I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 325

The intensification of the American Civil War and France’s participation marked 1861 as a year of global shock.

All of Europe was on edge, focusing on the situation across the ocean.

Prussia, which had little contact with the New World until now, was no different.

“I heard France suffered a crushing defeat in the first engagement. What do you think, Minister?”

“It seems the United States’ military power is stronger than expected. However, war is like a devil’s playground full of variables, so it’s difficult to assess everything based on one battle. The Northern army that defeated France has been defeated by the Southern army several times. If the war drags on, the side with the greater staying power will eventually win.”

“So, you’re saying it’s likely just a temporary setback and we don’t need to give it too much significance.”

“Of course. Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that the proud French got a good punch in the face. We should see it as a positive development for us.”

Wilhelm, the new King of Prussia who had just ascended to power this year, was carefully listening to the opinions of his Foreign Minister, Otto von Bismarck.

Although he was an elderly king who took the throne past 60, Wilhelm’s ambition was no less than that of any young monarch.

He had an eye for talent, and even though the minister was almost 20 years younger than him, he never dismissed Bismarck’s advice, recognizing his undeniable abilities.

“I want to take advantage of France’s distraction in the New World to establish dominance within Germany… What is your opinion, Minister?”

“I think it’s a brilliant idea. Russia is still recovering from the aftereffects of its previous defeat, and France is preoccupied with the new battlefield. However, the problem is that the national defense reform plan has not been properly approved yet.”

“The current Prime Minister is reluctant to pass anything that the parliament strongly opposes, so the reform plan is inevitably delayed. He’s about to retire, so it would be nice if he could make one last bold move.”

“Appointing active-duty officers to command the reserve forces seems to have touched a nerve [angered the parliament]. But it’s only a matter of time anyway.”

Wilhelm had already decided to appoint Bismarck as the successor to the current Prime Minister, Adolf Hohenlohe-Ingelfingen, when he stepped down.

Bismarck also agreed that once he became Prime Minister, he would force through the currently stalled national defense reform plan.

Up to this point, the current monarch and the future Prime Minister were in perfect agreement.

However, their opinions differed slightly when it came to assessing the future situation.

“But if we complete the national defense reform, can we be sure that we will be superior to Austria?”

“Of course. Frankly, Austria is not even a serious threat. What’s more important is the complex web of interests of the many powerful nations surrounding us.”

“You’re talking about France and Russia.”

“There’s one more: the British Empire.”

“Most people know that Austria has a good reputation, but all that’s left is its name [prestige]. They somehow managed to suppress the last revolution, but rebellions continue to occur in the Hungarian region, financial difficulties continue to accumulate, and the military is weak.

In addition, the Kingdom of Italy, which has just established itself as a nation, is not friendly with Austria, so we can bring them in if we want to.

The only problem is that Austria is an ally of the British Empire.

The reason why Bismarck is reluctant to fight for dominance within Germany right now is because of the existence of that alliance.

“Austria is a country that directly participated in the last war with Russia along with our Prussia. If we have a dispute with Austria, Austria will request mediation from the British Empire.”

“Would the British Empire accept that?”

“If I were the Prime Minister of the British Empire, I would accept it. It’s like gaining the right to legally intervene deeply in Germany’s problems. It’s a complex and delicate issue, but the current leadership of the British Empire has the ability to control this situation as they please.”

“Hmm… I see. Well, you know everything about the British Empire, so you must be right.”

Everything Bismarck had said about the British Empire so far had been correct.

Moreover, Wilhelm also knew a lot about the current Prime Minister of the British Empire.

Although the parliament was audaciously operating a system that infringed on the king’s authority, the British Empire’s parliament had no one to truly control it.

Robert Walpole, who was said to be the longest-serving Prime Minister of the British Empire, was able to hold office for so long because the king was indifferent to state affairs and the system was in its early stages.

However, the current Prime Minister, Charles Wellesley, was maintaining his position for an unusually long time.

Not only was he maintaining it, but since he became Prime Minister, the Conservative Party had been boasting overwhelming popularity and dominance, virtually dominating the parliament.

Many countries that maintained a parliamentary system were studying how such a long-term rule was possible, and Prussia was no exception.

“So, you don’t want to give Britain any room to interfere in our affairs. I understand. But actually, the British Empire is friendlier to us than Austria, isn’t it? I think they might take our side.”

“If you have to choose, it’s true that we are more friendly, but international diplomacy is governed by national interests rather than friendship. From a third country’s point of view, no one would want one country to seize dominance within Germany.”

Prussia had already participated in the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion [a large-scale rebellion in China] at the suggestion of the British Empire several years ago, and thanks to this, they had secured the entry into Asia that they had so desired.

So, even if they are allies, it doesn’t seem like the British Empire will guarantee Prussia any more benefits than this.

“But it’s a shame. It’s not easy to find a time when we can completely exclude France and Russia.”

“I agree with that. But there are too many variables in the long term, so we can’t jump to conclusions.”

Unlike the King, Bismarck was looking at the current situation positively, but he was not optimistic.

France may be distracted, but how long will that last?

And even if Austria is failing, there is no guarantee that we can easily win if we actually have to go to war.

The same goes for Russia.

No matter how deep the wounds left by the defeat, it has been almost 10 years since the war ended, so it’s time to start paying attention again.

Decisively, if France wins that war, we have to calculate how much profit they will make.

Harmonizing these complex international situations and the ever-chaotic situation within Germany is a daunting task that most people cannot even attempt.

‘Where should I start solving this?’

As if guessing Bismarck’s feelings of repeated 고민 [Korean: worry, anguish], an unexpected request came from the British Embassy.

“Your Majesty, the British Empire has requested a meeting to coordinate the schedule for next year’s Expo. They would like the Minister to attend in person if possible.”

“They want to send the Minister to discuss the Expo schedule?”

What kind of Expo schedule requires the Foreign Minister to fly to another country in person?

This is just an excuse, and the intention to discuss other important issues is too obvious.

Prussia, who wanted to test the intentions of the British Empire, felt like they had been slapped on the cheek when they wanted to cry [caught off guard].

“We can’t always hold the Expo only in London or Paris. I’ll go and settle it.”

“Alright, I’ll have to trouble you, Minister.”

Wilhelm and Bismarck understood each other without saying much.

Let’s listen to what they’re thinking.

The whirlwind from America was spreading beyond France and into the German interior.

* * *

As soon as I sent a telegram to the embassy in Prussia, I received an immediate reply that Foreign Minister Bismarck would come in person.

That’s why I like people who are quick-witted. I don’t have to say it two or three times; they immediately grasp the intention and act, saving time.

Political talks are usually attended by the Foreign Minister or Vice Minister, but this is only ostensibly a consultation for the next Expo.

It is scheduled to be held in London next year, but could Prussia be the next host country?

Since I was the one who organized the first World Expo and the results were clear, it is not strange for me to be the representative.

“Minister! Long time no see! I invited you, but I didn’t expect you to come so quickly. I can only be grateful.”

“Don’t mention it. I am grateful for the invitation.”

Bismarck entered Buckingham Palace and immediately approached with a bright politician’s smile.

“It’s been a few years since I saw you last, but even time cannot dim Your Majesty’s aura. You seem to look even better than before.”

“That’s what applies to you, Minister. I’m proud to see you continue to be successful.”

“It’s all thanks to Your Majesty’s active recommendation of me in the past.”

After a few minutes of mutual grooming and praise, the discussion of the Expo, the superficial reason for today’s meeting, briefly came and went.

“Then Berlin would be fine for the next turn. I will actively support you.”

“Thank you. If the British Empire supports us, we can consider the Berlin Expo to be a foregone conclusion. It was worth coming all the way here. Hahaha!”

“Aren’t we on good terms, Minister? Of course, we should help each other out.”

The Expo discussion took only 30 minutes, as quick as frying beans in a flash of lightning [very quickly].

Bismarck, who had been laughing and chatting excitedly, soon straightened his expression and subtly mentioned the real purpose of his visit.

“By the way, Austria is also aiming to host the Expo. Have you heard any news about that, Your Majesty?”

“Austria? I haven’t heard anything about it yet, so I don’t know.”

“Actually, this turn is London and the next turn is Paris, but I am personally worried about Paris. I hear that France is struggling in the swamp of war right now.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. The war won’t last that long.”

Bismarck immediately reacted to my words, which I casually threw out while munching on chocolate.

“It won’t last long? That seems a little different from our predictions…”

“Ah, that could be true. Countries that are not involved can only access superficial information, so they may judge it that way.”

Who do you think is right, what you expect or what I expect?

In a way, it could be interpreted as undermining Prussia’s intelligence capabilities, but since this was an undeniable fact, Bismarck showed deep interest instead.

He must have been happy to know that France was messing up, but he must be concerned that it might not be the case.

“I heard that France was defeated in the first battle. Then they will naturally become more cautious, which means the war will be prolonged, right?”

“That may be the case, but France has decided to take this defeat as a wake-up call and invest more troops. And we will supply better weapons for our ally France.”

Right now, we are churning out Killian Enfields, which are improved versions of the existing Enfield rifles, but that’s just an improved version of the existing rifled muskets.

The Enfield Armory is already happily producing firearms that adopt the falling block structure that will decorate the era to come [become standard].

Originally, it was supposed to come out ten years later, but I am providing a lot of development costs and various ideas, so progress is very fast in areas that are possible with current technology.

Of course, this was not a weapon for export like the Killian Enfield.

The best thing is for our British Empire army to use it first.

Selling this will be after the next-generation bolt-action rifle with stripper clip is produced.

Considering that the war will turn into a trench warfare pattern later, it doesn’t really matter, but I’m the only one who knows this right now.

So, if I sell drugs [weapons] based on this superior next-generation firearm, no one will be able to resist.

“…I knew the British Empire’s technology was excellent, but were new weapons coming out so quickly as you thought?”

“I was surprised too. I think it’s because it’s a transitional period of technological development. Of course, other countries will catch up in a few years, but the meaning of these few years is very significant. Oh, by the way, there was a request from Austria to sell this new rifle. Compared to the crappy muskets they use, this is like a new world of weapons, so it’s no wonder.”

“Austria? Is that true?”

Would it be true? Of course it’s a lie.

I’m sorry for deceiving you, but the result won’t be a bad story for you either, so don’t think too badly of it.

Anyway, all you have to do is create the German Empire, right?