Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 539 Lionel's Gift to Her Majesty the Queen!
Richard Everard looked at the title "1984" and was a little confused: What did this string of numbers represent?
Conan Doyle noticed his confusion and explained, "It's a year, referring to 1984."

Richard Everard was even more bewildered—1984? 102 years from today? Was Lionel writing a "fantasy novel"?

Like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein?
He asked Conan Doyle somewhat awkwardly, "Mr. Doyle, if I may be so bold, what is the background of this novel? Is it about an adventure in the future world?"

Conan Doyle thought for a moment and explained, "It's a novella. It's set 100 years in the future, after the British Empire has come to rule the world."

Truth, peace, friendship, and prosperity became the government's main objectives. The protagonist is a low-level civil servant working in the 'Ministry of Truth'.

Richard Everard could hardly believe his ears.

Lionel Sorel? He just had such a big conflict with the British government that he was even publicly forced to deport.

This sparked ridicule of Britain throughout Europe and a media storm within Britain. He then immediately wrote a novel praising the future British Empire.

This is not just unbelievable, it's completely beyond imagination! Even Lionel, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, has betrayed the revolution?
But then he connected this to the instruction he had received earlier that day from the Ministry of the Interior; the wording was "mild," but the pressure was immense.

It is imperative to repair relations with Lionel Sorel as soon as possible so that "A Scandal in Bohemia" can be serialized in the UK quickly to quell public opinion.

Richard Everard then "confirmed" it!

There must have been some kind of secret agreement between Lionel and the British government! They've reached a settlement!

The British government made concessions based on some substantial conditions—perhaps monetary compensation or other promises;

Lionel responded and stepped in with a novel that praised—or at least sounded like it—the future of British rule!

Yes, that must be it! Politics is all about deals and compromises!

Richard Everard thought about it and it made more and more sense. He weighed the manuscript in his hand; it wasn't thick, probably around 40,000 or 50,000 words.

A great writer like Lionel should be able to finish it in a few days. The quality might be a bit rushed, but who cares!

As long as it's confirmed that he wrote it and the content is positive, that's enough.

This is a godsend! Not only can he complete the Ministry of the Interior's task, but he can also use this work of "reconciliation" and "praise" to completely reverse his passive situation.

He immediately put on a sincere smile and said firmly to Conan Doyle, "That's wonderful! Mr. Doyle, please be sure to convey my respect to Mr. Sorel."

I will arrange for "1984" to be published in *Good Words* as soon as possible! The payment will be transferred to Mr. Sorel's London account as quickly as possible, at the highest possible rate.

He paused, then looked at Conan Doyle expectantly: "Mr. Doyle, can you give me 'A Scandal in Bohemia' now? British readers are eagerly awaiting it!"

Conan Doyle looked at him, first giving him a knowing smile, then asked again, "Mr. Everard, won't you take a look before making a decision?"

Richard Everard straightened his back and said firmly, "No need! I trust Mr. Sorel's abilities! I will read it carefully when I get back."

Rest assured, "1984" will definitely appear in "Good Words" two days from now! We will present it as a special supplement!

Conan Doyle's smile widened, but it wasn't a happy smile.

Richard Everard muttered to himself for a moment, but the joy of soon having his hands on "Scandal in Bohemia" quickly overshadowed it—

After all, writers always have their quirks, it's not worth overthinking!

Conan Doyle said nothing more, turned around and took out a manuscript bound with thin rope, and handed it to Everard: "This is 'A Scandal in Bohemia,' you can take it."

While the French and American versions were released a few days earlier, the Russian and German versions were only finalized for serialization in the last two days, and translation will take time.

So, the fact that *Good Words* published it in mid-September might not be the latest one!

Richard Everard took the manuscript as if it were a precious treasure: "That's enough! That's enough! Thank you, Mr. Doyle! You saved my magazine!"

No, it saved British readers' chance to reunite with Sherlock Holmes!

He left 21B Baker Street almost as if he were running away, fearing that Conan Doyle might change his mind.

The carriage rattled through the streets of London, Richard Everard clutching two manuscripts, his heart still pounding.

Success! Not only did they get "A Scandal in Bohemia," but they also unexpectedly acquired a "new work" by Lionel! A double win!
He looked down at the manuscript in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and his curiosity about "A Scandal in Bohemia" ultimately outweighed his interest in that "timely piece".

He carefully untied the thin string and turned the first page of a new Sherlock Holmes story.

If it weren't for those damn political reasons, he would actually be a fan of "Sherlock Holmes".

As for "1984," since it's just a sycophantic work by that Frenchman praising the empire, we can watch it later. Right now, he needs to enjoy the hard-won fruits of his victory!
As the carriage swayed and rocked, Richard Everard quickly became engrossed in the new Sherlock Holmes story.

The Bohemian King's secret commission, that crucial photograph, and that mysterious and intelligent adversary—Eileen Adler.

Conan Doyle's writing skills are indeed superb, inheriting Lionel's strengths in creating suspense and portraying characters, and even being more meticulous in certain details.

Perhaps it's because he has a medical background! No matter how gifted Lionel Sorel is, he's still just a "liberal arts student".

Richard Everard couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice, "Fantastic! This is what a real novel should be!"

He could imagine the sensation this story would cause among readers when it was serialized.

And he, Richard Everard, will be the one to bring Holmes back to England! Norman MacLeod? He will soon be forgotten.

Having spent twenty years working my way up from a regular editor position, I finally had the opportunity to take charge of a major publication like "Good Words." How could I not seize this opportunity?

The position of editor-in-chief of Good Words not only brought him a salary of £300 a year, but more importantly, it was a ticket to London's high society.

The carriage finally stopped in front of the offices of the magazine "Good Words". Everard reluctantly closed the manuscript of "A Scandal in Bohemia" and carefully put it away.

Then, he took a deep breath, picked up the copy of "1984," and strode into the publishing house.

The editorial office was the same as always, with several editors working at their desks, the air filled with the smell of ink and paper.

As soon as Everard, the editor-in-chief of Good Words, entered the room, he raised his voice: "Henry! Henry Carson!"

A middle-aged man wearing sleeves and with oily fingers peeked out from the typesetting workshop. He was Henry Carson, the chief typesetter for Good Words.

He has worked here for almost twenty years. Although he has no literary taste, he is diligent and hardworking.

“Mr. Everard? You called me?”

Richard Everard waved the manuscript of "1984" in his hand, his face barely able to contain his excitement: "Quick! Arrange this immediately!"
Lionel Sorel's latest work! A novella, *1984*!

“Sorel?” Henry Carson was taken aback. Although he had no connection with literature, he knew that this name was a sensitive word in the editorial department recently.

He strode over, took the manuscript, and examined its thickness and handwriting. "This...this typesetting time is very tight, sir."

Our second-month issue has already been sent out and will reach the distributors by tomorrow night at the latest, so it can be released in time for the sales date two days later.

Everard's tone left no room for argument: "I know time is tight! So, it's going to be a special supplement! A separate book, to be sold inside the main issue!"
You start typesetting immediately, and once it's done, send it to the printing press as soon as possible and have them expedite it! It must be on newsstands all over Britain within two days, alongside *Good Words*!

Henry Carson frowned. He was experienced and knew the dangers of rushing things: "Sir, this is no problem for me. The printing press can handle it with some extra work."

However, after typesetting, the process requires proofreading and a final proof, which you and the editor need to review and sign off on before printing. This will take at least a day…”

Richard Everard impatiently interrupted him: "No time! Simplify the process! Lionel Sorel is a great writer; there won't be many mistakes in the manuscript."

Once you've finished the layout, have the printing factory produce a sample. I'll take a quick look, and if it's okay, we'll start printing! Proofreading... we'll proofread as we print! If there are any major errors, we'll issue an errata for the next issue!

Henry Carson stood firm on his principles: "This...this is against the rules, sir. Any mishap could damage the magazine's reputation..."

Everard scoffed: "Reputation? The most important thing now is to get this out of print as soon as possible! That's the task from above! Do you understand, Henry?"
This is about whether our magazine can stay on the 'postage discount' list! Do as I say!

Seeing the editor-in-chief's firm stance, even bringing up "the task assigned from above," Henry Carson remained silent for a few seconds before finally giving in.

He nodded. "Alright, sir. I'll take care of it right away." He turned to walk towards the typesetting workshop.

Richard Everard called out to him again: "Wait!"

Henry Carson turned around.

Richard Everard stroked his chin, thought for a moment, and a glint of wisdom flashed in his eyes: "Print a line below the headline. Make it eye-catching."

"What word?"

Richard Everard cleared his throat and said in a reciting tone:
"And the seal—'A gift from Lionel Sorel to Her Majesty the Queen and her subjects!'"

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(End of this chapter)