I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 131

Became a Hidden Tycoon of the British Empire 131

State Letter (3)

I’ve never discussed my long-term goals for Canada or how to maintain the British Empire’s dominance. It seemed too outlandish, like a fantasy no one would understand.

How could people back then grasp the Pacific’s importance or foresee the United States eclipsing Britain, Russia, and France as the world’s leading power?

Anyone suggesting such things would be dismissed as delusional.

Even Wellesley, who trusts me implicitly, doesn’t fully see how the American continent ties into British supremacy.

“To understand my vision,” I began, “you must appreciate the American continent’s incredible potential. In hindsight, the British Empire’s biggest blunder was mismanaging the colonies, leading to the United States’ independence. That land is brimming with untapped possibilities.”

“Indeed… it’s a vast territory, comparable to all of Europe.”

“It’s more than that. It possesses vast plains perfect for agriculture and geographically ideal locations for industrial development.”

From agriculture to services, it’s a land where you can find the perfect environment for any industry.

“Is it really that significant?”

“Didn’t I submit a report detailing Canada’s value? The United States is even more impressive. It can accommodate endless waves of immigrants, leading to a population boom.”

“Hmph… are you suggesting the United States will eventually surpass France or Russia in power?”

“It’s inevitable. They have the land and food to support a growing population, the resources for industrial development, and a constant influx of people from both internal growth and immigration. Imagine how quickly they’ll advance.”

Until World War I, even the United States underestimated its own strength. How could other nations possibly have known?

But I knew better than anyone the potential of that nation.

“So, your efforts in Canada are aimed at curbing the United States’ growth?”

“Yes, but to do that, we need to develop Canada to a comparable size.”

Settling Irish immigrants in Canada, who would otherwise go to the United States, and attracting Black people, could alleviate the immediate population shortage.

The next step is attracting as many immigrants as possible while developing the West, but there’s still a major obstacle.

“The United States, obsessed with expansion, will try to thwart our efforts to protect their interests. For decades, no matter how large Canada becomes, it will struggle to contain the United States.”

“Really? Canada is British territory. Surely, they wouldn’t risk conflict over a bit of land.”

“They would.”

When the United States bought Louisiana from France, they implied they would seize it by force if necessary.

How can we expect peaceful resolutions from a nation claiming it’s God’s will for them to control all of North America under the banner of Manifest Destiny [the 19th-century doctrine that the United States was destined to expand across the continent]?

“Are you saying they’d wage war for more land in the West?”

“If I were the United States, I’d assume the British Empire’s influence is limited to the Atlantic and that sending troops to western North America would be difficult. I’d push forward, occupy the West, and then negotiate, leaving them with no choice but to agree.”

“That’s… true. We have limited means to deploy troops to western Canada. A transcontinental railway would change that, but as you said, that’s decades away.”

“Exactly. This is a critical period. If we miss this opportunity, containing the United States in North America will be nearly impossible, and we’ll be forced to watch them grow unchecked.”

“I understand your point. But how does this relate to the impending war?”
Wellesley and Disraeli, captivated by my explanation, waited eagerly for me to continue.

“As I mentioned, the United States won’t stop until they’ve acquired enough land. Their current target is Texas, in the southwest.”
Wellesley, studying the map I indicated, nodded thoughtfully.

“I see. You’re saying the United States will go to war with Mexico?”

“If we stand aside, the United States will happily defeat Mexico and seize Texas.”

“Judging by the ‘if we stand aside’ part, you have something else in mind?”

“Of course.”

The United States is powerful, but not invincible. Especially now, with internal divisions, they might not even be able to wage war with Mexico.

Creating an external enemy can quell internal unrest, but what if the internal problems escalate even faster?

The most important thing is securing the gateway to the Pacific.

Canada might not be able to challenge the United States now, but with steady growth while they’re distracted, we can reach a point where they can’t be ignored.

In the meantime, we can use internal conflicts and Mexico as distractions, letting them exhaust themselves.

“The key to the upcoming war is how quickly Canada can move south and secure the Pacific coast. We must prevent the United States from gaining control of the Pacific while avoiding unnecessary conflict. If we achieve these two goals, the British Empire’s dominance will endure.”

If Canada grows to rival the British Empire itself, colonial issues will arise, but my importance will only increase.

I emphasized that this was a prediction and that the actual outcome could differ, before concluding the meeting.

Of course, I was confident in my assessment.

* * *

Parliament and the Cabinet were aligned on my authority, but one major hurdle remained.

Her Majesty Queen Victoria, with a gentle smile and kind voice, opposed my potential departure for Canada.

“It’s astonishing that the British Empire can’t find anyone to replace my husband.”

“Haha… hahaha… I know, right? Your Majesty, the opposition was supposed to suggest someone, but they couldn’t find a suitable candidate, so we had no choice but to…”

“I can’t understand it. Are you saying that in this country, with the best minds in Europe, no, the world, there isn’t a single person who can replace my consort?”

“It’s not just about ability. The situation in Canada is unique. The Irish and Black populations are growing rapidly, and His Highness’s trusted position makes him the ideal person to stabilize things…”

They tried to portray the Whig Party as incompetent, but Victoria remained unconvinced.

From a general perspective, her point was valid.

Among the members of Parliament and the Cabinet, wasn’t there anyone confident enough to stabilize Canada?

This stemmed from Canada’s structural issues rather than a lack of talent, but explaining that would be lengthy and complex.

Victoria clicked her tongue softly, glancing at the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, who seemed unsure of what to do.

“So, my husband has to leave for Canada immediately?”

“Not immediately. We can issue written instructions for urgent matters, and if a personal visit is necessary, he can go then. His Highness’s presence alone will positively impact Canada’s stability.”

“If a personal visit is required, that means a significant problem has arisen, correct?”

“Well… but there will be no danger to worry about.”

“Regardless, if such a major event occurs and he resolves it, shouldn’t there be appropriate compensation?”

Oh.

Was her displeasure a ploy to steer the conversation in this direction?

To pressure them into rewarding her husband for his sacrifices abroad?

As I belatedly realized Victoria’s intentions, Wellesley quickly agreed.

“Your Majesty is correct. Those who contribute deserve recognition and compensation. I’ll secure Parliament’s approval, so Your Majesty needn’t worry.”

“Then please do. The consort of this country is going to Canada for the nation’s sake. I would be disappointed if he didn’t receive proper compensation.”

That worried expression seemed genuine. I must avoid mentioning ‘war’ in front of her.

She was already reacting strongly to the idea of me going to Canada. If war was a possibility, she might prevent me from leaving.

“Ah, and if I’m not going to Canada immediately, I should address some unfinished business. I asked the Prime Minister to come today to discuss this.”

“A matter to be dealt with…?”

“I’m referring to the title issue. It’s inappropriate for the Queen’s husband to only hold the titles of Earl of Ireland and Baron of England, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. Do you have any titles in mind?”

Victoria glanced at me and smiled warmly.

This was news to me. Was she planning a surprise?

“My father held the titles of Duke of Kent and Strathearn, and Earl of Dublin. He had no sons, so those titles disappeared after his death. I believe my father’s titles are most fitting for my beloved spouse.”

“So, you’re going to bestow those titles upon him…?”

“No. Since Killian is also from Ireland, including Dublin would emphasize the integration with Ireland. How about excluding Strathearn and creating a dual dukedom of Kent and Dublin?”

“I don’t foresee any issues.”

After the Act of Union [the 1800 Act of Parliament uniting the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland], the House of Hanover preferred granting titles combining regions to emphasize integration.

Combining Kent and Dublin would symbolize that integration.

The Duke of Kent was Victoria’s father’s title, making it even more touching that she would pass it on to her husband.

Additionally, I recently became the legal heir to the Duke of Sussex, so will I inherit that title later?

My name is getting longer, and the titles are accumulating. It feels like introductions will take forever.

“Ah, and one more thing. Please consider the possibility of me visiting Canada when the situation stabilizes.”

“…Excuse me? Your Majesty in Canada? That’s too…”

“Dangerous? If so, wouldn’t I be a terrible wife, sending my husband to a dangerous place without showing my face?”

“But Your Majesty is the leader of the British Empire. There’s no precedent for the monarch visiting such a distant place.”

“As far as I know, sending the consort to a colony across the Atlantic is also unprecedented. It may be dangerous, but with thorough preparation, there will be no problems. Our British Empire’s naval technology is the best in the world. And above all, the Prime Minister understands the significance of the Queen encouraging her husband, who is dedicated to the national interest, right?”

As she said, the Queen’s visit would have an immeasurable positive impact on Canada.

Victoria would also gain a heartwarming story of crossing the Atlantic to support her devoted husband, making it a win-win situation.

Finally, it would solidify my position in Canada.

Who wouldn’t be enthusiastic if the Queen of the British Empire showed that level of support?

I feared she was sulking, but she was orchestrating this all along.

Following the Duke of Kent and Dublin titles, a firm promise from Parliament and the government to provide additional compensation when the situation in Canada stabilizes.

Is this the happiness of a man with a capable wife?

Too good to be true, isn’t it?