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.
"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."