He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 19

19. A Secret Meeting 2

Approximately four months from now, on July 4, 1776, the British colony of North America will announce the famous ‘Declaration of Independence’ at the Second Continental Congress.

And after the declaration of independence, the war will continue for several years, eventually leading to the international recognition of American independence in 1783.

The declaration of independence marked the point seven years before Britain’s complete defeat was confirmed.

Knowing this series of historical events so well, Tae-oh couldn’t help but feel that this bet was embarrassingly easy.

“A bet, that sounds interesting. Very well. Let’s record our predictions of the future situation in the betting ledger.”

Grantley was quite taken aback by Tae-oh’s confident acceptance of the bet without the slightest hesitation.

He had assumed that Tae-oh had just gotten lucky at the Intelligence Club and would surely back down, fearing further disgrace if he were to bet again.

But that expectation was wrong.

“Ah… haha. Your confidence is admirable. Very well. Then, Mr. Sanderson, would you like to share your predictions about the war situation in North America here?”

Tae-oh didn’t answer Grantley’s question but suddenly looked for Matthew Bolton.

“Mr. Bolton? I believe that the Honorable Benjamin Franklin from the North American colonies is also a member of this Lunar Society meeting?”

Bolton widened his eyes and replied.

“Why, how do you know about the Honorable Franklin, Mr. Sanderson? Yes, that’s right. The Honorable Franklin has attended our meetings several times.”

Benjamin Franklin, also a famous scientist known for developing the ‘lightning rod,’ was very popular among the members of the Lunar Society for his entertaining wit and extensive knowledge.

However, as the war between Britain and North America dragged on, he had been unable to attend the meetings for quite some time.

“But why are you suddenly bringing up the Honorable Franklin?”

“Because the content that needs to be recorded in the betting ledger is deeply related to the Honorable Franklin.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

The members were busy whispering to each other, trying to interpret the meaning of Tae-oh’s words.

At that moment, a middle-aged man with a somewhat long face and sharp eyes couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked.

“No, what does Benjamin have to do with the betting ledger record?”

The person who asked Tae-oh the question was Joseph Priestley. He was a clergyman and also a famous chemist who discovered ‘oxygen.’

Joseph Priestley seemed even more curious about Tae-oh’s words because he was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin.

“Yes. In my opinion, the representatives of the 13 colonies in North America will soon accept the political aspirations of the residents who strongly desire independence and make a very important announcement related to independence.

And given the Honorable Benjamin Franklin’s position, he will inevitably play a very important role in realizing the democracy and independence of the colonies.”

Tae-oh’s continuous bombshell remarks threw the Lunar Society into chaos.

Benjamin Franklin, who had been a member of their society, would play an important role in the independence of colonial North America.

The members were dumbfounded by Tae-oh, who was nonchalantly spouting such incredible things.

“No, isn’t that too exaggerated a guess? Don’t you know that the independence of colonial North America is tantamount to treason against the mother country, Britain? Moreover, I understand that the representatives of the 13 colonies in North America have clearly expressed their opposition to such independence or the expansion of political participation by the residents?”

His words were true. The representatives of the 13 colonies in North America were largely negative, believing that politics by the people were prone to devolve into ochlocracy [mob rule] and, in many cases, would not help the development of the colonies.

In particular, Benjamin Franklin, who was inclined towards moderation, had always been critical of establishing an independent nation through radical resistance.

Knowing this background well, the members of the Lunar Society firmly believed that although North America was currently resisting, it would soon quietly return to being an autonomous state of Britain.

“Goodness. Why is Mr. Sanderson making such absurd claims so definitively? What is the basis for thinking that way?”

Tae-oh answered Grantley’s challenge as if he had been waiting for it.

“Looking at the overall situation, the desire for independence among the people of North America is very strong. If they were going to end the war here, they wouldn’t have started it in the first place.

We believe that they are the same British citizens as us, but they have been angry for a long time that Britain does not treat them as equal citizens.

The flames of their desire for independence have grown uncontrollably, and now there is no way to extinguish them.

The Honorable Benjamin Franklin, as a representative of the North American colonists, will have no choice but to follow their opinions.”

Grantley retorted bluntly.

“So? So what is the Honorable Franklin going to do?”

“Perhaps the North American representatives will soon have a major announcement or declaration related to independence. Of course, the Honorable Benjamin Franklin will be at the forefront of that.”

There was a buzz of voices at Tae-oh’s remarks.

Then Grantley, whose thin lips became even thinner, shouted.

“Nonsense! According to the information I have, the disorganized North Americans are currently at a disadvantage against the British army in battle. His Majesty the King (George III) has said that he will send more troops. Do you really think that such clumsy colonial civilians can stand up to our mighty British army?”

Tae-oh nodded.

“Of course, with the current military strength of North America alone, it will be difficult to continue to face the British army. Therefore, as the war progresses and reaches a certain limit, it is very likely that the Honorable Benjamin Franklin will come up with a major plan to turn the tide.”

Once again, when Benjamin Franklin’s name came up, Matthew Bolton tilted his head.

“No, what is that gentle person going to do again?”

“As far as I know, the Honorable Benjamin Franklin has close ties with influential figures in France…”

Erasmus Darwin opened his mouth with a stiff expression at the mention of France.

“Does that mean… that Mr. Franklin will run to France, an enemy country, and persuade the French army to participate in the war?”

Tae-oh nodded.

“You see it well. Now that North America has become Britain’s greatest enemy, France will no longer be considered an enemy country.”

“······.”

“Then isn’t the Honorable Franklin’s choice obvious?”

“If it’s obvious?”

“North America and France will join hands and oppose our British army.”

The members’ faces all stiffened at the mention that North America would unite with the French army to counterattack.

Two years later, in 1778, after the first victory of the colonial independence army, Benjamin Franklin went to France to persuade them to participate in the war, and France, accepting the cause, formed an alliance with the American colonial independence forces and defeated the British army.

And four years later, in September 1783, the British government internationally recognized the independence of the United States in Paris, France.

There was even more agitation among the members than before.

“Hmm… listening to it, Mr. Sanderson’s prediction seems quite plausible?”

“What’s plausible about it? France, with its poor financial situation, going to war again… It’s too far-fetched.”

“That’s right. I think this war will end in our British victory in a few months?”

“Of course. Now that the British army has fully engaged, it will be difficult for the war to continue.”

Riding the wave of the agitated atmosphere, Grantley sneered.

“Very well. Then when exactly do you think this ‘soon’ to happen independence-related announcement will occur, Mr. Sanderson? Five years from now? Or ten years from now? If you want to avoid the validity of the betting ledger, how about setting it for about 20 years from now? Hahaha.”

Tae-oh answered firmly to Grantley, who was laughing loudly.

“Since the situation is urgent, I am confident that it will happen within six months at the latest. If the North American representatives do not make a major decision within six months, after dragging the war on for nearly a year, they will find it very difficult to unite the colonial residents. So, they will need a big event that can serve as a focal point to bring all their strength together.”

“Wh-what? Within six months?”

“Yes. I believe there will be a major announcement related to North American independence within six months.”

July 4th is the historical American Independence Day. In other words, July 4, 1776, was the day the American Declaration of Independence was adopted and announced.

Since it is March 1776 now, there are only about four months left.

Grantley, who had been sneering, could only manage a hollow laugh at Tae-oh’s statement that it would happen within six months.

Then Josiah Wedgwood, with his wide forehead and large, impressive eyes, burst into hearty laughter.

“Haha, this is going to be very interesting. If it’s going to happen within six months, that means we can confirm it soon, doesn’t it?”

He was a famous pottery manufacturer and businessman, and also Charles Darwin’s maternal grandfather.

Josiah Wedgwood, who stood up from his seat, strode towards the betting ledger, grabbed a pen, and began to write without hesitation.

“I will bet my luck on Mr. Theo Sanderson’s prediction today. Sorry, Lord Grantley.”

Grantley’s face turned dark red.

Following Wedgwood, other members also began to write down their betting amounts and details in the betting ledger one by one.

Finally, Tae-oh went to write in the ledger, and upon a quick glance, he saw that the members’ reactions were overwhelmingly in favor of Grantley’s opinion.

Most of the members acknowledged that Tae-oh had excellent insight, but they didn’t believe that such an unprecedented event would occur in less than six months.

As Tae-oh finished writing his betting details and amount in the betting ledger and turned around, Lord Grantley was sharing stories with people, wearing a confident smile.

Tae-oh couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

They would remember today’s bet for the next four months and weigh their assessment of Tae-oh.

And if things really went as Tae-oh said, they would have no choice but to trust and follow Tae-oh, just like they did at the Intelligence Club.

He felt a little embarrassed for packaging his analysis of the situation with historical facts that he already knew, but it was an unavoidable choice to live in this world as Theo Sanderson, who had nothing.

“Puhahaha, you’re telling me. A declaration of independence from the colonies? Isn’t it too absurd? Mr. Bolton, how could you bring such a person here…”

Grantley’s loud laughter reached Tae-oh’s ears. He seemed very pleased that most of the members had followed his judgment.

‘Hehe-. You’re making such a fuss opposing me, so my argument will be imprinted very clearly in the members’ memories.’

Tae-oh felt a mix of guilt and amusement towards Grantley, who was chattering away, unaware that he had become a sacrifice.

*

As Tae-oh said his final goodbyes and left, the members of the Lunar Society glanced at him, almost simultaneously.

Tae-oh’s remarks at today’s meeting were shockingly impressive.

Josiah Wedgwood asked Erasmus Darwin cautiously.

“What do you think, in your opinion?”

“What are you talking about?”

“That young man, Theo Sanderson.”

Erasmus Darwin shook his head at his question.

“Haha, he’s an amazing fellow. I don’t think I would get bored even if I spent days and nights talking to him. How should I put it… um, I felt like I was a child and that young man was a teacher.”

While having tea after dinner and exchanging various stories, Tae-oh was always at the center of the conversation.

He solved any questions clearly and concisely, and his explanations were so logical and plausible that everyone could only listen with their mouths open.

It was hard to believe that he had such insight and foresight at such a young age.

In particular, everyone had to hold their breath and listen to his very specific analysis of the future European situation.

Josiah Wedgwood nodded.

“Earlier, Mr. Sanderson was fearlessly unraveling the world situation for the next few decades, and I couldn’t tell whether it was a prediction or something that would really happen in the future. If I asked about something strange, he would explain the reason in an amazing way, as if he had been waiting for it.”

Josiah Wedgwood looked at Erasmus Darwin and said.

“Perhaps he is just a talented person who can make things sound very plausible. If he is such a person, he would be a con artist to be very careful of. He is someone you should never get close to.

In the end, we will know in six months. Whether he really has great insight, or whether he is a boastful con artist.”

Erasmus Darwin nodded.

“Yes. First of all, the key is whether the announcement related to American independence written in the betting ledger actually happens within half a year. If it’s wrong from there, we should consider the story we heard from Mr. Sanderson today as just a wonderful adventure story like Homer’s Odyssey, haha.”

Darwin, who had been laughing, continued with a serious face.

“But you know, I have a feeling that a genius who will shake up our Britain has emerged.”

“······.”

“If Mr. Sanderson’s words are true and North America declares independence and continues to oppose Britain, there may come a situation where His Majesty the King (George III) will have to listen to Mr. Sanderson’s opinion regarding future events.”

Erasmus Darwin occasionally visited the palace and had deep conversations with King George III.