian ambassador to Britain.

As for the rest of the story, because of Byron’s untimely death, it did not continue.

Whenever Eld discussed "Don Juan" with Arthur, he couldn’t help but sigh with regret, for based on Lord Byron’s understanding of Britain’s decadent social circles, the story should have gotten most interesting when Don Juan arrived in Britain, but unfortunately, it was unexpectedly left unfinished. It was undeniably a great loss to the literary world.

When Arthur first saw this novel, he was quite astounded. Mr. Hastings thought that with just this single book "Don Juan," Lord Byron wouldn’t starve even in the 21st century. Not to mention, he would have easily become a leading figure in the field of romance novels.

Although the spectators privately gave "Don Juan" extremely high praise, Mrs. Milbanke, Byron’s wife, hated this book the most.

Because the opening plot of the book is basically a retelling of Byron’s incestuous love affair with his sister. Strip away Byron’s glorification of that plot, and it essentially narrates the cause and effect of the man leaving Britain for Greece under public pressure.

Ada and Mrs. Shelley understood Arthur’s implication, but that didn’t mean Elizabeth did.

Her cheeks were flushed, and the term "Byronic hero" didn’t diminish her interest in Eld; on the contrary, it intensified her curiosity.

"So, Mr. Eld Carter is indeed a living person? I remember ’St. George’s flag still rises’ saying that he was fond of literature. Though his poetry is not accepted by the common people, he still perseveres on this path he deeply believes in. Does that mean he’s also the author of ’British’?"

"Hmm..."

Arthur felt trapped. If he didn’t think it too impolite for a paraplegic lady, he might have already bid his farewell.

Arthur carefully said, "Indeed, you can’t hide anything from you. Mr. Carter is indeed our author. You like religion and history and are a faithful reader of ’British,’ so I guess you must have read ’Robin Hood,’ right? That is Mr. Carter’s work."

"My God!" Elizabeth covered her mouth with wide eyes, "So... So that Carter is Mr. Eld Carter? I thought he was still in the midst of the struggle. I didn’t expect that his years of efforts have already paid off, I remember even Sir Scott highly praised his work. I... I am truly happy for him."

"You are a kind person... If Mr. Carter knew he had such a supporter, he would surely be pleased. I’m not joking, the Beagle with its top speed of 13 knots would run at 1300 knots for you."

The Red Devil patted Arthur’s shoulder and laughed, "1300 knots? Arthur, are you planning to send him off the Earth?"

Although Arthur remained composed, Ada, with her keen observational skills, noticed that the shirtfront of the unflappable Scotland Yard officer seemed to have become wet.

"Beagle?"

Elizabeth inquired curiously, "I remember that is the name of Mr. Darwin’s scientific exploration ship. Could it be that Carter is with Mr. Darwin right now, engaged in that grand global scientific voyage?"

No sooner had Elizabeth finished her question and before Arthur could chime in, she seemed to have a realization and exclaimed, "Oh... I almost forgot! ’St. George’s flag still rises’ takes place in South America. Could it be these are the true experiences aboard the Beagle? Good heavens! It seems this voyage is even more perilous than I imagined. I pray to God that both Mr. Carter and Mr. Darwin return safely."

Seeing this, Ada, who had been silent until now, suddenly joined the conversation, "Perhaps Mr. Hastings should introduce Mr. Carter to everyone. I’m also very interested in this gentleman. With his unyielding will and indomitable spirit, the charm of a Byronic hero, and his epic life story, he surely has many tales to share with us."

Upon hearing this, Elizabeth glanced down at her slender legs then suddenly looked up and smiled, "Never mind, it would be too much trouble for him. I would indeed like to meet him, but isn’t Mr. Carter currently on a global voyage?"

Ada stood up, sat beside Elizabeth, and took her hand, "Miss Barrett, have you forgotten? You can write to him. Though separated by the Atlantic, life on a ship is surely monotonous; perhaps Mr. Carter is also looking forward to having someone to talk to?"