I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 318

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire – Episode 318

Coexistence and Co-prosperity (2)

Gladstone, following Killian’s secret instructions, meticulously reviewed the data and arranged a meeting with the Spanish Ambassador, Cordoba.

“Good day.”

“It’s been a while. You look even more radiant than the last time we met.”

“Thank you. I’m glad to see you looking healthier as well, Ambassador.”

Since his motives weren’t entirely altruistic, Gladstone, uncharacteristically, wore a subtly awkward smile and immediately cut to the chase.

“The reason I requested this meeting, Ambassador, is to present a proposal that would also benefit your country.”

“We already benefit greatly from the British Empire; I wonder if we can continue to be so indebted. Haha.”

“In this challenging world, mutual support is essential. The British Empire’s motto is coexistence and co-prosperity with our allies. The Canada situation is a prime example, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Canada? Ah… Thanks to that, Cuba’s defenses have become even stronger.”

*Are they keeping secrets because they think I’m ignorant?*

Gladstone lowered his voice and whispered to the Ambassador, who was feigning ignorance.

“I am aware of the plan to sell weapons to the South [the Confederate States of America, during the American Civil War].”

“Pardon? What are you talking about…?”

“I studied with His Highness [Prince Killian] and worked alongside him in the same party in the early days. Naturally, I heard it from him, so there’s no need for such wariness. If you doubt me, you can verify it immediately.”

“Ah, I understand. But if there’s a proposal, His Highness could come directly. Why did you come, Congressman?”

“Regarding matters concerning Canada, His Highness could indeed come. However, when it involves issues directly related to the home country, parliamentary consent is essential. I am here to discuss a deal between the British Empire and Spain, not between Canada and Spain.”

Even as he spoke, Gladstone was acutely aware of Killian’s reasons for sending him.

*It’s a British Empire issue, so he sent the leader of the opposition instead of coming himself?* Gladstone wasn’t naive enough to miss the underlying strategy.

After all, the Prime Minister, the head of the administration, and Disraeli, a key figure in the Conservative Party, which held the absolute majority, were all Killian’s close confidants.

Either of them could have attended and secured the desired conditions without difficulty.

But the specific choice of the opposition leader was deliberate.

It was designed to create the impression of a collaborative effort, initiated by the opposition and endorsed by the ruling party, rather than a unilateral decision driven by the ruling party.

Furthermore, it served to distribute the risk by involving the entire British political establishment, including the opposition, in the scheme.

Moreover, should things go awry, Killian could maintain plausible deniability, given that the matter was being handled by Parliament.

What if he revealed that Killian had instructed him? There would be no proof, and no one would believe him anyway, rendering it pointless.

Nevertheless, Gladstone accepted the task without complaint, recognizing that he had no alternative.

If Killian’s plan succeeded, the British Empire stood to gain immensely from the war.

And if the Liberal Party hesitated to take the risk and acted independently?

The prospect of plummeting to the 50-seat range in the next election, instead of 100, would become a grim reality, not just a fear.

Moreover, Gladstone was keenly aware that Killian was deliberately keeping the Liberal Party afloat, rather than cutting off its lifeline.

There had been several opportunities for the Conservative Party to completely obliterate the Liberal Party, but each time, Killian had ensured their survival.

While the precise reason remained unclear, Killian often remarked that a political entity without rivals would inevitably succumb to corruption.

This instance likely involved a complex strategy to both control the Liberal Party and allow them to salvage some dignity in the upcoming election.

So, what choice did he have? He was compelled to follow instructions and strive to maximize the Liberal Party’s contributions.

“Ambassador, the plan for Spain to purchase weapons from Canada and then broker them to the South will undoubtedly yield substantial profits. However, what is the South’s greatest desire? Warships.”

“That’s true, but warships leave too obvious a trail. The South has already requested them, but we’ve hesitated due to the high risk of detection.”

“We will eliminate that risk for you.”

“Eliminate the risk? How?”

“It’s simple. We buy the warships and then sell them to the South.”

Ambassador Cordoba’s face registered bewilderment.

“How does that eliminate the risk? Ultimately, selling warships to the South remains the same.”

“It’s different. If a warship built by one nation is transferred to the South, the responsibility is too clear. However, if our warship, built at your country’s request, ends up in the South due to an ‘accident,’ it becomes a matter requiring investigation.”

“Are you suggesting we obscure the responsibility?”

“Being able to feign ignorance is vastly different from being caught red-handed. Furthermore, if this contract involved congressmen known to support the South, it would naturally raise suspicions of ulterior motives. I, however, have consistently maintained a neutral stance from the outset.”

The Ambassador’s gaze shifted to the document before him.

“If you provide the South with the warships they desperately need, they will be willing to do anything Spain desires. Wouldn’t that elevate your standing? Once this war concludes, becoming a powerful figure influencing state affairs alongside the Queen of Spain is practically assured.”

“That is certainly a tempting proposition.”

As Gladstone pointed out, if Spain secretly supplied not only general military supplies but also warships, in which the South was significantly inferior to the North, Spain would instantly become the South’s invaluable benefactor.

They would become the North’s mortal enemy, but that was a consequence they had already dismissed from the beginning.

“According to confidential information I’ve gathered, France is showing considerable interest in this war. It is anticipated that the South will perform well with Spain’s assistance, prompting France to directly intervene in the war. Spain would then have to compete with France for influence in South America.”

“…France’s intervention… I suspected it, but it seems imminent.”

“Indeed. Therefore, you need to secure more concessions from the South. Warships will be a valuable bargaining chip.”

“Thank you. Without your insight, Congressman, I might have been betrayed by the French. Since you’ve shared so much information, you must want something in return, correct?”

“Yes. The British Empire seeks a connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans: the area where the Panama Canal can be built. If the South and Spain seize this area from Colombia and sell it to us, we will provide generous support.”

*It’s not as if Panama is coming out of Spain’s own pocket, so what does it matter?*

Gaining even a slight advantage in the competition with France is paramount.

As Killian had foreseen, Ambassador Cordoba immediately accepted the secret agreement presented by Gladstone, promising to seek approval from his home country.

*Spain does the work, and the British Empire reaps the rewards. That’s precisely what this looks like.*

This was achieved without even revealing the British Empire’s strongest card: its potential participation in the war.

Gladstone shook hands with Ambassador Cordoba, who wore an exceptionally bright smile, and squeezed his hand firmly.

“I believe we can become kindred spirits, Congressman. I anticipate more fruitful deals in the future.”

“I feel the same way. I look forward to working with you, Ambassador.”

*Now I understand why Killian always has a smile on his face.*

*He’s been engaging in politics with this mindset all along. It’s enjoyable.*

Gladstone wore a genuinely bright smile, emanating from the heart, unlike the polite smiles he had offered previously.

* * *

1861.

A chaotic period marked by the escalating Civil War in the United States, which had caught everyone by surprise.

Thus far, mirroring the original historical timeline, neither the North nor the South had achieved a decisive victory, and they remained locked in a back-and-forth struggle.

The South was experiencing tactical gains, but due to the overwhelming disparity in size between the two sides, the South’s victory was not considered assured.

Typically, these kinds of battles would continue in this manner until the side with the overwhelming resources launched a successful counterattack, at which point the situation would rapidly shift.

But now, the circumstances were significantly different.

As weapons mass-produced in Canada flowed into the South via Spain, the South’s momentum grew stronger with each passing day.

The North, which had yet to regain naval dominance due to the South’s initial surprise attack, remained oblivious to the reasons behind the South’s apparent confidence.

They would soon discover the truth and voice vehement protests, but for the moment, time remained on their side.

I feigned preoccupation with other matters, outwardly appearing to have no involvement in the war.

Fortunately, Edward’s return from North America with a plausible excuse made this deception easier to maintain.

His impeccable timing in demonstrating filial piety was truly remarkable.

“So, the phone patent registration was successfully completed?”

“Yes. Dr. Mucci has fully agreed to share the patent with us and conduct business. He stated that he would have no further requests if he received appropriate royalties and the royal family recognized him as the inventor of the phone.”

“That’s right. A cold calculation would reveal that the revenue we generate from commercializing the technology far exceeds what he would earn from registering a permanent patent himself. If we guarantee and uphold his status as the inventor, he has no reason to refuse.”

In any case, the phone business typically begins with private individuals dabbling in it, but eventually transitions into a state-led enterprise.

However, with the royal family spearheading the business, the government would be less inclined to demand its handover as a state-owned entity, wouldn’t they?

Even if they did, the most likely outcome would be a joint project between the government and the royal family. How could they pressure me to relinquish a business I’m already managing?

“And while private enterprise is beneficial, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the military as well, so I’m considering consulting with the War Department. I’m currently occupied with several other matters, so I’m thinking of entrusting you with this responsibility. Are you up to it?”

Even though it would be simpler for me to simply give it to him, it’s already public knowledge that Edward introduced the phone to the world, making his appointment as the head of the business a logical choice.

I need to concentrate on the American Civil War anyway, leaving me with limited time for the phone business.

Most importantly, this would provide a credible achievement for this child, who is struggling under immense pressure, resulting in a positive outcome for everyone involved.

“Father.”

“Yes, yes. If you require anything, simply ask. I’ll provide unlimited funding, and this is a venture that cannot fail, so there’s no need to feel any pressure.”

“I recognize the innovative nature of this technology and its potential impact on society. However…”

“However?”

“I don’t believe the timing is ideal. Despite being across the ocean, a large-scale war has erupted, and I anticipate its expansion, not contraction. Naturally, this will significantly impact the European economy, potentially diminishing interest in other areas, wouldn’t it?”

That’s a valid assessment, but we could simply strengthen our ties with the military and emphasize the superior capabilities of the British Empire’s army.

However, before I could respond, an uneasy feeling prompted Edward to preempt me.

“As the eldest son of the royal family and your son, I don’t believe that my initial step toward gaining public recognition should be through business ventures. Shouldn’t I first demonstrate military achievements?”

“Military achievements? There are no current deployments for our army.”

“I’ve been considering the escalating Civil War in the United States. If I make contributions there that benefit the British Empire, wouldn’t I be recognized as the worthy son of a great father? While you have declared neutrality, my perspective differs slightly. Please review my plan…”

*Increasing his value through war.*

*Like father, like son. He truly is my son.*

How should I articulate this?

Unprecedented awkwardness caused sweat to trickle down my back.

*Storm and stress [a period of emotional upheaval and identity formation].*

There’s a saying that children are mirrors reflecting their parents.

I didn’t fully grasp this when the children were younger, but I’ve been increasingly aware of it recently.

When observing Adelaide’s bickering with Victoria.

And whenever I see Edward, desperately striving to prove his lineage even without explicit instruction, I’m struck by the power of genetics.

Could Disraeli or Wellesley have inadvertently revealed something to him?

I initially entertained such suspicions, but even if that were the case, those two are seasoned politicians who wouldn’t make such a mistake.

They are aware of my sympathy for the child burdened by the immense pressure of being my son, but they wouldn’t conflate public and private matters.

“Shouldn’t maintain neutrality, huh… So you’re suggesting we intervene in their civil war.”

“Yes. You aspire to elevate Canada into a nation as powerful as the home country, don’t you? To achieve that, Canada must not only become stronger, but the United States must also become weaker.”

Considering Victoria, whose reign is virtually assured, and my efforts to maintain my health, Edward’s inheritance of the throne remains a distant prospect.

If Victoria lives longer than in the original history, Edward might have to live his whole life as the Crown Prince.

But even so, it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t receive any position at all.

Unless there’s an airplane, how can I travel back and forth to Canada, which is almost weeks away by ship?

Since Edward’s popularity in Canada is already sky-high anyway, I was thinking of creating a suitable position and entrusting him with managing Canada to some extent.

In that regard, it wasn’t bad that he had at least that much judgment.

He might be seriously considering Canada not just as a simple colony, but as land he will inherit.

“But the home country has already declared neutrality. If we change our words now, it would undermine the credibility of the British Empire.”

“But wouldn’t things change if they provide the pretext?”

Look at this, look at this. His thought process is almost exactly the same as if it were stamped from a mold.

Regardless of my inner thoughts, wondering whether to be happy or sigh, Edward continued to speak.

“It would be impossible for the British Empire, which has maintained neutrality, to declare war unconditionally for ordinary reasons. So, we need to create a basis, and I can become the bait to provide that justification.”

“…Using the Crown Prince of the British Empire as bait? Do you think that makes sense?”

“Because it doesn’t make sense, no one will think it’s a manipulation. Absolutely no one can imagine it, and they won’t even suspect it.”

I gained my full-fledged fame by crushing the Qing Dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China], so I understand his desire to establish himself by achieving military exploits, following in my footsteps.

But for him to become the bait himself, what nonsense is this?

“No, it’s not allowed. Absolutely not.”

“Of course, it’s an extreme method, but if we prepare all the safety measures…”

“Accidents happen even in plays where we practice countless times and coordinate with each other. As long as there’s even a 0.0001 percent chance of something going wrong, I can never allow it. Let’s say I approve of your plan in the first place. Do you think Victoria would leave me alone? Both you and I would be killed by your mother that day.”

“…You haven’t even heard my plan yet.”

“There’s no point in listening because it’s absolutely impossible. I know how you feel, but you are the Crown Prince of the British Empire. Always be aware of that fact when you try to make plans or take actions.”

I hope he understands with this, but looking at his expression, it’s hopeless.

He’s a hot-blooded youth turning eighteen, so once his head gets heated, he won’t listen to anything his parents say.

I’m worried he might cause an accident. Should I subtly hint that he doesn’t have to go to such lengths?

No, then he’ll definitely make a fuss about participating this time. I’m in a dilemma.

In times like this, there’s only one way.

Passing the buck.

“Father, you promised in your letter last time that you would actively support me in doing whatever I want…”

“That’s different from this. If you really want to do it, go and persuade your mother first. Then I’ll actively support you too.”

“…Mother?”

“Yes. In the first place, as I said earlier, even if I approve of your plan, it doesn’t mean anything, does it? The moment your mother finds out, we’ll both be kicked out of the palace. On the other hand, if Victoria gives her permission, I’ll naturally respect your opinion, right?”

Usually, mothers are endlessly lenient with their sons, and fathers are strict, but there are exceptions everywhere.

Edward is good at arguing back to my words and always wants to have a debate, but in front of Victoria, he’s like a gentle lamb.

This is completely the opposite of his twin sister.

She, on the other hand, thinks of Victoria’s words as nagging and ignores them.

Anyway, now that I’ve used my ultimate move, Edward will naturally be quiet for a while…

“I understand.”

“Yes, yes. If you understand, calm down and cool your head. I’ll gradually roll out the red carpet for your future.”

“Since there’s a family dinner scheduled for tonight anyway, I’ll bring it up there.”

What on earth are you saying, son?

Don’t tell me you’re going for a ‘let’s die together’ strategy because I didn’t listen to you?

I wondered if he was joking, but when I looked at my eldest son’s face, it contained no emotion other than surprising sincerity.

Ah, this is a disaster.

Should I just say I’m sick and not go to the dinner?

* * *

The eldest son successfully completed his overseas tour and returned after a long time.

On top of that, he successfully brought in a telephone business that would bring enormous benefits to the British Empire, so the initial atmosphere was nothing but amicable.

Like the confident steps of someone who passed the bar exam and is going to visit relatives during the holidays.

Edward, who sat in his seat that had been empty during the previous gathering, leisurely cut his meat with a knife and chatted with his family.

“Did my siblings cause any trouble while I was away?”

“The other children are all gentle and kind, so why would I have anything to worry about? I was just waiting for you to return safely. Of course, I wouldn’t have any more wishes if your sister listened to me a little better.”

“Haa… Adelaide, are you still saying you won’t meet anyone who isn’t like Father? You’re really going to die an old maid if you keep that up.”

“Whether I die an old maid or not is my business, so please, Your Highness the Crown Prince, take care of your own affairs. You whine about why you can’t be like Dad every day, and then you tell me not to bring Dad into it.”

“When did I ever whine!”

“Why, should I tell you exactly? The first week of April last year. And the dinner two weeks before that!”

Oh, how nice, they get along so well. This is what siblings are all about.

I gave a bitter smile and turned to the side, and Victoria had already closed her eyes and leaned her head against the back of the chair.

I had hoped that something would change with the return of the eldest son, who is the pillar of the family, but that expectation lasted only 10 seconds.

Instead of the commotion subsiding, it only got louder with one more person added.

Still, seeing him bickering with his siblings, it doesn’t seem like he’ll suddenly change the topic to war.

Could it be that he was just throwing out what he said earlier as a way of protesting to me?

Even though he said that, it seems like he doesn’t have the courage to bring it up now that he’s sitting here.

“Mom, now that I think about it, you always tell me to meet a man, but isn’t the most important thing your eldest son?”

“That’s because, unlike you, your brother’s standards are set way up in the sky.”

“But when you think about it, Mom, you’re living with Dad, so shouldn’t you understand my feelings more?”

“There you go again. There you go again.”

The usual small and friendly family gathering.

After a time of each other hitting and countering, the night deepened.

The children went upstairs first, following the servants, and Adelaide also grumbled and left her seat, leaving only Victoria, Edward, and me in the room.

“Mother, I have something to tell you.”

“I was about to go up, why didn’t you say it earlier?”

“I didn’t think it was a story to tell where my siblings were.”

Is he really going to bring up that story?

Before I could say anything, Edward glanced at me once, then turned his gaze back to Victoria and continued.

“I spoke with Father earlier today, and he said that getting Mother’s permission first is the proper order, so I’m telling you this.”

“You need to get my permission for something?”

“Yes. The civil war currently taking place in the United States. I believe that our British Empire should participate in that civil war. And I want to participate proudly as someone who will become the Emperor in the future and fulfill my duty.”

“…”

“…”

A son who’s more like an enemy. I can’t believe he actually went and did it.

After a moment of silence, Victoria closed her eyes tightly and pressed her forehead with her fingers.

“You want to go to war?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the reason?”

“Because I want to be recognized as the Crown Prince.”

He didn’t explain in detail, but Victoria nodded quietly as if she understood everything.

“It’s one thing for this child to have such thoughts, but you didn’t stop him and instead told him to get my permission first?”

“No. There’s a reason deeper than the sea and wider than the sky…”

“We’ll listen to that separately when we go upstairs later. First of all, Edward, did you really think I would listen to you and bring up this story here?”

“I think you should. You wouldn’t want to see me never escape from Father’s shadow for the rest of my life, would you?”

“I know very well what you want to do. But it’s not like that can only be solved by going to war, is it?”

Victoria tried to persuade him step by step, but if his mind would change by doing that, he wouldn’t have brought up the story in the first place.

And it’s true that you can’t only raise support by going to the battlefield, but there’s no method as sure as that.

I’ve proven how great that effect is myself, so there’s nothing more to say.

“Father has gone to the battlefield twice himself. Even if we put aside the first time because he wasn’t a member of the royal family, the second time he went directly to war with the great power Russia as the Prince Consort, who is the pillar of this country. Although the United States has become stronger, it is divided into North and South and is fighting a civil war, so its military power is too weak to even compare to Russia. So, I don’t think it would be a big problem even if I went to the battlefield.”

“I know how you feel, but since we’ve already declared neutrality, how about waiting for the next opportunity? Your father will take care of it appropriately. I promise to send you there when an opportunity to be active arises later.”

“That won’t do. The reason I’m trying to step up now is because this war will allow our British Empire to firmly grasp the hegemony of the American continent. I must participate directly in this work to put Canada, which I will inherit from my father, on a solid foundation.”

The story itself has no wrong parts from beginning to end.

If Edward wasn’t the Crown Prince of this country, I would have reluctantly allowed it.

In the end, Victoria tried countless times to persuade him, but she couldn’t break Edward’s stubbornness.

Well, where did the stubbornness of these children come from, including Adelaide?

It must be a perfect copy of Victoria’s temperament, who won’t listen to others if things go wrong.

Seeing this mama’s boy, who usually does anything for his mother’s words, not changing his mind until the end, this is inevitable after all.

Since even Victoria failed to persuade him, I finally decided to offer a suitable compromise.

“Edward, I didn’t say it, but we won’t be able to maintain neutrality in this war forever, as you said. The thing you’re thinking of will happen, so wait now.”

“…Yes?”

“You want to participate? Do it. But you must thoroughly follow the method I tell you. That’s the condition.”

“What are you saying now? Are you really going to send Edward to the battlefield?”

Victoria’s gaze, as if saying ‘are you crazy?’, flew and pierced my chest, but it can’t be helped.

If I leave him alone like this, I don’t know what he’ll really do. In times like this, if you just try to suppress him, he’s bound to go astray.

I have to pretend to accept him appropriately and divert him to a completely safe place.

A smile of joy on Edward’s face.

On the other hand, a smile of anger, which I hadn’t seen in a long time, appeared in Victoria’s eyes.

What a hardship in middle age because of a teenage son.

My back won’t be left intact tonight.