Chapter 246 Developing Scene in the North Bank Part 2
"Is that so? The man we sent was killed," Prince Frederick frowned after hearing the news about the scene on the River Thames.
"The civilians were told to leave the River Thames after that, but Your Highness the French aren't the problem anymore. It's the civilians in London. We are losing support."
"As expected, we really can't rely on civilians. They abandoned their morality and dignity that moment they were met with a deadly force," Prince Frederick said.
"That is because Great Britain had already lost, Your Highness," came a sudden voice from behind.
Prince Frederick and General Wellington turned their heads at the people who entered the room. It was John Eamer, Lord Mayor of London.
"What are you doing here Mayor? This is off-limits to civilians," General Wellington snapped, his patience wearing thin.
John Eamer, however, remained unruffled. He was a stout man in his fifties, known for his strong-willed nature. He had been leading the city of London through the trials of war and was unafraid to speak his mind.
"I come as a representative of the people of London, including those who fled the riverbanks. We are in dire straits, General Wellington, and it's time we face the reality of our situation," Eamer declared.
Prince Frederick raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Eamer's audacity. "Speak your mind, Lord Mayor.
Eamer cleared his throat before continuing. "It's clear that our military resistance is futile. The French have shown their determination and their willingness to use force against civilians. If we continue down this path, we risk further loss of life and destruction of our beloved city."
General Wellington frowned but didn't interrupt.
Eamer went on, "I propose that we open negotiations with the French immediately. We must seek terms of surrender that can safeguard the lives and property of our citizens. We can't afford to let pride and stubbornness drive us to ruin."
"Coward!" Prince Frederick cursed. "How many times have I told everyone that we will not surrender to the French? We have done a lot of horrible things to them and do you actually think the French would spare their lives? They will kill every person in London to exact revenge for their losses. Why do you think they bombard our city in the first place?"
"I don't think so, Prince Frederick," Eamer held his ground despite the prince's outburst. "Because if they were then they would have fired upon the demonstrators on the River Thames. Even though you have one of your men among it who tries to blow up the pontoon bridge they were building."
"So, Lord Eamer, does this mean you are defying me? You should know that you are committing the most heinous crime here, treason," Prince Frederick threatened.
"I do not defy you, Your Highness, nor do I commit treason," Eamer replied calmly. "I advocate for the preservation of our city and its inhabitants. And I didn't come here alone. If you look outside of your window, you will see how many citizens are opposing this war."
Prince Frederick, his face contorted with anger and disbelief, turned toward the window, curious about what Eamer was referring to. He drew back the heavy curtains and peered outside. What he saw left him momentarily speechless.
In the dimly lit streets below, a sea of civilians had gathered. They held torches and clutched makeshift weapons - pikes, clubs, and whatever else they could find.
"Just because they made a decision to defend London, doesn't mean it won't change. Those people who are on the streets have lost their homes and family."
"Then they should be throwing all that hate to the French, not us!" Prince Frederick's voice cracked like a whip.
"The government is to blame on this matter, Your Highness," Eamer said. "You see when the French Revolution started, taxes were raised on the common people to fund this war. Britain continued financing the war, you paid the Austrians, Russians, Ottomans, Portugal, and Naples. But look at those countries now, they either submitted to the French or became allies. When France knocked out our allies, and it was only us at war with the French, you raised taxes again, burdening the people.
I'm sure you already heard there is civil unrest in other parts of the country, one of the major ones being the United Irish Society. Continuing this war would only lead this country into self-destruction. But even after all that happening, the government and the monarchy are blind to the suffering of the common folk."
"General Wellington," Frederick called, ignoring Eamer's words. "Order our troops to execute those civilians demonstrating on the street on the spot!? This is an insurrection led by the Mayor of London."
General Wellington simply stood there, not doing anything.
"What are you doing, General?! I have given you orders!"
"Your Highness, there's no way I would carry out that order," General Wellington replied firmly, Prince Frederick's face twisted with rage. "You dare defy me as well, General?"
General Wellington maintained his composure. "I have always served the crown and the people, Your Highness. I cannot, in good conscience, order the execution of our own citizens who are driven to desperation by the circumstances we find ourselves in. The only reason I was following you back then is because I'm stupidly telling myself that we can repel the French. But those were only lies to make me feel better. The situation has grown beyond our control, and it's time we acknowledge the reality."
Eamer interjected again, "Your Highness, you have no power in this city anymore. Even the soldiers protecting this place don't have the will to continue. Tomorrow, the French will attack, potentially killing hundreds more lives—"
"What about those who have died on the South Bank or the cities where the French advanced huh? Are we to forget their sacrifices? Are we going to let them die achieving nothing?" Prince Frederick interrupted, glaring at Eamer.
"It is indeed one of the worst things that could happen to war, but just because others sacrifice doesn't mean the rest must follow blindly into the same fate," Eamer replied with a heavy heart and continued.
"We cannot bring back those who have already perished, but we have a chance to prevent further loss of life. Send a telegraph to Edinburgh, convince His Majesty and the Prime Minister that the war is lost so that peace can grace upon our country again."
"Your Highness, I'm with the Mayor here. I plead that you do the right thing."
"Where was that determination you showed me in these past days, Wellington?" Frederick asked.
"There is still next time, Your Highness…" Welling said.
"If we surrender to France, we will lose everything to the point we would never recover."
"Be that as it may, we can still recover."
"I'll compose a letter to Napoleon, informing him that London has surrendered. You can still leave for Edinburgh, Your Highness."
Frederick scoffed. "So there will be no last stand huh? Do whatever you want…I will go to sleep."
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