Arthur gave a wry smile, "For a politician, principles are a luxury."
Lord Brougham sighed, "Unfortunately, you've experienced this luxury twice already."
Arthur did not argue; he slowly began, "I understand that in politics, no one applauds another's motivation. They only seek accountability once results come to pass. And in this matter, I indeed took a wrong step. Regardless of motivation, I am willing to bear the consequences."
Brougham raised an eyebrow, looking at him slightly surprised, "Are you saying... you're planning to step down from the political arena?"
"To be precise, it's not a plan, I've already done so," Arthur calmly said, "Sorry for not informing you earlier; I submitted my resignation to Viscount Palmerston last week under my own name, and assured the Foreign Office I would remain silent during the parliamentary investigation. I don't want this to affect Earl Dalmo, nor do I want to give anyone from the Eckett side an opportunity."
