Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 400 I Choose to Go Back to Paris! (Bonus Chapter 9 for 1000 Votes)

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This time, it was the French newspapers' turn to feel triumphant and unleash their mockery.

Le Figaro wrote gleefully:

Look! This is the "freedom" and "tolerance" of our British neighbors!
When Mr. Sorel’s pen pointed to Paris, they cheered and regarded him as a hero;
When the same pen illuminated a dark corner of London, they collectively fell silent, pretending nothing had happened.

How hypocritical! Ha, that's just the British for you!

The commentary in *La Repubblica* was even more pointed:

The arrogant John Bull finally tasted the bitter fruit of his own making.

They attempted to use Sorel to demonstrate the failure of the republican system, but they never expected that Sorel would prove it through his actions and works—

Neither republics nor monarchies can avoid those prevalent social problems!
Only nations that truly possess courage can confront these issues head-on.

The silence of the British is precisely proof of their weakness!

The Bulletin directly imitated the tone of previous British newspapers:

Oh, civilized Britain! Beacon of freedom!
Why are you so "cautious" about the pseudonymous works of a young author?
Could it be that the lead heart in "The Happy Prince" not only cracked, but also accidentally bruised the fragile self-esteem of some gentlemen?

The French were finally able to vent their anger after being ridiculed by the British media for days, and the atmosphere in the public sphere was filled with jubilation.

------

Meanwhile, in London, Lionel, at the center of the storm, had just seen off a group of reporters and was looking forward to a moment of peace when the doorbell rang again at his apartment.

He opened the door, and standing outside were not reporters, but two serious-looking police officers in crisp uniforms.

The one in the lead, who was a bit older and had a thin face, was the first to show his identification.

His voice was steady and cold: "Good evening, Mr. Sorel. I am Police Inspector Malcolm Graham."

He gestured to his colleague beside him: "This is my colleague, Detective Sebastian Hawkins."

Lionel nodded slightly and stepped aside to make way: "Good evening, gentlemen. Please come in."

He led the two men to the living room, but did not invite them to sit down, nor did he sit down himself. He simply stood in front of the fireplace, calmly watching the two uninvited guests.

Inspector Graham got straight to the point: "Mr. Sorel, we're here today to discuss your residency status in the United Kingdom."

According to our records, and verification by customs and port authorities, you did not complete entry procedures through any official port of entry.

This means that you are currently illegally staying in the territory of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

He paused and looked at Lionel, but the latter just stared at him quietly, as if listening to something that had nothing to do with him.

Graham could only continue, "Given this fact, the Ministry of the Interior, after assessment, believes that your continued stay is not in the interest of the Kingdom or in accordance with public order."

Therefore, we are formally informing you that the government has decided to initiate deportation proceedings against you.

After listening, Lionel gave a soft "heh" and nodded: "Illegal stay? That reason is indeed sufficient, procedurally sound, and beyond reproach."

However, sir, to my knowledge, very few of the various people who have fled from all over Europe to this place have complete entry procedures.

From Chateaubriand to Hugo, and then to Clemenceau, it was all the same. You all used to be quite tolerant, even proud of it!

Graham exchanged an awkward glance with Detective Hawkins, and finally, he opted for another prepared reason. His tone softened slightly: “Mr. Sorel, we understand your concerns. In addition to immigration procedures, we are also considering your personal safety.”

Your conflict with Mr. Vikram Singh and his companions, after extensive coverage in the newspapers, has seriously offended the feelings of Indian gentlemen in London.

They consider this a great disgrace. Our police have received reliable intelligence that someone may pose a threat to your personal safety.

London is the capital of the Empire, and we are committed to protecting the safety of all law-abiding residents and do not want any bloodshed to occur.

For your personal safety and to maintain public order in London, we believe that your temporary departure from the UK is the safest option for all parties.

His wording has changed from "expulsion" to "temporary departure from Britain".

Lionel listened quietly, and only spoke slowly after Graham finished: "To protect me from assassination by certain extremist Indians."

That's certainly a reason full of concern. But, Inspector, since when did the police of the British Empire need to be wary of a few Indian gentlemen?

Inspector Graham's expression darkened slightly, and he and Detective Hawkins fell silent.

Lionel's gaze swept calmly across their faces, knowing that further questioning would yield no further answers.

Illegal stay, the face of Indian elites, threats from extremists—these are all just high-sounding excuses.

The real problem lies in that story, "The Happy Prince".

It was like an overly clear mirror, reflecting the cracks and shadows beneath the empire's glorious image, stinging the high-ranking ruling class.

A French exile, instead of accepting the "humility" and "gratitude" expected of "refugees," acted so ostentatiously, even arrogantly...

Now, he has gone from a "symbol of freedom" that can be used to his advantage to a "troublesome figure" that must be eliminated.

The so-called entry procedures are merely the most convenient tool to use.

Lionel had no intention of engaging in any more pointless debates with them.

He changed the subject, his tone returning to its previous calm: "Alright, gentlemen, I understand."

"Since this is deportation, where do you plan to deport me?"

Inspector Graham seemed relieved to no longer have to face that embarrassing question.

He immediately replied, “You have two options to consider, Mr. Sorel.”

Firstly, we can arrange for you to return to France. Secondly, we can send you to the United States.

We have had initial communication with the U.S. Embassy in London, and the Ambassador himself understands your situation.

He said, "The United States warmly welcomes distinguished individuals like you to seek refuge here, and he will provide you with all the necessary assistance."

Lionel smiled slightly, almost without hesitation: "Thank you for the American ambassador's kindness. But there's no need to trouble yourself."

I remember it clearly; September 1st was just three days away. That day, at the Palais de Justice in Paris, my case officially went to trial.

He paused slightly, then said, word by word:

"I choose to go back to Paris!"

(End of this chapter)