Although public opinion holds terrifying power, it is created by a group of ignorant and complacent fools. I know hundreds of journalists, most of whose personal opinions are worthless, but when they speak on behalf of their newspapers, those opinions become the opinions of the newspaper and thus, their words become thunderous predictions that shake society.
——Mark Twain
While much of the editorial team at "The British" were gleefully engrossed in the gossip about Arthur's sudden "spring awakening," the protagonist himself, Sir Arthur Hastings, had little interest in participating.
Two years of "exile" in Europe taught him a lot. Long-term isolation from the power center, the vengeful feeling of being snubbed by White Hall, and the sense of loss like "out of sight, out of mind" after losing his official position intertwined, ultimately turning into a huge driving force compelling him to act.
