I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 35

“Madam, I pride myself on being quite perceptive. In fact, it’s thanks to this perception that I survived in that distant land of the Far East, and I believe I’ve managed to carve out a place for myself in this country as well.”

“It’s not just about being perceptive. You need a basic level of intelligence to back it up. So, what exactly do you see as dangerous about me?”

“Of course.”

First, to avoid any misunderstandings, I clarified that I hadn’t heard much from Cecilia about the Duchess’s relationship with Victoria.

What I heard from my aunt was simply how wise and considerate the Duchess was, which is sufficient.

I didn’t want the Duchess to think Cecilia was running around spreading unnecessary rumors.

“When I saw you and the Princess at Eton [a prestigious boarding school for boys], I sensed a slight unease in the Princess’s gaze, gestures, and tone. How should I put it… it felt like she was hiding dissatisfaction, but it was still noticeable.”

“Noticeable?”

“Yes. It’s not that strange, really. The Princess is human, so she can’t escape the natural process of human growth. Don’t men and women both become very sensitive and irritable at a certain age? I’m not equating myself with the Princess, but I may have felt a sense of kinship because I sometimes felt a surge of emotion when teachers or seniors gave me advice.”

“She is at that age. But she still follows my instructions well, and I haven’t felt that there’s a particular problem.”

“That may be the case now. But… have you considered this? What if the Princess becomes Queen during this period?”

To better hear my extremely quiet voice, the Duchess slowly leaned towards me.

“My greatest wish is for my daughter to succeed His Majesty, so wouldn’t that be a good thing? Of course… no, I shouldn’t say that.”

Was she about to say the sooner, the better?

Of course, she might think it would be advantageous because the earlier the succession, the longer the regency period would be.

She has been running toward that one goal, so she must think her dream is coming true, but there is one blind spot.

“If the Princess were younger, it wouldn’t be a problem. But now, the Princess is establishing her own view of the world, even if she is not yet an adult. The reason I say this is because the students at Eton are the same.”

“Now that I think about it, Eton students start their education during their adolescence.”

“Yes. That’s why, as a peer, I could guess at the anxieties that might strongly influence the Princess in the future.”

The Duchess, as if understanding what I meant, gracefully lifted her teacup.

Taking it as a signal to continue, I slowly continued speaking.

“When learning to obey the authority of superiors, the most important thing is never to grant the student being educated a position of authority. Students of that age, who are aware of their position and undergoing socialization, are greatly influenced by their position and environment.”

“So, if Victoria inherits the throne at this time, everything I’ve taught her so far could be for naught, is that what you mean?”

“Yes, of course, I don’t think the Princess would become arrogant or ignore you just because she became Queen. But even if you become Regent, will you be able to control all the nobles and royals who approach the Princess then?”

“I am her mother and guardian, so why wouldn’t I be able to?”

“It won’t be easy. If she becomes Queen, she will have to participate in all sorts of official events, where she will inevitably encounter various people in society. It is realistically impossible to silence all of their mouths.”

If the Duchess becomes Regent, she will of course maintain control of the royal family on behalf of Victoria and influence political decisions.

But no matter what, the face of the British Empire is the King, not the Regent.

The King will inevitably have to attend state banquets, religious services, and public events, but how can she control the numerous nobles and bishops who flock to her at these times?

“As she continues to come into contact with such people, the Princess will gradually realize that she, the Queen, is the representative of this country.”

You probably understand what I mean even if I don’t say it.

The Duchess will become a backroom old lady the moment the regency ends.

And there are only four years left until she becomes an adult.

Even if she inherits the throne next year, the maximum time the Duchess can run the country is the six-year regency period guaranteed by law.

“Surely not. How have I taught her so far that she would ignore me as soon as the regency period ends?”

“Not as soon as the period ends. I’m saying that the cumulative influence of those around her will be that strong by the time the Princess ascends the throne and becomes an adult.”

“……”

“In fact, even at Eton, students who suddenly inherit their father’s title or estate while receiving education as freshmen are clearly different before and after.”

When I explained with vivid examples, the awkwardness in the Duchess’s smile intensified.

When dealing with work, this happens surprisingly often.

They are so caught up in the desire to climb to the targeted position that they do not coldly consider the situation afterward.

The Duchess’s case was exactly like this.

Make her daughter Queen and she becomes Regent.

And because she has made Victoria dependent on her and her close aide, Lord Conroy, they will take the lead in running the country after becoming Regent.

At first glance, it seems plausible, but to put it coldly, it is a plan with a screw loose.

What about the regency period? What will happen when Victoria becomes an adult and the time comes when a regency is no longer needed?

The Duchess seems to believe that Victoria, bound by the Kensington System [a strict and controlling upbringing], will continue to rely on her even after she becomes an adult, but that can’t be the case.

How is it possible that a mother doesn’t know her daughter’s personality so well? This may be proof that the Duchess’s eyes and ears have become blurred.

“Certainly… you have a point. A few years ago, it didn’t matter because Victoria was young, but as she gets older, my perception of this should have changed.”

“Besides, this is only the story when the Princess inherits the throne in the near future. The real problem is separate.”

“Is there something worse than this?”

“You must have thought about it too. If His Majesty remains healthy and holds his position even after the Princess becomes an adult… Do you have a plan for that time?”

The Duchess’s face, no longer able to pretend to be relaxed, hardened slightly.

It must be because it was the worst-case scenario she didn’t even want to imagine.

If Victoria becomes an adult and ascends the throne, there is a high possibility that all the efforts she has put in so far will be in vain.

But from my perspective, I didn’t understand this.

She is investing her entire life into it, but doesn’t she consider the worst-case scenario?

She was only turning the happiness circuit like that, so wasn’t it natural that Victoria erased her mother’s influence as soon as she became Queen in the original history?

“So, I have to steadily educate her so that she is no different from now even when she becomes an adult…”

“The Kensington System loses its effect when the Princess becomes an adult. From then on, you cannot legally interfere with the Princess.”

“So, a little more education before that… But wait a minute. If children of that age are so easily influenced by their surroundings, how do students at Eton reliably obey the authority of their seniors?”

“That’s also because they are easily influenced by their surroundings. Because all the students of the same age are living like that, the perception that ‘Oh, that must be right’ is subtly instilled.”

The Duchess blinked and looked at me, then let out a soft exclamation.

“I see. You mean it can have a negative influence, but conversely, it can also have a positive influence?”

“Yes. Not only peer relationships but also relationships with the opposite sex are very important. Rather than important, relationships with the opposite sex are actually something to be careful about.”

“Then should you also be careful of our Victoria?”

I smiled bitterly at the Duchess’s mischievous question.

“If I were someone who could be seen as a member of the opposite sex to the Princess, then yes.”

“If you are a handsome and smart child like you, you are attractive enough, why are you so insecure?”

“Because it’s a society where that’s not such a big merit.”

The Duchess is not inherently stupid, but greed has blinded her.

Understanding the hidden meaning of my words, she comforted me in a more friendly voice.

“But you are still young, so it’s okay not to set limits so early. Who knows? When our Victoria’s era comes, there may be no distinction between Irish nobles and English nobles.”

It’s a touching thing to say.

If it weren’t for the tone of someone who is sure that such a day will never come.

Anyway, thanks to this, the Duchess completely dropped her guard against me and was lost in thought for a while.

I’ve spread the bait this much, so it’s time for a bite. Should I show a little more?

No. If I take the form of pushing in too much, the wariness that I have worked so hard to release will only increase.

As expected, the Duchess, who was leisurely drinking tea, asked me in a subtle voice first.

“Killian, if you have given me advice so openly, you must also want something, right?”

“Yes? No, I’m just…”

“I’m guessing everything, so it’s okay. Rather, if you don’t want anything at all and try to help me this much, that would be more suspicious, right? In my opinion, unlike your aunt, there seems to be some ambition hidden inside you. Ah, don’t worry, I don’t see it negatively. I don’t hate ambitious people.”

“……You are sharp as always. To be honest, I can’t say that I didn’t think this might be an opportunity for me.”

The Duchess nodded, as if that’s what she expected.

Frankly, I also felt relieved.

I had been showing such behavior from the beginning, and if she hadn’t noticed, I would have been in more trouble.

“As you said, I seem to have overlooked the importance of peer education so far. I just kept them away on purpose because I was worried that children of a similar age would only have a negative influence, but there was also a way to use this in reverse.”

“Depending on how you handle it, anything can be medicine or a weapon.”

“Yes. Then, would you like to be the medicine that soothes my anxiety, Killian? Of course, this is not free.”

Good, she asked.

My heart was pounding with a loud celebration inside, but the more it was, the more carefully I hardened my expression and saved my words.

“It may seem like a snobbish act to help in exchange for a price, but as you said, I think this can make each other’s trust even stronger.”

“Yes. So tell me what you want first. I’ll listen and give you a definite answer on the spot.”

“What I want is to enter the British House of Lords. I want to receive the title of an English noble, not just an Irish noble.”

As an Irish Earl, I cannot enter the House of Lords, but if I additionally receive the title of an English noble, it becomes possible to enter Westminster Palace [the meeting place of the Houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom].

This is because all English nobles are automatically granted a seat in the House of Lords the moment they receive their title.

The Duchess poured herself another cup of tea with a smug look, as if she knew it would be like this.

Just by looking at the way she moved her hands, I could immediately tell that she had regained her composure.

“Then there is even more reason for us to go together. You know that the King’s consent is essential to create a new title, right? I promise. If you help me well, I will give you a suitable title as soon as I become Regent.”

“Then what should I do?”

“Meet our daughter often in the future and find out what she is thinking. And let her know that most of those who are approaching her now are snobs who are blinded by the desire to take a seat. If you, who are of a similar age to her, say the same thing, she will listen to my words more later.”

This is the mother’s education policy for her daughter, so I feel dizzy and sympathetic to Victoria.

“I understand. Then, should I regularly visit the palace to meet the Princess from next week?”

“Is there any reason to start from next week? First, take a look at her reaction today and let me know. I want to hear the story and discuss it with Lord Conroy to make future plans.”

“Are you telling me to talk to her right now?”

“Of course. Anyway, it’s about time for her to finish her classical studies and take a break, so go up.”

At the same time, the Duchess naturally gestured to the servant far away to come this way.

Anyone could read it as meaning to guide me, but I did not miss the Duchess sending another signal to the servant with her eyes.

Well, what would she believe and allow me to have a private meeting with Victoria from the beginning?

Even if I were the Duchess, I would have attached surveillance for the time being.

I would have been more embarrassed if that hadn’t been the case, but thanks to that, I felt relieved.

Anyway, now that I’ve noticed in advance whether they’re watching or eavesdropping, there are plenty of ways to deal with it.

I followed the servant with stiff steps, as if I was very nervous about meeting Victoria alone.

And before going up the stairs, I turned my head for the last time, and I just happened to make eye contact with the Duchess, who was looking at me.

She nodded with a benevolent smile.

I bowed to her with a sincere heart.