21 Chapter 21: A Special Gift

"That's good, my child." Queen Victoria, who favored Arthur, touched his forehead again and asked with a smile, "Do you have any preliminary plans for the development of Australia? And do you have enough funds?"

"Grandmother, I believe that the most important thing for Australia at the moment is to develop basic industries and education. Compared to European countries, Australia is very weak in all aspects and needs to significantly improve its basic industrial strength. And both industries and other fields require the cultivation of a large number of talents to develop. Therefore, education is also an important area that must be focused on." Arthur thought for a moment and said.

This was something Arthur had planned in advance. In the short term, it was impossible to develop various advanced industrial systems in Australia. Firstly, Australia's basic industry was extremely backward, and secondly, the reserve of talents was severely insufficient, lacking the necessary conditions for developing advanced industries.

Instead of aiming too high, it was better to focus on building basic industries and developing education in the short term. When there were initial results in the development after several years, the focus could then be shifted to building advanced industries and technology companies, catching up with European countries.

"Well, Arthur, I am pleased that you did not let short-term success lead to unrealistic goals or become complacent. Even with a large amount of financial support, it is impossible for Australia to catch up with the development of European countries within five years. However, through the accumulation of basic industries and talent reserves through education, combined with attracting a large number of talents and immigrants from Europe, Australia has a great chance to transform itself in ten years." Queen Victoria nodded in satisfaction and said to Arthur.

"For you, the environment that Australia is currently in is also very favorable. To the west is the territory of the British Empire, to the east is the vast Pacific Ocean, and to the north, whether it is the Dragon Empire or the Island Country, they cannot take the initiative to attack you. Under such circumstances, you have plenty of time to develop." Queen Victoria continued to walk while holding Arthur's hand and talking.

Arthur kept nodding. Queen Victoria was right. Australia was indeed in a golden stage of development, whether in terms of geographical location or mineral resources, Australia had the potential to become a powerful country.

The only scarce resource is the population, and there is an opportunity to introduce immigrants while Europe is covered in war clouds and European populations are migrating in large numbers.

Overall, Australia is definitely one of the top countries with development potential during this period. As long as the rulers' decisions do not have major problems, Australia will definitely be among the strong nations in decades to come.

"You should still be living in that government building, right?" Queen Victoria suddenly asked.

When Queen Victoria was in Australia before, she and Arthur were arranged to live on the top floor of the government building.

Although the top floor had undergone simple decoration, it was still a rudimentary renovation and not suitable for the Duke of Arthur's status.

After Arthur acquired over two billion pounds in assets and an entire country, the building was even more mismatched with his status.

"That's right, grandmother. Even you are living in such an ordinary manor, and living there would only be even more high-profile for me," Arthur laughed and said.

Arthur knew what Queen Victoria wanted to ask. After all, Arthur now had power and a lot of funds, and it seemed natural to build a palace for himself.

However, in a short period of time, Arthur did not have such thoughts. Even if it was an extremely rudimentary palace, the cost would definitely not be a small amount.

Moreover, in Australia, where basic industry and infrastructure were very backward, even a small palace would take a long time to build.

Moreover, once a palace was built, it would inevitably attract the attention of all Australians.

Just as Arthur had just solemnly announced that he would develop Australia, if he immediately spent a lot of money building a palace for himself, even if it was his own funds, it would inevitably disappoint some people.

It would be better to invest all the funds into the country's development first, and when the country was built up, the funds could be recovered. This way, when Arthur built his palace, Australians would not only not oppose it, but would feel it was only natural.

"Well, actually that's what I wanted to tell you. Although it seems like you have over two hundred million pounds in funds now, even wealthier than some royal families in Europe, in reality, once these funds are invested in the country's development, you will find that they are just a drop in the bucket. You have gained a lot of reputation in Australia, which is good, so you must not easily lose this reputation," Queen Victoria nodded approvingly, looking at the young man in front of her who was already half a head taller than herself, and said with a hint of emotion, "I was worried about you in every aspect before, but now it seems that you have grown into a qualified ruler. Arthur, I am proud of you, and your father would also be very pleased if he knew all of this."

Arthur did not answer anything, but only held Queen Victoria's hand more firmly.

Happy times are always short-lived. As Queen Victoria and Arthur walked and stopped, time flew by without them realizing it, and when they reacted, the sun had already set.

"Well, Arthur, that's it. I know you have a lot of things to do in Australia, and your grandmother is not in a hurry yet, you don't have to accompany her all the time," Queen Victoria finally patted Arthur's hand and smiled as she spoke to him.

"Grandmother," Arthur was a bit reluctant, he originally wanted to stay on the Isle of Wight for a few more days to accompany Queen Victoria, but he didn't expect that she would leave after just a few hours.

"Good boy, go back to Australia. No matter what, you must always remember that you cannot be influenced by emotions. As a ruler of a country, the country is the most important thing for you," Queen Victoria touched Arthur's forehead and advised him.

"Well, grandmother, I understand," Arthur nodded vigorously and bid farewell to Queen Victoria for the last time.

At the port.

When Arthur was about to board the ship and return, Princess Beatrice came along and handed him a suitcase, saying, "Arthur, this is what your grandmother asked me to give you. She said that what's inside is what you will need in the future, but she also warned me to tell you not to use these things for at least five years, even for her sake."