He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 208

208. Littleton’s Scheme

Arriving at the Port of London, Theo headed straight for Windsor Castle, where King George resided.

Having received word of Theo’s arrival, King George canceled all remaining appointments and personally came out to the palace entrance to greet him.

“Oh, Earl Sanderson!”

“Your Majesty!”

King George’s complexion, which had been dark for nearly a year, visibly brightened from the moment he met Theo.

“Come, let us go inside quickly! Let’s go inside and talk, ha ha!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The news of Earl Theo Sanderson’s return spread like wildfire from the mouths of countless people at the Port of London, reaching not only London but all of England.

The return of the war hero who had repelled Napoleon’s 50,000-strong French army.

His story of surviving a sunken ship and returning home brought unspeakable emotion and hope to the citizens of London and the British people.

◈ The next day, morning, London, residence of Littleton, Member of Parliament.

MP [Member of Parliament] Littleton’s face twisted as he spoke in his study.

“Is it true? He’s back in perfect health?”

MP Timothy nodded with a dark expression.

“It’s confirmed by an informant in Windsor Castle. He looked healthy enough to walk straight into the castle after arriving at the port yesterday.”

“He really walked in?”

“Yes, that’s what they said.”

“I heard he was badly injured in the shipwreck and barely survived, so I thought he wouldn’t be able to use at least one part of his body properly…”

MP Timothy lowered his voice and asked.

“MP? Then what about the plan we were going to carry out? Now that Earl Sanderson is back, we can’t just push forward recklessly…”

Upon hearing the news that the Neapolitan warship Theo was on had sunk in the Mediterranean, MP Littleton and his group rejoiced, believing that heaven was on their side.

The reason they welcomed Theo’s death so much was because of the vast London sewer network construction project decided by Parliament several months ago. The sewer network construction project, which was started under the pretext of eliminating the stench of London streets and improving the health of citizens, was a national project with astronomical funds invested.

MP Littleton and his group actively intervened in this project from the beginning, as it involved significant vested interests.

They seduced high-ranking officials who were executing the project policies and embezzled the allocated funds.

As a significant amount of the invested funds flowed into the pockets of MP Littleton, his key close aides, and policy-executing officials, the sewer network construction project deviated greatly from the initial plan and was reduced to a sewer cleaning project.

When Sir Thomas Llewellyn, who was in charge of overseeing the practical aspects of the sewer construction project, strongly protested against this, they used all sorts of means to appease and threaten Llewellyn, silencing him about their corruption.

Everything seemed to be going according to their plans, but the problem was Earl Sanderson, who was returning after leading the war against France to a great victory.

As they were agonizing over how to hide this corruption upon his return, they were greatly relieved and breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the news of Earl Sanderson’s disappearance.

However, their joy was short-lived. Upon hearing the unbelievable news of his survival, they had no choice but to fall into deep contemplation once again.

MP Timothy said with a worried look.

“Won’t Earl Sanderson notice soon? It’s a large-scale national project, and the sewer maintenance project is something that Earl Sanderson initially requested from His Majesty, so he has a great deal of interest in it.”

When Earl Sanderson volunteered to go to the Kingdom of Naples, MP Littleton rejoiced inwardly.

He was certain that even the great Sanderson would never be able to defeat the French army led by Napoleon.

If he returned after suffering a major defeat in the war, he even intended to hold him accountable in Parliament for privately involving the British army in his in-law’s war.

However, Littleton’s plan completely backfired.

Far from being defeated, he achieved an unbelievable victory, and his popularity and influence were even greater than before.

“He left London for 10 months to participate in the war in the Kingdom of Naples. He probably doesn’t even know that the sewer maintenance project plan was in progress. So, we have to expedite the plan and put the Prince of Wales on the throne before he finds out about this.”

George III had been showing unstable behavior throughout the year. The news of Earl Sanderson’s death caused him to exhibit even more severe anxiety symptoms.

King George’s erratic behavior was becoming a good excuse for Littleton and his group, who were trying to enthrone the Prince of Wales, the heir to the throne, as the new king.

“When is the King’s parliamentary address scheduled?”

“November 3rd.”

“Hmm… Now that Sanderson has returned alive, it seems we have no choice but to greatly advance our plan.”

“If we advance it… do you mean on the day of the parliamentary address?”

“Yes, that very day is the start of our operation. We need to make sure as many MPs as possible attend that day. We need all the MPs to see the King’s erratic behavior with their own eyes and feel that there is a problem. If he stutters and talks nonsense like last time, prepare to boo him immediately and actively criticize him. Then even those who support the King will have no choice but to shut their mouths and follow us.”

“What if His Majesty appears perfectly normal during the parliamentary address?”

“That will never happen! He’s been stuttering and spouting nonsense in the reception room and banquet hall for the past six months, hasn’t he? There are hardly any days when he doesn’t. It’s getting worse and worse, not better.

He’s 60 years old now. Even if it’s not a mental problem, his intellectual power is definitely declining, so even if he puts on a show of being normal and dignified on the surface, he’ll start talking nonsense as soon as we throw a few difficult questions at him. If he doesn’t stutter, we need to bombard him with questions and expose the truth.”

“Yes, I think that will work.”

MP Littleton planned to greatly highlight King George’s mental illness at the King’s parliamentary address in early November, then go through a swift parliamentary procedure to confine him to a mental hospital, and allow the Prince of Wales to enter into a regency [temporary rule due to the King’s incapacity].

The Prince of Wales was more interested in gambling, alcohol, women, and other entertainment than in state affairs, making him a very easy target for MP Littleton and his group to manipulate.

The problem was Earl Theo Sanderson, who had returned alive.

He had the deep trust of King George more than anyone else, and he was a figure who enjoyed absolute support from the military and the people, making him very difficult to deal with.

It was clear that he, with his extraordinary loyalty to King George, would strongly oppose their plan.

However, if the Prince of Wales successfully ascended the throne, Earl Sanderson would no longer be able to do anything about it.

MP Littleton gave a serious warning.

“We must be very careful until everything goes according to our plan. From now on, instruct them to report all of the King’s movements in real time. We need to operate the intelligence network even more densely so that we can immediately know even the smallest movement of the King. Check the intelligence networks of the palace officials and attendants, and the various investigative agencies, and check them frequently.

And keep a close watch on Earl Sanderson’s every move. What he did, where he did it, and who he met… Don’t miss a single thing.”

“Yes, I understand. I will activate all informants to watch him all day long. First of all, since the MPs are going to Earl Sanderson’s house tomorrow, we will follow them and subtly probe his thoughts.”

“Yes, yes. After suffering such a thing, even if he looks fine on the outside, his mind may be a little strange, or his body may be badly damaged. It would be great if he just stayed cooped up in his house until early November, when the parliamentary address is scheduled, to recover… Anyway, go and examine his condition in detail tomorrow and tell me immediately.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“And one more thing! Make sure to keep a close watch on Sir Llewellyn as well. It would be very troublesome if that weakling were to meet Earl Sanderson.”

MP Littleton was most wary of Llewellyn, who knew all the corruption, meeting Earl Sanderson, who had returned alive.

“Surely he wouldn’t do that when we have a firm grip on the life and death of his children? The problem is Earl Sanderson. If Earl Sanderson takes the initiative to meet Llewellyn secretly, we should assume that he has noticed our plan, right?”

“Of course! That means Sanderson has noticed, and judging from Earl Sanderson’s behavior so far, he’ll try to fight to reveal the truth without considering the consequences. It’s going to be the worst all-out war.”

“What should we do then?”

“If he moves first, we have to strike first, no matter what, without waiting for the parliamentary procedure. Now that Sanderson has returned alive, it’s a state of emergency where it’s a matter of life and death. If Sanderson shows even the slightest sign of drawing a gun, we have to shoot him first!”

◈ The next day. London, Mayfair, Theo’s mansion.

In the mansion’s living room, many people were gathered around Theo, chatting happily.

Princess Maria, who had returned with a bright and radiant face in just two days, was busy preparing dinner for the guests with a happy expression.

Earl Burns, Simon Hughes, the vice president of the trading company, and Principal Skipio Marshall were overjoyed, even shedding tears, and Rupert Wilson, a barrister [lawyer], Duke Leo Edwards, and writer Logan also rushed to share the joy of his return.

In addition, many nobles, ministers, and members of Parliament who were acquainted with him visited to celebrate Theo’s safe return.

However, among the sincere guests, Timothy Murphy and August Foley, MP Littleton’s closest aides, were glancing at Theo.

And Theo had been carefully watching their actions since earlier.

‘MP Littleton and his seven key MPs, who ousted George III in the altered history. Among them, MPs Timothy Murphy and August Foley, those two are recorded as Littleton’s closest aides.’

When he first came to the 18th century, he simply knew famous historical facts, but now the situation was completely different.

With the hope that he would return someday, he had read and organized the altered history, focusing on 18th century England, countless times.

According to the records in history, at this point in time, they were already reaching out to the sewer network construction project and taking astronomical profits.

The key aides of MP Littleton, who were visible before his eyes, were people who could never be forgiven, and should never be forgiven.

‘They were taking advantage of my absence while I was participating in the war.’

They must be rounded up and eliminated before they gather more power and take more profits.

Only then can the sewer network be properly constructed and the damage from the upcoming Great London Flood be minimized.

At that moment, MPs Timothy and August cautiously approached and spoke to Theo.

“Earl Sanderson, are you really alright? You fought in the war against France and went through life and death at sea, so we are very worried that your body and mind have been too damaged.”

Theo stared intently at the two MPs’ expressions and gestures.

The easiest way to understand the other person’s emotions is to observe their expressions and gestures.

Expressions reveal pure emotions, and gestures show the attitude towards the emotions the person is feeling.

Perhaps because of Theo’s cold emotions, the two men’s body language changed.

Faced with Theo’s emotions, which were quite different from the past, they were taking a posture of sincerely worrying with the most exaggerated gestures.

But human microexpressions cannot be completely hidden. Especially, they could not deceive Theo’s eyes.

No matter how hard they tried to maintain a poker face, the microexpressions that momentarily appeared and disappeared without them knowing showed their true feelings.

Theo was reading all the true feelings of those who came to spy on him and find out his weaknesses through microexpressions.

“Thank you so much for your concern. My body is not cooperating, so I think I really need to rest for a while.”

“Of course. You should. You are still young, so you will recover quickly if you rest a little.

By the way! I heard that you had an audience with His Majesty as soon as you arrived yesterday. How was he? His Majesty’s complexion has not been good lately, and he has been getting angry a lot, so we are truly worried about His Majesty’s mental health.”

As they subtly brought up the story of King George, Theo replied in a worried voice.

“Yes, it’s true that I saw His Majesty for the first time in nearly 10 months. As you said, his irritability and anxiety seemed to have worsened even more.”

Theo was lying now.

The mental state of King George, whom he saw yesterday, was not as bad as he thought. It would be difficult for the King to do it alone, but if Theo helped and started intensive treatment, he could get better quickly.

However, knowing what they wanted, Theo was leaking false information to use it in reverse.

MP August frowned and shook his head.

“Oh dear, His Majesty’s mind must be cleared soon. It is a great concern.”

“Yes, so I was thinking of visiting him once a week to provide treatment.”

“You should! If Earl Sanderson takes the lead in treatment, His Majesty will recover quickly.”

Theo shook his head.

“No. I don’t think it will be that easy.”

At Theo’s words, MP Timothy’s eyes sparkled.

“No, is His Majesty’s condition so bad that you are not confident?”

“Yes, that’s right. I can only hope that it doesn’t get worse in the future.”

“Oh dear, this is a big problem.”

MPs Timothy and August exchanged secret glances and could not hide their joy.

***

Late evening. MP Littleton’s mansion.

“How was Sanderson when you met him today?”

At MP Littleton’s question, MP Timothy’s expression was somewhat dark.

“His body and mind were very healthy. But…”

“Why, what happened?”

“Nothing special happened. But… something… something seemed very different.”

“Different? What?”

After thinking for a moment, MP Timothy continued.

“Certainly, he wasn’t very friendly to us in the past, but he still showed courtesy and treated us with respect, didn’t he?”

“And?”

“Today, I deliberately approached him, greeted him, and talked to him, but something about his emotions… was too cold.”

MP Timothy asked worriedly.

“Could it be… that he noticed our corruption?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! He went to war in the Kingdom of Naples and returned after almost 10 months.

He wasn’t even in England during that time, so how could he know what happened after he left? The only person who knows about this work we are secretly carrying out, besides us, is Sir Llewellyn.”

“I guess so? But when I asked him how he was doing to subtly probe him, his expression momentarily looked coldly as if he knew everything.”

Then MP August, who had gone to Theo’s house together, tilted his head.

“Well, I didn’t feel that way. He seemed a little cold when we first started talking, but didn’t he quickly become friendly? Perhaps even though he looks fine on the outside, the shock of the shipwreck has not yet subsided.”

MP Littleton also agreed with MP August’s words.

“MP August is right. He’s a guy who came back from the dead, so there must have been many changes in his emotions. But you were just looking to see if he knew about our work, so the changed emotions of that guy seemed more suspicious to you.

So don’t be intimidated and show any gaps. He’s more cunning than anyone else, so if he feels even the slightest hint, he’ll dig right in, so always be careful, and warn the other MPs as well.”

“Yes, I understand. Oh, but there was also good news.”

“Good news?”

“Yes, from what Earl Sanderson said, His Majesty’s mental state seemed very serious.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, he had a very worried look on his face and said that he would have to treat him every week and predicted that there would be no improvement.”

“Really? Hehe… That’s the best news I’ve heard in a while. If that guy is groaning like that, it’s now certain that the King’s condition is very bad. Then, for the time being, Sanderson will be so busy treating the King that he won’t have time to pay attention to the sewer project.”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Okay. Then, in the meantime, let’s prepare and prepare for important things step by step. And just in case, tell MP Wallas and MP Adam in the provinces to prepare trained mercenaries who can immediately take over the palace, and try to bring in as many generals as possible in London who can be on our side. Of course, that’s unlikely to happen, but we have to prepare for any eventuality.”

“Yes, I will.”