I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 310

Buckingham’s Evening

With Lincoln’s election becoming increasingly likely, the situation within the United States was only growing more dire.

Edward, unfazed by this atmosphere, was busily moving to achieve the purpose for which he had originally come.

Fortunately, after speaking with each of the presidential candidates, he adjusted his schedule to mainly attend cultural events, which gradually reduced the attention on him.

In effect, it was a kind of covert operation, but Edward was genuinely surprised as he met with renowned scholars and inventors.

Not just the British Empire, but European intellectuals and politicians still didn’t hold the United States in very high regard.

Even though it was a nation of white people, the United States was a country that had gained independence from a British colony.

It was a country without what they called ‘roots’.

When you think about it, it might seem meaningless, but Europeans still tended to value these traditional elements.

Even so, many thought it had become somewhat stronger recently. However, after a lackluster performance against Mexico, the prevailing opinion reverted to type.

To put it bluntly, if you were to ask people in the British Empire or France which was stronger, the United States or Spain, eight out of ten would probably side with Spain.

That’s why Edward had a hard time understanding Killian’s warnings about the United States since he was young.

Why did his father say such things when most people, except for Killian, thought the United States needed to develop much further to even come close to the European powers?

He wondered if it was an overstatement due to his position of having to protect Canada, but coming here himself, he understood why his father had said those things.

It was another moment when Prime Minister Wellesley’s words that his father was always right when opinions differed proved true once again.

“So, if this device you invented, this telephone, works well in principle, it means that people can freely converse, no matter how far apart they are?”

“Yes. But Your Highness, ‘Doctor’? I’m just the owner of a candle factory.”

“Whether you’re the owner or an employee, whether it’s a candle factory or a match factory, anyone who develops such a remarkable device deserves to be called ‘Doctor’.”

“Th-thank you. But how did Your Highness know about my invention? I haven’t even properly registered the patent yet, so very few people should know about it.”

Edward intently watched Antonio Meucci, an Italian-American and the owner of a candle factory, looking flustered.

In truth, he was just as bewildered.

Why on earth was Europe ignoring this country?

As the Crown Prince of the British Empire, he had traveled to numerous major European cities and gained a lot of experience.

Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and even Madrid.

But New York City, which he saw firsthand, was in no way inferior to any major city in Europe.

Comparing them dispassionately, it was evident that it had achieved tremendous development, perhaps even surpassing some areas.

It wasn’t just the scale but also the solid substance.

The industrial level of the northern industrial zone seemed even better than that of France or Prussia.

Moreover, the level of intellectuals and scientists he had met this time was by no means below that of European countries.

Just look at the owner of this candle factory, who had created such an amazing invention.

However, what he couldn’t understand was where his father had heard about all this and specifically mentioned this person.

“Doctor, do you happen to know who my father is?”

“Yes? O-of course, I know. Isn’t he Duke Killian of Canada?”

“Have you ever met him?”

“No! How could I? How could a simple country fellow like me ever meet someone like His Highness?”

That’s right. His father hadn’t gone abroad even once after returning from Asia, until the Suez Canal opening ceremony.

Before that, he had spent several years in Asia, so it would have been physically impossible for him to meet Meucci.

Then where on earth did his father get this information? But when he thought about it, his father used James like his own limbs.

If James had brought this information, it meant that his father had already laid a dense network of information throughout the United States.

It would be a disaster if it escalated into a diplomatic issue, so he should never breathe a word of this.

“My father cherishes talented intellectuals more than anyone else. But the current reality is that many gifted inventors are held back by practical problems and unable to fully demonstrate their abilities. That’s why I’m personally going around meeting people like you, Doctor.”

“Your Highness is doing that…”

“I understand that you haven’t been able to register a permanent patent for this invention due to lack of funds and have only obtained a temporary patent.”

“…Yes. So, I’m currently raising money.”

“It might sound like I’m raining on your parade, but it won’t be easy. Originally, it’s not difficult to come up with the principle of an invention, but once the principle is known, imitations that copy it will spring up like mushrooms after the rain. It’s widely predicted that even in our home country, there will be people who try to steal this invention and pass it off as their own patent. Would you be able to properly deal with such a situation?”

Meucci’s mouth dropped open.

Since he was Italian and didn’t speak English very well, there was little he could do if his patent was actually stolen.

Patent theft was a common occurrence, so it wasn’t particularly surprising.

“That is… If such a thing actually happens, I will try to respond, but… it will certainly be difficult.”

“That’s why I have a proposal. As I said before, we see tremendous value in your invention. So, how about doing business together under the name of our British royal family? Of course, we will ensure that you retain ownership of this invention, and we will pay for the permanent patent registration.”

“Really? Wouldn’t that be too one-sidedly favorable to me…?”

“Of course, we also have something we desire. You retain ownership, but give us the right to conduct business through this invention, that is, the operating rights. We will naturally share the profits with you, so you will be sitting on an unimaginable fortune.”

Even if Meucci registered the patent, it would be difficult for him to run the telephone business himself, so the money he could earn would be limited.

However, if the British royal family were to start a business, they could expand it on a global scale, and even if Meucci received only a small portion of the money as royalties, the amount would be enormous.

A win-win situation for both sides.

After thinking for a moment, Meucci immediately nodded and opened his mouth.

“Regarding profit sharing… could I hear a little more about that?”

“Of course. I promise you the best treatment.”

Surely, he wouldn’t think that the Crown Prince of the British Empire would be scamming the owner of a candle factory, so the negotiations proceeded at a different level.

Having a good birth is indeed a great advantage.

No one in this world dislikes money.

That is an absolute and unchanging truth that applies not only to the United States but also to the British Empire and even the distant future.

His father had amassed a tremendous amount of royal wealth, but now that he had a position, it would be difficult for him to take on all the hard work.

So, he would dedicate himself to being the vanguard of increasing the royal wealth.

* * *

“Kids, do you have any worries these days?”

The day after sending Edward a letter of encouragement.

Realizing that I needed to manage my own household well before interfering in other family squabbles, I arranged a dinner with my precious children.

The saying “Cultivate yourself, manage your family, govern your state, and bring peace to the world” might sound old-fashioned, but when you think about it, it’s not wrong.

Victoria and I sat at the head of the table.

And in front of us were our children, who we wouldn’t trade for the world.

Even though it was a private family meal, the surroundings were incredibly lavish, befitting the gathering of the British royal family.

The dining room was elegantly decorated with the finest silver, porcelain, and crystal, and soft candlelight and gas lamps illuminated the surroundings.

The men weren’t wearing tailcoats, but they were dressed in formal attire, and Adelaide wore a long gown adorned with dazzling jewels.

As the first course of appetizers and champagne were served, Victoria immediately threw a fastball.

“What worries would they have? Maybe me, but not them.”

“Uh… well, our children aren’t exactly young anymore. They must have a worry or two.”

Beatrice, who had just turned five, and William, who was four, might not, but Alfred, who was now ten, was asserting himself.

Not to mention Edward and Adelaide, who were seventeen and going through a turbulent period.

As expected, Adelaide subtly adjusted her posture, shook her head, and sighed.

“My worry is always the same. That Mother doesn’t take me seriously.”

“I’ve said it countless times, but there’s no queen in this world who listens to her daughter as much as I do. Is there anyone who would stand by and watch the eldest daughter of the royal family choose to live as a spinster? If there is, bring them to me. Then I’ll listen to you.”

“Noooo, Mother. When did I ever say I wanted to live as a spinster? I want to meet a good man and live happily too! You promised me when I was young that you would keep finding me good men. I’m not being stubborn; I’m just asking you to keep the promise you made to me, but when you put it that way, it hurts my heart so much, and I feel like I’m going to cry.”

Seeing the tears welling up in my daughter’s eyes, my heart ached.

Victoria could just say it nicely, but she always snaps at her like that, hurting that tender heart.

“Um… honey, don’t push her too hard.”

“Oh, you. Do you still not know her? It’s all an act. You’re incredibly perceptive when it comes to other people’s lies, but why are you so soft on your children?”

“Well, I guess it’s because she wouldn’t do that unless she had a reason.”

“Dad’s right. Waaah.”

“Ugh… I’m going crazy. I’ve given her over 100 photos of aristocratic men, 100. And that’s because I took the initiative when she wasn’t doing anything. I wouldn’t just pick anyone to have my daughter meet, would I? I’ve scoured not only our country but also France, Prussia, and even Russia for decent candidates, but do you know what she said?”

“I said they weren’t good enough, so what? Do you want me to have an unhappy marriage with someone I don’t like?”

Not giving an inch.

Even though she outwardly seemed to listen to Victoria, she would make remarks that appealed to sympathy, making it feel like Victoria’s patience was reaching its limit.

Like mother, like daughter, but Adelaide had a slightly different personality from Victoria.

She certainly had a spirit that soared to the heavens like Victoria, but rather than being strong, she was more like a fox, subtly scratching at people.

It’s not like I didn’t know that, but she just looked cute to me, so there was nothing I could do.

It was a bit difficult to take sides between my beloved wife and daughter, so I had to remain neutral for now.

“Now, now, let’s stop talking about that, you two…”

“Stop? It’s just starting. Since we’ve arranged this, I’m going to see this through to the end today. Adelaide, if you really want to live as a spinster, say so. Or at least meet the person I designate next time.”

“Sob, Dad, look. Mother’s trying to force me out of the palace.”

Victoria, watching Adelaide finally shed a tear, covered her forehead and sighed heavily.

Alfred, the ten-year-old who had been watching, opened his mouth in a clear voice.

“Sister, everything you and I have enjoyed so far has been a luxury made possible by our royal bloodline. Shouldn’t we fulfill at least the minimum obligations as members of the royal family?”

“Who said I wouldn’t? I’ll meet someone if they’re good enough, okay? He used to be so cute when he was little, but how did he become such an old man?”

“In my opinion, it seems like you’re still immature, Sister.”

“Dad! Are my sister and brother fighting?”

“Why does my sister always get scolded by Mom?”

Ah, chaos, chaos.

Never show this dinner scene to the citizens of the British Empire.

At this rate, someday these children might shatter the illusions about the royal family that are circulating in the world.

I can’t let these guys continue like this. I have to do something quickly.