I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 190

The Tinderbox of Revolution (2)

In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Europe strived to erase Napoleon’s influence and establish a new order.

This was the Restoration-era balance of power, known as the Vienna System, designed to revert to the pre-revolutionary state.

European nations, fearing a repeat of past upheavals if liberalism and nationalism continued to spread, rigorously suppressed these movements.

Press censorship was deemed a perfectly acceptable measure, and the deployment of secret police to apprehend subversive individuals was commonplace.

However, attempting to completely extinguish a flame that has already spread only results in sparks igniting elsewhere.

Simply masking the underlying problem is merely a temporary fix.

The ideology of liberalism, once disseminated, was gradually taking root among the populace, and the anger suppressed for three decades was poised to erupt at any moment.

Of course, even then, a thriving economy would have reduced this to nothing more than a minor disturbance.

Large-scale uprisings or revolutions ultimately require mass participation, and citizens who are well-fed and comfortable are unlikely to revolt.

The French Revolution of 1789 would not have transpired if the French peasantry had enjoyed three square meals a day and a warm place to sleep.

The revolutions of 1848 ultimately stemmed from this economic crisis.

From 1846 onward, signs of poor harvests began to emerge, and by 1847, the French economy was on the brink of collapse.

Despite ongoing industrialization in France, workers and capitalists alike faced discrimination, intensifying their resentment.

When a nationwide famine struck, triggering widespread peasant unrest, resistance became futile.

However, this also implied that France could potentially avert this situation, depending on their actions.

Of course, given their enduring ‘élan’ [a uniquely French spirit of enthusiasm and flair], which prevents them from acting until a crisis is upon them, they would inevitably be defeated and dragged down without my intervention.

Unsurprisingly, the French Ambassador to London, Count Louis Claire de Beaufoil, who had accepted my invitation and entered Buckingham Palace, seemed completely oblivious to the reason for his visit.

“Your Highness, it is an honor to be invited here.”

“Not at all. I am the one who should be grateful that you made the journey despite the short notice. How are you finding your stay in London?”

“I am always comfortable, of course. Hahaha.”

“I am glad to hear that. How is Minister Guizot doing?”

“The Minister is also in good health. He recently sent me a letter asking me to convey his regards to Your Highness when I saw you.”

He is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but Guizot is likely to become the Prime Minister of France within the next year or two.

However, if things continue on their current course, he will be ousted by the February Revolution, rendering his political career as fragile as a candle in the wind.

He himself is completely unaware of this impending fate.

“I was unaware that the Minister still held me in such regard. I hear that the Minister is a strong contender for the next Prime Minister, so I should send him a congratulatory gift, then.”

“If Your Highness does so, the Minister will surely be touched. It will also greatly benefit the friendship between our two countries.”

“If that is the case, I could not ask for more. In fact, although our two countries have fought countless times in the past, we are now the strongest of allies, are we not? In the future, Her Majesty’s British Empire will have no reason to be hostile to France. After all, we need to unite to keep Russia in check, as they are expanding in the East, don’t you think?”

According to the cherished European tradition of ganging up on anyone who is succeeding, the current target of European nations was Russia.

The British Empire could capitalize on this sentiment in Europe and unite everyone under the banner of anti-Russia.

That is how the Crimean War unfolded in the original timeline, but Britain played a leading role in the Crimean War, incurring significant losses.

Of course, France suffered the most damage, but that was also thanks to Florence Nightingale’s remarkable efforts, which drastically reduced the number of British soldiers’ deaths.

In any case, the current policy of my British Empire is to avoid wasting unnecessary national power at all costs.

No matter how strong we are, if we make mistakes here and there, we may be unable to contain America, which will emerge as a formidable rival to the British Empire in the future.

Even if America’s path to the Pacific is obstructed, the fact remains that it possesses abundant granaries and excellent conditions for revitalizing heavy industry.

If we lose our minds and act like global police, we might be ensnared by America at any moment.

If we falter repeatedly in that manner, we will eventually lose the Pacific once again, and Britain will be ousted from its position as a hegemonic power by America.

As long as I am the Prince Consort of this country, I will never allow that to happen.

Ah, even if it does happen, it will be after I am gone, but I cannot bear to witness such a thing even in the afterlife.

Therefore, we need a buffer to shoulder the burden when there is something that could deplete Britain’s national power, and France is the most suitable candidate, which was my conclusion.

“Russia’s expansion is far from ordinary at the moment. Your country is also investing heavily in Vietnam, but as you know, France and the British Empire are peace-loving and… ahem, countries that know their limits. It takes time to cultivate relationships with Asian countries, but Russia doesn’t have that patience. In the recent war with the Qing Dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912], they simply overpowered them and forcibly seized Primorye [a region in the Russian Far East], didn’t they?”

“Indeed, you are right. Unlike us, who abide by the law and… cough, know our place, Russia is too extreme. They simply initiate wars and seize land, so there is bound to be a difference in speed.”

It felt hypocritical to hear myself say that the British Empire and France were moderate and law-abiding, but what choice did I have?

Still, I derived a strange sense of satisfaction from the fact that French Ambassador Beaufoil coughed, indicating that he possessed at least some semblance of conscience.

So, they do have some moral compass.

“In that regard, I believe that Europe’s peace can be more firmly maintained if France remains strong in the future. At sea, no country can rival our British Empire, but Russia is traditionally a land-based country that relies heavily on its army. We must concede to France when it comes to land warfare.”

“Hahaha, what excessive praise. Well, it is true that we are strong on the land front. But the British Empire possesses the most powerful navy in the world, does it not?”

“The Royal Navy is the pride and honor of our country. But in the past, when we fought against France, France’s formidable army was always the greatest obstacle that our country had to overcome. The world claims that Russia has the strongest army now, but I disagree. Regardless, there is the power of tradition that has been cultivated, so how can Russia compare to France?”

France, which had been the undisputed second-in-command, had recently been surpassed by Russia and was often regarded as the third-strongest power in Europe.

From France’s perspective, it was preposterous, and they vehemently protested, but what could they do when that was the prevailing global assessment?

Moreover, during the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon boldly advanced into Russia but ultimately suffered defeat, making France’s protests even less convincing.

However, when the British Empire, of all countries, lauded France as having the best army, Count Beaufoil naturally smiled and nodded repeatedly.

This was a private conversation, not a formal diplomatic negotiation, so there was no need to be overly cautious.

“Of course. Those Russians are just full of hot air. They achieved a single victory a few decades ago, and they are still capitalizing on it. It’s simply absurd.”

“That’s precisely my point. It seems like they’ve squeezed so much that there’s no milk left. Ah, by the way, I recently had some Boeuf Bourguignon [a classic French beef stew], and it was exquisite. If you’re going to cook, you have to extract the sauce with such elegance. Russia is hopeless.”

“Exactly. In fact, when it comes to cuisine, there’s no comparison between Russia and France. Hahaha!”

“Hahaha, I agree. Therefore, we hope that France will not falter in the future and will steadfastly safeguard the heart of Europe. After all, our country is an island nation, so our influence on Europe is limited.”

“We are greatly reassured to hear that the British Empire holds that view. I feel more confident that we can put aside the animosity of the past and strive for a more progressive relationship.”
You are the hero of Europe, France!

So, when hardship and adversity befall Europe, wouldn’t you step forward and confront it like a hero?

However, no matter how heroic you are, you cannot exert your full strength when you are hungry, even if a neighborhood thug provokes you.

In the current situation, where even domestic politics are unstable, it is impossible to even contemplate confronting Russia or anyone else.

Therefore, it is imperative to stabilize France as naturally as possible and make them indebted to us.

I had engaged in enough flattery to make my face burn, so I naturally broached the primary reason for inviting Count Beaufoil.

“Now that we’re on the subject, you are aware that we also faced challenges with Chartists [a working-class movement for political reform in Britain] who were advocating for universal suffrage, correct?”

“Yes. I heard that the issue escalated to the point where Parliament even had to enlist Your Highness’s assistance. Seeing that the problem, which was so disruptive, was resolved by Your Highness’s speech, I can see that Your Highness wields considerable influence.”

“Hahaha, thank you. But there were some foreign youths I encountered at that time who mentioned having been in France before coming to London. They were young men named Marx and Engels…”

“Marx? Engels? Are they well-known figures?”

Of course, he wouldn’t have heard of them.

It would be surprising if the Count, who had been in London for several years, recognized their names.

It feels odd that Marx and Engels are being treated as nobodies, but this is the reality at present.

“Rather than famous, they are individuals who travel throughout Europe studying liberalism and revolution, so they shared quite a few intriguing stories with me. However, amidst it all, there was a story that I couldn’t simply disregard, so I invited the Ambassador here.”

“Did you say they were young men from Paris? Did they engage in any wrongdoing in France?”

“Rather than wrongdoing, they suggested that there was a high probability of something very serious occurring. But since I intend to actively improve relations with France in the future, how could I simply listen to such a story and move on? I immediately dispatched people to investigate whether the two young men were exaggerating. I didn’t want to be embarrassed by making a fuss over something that wasn’t certain.”

In reality, I had only spoken to them yesterday, so there was no time to conduct an investigation, but so what?

If things continue as they are, the French regime will be overthrown by the revolution, which is a predetermined outcome.

“I see. I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude for going to such lengths for France…”

He said that, but he didn’t seem genuinely grateful.

The Count, who is unaware of the gravity of the situation, has no comprehension of what I’m implying, so it’s understandable.

“You can express your gratitude later when everything is resolved. But first, I wonder if Minister Guizot is aware of the severity of the internal situation at present. So, could you please inform the Minister? The British Empire believes that a second French Revolution may be imminent. And if you require assistance, we are ready to provide it at any time, so do not hesitate to ask.”

“…Yes? What… A, a revolution? That revolution?”

Heh, yes. That’s the reaction I was hoping for.

Even from the Count’s response, who couldn’t conceal his shock despite being a diplomat, it is evident what the Great Revolution signifies to the French leadership.

In reality, the February Revolution may not escalate to the level of the Great Revolution, but these matters always benefit from a bit of embellishment.

“Yes. I’m referring to the Great Revolution that spawned Robespierre [a French lawyer and politician, one of the most influential figures of the French Revolution].”

“Wh, what… Wh, what, nonsense. Then, are you suggesting that revolutionaries operating within our country are plotting such a conspiracy right now? You have obtained such information?”

“Rather than a simple conspiracy, I have concluded that the situation is likely to deteriorate due to a confluence of various factors. Minister Guizot, who is poised to become Prime Minister next year, will likely face a heavy burden from the outset of his term. So, I wanted to seek confirmation. I was wondering if there was anything I could assist with.”

“If you could assist, of course… Please wait a moment. May we consult with our side first and then revisit you?”

“Of course.”

The atmosphere, which had been filled with laughter and chatter, became somber as if it were a fabrication, and Count Beaufoil hastily rose from his seat and departed the room as if he were fleeing.

But no matter how frantically Guizot investigates, he will be unable to uncover any signs of the Great Revolution.

He is not omniscient, so how can he foresee that there will be a devastating famine in two years and that the nationwide harvest will fail?

But he won’t be able to dismiss it as British fabrication because the term “Great Revolution” is too unsettling.

The fact that it originated from the mouth of Killian, the Prince Consort of the British Empire, is too disconcerting to ignore.

But I can’t simply divulge such valuable top-secret information without a price.

What is the corresponding price… That would be ideal.

My gaze naturally gravitated towards the enormous world map hanging on one side of the room, particularly towards the Red Sea region of Egypt.

If I can secure the safety of the French royal family in exchange for ownership of the Suez Canal, which has not yet been constructed, it would be a bargain.

I had already instructed Rothschild to prepare, so it could be presented as a legitimate bargaining chip.

Above all, it is crucial to prevent Marx and Engels from becoming overly enthusiastic if they witness the revolution succeed.

If they observe this series of events, they will conclude that the construction of a true paradise can be achieved through the evolution of the system, rather than through a clumsy revolution.

That’s when the real beginning commences.

If you are born a rare genius, you should dedicate your mind to me… no, to humanity.

Yes, of course.

So, I will ensure that everyone who reveres capitalism praises your names in 100 years.

This is my genuine sentiment for my newly acquired subordinates.