I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 174

Service ended.

While his younger brother, Anthony Rothschild, was executing operations against the Bengal narcotics department,

Lionel Nathan Rothschild, the head of the Rothschild family in England, was also diligently carrying out Killian’s directives in India.

He meticulously shaved off his signature sideburns and completely altered his hairstyle to avoid recognition.

Using the alias Lionel Kane, personally suggested by Killian, he successfully contacted the department in Bombay responsible for ordering merchant ships.

“So… you’re seeking to participate in the bidding for this merchant ship order?”

“Yes. As evidenced by these documents, our Anglo-Asian Shipping Company boasts experienced employees and seasoned veterans with extensive industry experience.”

“Hmm… the resume certainly appears impressive.”

To advance this plan, the Rothschild family invested significant resources in establishing a company capable of deceiving the East India Company, even before Killian’s business trip to Asia.

Of course, regardless of the Rothschilds’ wealth, this endeavor required external assistance.

James, a businessman renowned throughout the British Empire’s financial circles (thanks to Killian’s introduction), mobilized his connections and resources to manipulate the shell company’s past records established by the Rothschilds.

He acquired blueprints and drawings of numerous ships the company supposedly built in the past and manipulated the accounting books, presenting it as a reliable company with a long and successful history.

In fact, Lionel Rothschild gained several insights during this process.

While he was currently in a position to deceive the East India Company, wouldn’t they be equally vulnerable to companies attempting similar deceptions in the future?

He realized he needed to remain vigilant to avoid being manipulated by scammers like the ones he was currently employing.

He now understood why Killian had emphasized the valuable lessons he would learn by personally managing this operation.

“But your company’s bidding conditions are exceptionally favorable. The price is almost 10 to 15 percent lower than other companies. How is this feasible?”

“You’ll understand by examining the history of the merchant ships we’ve constructed. We are faster than any other company in adopting new technologies. This is because one of our directors is a former Navy general. Thanks to him, we have immediate access to the latest technologies from the Portsmouth naval shipyard.”

“Ah, preferential treatment for former officials. I understand. So, will these new technologies be incorporated into the ships we order this time?”

“Certainly. Even merchant ships require armaments, necessitating the use of thicker steel plates. We also maintain close relationships with steel companies that are constantly innovating, allowing us to receive the latest steel specifications directly from them. The technology used in the newest warships is applied, making the ships lighter, stronger, and cheaper to produce.”

Technology advances and costs decrease annually.

Rothschild’s statements weren’t entirely false; steel quality had indeed improved recently.

However, claiming they would apply it to merchant ships first was an exaggeration.

“Hmm… these are the best conditions we’ve seen. However, the contract deposit ratio is a bit high, isn’t it? It’s customary to pay 10 to 15 percent in advance, but you’re asking for 20 percent.”

“Since we’re offering a price 15 percent lower than other companies, shouldn’t we be entitled to ask for a slightly higher deposit? Of course, there’s a reason. Did you notice the special clause we added below?”

“…If the delivery is delayed by even one day, the deposit will be returned in full. The fact that you included this condition yourself indicates your confidence.”

“Indeed. As our history demonstrates, we have never missed a deadline.”

The person in charge, after carefully reviewing the documents Rothschild confidently presented, nodded in reluctant agreement.

The East India Company urgently needed merchant ships to capitalize on the newly opened markets in Japan and Joseon [historical Korean kingdom].

In this environment, deploying merchant ships quickly was crucial.

Joseon and Japan, while smaller than Qing [historical China], offered significant profit potential to those who could preempt the market.

Each day of delay represented more than just a loss of one day’s sales.

The East India Company was under pressure to generate revenue as quickly as possible.

Paying 20 percent of the contract amount for multiple armed merchant ships was a burden, but the special terms and collateral minimized the risk.

“Well… I’ll do my best, but the contract amount is substantial, so it might be challenging.”

“I understand. It won’t be easy. That’s why I brought this for you to enjoy and regain some energy…”

The person in charge, noticing the bag Rothschild subtly offered, coughed and his eyes gleamed.

“Oh my, you really shouldn’t have.”

“The weather in India is much hotter than back home, so you must be suffering. I brought this for you to enjoy and regain some energy. Please don’t feel obligated.”

“Haha… you really didn’t need to give me this.”

Even as he spoke, he quickly grabbed the bag, ensuring it wouldn’t be taken back, and peeked inside.

His expression said it all.

Who wouldn’t be astonished by the sight of sparkling silver coins and tightly packed pound notes?

Closing the bag and rising from his seat, the person in charge smiled broadly, as if he possessed the world, and extended his hand.

“I feel much more energized already! I’ll take care of everything. Trust me and wait, hahaha!”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’ll leave it in your capable hands.”

It wouldn’t be difficult to bankrupt a company if you could sway the person in charge so easily.

Lionel resolved to overhaul the entire system upon his return to prevent Rothschild’s bank from ever falling victim to such scams.

* * *

“How did it go?”

“With this, the preparations are nearly complete. How is your brother’s progress?”

“What’s there to say? We won the bidding, of course.”

“Well, offering a 15 percent discount and a full refund of the contract amount for even a single day’s delay was too tempting to resist.”

Despite the lengthy preparation period, the ease with which the matter was resolved surprised him.

This was due to the thoroughness of their preparations and the East India Company’s current financial difficulties.

Killian must have anticipated this and instructed them to initiate this operation.

Both Bengal and Bombay took the bait so readily.

“How much opium has been ordered?”

“So far, we’ve delivered approximately 50,000 pounds to the opium department. We’re continuing to increase the order quantity and have consistently paid on time, leading Bengal to predict a resurgence in the opium trade.”

“Good, good. The opium-producing farmers must have been instructed to accelerate opium production.”

“Yes. We’ve also pre-ordered 100,000 pounds of opium. Given our reliable payments, they readily accept pre-orders now.”

“They must have been in a state of panic, fearing the opium department’s demise. The news of new markets opening in Joseon and Japan must have been a godsend. They probably offered a prayer of thanks to God.”

People are inherently self-centered in their worldview.

Moreover, these individuals have enjoyed absolute power and dominance in India for so long.

They paid attention only to the British Empire’s government and never considered the need to look elsewhere.

Would they ever suspect that someone could deceive them and shake the company to its core?

“But brother, I thought all the opium was to be dumped into the sea. Why the change in policy to hiding it on an island?”

“That’s more beneficial for the future plan.”

They had pre-ordered 100,000 pounds of opium, but his brother’s company was destined for bankruptcy, so the East India Company would naturally not receive that opium.

Since they had already received 50,000 pounds, the actual loss could be considered around 50,000 pounds, but the situation was more complex.

The key was that the opium department now believed the opium trade would recover and had urged farmers in various regions to resume opium production.

In other words, all the opium currently being produced would become unsalable inventory, and the East India Company would bear the brunt of the farmers’ discontent.

The East India Company would claim they were also victims of the fraudster, but where is a fraudster who loses money himself? That’s not convincing.

What if the 50,000 pounds of opium the fraudster supposedly stole were found intact on a nearby island?

“The island where they’re hiding the opium is owned by the East India Company’s board of directors. When the national audit begins, the investigators sent to the island will discover the opium hidden by the board of directors.”

“Ah! I understand. The goal isn’t just to inflict a financial blow on the East India Company.”

As he said, the financial blow was merely a trigger for the national audit. They couldn’t even imagine the true, fatal blow that was coming.

“But who will be the unfortunate scapegoat to take the blame for all of this?”

“I’ve selected the perfect candidates from the board of directors. They’re scum who deserve to disappear from society a hundred times over, so don’t worry.”

Looking through the list of East India Company’s board of directors, who would be named as the masterminds behind this incident, most of them were individuals even heartless financiers would condemn.

In particular, they were largely responsible for the growing anti-British Empire sentiment in India, making them ideal scapegoats.

After examining their actions in detail, even his brother, who initially showed some sympathy, completely changed his tune. How could he not?

“They were the ones who spearheaded the salary cuts and reduced privileges for the sepoys [Indian soldiers serving under British command], who constitute a significant portion of the Indian army.”

“Yes. And this Edward guy here… I met him in London, and he views Jews as insects. I still remember him clearly. I’ve always wanted to see him fall, and thanks to His Highness, I can fulfill my wish.”

“Did you ask your brother to include that guy on the list?”

“…Well, I may have mentioned it. But it’s not just because he despises Jews. He also enjoys exploiting not only Jews but also local Indians. His Highness must have considered all of that when he pointed him out.”

His brother’s company, which was attempting the opium trade, and the Asian shipping company, which had received 20 percent of the ship construction money as a contract deposit from the East India Company, had already erased all traces and prepared to vanish without a trace.

He wondered if they should recover the 50,000 pounds already paid to the East India Company from this contract deposit, but Killian emphasized that greed shouldn’t jeopardize the operation, so he decided to leave it as it was.

“Now, brother, all we have to do is deposit all the contract money we received this time into banks in India under the names of these directors. Remember to have people secretly divide and deposit the money to avoid detection.”

“Of course. Do you think I’d neglect such basic precautions?”

Benzly, Boyd, Cotton.

The Rothschild brothers laughed at the pigs who were still happily making money in India, oblivious to their impending doom, and sent a message to Killian, who was waiting in their home country.

Now it’s showtime.

Riding on the wings of His Highness, the Rothschilds will soar to new heights.