I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 139

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire 139

Give the Price

In the original timeline, the Mexican-American War occurred in 1846, which is four years from now.

It’s already nearing the end of 1842, so the war could happen in just over three years.

Heinrich’s law [a principle stating that if you analyze enough incidents, you can predict major events] applies to most major events, so there were likely numerous signs of that war long before it broke out.

Therefore, it’s not that strange that this incident might trigger the war a few years earlier than it should have happened.

But I never imagined they would try to drag me into this mess with them.

The original Mexican-American War was started with an absurd reason, so the current war would be even more morally questionable.

“Mexico’s national power can’t be compared to that of the United States, can it? You can wage war without needing to involve us.”

“That’s true, but didn’t the British Empire also suffer from Mexico’s cunning trickery in this incident? It’s terrible to say, but if Her Majesty the Queen had been greatly shocked, what kind of accident might have occurred… Even I am horrified. The anger felt by His Royal Highness the Prince Consort and the citizens of the British Empire must be immeasurable.”

“So, you’re suggesting we attack Mexico together, but frankly, it’s not a very convincing proposal. Even if this incident was Mexico’s scheme, the United States ultimately employed the slave hunters, and the United States side failed to control the border properly. Even if they were paid to commit the crime, the fact remains that the criminals were from the United States.”

“I sincerely apologize for that. I promise to provide all necessary compensation. But if there is a force that instigated this, shouldn’t we punish them and set things right? Especially for the prestige of the British Empire, we must not let those who planned this go unpunished.”

Since when has the United States been worried about the prestige of the British Empire?

The logic was so absurd that I almost laughed, but I could roughly guess their intention.

“But Mexico is too far from the home country, so the cost of actually waging war would be too great for us to bear.”

“Of course, you don’t have to dispatch direct troops. Our United States army will carry out the actual war.”

In summary, they want to beat up Mexico and then use our name to pressure them more easily and seize territory.

Since the British Empire and Mexico are physically too far apart, it is difficult to occupy territory by sending the army even if they actually go to war.

The most we could do is send the navy to devastate the Mexican coastline, which would make it easier for the United States to wage war.

In other words, the United States can avoid starting a fabricated war without justification and have an easier time winning the war, which is a win-win situation.

Of course, that’s only if I didn’t know the Mexican-American War would happen and hadn’t prepared for it at all.

“I understand what you mean, but the British Empire doesn’t just drive its allies into a dead end when waging war. When Napoleon burned all of Europe, our British Empire took the lead in bringing Napoleon to his knees. If we really go to war with Mexico, our policy will not change this time either. Especially if Mexico really orchestrated this, touching our Queen, we can’t just let this go.”

“That’s… true. Then the Royal Navy of the British Empire will sortie and devastate the ports of Mexico. That would be a great help to us.”

“Is that all? Our brave Queen’s army will continue to push and push until Mexico surrenders.”

“…Yes? But…”

“Oh, now that I think about it, the United States is in fierce conflict with Mexico over Texas, right? That’s even better. We’ll go down to Alta California [modern-day California], so we can attack Mexico from both directions.”

If a war breaks out between the United States and Mexico, the United States will inevitably concentrate its forces on the Texas side.

And in the meantime, we can go straight down through Oregon and plant our flag all the way to California, completely taking control of the Pacific coast.

There’s no problem because we’ve been training a militia in Canada to intervene when the American-Mexican war breaks out from the moment we arrived.

Anyway, the California region is nominally Mexican territory, but there are no proper defense forces, so if we decide to push, we can easily push them away.

Of course, the United States would never welcome this if they were to beat up Mexico and swallow the west.

If the war ends as I say, the territory we take will be much larger than the land the United States takes through the war.

Realizing that, Elberet slightly twitched his eyes and said.

“…There aren’t many troops on the Canadian side, so you don’t have to overdo it so much…”

“Ah, no. As I always say, the British Empire never lets its allies fight alone. This is a matter of our prestige and honor, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

“It’s not that I’m worried…”

“Then there’s nothing more to worry about. But all of this will be decided after seeing Mexico’s reaction.”

He’s not worried about the British Empire, but about themselves. Since the President’s letter is already in my hands, it will be difficult to change his words.

So, when you make a plan to take advantage of others, you should always consider the possibility that you may be taken advantage of as well.

I slowly folded Tyler’s letter and put it in my pocket, saying goodbye.

Even though he was a seasoned diplomat, Everett couldn’t hide his embarrassment and bowed his head before getting up from his seat, as he hadn’t expected this situation at all.

He must have been feeling good just a moment ago, thinking that everything was going according to their wishes. I feel sorry for him.

Still, seeing that stiff face makes me feel like the steak I ate at noon is digested in 10 seconds. It’s refreshing.

Of course, it will be a pain in the ass for him to report this to the President, but isn’t that what diplomacy is all about?

Their misfortune is our happiness.

* * *

The United States, which had its happy circuit explode and was hit with cold water, was not the only one who received a shock that was so painful that nothing was left.

“Your Highness! We are really! Really, really, really! We are wronged! Unless we were crazy, would we ever touch the British Empire that was just standing still!”

Mexican Ambassador Luis Gonzaga Cuevas, who had greeted me with a light heart just a few days ago, was now making the room echo with a voice full of indignation.

It was an act that was against the etiquette of a diplomatic ambassador, but he didn’t seem to have the luxury to care about that now.

“The United States side said they have secured all the evidence.”

“That must be fabricated evidence! The United States guys are the best at instigating, lying, fabricating, and manipulating. You must not be fooled, Your Highness!”

Cuevas was a diplomat who had built his career through Prussia and England, so he knew the power of the British Empire better than anyone else.

That’s why, when I said I was going to Canada, he volunteered to take the position of ambassador to Canada, which had been vacant.

“What is the public opinion in Mexico? By now, they must have all heard about this commotion.”

“Of course, they are angry that this is a ridiculous slander. This… you know that this is nonsense that is not even worth considering.”

“A sound not even worth responding to…”

I understand that feeling very well, but unfortunately, this is not a very wise response.

No matter how absurd and terrible the slander is, you must first collect thorough data and refute it once the other side has launched a plot.

Otherwise, no matter how wronged you are, the third party will inevitably lean towards the side that is speaking logically.

“The United States guys are trying to cover up their mistakes by blaming them on us and using that as an excuse to gain a favorable position in the current dispute. You must not be fooled by their cunning scheme.”

“Ambassador, I understand how you feel, but if you are too emotional like that, others besides me will not listen to Mexico’s words. The United States has submitted all the data that Mexico is the mastermind of this to our parliament. What kind of judgment will the parliament make?”

“That, that is fabricated data…”

“We cannot know whether it is fabricated or not. What is certain is that if things continue like this, the parliament, pushed by the public opinion of angry citizens, may side with the United States.”

It is true that I have been granted full authority to do whatever I want in Canada, but if the parliament enacts a law, I have no choice but to follow it.

And in all likelihood, if time drags on like this, the parliament will decide to attack Mexico along with the United States.

Because that is an easy way to gain both practical benefits and establish our prestige.

“Your Royal Highness! We are really wronged. We have nothing to do with this. And because we have nothing to do with it, we cannot prove that we are innocent. Don’t you know? It is the most difficult thing to prove innocence even in court.”

“Actually, I have doubts as to whether Mexico would have gone that far. But as you know, the British Empire has adopted parliamentarism. No matter how much of an ambassador with full authority I am, if the parliament formally demands something, I have no choice but to follow it.”

“Then, we will also prepare and send data, so please review it together!”

“Of course, we should. But one thing I would like to ask is, does Mexico think there is a high possibility of war with the United States?”

“That is…”

“The conflict between the United States and Mexico is a major issue that can have a significant impact on Canada. The home country is also watching closely.”

Of course, that’s a lie.

Right now, Britain’s main concern was the expansion of Russia, and the issue of the United States and Mexico was only at the level of the 2nd or 3rd priority at best.

Of course, things will change if the recent news reaches the ears of the citizens of the home country.

“…We are always mindful of the possibility of war. We must assume war to maintain peace.”

“I see. Actually, there are many people on our side who view the expansion of the United States with concern. I am one of those people.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. So I have done a lot of research, and every time I thought that war would inevitably break out someday. I never thought that the timing would be brought forward so much.”

I don’t know what Mexico is thinking, but it is a foregone conclusion that war will break out.

From the United States’ point of view, now that they have made such a large-scale manipulation, they can no longer undo it.

The moment they reveal that they manipulated to blame Mexico, there will be more than one person who will go to hell. How can they back down?

Once you get on a tiger’s back, you can only get off when the war breaks out and you win.

Cuevas’ face turned paler and paler as he listened to my story.

He must be grasping the situation now, right? Keep being anxious.

If things continue like this, you will really have all your territory taken and have to prostrate yourself before the United States.

“Your Highness. Then, perhaps… does the British Empire plan to remain neutral if war breaks out?”

“Well. I hope that this continent will maintain peace as much as possible. If war breaks out, we may try to mediate in our own way.”

“Is that really true?”

“Yes. Of course, it’s not free. We need a price that can convince the citizens and parliament of the home country. For example, here.”

When I pointed to the southwestern part of North America that leads to the Pacific Ocean, Cuevas’ eyes fluttered.

“If you promise to include the Alta California region in the British Canadian territory, the parliament of the home country will be happy to accept the British Empire’s mediation in this war.”

“That, that is…”

“If it’s not that much, we can’t help it either. We have no choice but to remain neutral even if the worst happens.”

We are lending the name of the British Empire, the world’s strongest power, so there is no way we would do it for free.

Even if we attack Mexico with the United States.

Even if we remain neutral and mediate.

Whatever happens, the California region will definitely be in our hands.

But honestly, it would be a shame if it ended with just that.

To put our child, Victoria, and my name on it, we need to acquire at least three more regions, but even if we acquire California or Oregon above it, it is still far from enough.

In order for us to take more, Mexico must fight against the United States with strength, but no matter how much I think about it, Mexico is not at that level.

Then there is only one way.

If Mexico cannot become stronger, then we can just weaken the opponent.