I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 112

Became a Hidden Tycoon of the British Empire 112 (112/537)

Land of Opportunity (2)

112

[To the Land of Opportunity!]

[Escape from Potatoes and Milk!]

[A New Life in a New Place!]

As the immigration policy was fully implemented, promotional materials were distributed throughout Ireland, attracting a considerable number of Irish people.

The primary motivation for most was the desire to spare their children a life of eating only potatoes and milk.

“I may not matter, but I can’t let my children live this kind of life!”

“It would be a blessing if we only ate potatoes; we’ll be eating rutabagas [a type of root vegetable] for the next few years.”

“I can bear it, but I can’t let my kids eat that stuff for the rest of their lives….”

“Let’s go to Canada! At least it’ll be better than here.”

“I even received letters from people who went ahead, saying that even though it’s not abundant, there’s much more of a future there than here!”

“Rather than passing down a life of just eating potatoes for generations, I’d rather start over properly in a new place!”

Once the rumors started spreading, far more people than initially expected flocked to leave Ireland for Canada.

However, the decision to leave their beloved homeland and journey to the New World across the sea was not an easy one.

It wasn’t simply about poverty.

No matter how poor they were, if they believed things would eventually improve, they would naturally want to stay in their hometown.

However, no one knew how long it would take for Ireland’s situation to change.

For one thing, the population was too large.

Everyone knew it would take at least several decades for everyone in Ireland to live a life as comfortable as that of the English.

So, wouldn’t it be better to take a chance in a new land rather than waiting that long?

Of course, there was no guarantee that life in Canada would be better than in Ireland.

But even so, it wouldn’t be much different from staying put, so wouldn’t it be worth trying?

Here, Killian Gore’s unwavering reputation also played a significant role.

Currently, Killian was almost a legendary figure to the Irish people.

A talent who, despite being only 21 years old, had risen to the top of the British Empire through his own abilities.

The Prime Minister and the Queen listened to Killian’s advice and implemented it as policy.

There were rumors that Queen Victoria was deeply in love with Killian, but this was largely wishful thinking among the Irish people.

Still, it was undeniable that Killian wielded considerable influence within the British Empire, and this policy was being carried out under his direct supervision.

So, they couldn’t help but believe that it would never be detrimental to the Irish people.

Most of the Irish people heading to Canada shared this belief.

The Daly family, who boarded a ship bound for Canada, was no exception.

“Honey, they say we’ll be arriving in Canada soon. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine. Actually, my heart is heavier than my body. I try not to worry, but I can’t help but feel anxious….”

“That’s understandable. But don’t worry. The Welan family, who immigrated a little earlier than us, sent a letter. They said that life there is much more hopeful than being tenant farmers for the rest of our lives.”

“So, you think so too? Are you going to farm when we get there?”

“No. I’ve been thinking, and I don’t think it’ll be much different from being in Ireland if I just farm. I heard that many factories are being built in Canada right now. They say they need a lot of workers, so I’m going to work there and learn some skills.”

“Factory work is hard and the pay is low. Will you be okay?”

There were many factories in England, but everyone knew how harsh the living conditions of the workers were.

However, Daly wasn’t too concerned about his own hardships.

“I may suffer a bit, but if I learn a skill, I can move up later. And our son, Marcus, will be able to find a job in better conditions than me.”

Who knows? Maybe his son, Marcus Daly, would grow up to be a successful businessman in the New World.

Although it was just a dream, it was a fantasy he wouldn’t even dare to dream of in Ireland.

“I think the Minister plans to focus on developing Canada in the future. So, wouldn’t it be more likely to seize opportunities by working in a place where he’s exerting his power?”

“Now that I hear it, that makes sense.”

“See? Just watch. I’ll definitely be more successful in the new land than I was in Ireland.”

People are inherently creatures who find motivation when they have hope.

Not long after arriving in Canada from Ireland, the Daly family was convinced that their choice was right.

The endlessly vast land and the incredibly huge lake that seemed like a sea.

And the majestic city being newly built around the lake.

The future is here.

“I’m glad I trusted the Minister.”

What must Killian, who conceived this grand plan, be feeling?

Even if he didn’t know, wouldn’t he be delighted that his vision was being realized splendidly, and raising a wine glass with satisfaction?

If not himself, then his son.

Someday, he would definitely rise to a position where he could meet the Minister in person and offer his gratitude.

The settlement of the Irish people in Canada was proceeding more smoothly than expected.

* * *

The person the Irish people most want to emulate.

The object of the Irish people’s admiration.

A capable person who is smoothly carrying out the large-scale immigration policy that everyone was worried about.

Charles Bagot, the Governor-General of Canada, who came to serve such a person, felt his heart pounding with anticipation.

It wasn’t just the Irish who admired Killian; there were many such people, and Charles Bagot was one of them.

It might seem strange to admire someone much younger than himself, a middle-aged man in his sixties.

To be precise, it was admiration rather than envy.

Having worked as a diplomat since his youth, he knew better than anyone how great Killian’s achievements were.

The negotiation with the Qing Dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China], and the subsequent war and conclusion, were masterpieces that one couldn’t help but admire.

He could say that for sure.

If you didn’t feel anything after seeing that, then you weren’t qualified to work in diplomacy.

He hadn’t exactly tried to get involved through connections, but he did have a small connection with Killian.

His wife, Anna Wellesley, was the niece of the Duke of Wellington, and Killian was considered a political partner of Anna’s cousin, Charles Wellesley.

With this connection, he had recently received a letter from Charles Wellesley, now the Prime Minister, asking him to actively cooperate with Killian’s policies.

Of course, even without such instructions, he had no intention of objecting to any policies Killian was trying to implement.

Rather, he wanted to meet the genius who had quickly become the youngest minister in the history of the British Empire.

The reason he came all the way to the port to welcome the minister’s ship was to see him even a moment sooner.

Finally, the ship carrying the minister docked at the port, emitting steam, and as the gangway was lowered, his heart swelled even more with anticipation.

What kind of person would he be?

Would he be the type with a flash of genius, or would he be the cool and rational type?

Soon, a tall young man disembarked, receiving the honor of the soldiers, and he reflexively hurried to greet him politely.

“Thank you for your hard work on your long journey. I am Charles Bagot, the Governor-General of Canada!”

“I didn’t expect the Governor-General to welcome me in person. This is my first time in Canada, so I am inexperienced and don’t know much. I look forward to working with you.”

“I should be the one asking for your help. Are you comfortable, or is there anything you need?”

Seeing him bow politely made him feel favorable, but his eyes looked hollow, like someone who hadn’t slept.

He had prepared various welcoming events to make a good impression, but it might be difficult to enjoy them in that state.

“It’s nothing like that. I was organizing the materials for my work while traveling from London, so I only slept for four hours a day. I suppose I’m a little tired.”

“Oh dear. Then you should go back and get some sleep right away. I have already prepared a comfortable place for you to rest.”

“No. There is still too much to do. I need to finish the work as quickly as possible, so I would appreciate it if you could help me.”

He hadn’t noticed it, but he now saw that a person who appeared to be Killian’s secretary was holding a mountain of documents next to Killian.

Could it be that he had been reviewing those documents all the way to Canada?

In that moment, Bagot felt a strong sense of shame as a Governor-General, as a diplomat, and as an official of the British Empire.

No matter how much of a genius he was, how could he have risen to such a high position at such a young age without immense effort?

The fact that he had become the youngest minister in the history of the British Empire must have been possible because of such dedication.

He had been dismissing it with the thought that he was simply a genius with a rare talent.

“Leave it to me, Minister! I will help you!”

“···Yes? Ah, yes. Thank you. I didn’t expect you to be so enthusiastic, but thank you very much.”

“No. How can I, as the Governor-General, be complacent when the Minister is setting such an example?”

The Governor-General was deeply impressed by the Minister’s dedication to working day and night for the British Empire, despite his young age.

Wasn’t it his passion and patriotism, not his talent or intellect, that he should emulate?

Charles Bagot firmly resolved to help Killian Gore make this colony the best stronghold of the British Empire.

* * *

Isn’t this situation exactly what it means to be weighed down by a self-inflicted disaster?

No matter how I think about it, I should have compromised on two years instead of one.

I had hoped that I could somehow finish all the work, but the world wasn’t so accommodating.

I had reviewed all the work before leaving London and made plans while sacrificing sleep on the ship, but I haven’t even properly started yet.

Fortunately, the Governor-General of Canada was much more cooperative than expected.

He said that he had deep ties with the Wellesley family, so I didn’t think he would be negative towards me, but he seemed very passionate about his work.

Even at the welcoming event, he kept talking about patriots, so I wonder if he has a strong desire to faithfully carry out his duties as the Governor-General of Canada and contribute to the interests of the British Empire.

I don’t know what he’s mistaken about, but it’s not bad for me if he’s loyal on his own.

Because if I don’t shorten the work period and return to London, Victoria can become miserable like crushed strawberries.

“Minister, here is the progress report on the work you instructed. You will be able to review the progress before you go to the United States.”

“Thank you. The development project is progressing well.”

“Yes. Large-scale factory facilities are scheduled to be built one after another in Toronto. The Erie Canal [a canal in New York that connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean], as well as the current railway construction plan, can be implemented faster. Surprisingly, many companies are eager to take on the project.”

The Governor-General Bagot would never know, but the reality is that most of the companies requesting to take on the railway or locomotive business were corporations run by me.

I bought companies with technological prowess during the Great Depression in the United States, so I have the ability to take on the project, and if the government supports me, I can lay infrastructure near the Great Lakes quickly.

“What about the side you told me to look into separately?”

“Ah, I looked into that as well, and it was as you said, Minister. Black people escaping from the United States are slowly crossing the border here.”

“Accept them all. Our British Empire has already abolished slavery. How can we oppress those who risk their lives to find freedom? Of course, we must ensure that they are properly educated so that they do not cause problems and can integrate into society.”

“Won’t there be friction with the existing population?”

“There may be some friction with the English people who came from the mainland or the French people who originally lived there. So, if we assign them a new pioneering mission together with the Irish people, it will be fine. The Irish people are being educated to live together with various races when they come to Canada.”

Irish people are still flocking to Canada, but in addition to them, it is necessary to create more people who will fanatically support me.

And there were no people as suitable for that role as the black people who escaped from the United States.

Anyway, if this trend continues, the groups with the largest population in Canada, unlike in the original history, will be the Irish and black people.

If these two groups give me unconditional support, Canada will be virtually my kingdom, not the British Empire.

Unlike other white people, the Irish people who come to Canada are mostly people who have suffered as tenant farmers for a long time, so they don’t discriminate against black people as much.

Of course, they also think that they are better than black people, but that was inevitable for the people of this era, so it is something that can be gradually improved.

So, even now, Irish immigrants are being continuously educated to pioneer a new land and live a better life together with people who have had a difficult past.

I think that even with this much, black people will feel that they are being treated in a way that cannot be compared to their lives in the United States.

“Anyway, the land is wide, so I don’t think it matters how many more come. Then, should we also carry out the work of sending black people who are trustworthy and completely loyal to us back to the United States, as you said, Minister?”

“Yes. Don’t forget to create an escape route in advance so that they can safely bring their families and relatives. However, you must never leave any evidence that we were involved.”

Good, there is also the All-American Detective Agency that James and Pinkerton are creating in the United States, so if we use them, we can proceed with the work more efficiently.

There will be plenty of black people who are grateful for their new lives, so we can easily find volunteers.

So, spread the word far and wide.

How well the free country of the British Empire treats black people and how it is helping them find new lives.

So that those who wish to become citizens of my kingdom can come on their own.