I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 320

“Looks like the North is getting pretty anxious.”

“You can say that again. I didn’t expect the Secretary of State himself to come.”

“They thought they could win easily, but if the opponent is stronger than expected and even has new weapons, it’s no wonder they’re panicking.”

From the start, the South had higher morale, so it’s only natural they’d fight well if given even better weapons.

It seems the faster-than-expected improvement of the Enfield musket was fortunate for the South and unfortunate for the North.

“By the way, I heard His Highness improved that new rifle? They call it the Killian Enfield in Canada, but how did you do it? No, you made a machine gun last time, and now you’re improving rifles? Do you know that Disraeli seriously suggested that His Highness might be receiving divine revelations?”

“Divine revelations, my foot. If God really gave us technology, would he give us knowledge of weapons that kill people? He’d give us technology that would allow everyone in the world to live peacefully, like a perpetual motion machine that ignores the laws of physics.”

“I guess you’re right.”

Wellesley was looking at me with eyes that seemed to ask what I really was, but what I did wasn’t that amazing.

Frankly, how could I make a machine gun or a breech-loading rifle?

The truth is, I don’t have the knowledge to make even a single musket.

The machine gun and the improved Enfield were, of course, created by the scientists who are working hard on research and development in the field.

However, even though I received a military service exemption in my previous life, I still went to training camp and completed basic training.

I knew how to load and fire a gun, so I was able to offer some advice from the sidelines.

Since it was all within the realm of what current technology could achieve, there was no great difficulty in making a machine gun or an improved Enfield.

Of course, other people might wonder how I came up with these ideas, but I could just pass it off as having a unique imagination.

But that’s it. I couldn’t implement anything that was beyond the reach of current technology, no matter how hard I tried.

If I could just create artificial fertilizer using the nitrogen fixation method, it would have a greater impact than improving firearms, and I could become a living savior.

Even in the original history, humanity didn’t overcome the Malthusian trap [the theory that population growth will outpace resource production] until the end of the 19th century.

The problem is that I only know the term ‘nitrogen fixation’ and don’t have the specific knowledge of how to make artificial fertilizer.

Still, I’m constantly looking for a way, so hopefully, I’ll see the light before I die.

In any case, I’m grateful that we can now stably produce the improved rifle called the Killian Enfield.

“As you advised, we are maintaining neutrality, but now that the North will openly pressure Spain, isn’t there a possibility that the situation will change?”

“No. Spain is blind to everything right now.”

“Ah… Well, I met the Spanish ambassador the other day, and he seemed to have regressed to the 17th century. How much did you stir things up, Your Highness?”

“I didn’t do much. I just said… there might be an opportunity to regain the prestige of the former Spanish Empire.”

“That’s definitely stirring things up.”

Spain’s internal situation was difficult, a secret known to heaven, earth, and all of Europe.

What is the common behavior of a country that used to be successful but is now struggling?

It’s to long for the good old days and blame someone else.

In that sense, the recent Mexican War and this Civil War were a huge opportunity for Spain to bet its national fortune on.

They could regain influence in South America, where they had been half-expelled, and divert internal turmoil and discontent to the outside, so how could they refuse this temptation?

The Cordoba ambassador, as well as the Spanish leadership, had already hinted to us that they would completely ignore whatever the North did.

Well, I can just stand back and watch the fire across the river, pretending I know nothing.

“The Liberal Party was saying that Spain wants to buy warships, and the demands are a bit higher than what we initially heard. It’s good for us because we can sell more, but it seems like they’re not thinking about the aftermath and just keep running.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? Just do everything they ask. We just do what they ask and get paid.”

“What if things go wrong and they can’t pay on time?”

“Then that’s even better. We can get paid with concessions and goods instead.”

The concessions that Spain received from the South for participating in this war were enormous.

But there was one problem.

Not all the rights Spain obtained could be immediately converted into cash.

The reason for this was that the South wasn’t rich enough to pay for all the weapons coming from Spain in cash.

They could buy rifles, but warships cost a fortune.

In addition, the new rifle, named the Killian Enfield, was brand new, so we deliberately raised the price.

On top of that, the South was indirectly importing goods through Spain, so they naturally had to pay double.

It was impossible for the South, which was fiercely at war with the North, to pay as much money as they were asked for.

Therefore, it was inevitable that the South would guarantee various concessions or make sales to cover the costs.

Spain isn’t stupid, so they would have calculated how much of this could be converted into cash, and the deal would have been concluded because it was at a level that both sides could agree on.

In fact, according to our calculations, if the war ends in the South’s victory or Spain monopolizes all rights, they can gain astronomical profits.

But I have no reason to let that happen.

“…So, you’re saying we should stab our ally in the back?”

“No, don’t put it that way; it makes me sound like a bad guy. I’m not stabbing them in the back, I’m adjusting the balance.”

“It sounds the same to me, but if Your Highness says no, then it’s not.”

“That’s right. Stabbing them in the back would mean that I’m not fulfilling the contract or intentionally hindering them. I have faithfully listened to Spain’s desire to restore its former glory. If they can’t finish the job properly, that’s their fault.”

“That’s certainly true. And frankly, I personally like this better. The era when Spain was at its peak ended during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, but I don’t know why they’re still clinging to the past.”

Of course, our Prime Minister isn’t the type to passionately defend the alliance’s faith and friendship.

Rather, the Prime Minister and Disraeli are the ones who would be most excited to suck the blood of their allies.

Seeing Gladstone last time, he seemed to have awakened to something bad. If I weren’t here, he would try to exploit the allies even more severely.

So, in a way, Spain and France should be grateful to me.

I’m just adjusting the balance a little, not really trying to exploit the allies.

“Then I’ll leave the future to our trustworthy Prime Minister. You know what you have to do next, right? Just have the Foreign Office leak information to France, and that’s it.”

“Wouldn’t it be more effective if Your Highness did it?”

“I’d like to, but I got scolded by Victoria over the Edward incident the other day. I have to go home early and be obedient for a while.”

“You have a good marriage. A new member of the royal family is a blessing for the British Empire.”

“Blessing, my foot…”

“This is a good time. I’m now… No, let’s stop here.”

The problem is that I’m forty years old now and my stamina isn’t what it used to be, but if I say that, people around me will just tell me not to be humble.

I quietly nodded and got up from my seat at Wellesley’s lament, which I couldn’t hear without tears.

I appreciate the comfort, but there was no need to say that much.

Well… good luck.

* * *

The three European countries that are most concerned about the progress of the Civil War are, of course:

The British Empire, Spain, and France.

Unlike the British Empire, which outwardly responds to the North in consideration of international prestige, France is openly showing signs of intervening in this war to the point of almost openly siding with the South.

Unlike the British Empire, which backed away from formally recognizing the South as a country, France only gave vague answers that they would consider it.

Originally, the majority of the French side believed that there was no need to participate in the war unless they sent troops with the British Empire.

However, after receiving intelligence that Spain was planning to intervene in this war and expand its influence in South America, the situation was reversed.

If they were going to hand over South America to Spain, they would rather take it themselves.

Since the British Empire had already taken all the prime colonies, they needed more high-quality colonies to shake off Prussia, which was trying to catch up with a fierce momentum.

So, it was no surprise that they were eyeing South America, which the British Empire didn’t pay much attention to, had a large population, and had been somewhat verified in the past.

Above all, Spain’s meddling was proof that conditions were being created for them to re-enter.

The king, as well as the prime minister,

Had half-decided to participate and were adjusting the timing of when and how to raise troops.

Then, France, which received an urgent report from its ambassador in London, concluded that it was no longer time to reconsider.

“Spain is planning to sell British Empire warships to the South.”

“…What? Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s definitely reliable information.”

“At this point, Spain must be convinced that the North will fail.”

Even if nothing else, the fact that they handed over warships indirectly revealed that they had no intention of living under the same sky as the North.

If the war ends in the North’s victory, the North will definitely hold them accountable.

“Your Majesty. Above all, if warships are handed over, the North’s strategy will inevitably be hampered. Wasn’t the North’s naval power the reason why they could definitely gain an advantage over the South over time? Of course, the South won’t be able to blockade the North’s ports just by bringing in a few warships, but at least they’ll be able to fight to a level that balances the scales.”

“…I was going to participate when the South was in trouble, but this makes the situation ambiguous.”

“Yes. Since Spain continues to sell British military supplies to the South, the war is likely to be evenly matched.”

Since they can no longer use the strategy of appearing like a savior and siding with the South, it was time to make a firm decision.

If time continues to drag on, the fruits that Spain will take will grow larger and larger, while France’s position will become ambiguous.

“What does the Prime Minister think?”

“The South is fighting better than expected, but that’s not necessarily bad for us. The fact that the South is preserving its strength well means that the damage we will suffer will be reduced accordingly.”

“You mean the size of the reward we can take will be reduced, but the damage will be reduced as well.”

“All we have to do is create a structure where we can compete with Spain. Even if they start a few steps ahead, we won’t lose to them as long as the game is established.”

What’s important is the ticket to enter the vast continent of America, which isn’t exactly wrong.

“The ambassador from the South hasn’t returned to his home country yet, has he?”

“Yes. He’s waiting for our answer.”

“Then why don’t we give them the gift they want most?”

Recognize the South as a formal country.

Since it’s France’s decision, not another country’s, the aftermath will be enormous, but the die has already been cast.

It can’t be helped.

“I understand. Then I will take immediate action.”

Killian’s smile, which he saw in London, suddenly came to Kijo’s mind as he headed to call the ambassador, but it quickly disappeared again.