I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 194

My Money, My Investment

The meeting was interrupted by an unexpected report, arriving a day later.

I glanced at Minister Guizot, who sat across from me, absorbed in the detailed report. He likely had a similar one, but his face was a picture of dismay. I almost felt bad for teasing him… Almost. Nah.

When else would I get such a golden opportunity to relentlessly mock him?

“Minister, I’m told the Admiral and the French soldiers are all in good health, so there’s no need for excessive worry.”

“…Thank you.”

“It appears the Joseon [Korean] side contacted the Shanghai Governor. They refer to France as ‘Bulanseo,’ by the way. They stated they are respectfully safeguarding the French soldiers and requested we take custody of them. Shanghai readily agreed.”

“…I can only express my gratitude.”

“Hahaha, wouldn’t France extend the same courtesy in a similar situation? Don’t fret too much about it.”

Of course, the likelihood of a British warship running aground on a reef and being protected by French soldiers seemed rather slim.

“Is it truly reliable that Joseon is ensuring the safety of our soldiers?”

“Absolutely. Joseon also sent a separate letter apologizing for the previous execution of missionaries, attributing it to misunderstandings.”

“……”

I presented Minister Guizot with Kim Jwa-geun’s handwritten letter, which the Shanghai Governor had thoughtfully included.

It was filled with flowery language, but the core message was quite simple when distilled.

-The French warship initiated the conflict, but we are treating them with respect and ensuring their well-being. Let us consider the past resolved.

Strictly speaking, given their initial act of aggression, the captured French soldiers would have little grounds for complaint even if Joseon had mistreated them.

In the absence of a prisoner exchange treaty, adhering to legal protocols was challenging.

Needless to say, Minister Guizot’s face underwent a rather satisfying transformation upon reading the Joseon letter I translated for him.

He undoubtedly intended to leverage this incident to establish a presence in Joseon, so this turn of events must be frustrating.

I made sure to offer words of comfort, channeling all the consideration I could muster.

“I’ve heard the west coast of Joseon is notorious for its numerous islands and unpredictable currents. The tidal speeds are also remarkably swift. Even the second most formidable French navy in the world could have encountered difficulties without meticulous preparation. It’s hardly the soldiers’ fault.”

“…Yes. The home country has undoubtedly learned a valuable lesson from this incident.”

“Firstly, our navy in Shanghai will assume responsibility for the French soldiers, and subsequently arrange for their transport from Hong Kong to France. We will ensure their well-being until their arrival in Europe, so rest assured and place your trust in us. Hahaha!”

“Thank you. Regarding the expenses incurred…”

“Rather than a monetary calculation, how about we incorporate a few adjustments into our ongoing discussions? Let’s begin by including a clause stipulating that neither party shall hold the other accountable for the unfortunate incident with Joseon. Please don’t hesitate to voice any objections.”

He appeared visibly displeased, yet he couldn’t bring himself to articulate his grievances.

I pressed on without waiting for Guizot’s response, who was merely chewing on his lip.

“And we won’t impose any additional charges for safely escorting the French troops back to Paris. Frankly, it’s not exactly a matter to boast about. Wouldn’t it be more prudent to quietly resolve the matter?”

“I would be grateful if you could facilitate that.”

“Then, as compensation, I would greatly appreciate it if you could commence preparations for the canal construction upon your return. This would enable us to initiate construction as soon as we acquire the canal shares.”

“But isn’t the sale of operating rights to your country contingent on the veracity of the information provided by His Majesty? If the home country undertakes canal construction now, wouldn’t complications arise if the information proves inaccurate?”

“What complications? In that scenario, France simply retains ownership of the canal. Regardless, wouldn’t you desire a canal connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea if feasible?”

If construction is inevitable, determining the operator before commencing full-scale work presents no issue.

Regardless of his deliberations, he is acutely aware that he lacks leverage in the current circumstances.

Ultimately, Guizot emitted a soft sigh and nodded resolutely.

“I understand. However, there is one condition.”

* * *

“So, you’re saying you committed to establishing a company for canal construction immediately and engaging in discussions with the Egyptian government, as they requested?”

Upon concluding his meeting with Killian, Guizot promptly returned to Paris, where King Louis-Philippe immediately summoned him.

Contrary to his earlier assertion that he would exploit the Joseon missionary execution to extract concessions from the British Empire, he had conceded everything they desired, eliciting a reaction of disbelief.

However, the navy’s misstep, rather than Guizot’s failing, was the root cause, sparing him a royal reprimand.

“Wasn’t it somewhat premature to pledge immediate canal construction, regardless of its urgency? Couldn’t you have deferred it slightly?”

“Rest assured. Should the information they provided prove false, the canal’s operating rights will revert to France. Furthermore, we secured a commitment that the British Empire will not impede our canal construction and will actively cooperate. We also explicitly included a clause ensuring that no nation, whether the British Empire or France, will face discrimination in canal passage, irrespective of ownership.”

If France secures Egypt’s consent to construct a canal, what would pose the greatest challenge?

Undoubtedly, the British Empire’s oversight.

With assurance of non-interference from the British Empire, no business venture could surpass this in profitability.

And even if we relinquish the business rights, doesn’t it signify that the royal family of this nation averted disaster thanks to the British Empire’s intelligence?

Given the stipulation that French ships receive equitable treatment, I deemed it worthwhile to contemplate ceding the canal to the British Empire, despite the inherent reluctance.

“…Okay. It’s regrettable that we couldn’t secure any rights in Asia, but we must accept it given our navy’s capture by Joseon. Well done. By the way, what prompted the British Empire’s warning? Let’s hear it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s a difficult truth to accept, but if it proves accurate, I must concede that the disparity between us and the British Empire surpasses my expectations.”

“Why such a lengthy preamble? Explain yourself clearly.”

“Well, from next year to the year after, Europe will experience a wheat crop failure, leading to soaring grain prices. Consequently, economic recession will coincide, inevitably triggering peasant uprisings. There’s a strong likelihood that alienated bourgeois capitalists and their collusion will once again plunge France into a massive revolutionary upheaval.”

What crop failure is this, appearing so suddenly?

If one could accurately predict a wheat harvest failure a year or two in advance, no nation on Earth would suffer famine.

However, the fact that they reached an agreement with such specific conditions suggests they possess their own convictions.

Guizot swiftly continued his explanation to the bewildered king.

“The British Empire’s royal secretary is, in fact, the individual who accurately diagnosed the potato blight in Ireland and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. If he foresees a major famine in Europe, there must be a corresponding basis. From what I gather, the potato blight that struck Ireland is poised to spread throughout Europe.”

“If the potato crop fails, it will undoubtedly be a setback, but can we infer that a crop failure will engulf Europe solely based on that?”

“Yes. The crux of the matter is their conviction that the wheat crop failure will coincide with the potato blight. Their reasoning stems from comparing temperature, precipitation, and harvest data collected over several years across Europe, revealing striking similarities to the prelude of a periodic crop failure. They describe it as the calm before the storm, and at the current trajectory, numerous regions will experience subpar wheat harvests next year or the year after.”

“Are you suggesting they possess analysis data on Europe’s precipitation and grain harvest spanning several years? And that they can forecast crop failure cycles based on this?”

It was difficult to believe, but the fact remains that they wouldn’t have requested relinquishing canal ownership in the first place if they lacked genuine conviction.

Yet, the lingering question persisted.

“But even if all of this is accurate, why is the British royal family the subject of the contract? Shouldn’t it be the government?”

“They assert that this analysis data is unrelated to their government or parliament.”

“…What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“Allow me to elucidate step by step from the beginning.”

I am well aware that the British Empire is establishing a constitutional monarchy, relegating the royal family to a symbolic role, but has something changed in the interim?

Furthermore, they mentioned purchasing canal shares, not seizing them, but can the royal family manage that sum independently?

Louis-Philippe suddenly felt like an outdated old man, out of touch with the times.

* * *

The British Empire’s royal family possesses such immense wealth that no aristocrat can rival it, yet they cannot wield that wealth at their discretion.

Obtaining consent from the government or parliament for significant matters with direct implications for domestic politics or the economy is customary.

This also serves as a safeguard to uphold the royal family’s political neutrality.

In essence, the royal family’s prospective acquisition of the Suez Canal’s operating rights necessitates approval from parliament or the government.

I, a person with a strong sense of compliance, cannot contravene these customs.

Of course, upon Guizot’s return, I promptly convened with representatives from both the ruling and opposition parties to discuss this matter.

Wellesley had not received prior notification about the canal, so everyone mirrored the same reaction initially.

“…Yes? What canal?”

“So, you’re suggesting constructing a canal connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, and vesting the operating rights in the royal family? How?”

“Egypt doesn’t maintain amicable relations with the home country, so they would never grant us an opportunity…”

Gladstone, Disraeli, and Palmerston.

Everyone, irrespective of their affiliation, voiced the same sentiment on this matter, and upon hearing my subsequent explanation, they were all dumbfounded.

“Wait a moment, please. You’re suggesting that France will sell all of its shares to the British Empire’s royal family?”

“Why… No, shouldn’t the British Empire’s government acquire them instead?”

As anticipated, these powerhouses of British politics swiftly grasped the Suez Canal’s value without needing further elaboration.

But the same holds true for me.

Would I be so foolish as to entrust the government with the honey pot that will become the world’s logistics hub?

“The government acquires it? Why?”

“Well, canal construction will undoubtedly be a large-scale national project, so shouldn’t the government assume responsibility for it?”

“There’s no need for government leadership in construction. The royal family has already resolved to acquire all of France’s shares.”

“Then, amend the contract to designate the government as the party instead of the royal family…”

“I’m reiterating that there’s no justification for that. This is a contract between the British Empire’s royal family and France. I’m merely reporting it in accordance with the custom that significant financial expenditures with substantial national economic implications must be discussed with parliament, and I’m not seeking assistance from parliament or the government.”

Do you comprehend? This isn’t a request for collaboration, but a mere notification.

Naturally, Gladstone and Palmerston, hearing this for the first time today, were rendered speechless.

“You concluded such a momentous contract independently.”

“You should have consulted with the government, if not parliament, at the very least.”

“When did I act alone? I informed the Prime Minister. I mentioned the possibility of acquiring something from France, and requested his attention. Correct?”

“No, wait a minute. Was that ‘something’ you were going to acquire by any chance a canal? I clearly stated I understood, but…”

Well, they likely couldn’t have envisioned something of this magnitude.

Nevertheless, I provided clear advance notice.

“Your Majesty. How about this? The royal family owns half of the shares, and the British Empire’s government owns the other half. Then…”

“This contract was purely a private transaction, precluding government intervention.”

“But in principle, royal family property cannot be utilized without government or parliamentary consent. Without our agreement, acquiring shares will be impossible.”

As anticipated, this is the inevitable outcome.

I had fully anticipated this type of interference from the moment I conceived the plan to seize the canal.

That’s because the canal in Egypt held immense value for the British Empire, which navigates the world’s oceans as if they were its own.

Even a child can envision the power a specific individual or family would wield with control over this.

If that’s the royal family, they’ll naturally react in this manner.

Because it grants excessive power to the royal family, which should only reign as a symbolic entity.

But if I anticipated opposition, it’s only natural that I have a solution prepared.

I calmly sipped my tea and nodded.

“I understand. Since parliament opposes it, let’s refrain from utilizing the royal family’s property.”

“…Thank you for understanding. Then the investment will be split evenly between the royal family and the government…”

“I will proceed with the project using only my personal funds, without tapping into any of the royal family’s assets.”

“Yes, yes, not the royal family’s property… Yes? What did you say?”

If the royal family can’t possess the canal, can’t I simply own it myself?

The answer was straightforward from the outset.

“I’m stating that I’m going to acquire the Suez Canal, not the British Empire’s royal family. Then there will be no objections, correct?”

“……”

“……”

Of course, Gladstone, the opposition machine who had relentlessly refuted until now, and Palmerston, the half-and-half parrot who had consistently advocated for dividing ownership in half.

Even Disraeli, who had been quietly observing the atmosphere.

Everyone ceased speaking and merely blinked, staring blankly at me.

Clatter.

The sound of Prime Minister Wellesley carelessly setting down his teacup, having fully grasped the situation, shattered the quiet silence and reverberated.

Hmm, my mind is at peace because of the absence of noise.

It is said that silence implies consent, so it can be inferred that everyone shares the same opinion, right?

I wish you had done this sooner, but you always compel me to reiterate myself.