I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 232

< Age of War (4) >

I deal with anyone who irritates me directly.

It’s a widely acknowledged fact that tracing the roots of many global atrocities in the 19th century leads back to the British Empire.

This isn’t just a biased view as a Brit; there’s a clear reason why the British Empire was central to so many incidents during that period.

It was an era where a nation’s interests were prioritized above all else, including conscience and morality, and the British Empire was the most powerful nation at the time.

However, even the British Empire doesn’t act without assessing the situation.

The situation in Greece was a prime example.

They couldn’t understand what was emboldening this seemingly reckless country, so they resorted to blockading the port and applying pressure.

They anticipated some kind of reaction from the blockade, but it remained surprisingly quiet.

“Could they be waiting for the Russian navy to assist them?”

It was a genuinely naive question, but Admiral Parker responded with a look that suggested he’d heard every conceivable absurdity.

“Even if they’re foolish, would they be that delusional?”

“Well, isn’t it possible they sided with Russia and joined the war precisely because of such delusions?”

Of course, I can’t be certain.

However, it’s a mistake to assume that the wars of this era are always based on rational calculations.

Even in the World Wars, which occurred much later, numerous irrational decisions and blunders were made.

Therefore, it’s quite possible that Greece has lost its senses and is simply acting impulsively.

Predictably, the Greek army began shelling the ships stationed off Piraeus, and Admiral Parker’s composure vanished instantly.

“Admiral! Greece has launched a preemptive strike!”

“Are these bastards truly insane! All troops, retaliate!”

Unsurprisingly, the Greek army, lacking proper wooden warships, stood no chance against the British Empire’s fleet, already equipped with steel steam warships.

Even if Admiral Yi Sun-sin [Korean admiral and military general famed for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty] and Nelson [British flag officer in the Royal Navy] were reincarnated and commanded the Greek side, while I commanded the British, the latter would inevitably achieve an overwhelming victory.

As if to emphasize the stark difference in power, Admiral Parker thoroughly bombarded the port of Greece.

The port of Piraeus, essentially an extension of Athens, was so heavily damaged that it became unusable for the foreseeable future.

Every floating object resembling a ship was utterly destroyed.

Facilities near the port were naturally obliterated.

The shipyards and shipbuilding facilities were completely ruined, making it impossible to find even a small boat near Piraeus for the time being.

Not content with this, Admiral Parker sailed his fleet around the entire peninsula, indiscriminately destroying Greek ships and ports. Unsurprisingly, no Russian reinforcements arrived.

Of course, additional Greek troops did appear.

But what can a country with a negligible naval force accomplish by deploying a mere thousand or two thousand soldiers?

Moreover, after witnessing the Greek army firing muskets at their ships from the shore as a counterattack, Admiral Parker closed his eyes in disbelief.

He was now embarrassed that he was seriously at war with such an inept force.

Only after the situation deteriorated to this point did the Greek Council send a request for peace.

“We have no intention of fighting the British Empire, not even in the slightest! Really!”

“Then why did you side with Russia and attack the Ottomans?”

“That’s… because His Majesty accepted Russia’s request to help restore Greece’s former territory…”

“Are you serious? Accepting Russia’s request means going to war with our country.”

“His Majesty seems to have believed that while the British Empire was occupied fighting Russia, our country could fight the Ottomans.”

As the chairman spoke, Admiral Parker’s face conveyed utter disbelief.

While I suspected this was the case, I couldn’t help but wonder, is this really happening?

Well, considering there was a madman who fought on three fronts simultaneously in World War II, I can understand Greece’s decision to some extent.

Still, they only intended to fight the Ottomans, which makes them slightly better, right?

It’s truly astonishing that they overlooked the fact that their territory lies directly in the path the British Empire would take to engage Russia.

“Your country’s Majesty seems to have imagined Greece as a landlocked country in the middle of the continent. If we bypassed Greece and entered the Black Sea, we would be leaving the enemy’s allies in our rear.”

“…I have no response…”

“Frankly, we don’t want to waste time here either. So, if you desire peace, agree to the conditions we’ve outlined. Then the British Empire’s navy will cease blockading your country’s ports.”

While Admiral Parker commands the military, I possess greater authority in treaty negotiations.

Consequently, the Royal Navy could reach a temporary agreement on the spot without awaiting approval from London.

Of course, Parliament’s approval is ultimately required, but rejection is highly unlikely.

“First, all territories occupied during this conflict must be returned to the Ottoman side.”

“Yes, yes.”

“And this war has caused our country to waste considerable resources and time unnecessarily. You will have to provide compensation for all of this. Do you have any objections?”

“…No.”

“And we will require the right to establish naval bases, allowing our country to utilize some of your currently intact ports.”

The temporary base in Gallipoli will revert to the Ottomans after this war, so we need a way to monitor Russia even after the conflict ends.

From that perspective, Greece, by acting presumptuously, has provided us with a convenient justification.

“A British Empire naval base in our country’s port…”

Before I could elaborate, Admiral Parker glared at him intensely and interjected aggressively.

“We should definitely secure this much. The compensation barely covers the resources our country wasted unnecessarily this time.”

“Yes, as the Admiral stated. However, if you accept these conditions, I assure you that our country will not attack Greece further.”

“…”

The outcome is predetermined; all they can do is nod weakly or strongly.

If they refuse, Greece will effectively become a landlocked country with no coastal cities from that day forward.

“I understand… I will accept all the conditions you have presented.”

“Thank you. Then shall we sign the agreement immediately? Chairman, please sign on behalf of the council and obtain His Majesty Otto’s signature.”

“I sincerely apologize, but I would appreciate it if you could wait a little longer for His Majesty’s signature. That’s…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but I could easily guess what the chairman was trying to convey.

Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, I can imagine the heated debates that have transpired internally since our attack began.

Considering this is our first victory since the war started, why do I feel sympathy rather than joy?

The result Greece achieved from this war was the devastation of most of its ports and the complete destruction of almost all of its warships. In addition, it is the return of all territories acquired since last year and the payment of additional compensation.

Furthermore, the British Empire’s naval base will be established in the only remaining functional port… I can’t help but wonder what they were thinking when they entered this war.

In truth, I wanted to ask, but I couldn’t bring myself to speak after seeing the chairman of the council, looking like a living corpse, dejectedly departing.

It’s rare to feel sympathy for a politician I’ve never met before.

The Kingdom of Greece is accomplishing that difficult feat. Amazing, truly amazing!

And Russia, which made such a fuss to involve such a kingdom… what criteria are they using when choosing allies?

My heart sinks further.

* * *

Northeast Asia.

Joseon [Former Korean Dynasty] was the primary country directly bordering Russia, but Japan could also be considered indirectly bordering Russia.

Sakhalin Island, situated between the Tatar Strait and the Sea of Okhotsk.

This island, slightly smaller than half of the Korean Peninsula, was recently the site of a development competition between Russia, the Qing Dynasty [Last imperial dynasty of China], and Japan.

However, after Russia occupied Primorsky Krai, the Qing Dynasty’s influence virtually disappeared, leaving Japan and Russia in a state of tense rivalry.

However, both countries have merely declared the island as their territory, without any force fully occupying it.

They have only established and maintained reclamation villages along some of the island’s coastlines, and there’s a clear reason for this.

In Japan’s case, its administrative capacity was stretched thin just by occupying and managing Hokkaido and the Kuril Islands, and Russia faced similar constraints.

However, as Russia gradually stabilized Primorsky Krai and showed increasing interest in Sakhalin, Japan couldn’t remain passive.

If Russia completely occupies Sakhalin, Hokkaido and the Kuril Islands will fall directly under Russia’s sphere of influence.

Given this situation, the shogunate [Military dictatorship of Japan during the Edo period], having agreed to the British Empire’s request to join the war against Russia, decided to seize this opportunity.

“The British will undoubtedly use their superior naval power to devastate the Russian coast. Consequently, the Russians’ ability to access Karafuto (Sakhalin) will vanish entirely.”

“That’s correct. Moreover, from Russia’s perspective, they will have no choice but to concentrate their defenses on Joseon, which shares a direct border with them.”

Whether Joseon possesses the strength to pressure Russia is irrelevant.

What matters is that the Russians believe they do.

“If we merely provide supplies, it might appear as though the shogunate is subservient to the British. This would undermine our plan to exert pressure on Satsuma and Choshu [Japanese feudal domains]. Through this war, we must not only support the British but also secure tangible benefits that we can showcase.”

“That’s right. That way, Satsuma and Choshu will not dare to challenge the shogun’s authority.”

“No, they must challenge us. That’s how we can use it as an excuse to suppress them.”

The key is to make the other daimyos [Powerful Japanese feudal lords] hesitate and carefully observe our actions.

Supplying goods to the British side will involve contributions from the daimyos, which will inevitably lead to complaints.

But what if the shogun doesn’t simply remain in the background but boldly raises an army and completely expels the Russians from Karafuto?

He would be revered as the first shogun in history to reclaim territory from Russia, the European powerhouse that had even forced the mighty Qing Dynasty to its knees and seized its land.

Since Toyotomi Hideyoshi [Japanese samurai and warlord] led his troops to Joseon, claiming he would strike the Ming Dynasty [The ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644], and engaged in a protracted war of attrition, there has been little record of Japan waging war against another country.

This is a golden opportunity to erase that unpleasant memory and elevate the shogunate’s status.

“We don’t need a large force. Even with a thousand troops, we can easily drive the Russians out of Karafuto. I must petition His Majesty the Emperor and obtain permission for the war. Simultaneously, we will attack the residences of the Russians in Karafuto, so expedite preparations.”

“Yes! Then the declaration of war…”

“…Declaration of war?”

Tokugawa Ieyoshi [The 12th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan] tilted his head as if genuinely puzzled.

On reflection, that makes sense.

What rational person announces their intention to strike before throwing a punch?

To inflict the most damage, you must strike the back of the head when the target is turned away.

The great Imperial Army does not afford the enemy any time to prepare.

And some time later, the Emperor’s approval was granted, confirming the war against Russia.

The plan to occupy Karafuto and the surprise attack without a declaration of war, which would become the hidden card of the future Japanese Empire, were all approved.