I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 372

The Beginning of the End

The early winter in London was growing quite chilly.

Albrecht Bernstorff, the ambassador, stood before the embassy that would become his new workplace, and took a long sigh as he gazed at the building.

London was a city at the center of the world, drawing attention from all of Europe—indeed, from across the globe. It wasn’t just a large city.

It was the most developed city in the world, a region at the forefront of the era, where new systems, policies, and technologies were first introduced.

Prussia and France were also developing rapidly, but even so, Berlin and Paris still lagged somewhat behind London.

Even if it stung a little, one had to acknowledge reality to progress.

Therefore, serving as an ambassador representing one’s country in London was no trivial matter.

The importance of the role was on a different level compared to ambassadors in other countries, and each nation carefully selected their best candidate for the position.

Albrecht Bernstorff was indeed a prominent figure in Prussian political circles, a name familiar to all.

He had served as a diplomat for many years, and when Bismarck became Prime Minister, Bernstorff was appointed as Foreign Minister, working closely alongside him.

In other words, Prussia valued the position of British ambassador so highly that they sent someone who had previously held the office of Foreign Minister.

Naturally, there was a compelling reason for this, and Ambassador Bernstorff felt a great sense of responsibility because of it.

‘I trust you understand the importance of the ambassador’s mission at this juncture.’

‘Rest assured, I will dedicate myself to the national interests of Prussia.’

Before his departure from Berlin, Bismarck had placed pressure on him more openly than usual.

“Welcome! I understand you haven’t been in London for very long. Is there anything causing you discomfort?”

“Thanks to your kind consideration, I’ve experienced no discomfort at all. But when might I have the opportunity to meet His Majesty?”

Upon arriving in England, he had greeted Queen Victoria and Prime Minister Wellesley, but his true target was someone else.

The person Bismarck had emphasized he should cultivate a close relationship with.

A shadowy figure within the royal family, believed to be subtly guiding the British Empire from behind the scenes.

Bernstorff’s primary mission was to make a favorable first impression on King Killian of Canada.

“Actually, His Majesty has been looking forward to meeting the ambassador. He also wishes for you to meet with Marquis de la Valette as well. Would that be acceptable? If you prefer a private meeting, I can arrange it separately.”

“Marquis de la Valette, the French ambassador? I don’t mind. I haven’t come here to negotiate any significant agreements.”

After all, if he were planning to formally discuss an agreement with the British Empire, he would have visited the Prime Minister or the Foreign Minister.

As he followed the royal attendant toward the office, he momentarily heard a strange sound.

Thump! Thump, thump!

“Ah… Pa… na… Ma… la…!”

“That… I’m not sure…”

The sound leaked through the door, making it difficult to discern clearly, but judging from the raised voices, he initially thought someone was fighting.

However, there was no anger in their tones, suggesting it was more akin to close friends playfully bickering than a serious altercation.

Regardless, both he and the French ambassador, Marquis de la Valette, were taken aback by the unexpected situation.

“Is there another guest inside who arrived earlier?”

“Ah, the Prime Minister just arrived. It won’t be a long meeting, so if you wait a moment, he’ll be out.”

“Does the Prime Minister visit His Majesty often?”

“Probably, aside from Her Imperial Majesty, no one meets with His Majesty as frequently as the Prime Minister. If I had to name another, it would be Minister Disraeli, perhaps?”

He had anticipated a vague response, but the fact that they were sharing this information so readily suggested it wasn’t a closely guarded secret.

Indeed, Prime Minister Wellesley’s close relationship with the royal family was already common knowledge, so there was nothing particularly new about it.

But what to make of this?

“No, no! I didn’t know that either!”

As he drew closer, the sound emanating from within the room became clearer.

“No, Your Majesty! I understand your feelings, but if this continues, I’ll have to share the blame with you. Give me a solution, a solution!”

“I’m not Doraemon [a robot cat from the future with a magical pocket]. If you cling to me and say, ‘Killian~,’ I can’t just pull a universal tool out of my pocket, you know?”

“Even if you make some obscure analogy, I still don’t understand.”

Something about the conversation felt different from what he had expected before arriving.

Who was Prime Minister Wellesley?

He was the most accomplished politician in the British Empire, respected even by the high-ranking Prussian Junkers [aristocratic landowners].

Not only politicians but also diplomats held the name Wellesley in high regard.

So much so that one of the common questions posed to Prussian university students aspiring to enter politics was to analyze the factors behind Prime Minister Wellesley’s long tenure.

Interestingly, everyone offered different answers to that question, highlighting how difficult Prime Minister Wellesley was to truly understand.

Besides, what about Killian?

There had been many influential members of the British royal family.

Even Queen Elizabeth, considered a great leader, was said to be greatly admired by the British people.

However, it was almost unprecedented for a king’s consort, not even a king himself, to wield such significant influence.

Normally, if a mere member of the royal family, not even the monarch, acted too prominently, it would draw criticism, but the current British Empire was not like that at all.

On the contrary, if you spoke ill of Killian, you risked being reprimanded by those around you.

In fact, students visiting the British Empire were reportedly warned against saying anything negative about the royal family.

Even if you accidentally insulted the royal family at a drinking party, someone might pour beer on your face without hesitation.

Seeing them conversing so openly and casually, like close friends, shattered all the preconceived notions he had held until now.

“Your Majesty! The ambassadors from France and Prussia have arrived.”

“Ah, really? Prime Minister, in that case, please go ahead. I know what you’re worried about, but I’ll take care of everything.”

Prime Minister Wellesley, who had been speaking loudly like young students just moments before, put on his hat as if nothing had happened.

As he passed by with a slight nod, his mouth firmly closed, he exuded the same intimidating presence as during their previous meeting.

Clearly, the conversation from before had been distorted by leaking through the crack in the closed door.

Ambassador Bernstorff quickly entered as Marquis de la Valette composed himself.

The mere fact that he entered before the French ambassador and greeted Killian was a promising start.

“Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Albrecht Bernstorff, the British ambassador since this year.”

“I am Charles de la Valette.”

“Nice to meet you both. I used to talk to the prime ministers, but now that I’m facing the ambassadors like this, I realize how much time has passed.”

Coffee and refreshments were served, and warm greetings were exchanged, followed by about 30 minutes of trivial conversation among the three of them.

Typically, interactions with members of the royal family ended in this manner.

This was because the British Empire’s royal family generally did not handle important diplomatic issues with other countries directly.

But this occasion was an exception.

While Emperor Victoria’s role primarily involved ceremonial greetings and words of blessing, Killian, as the King of Canada, was central to the British Empire’s diplomacy with Asia.

At least when it came to matters related to Asia, his word carried the weight of policy.

After half a dozen light topics, Marquis de la Valette, who had been subtly observing the situation, initiated a more substantive conversation.

“Speaking of which, the atmosphere in North America has been rather unusual lately. Is Canada faring well?”

“Are you referring to the conflict between Spain and the United States when you say the atmosphere is unusual?”

“Yes. We are also somewhat concerned. We are currently working to stabilize Panama, so we must avoid any adverse effects.”

“Well, that’s understandable. But Canada and British Panama are not experiencing any issues. After all, even if they engage in conflict, it will likely be near Cuba or Puerto Rico, so the repercussions won’t reach us.”

“It’s a relief to hear that…”

The most crucial aspect here was the British Empire’s intentions.

However, given that the conflict was centered in North America, the intentions of Killian, the King of Canada, would have the greatest impact.

The ambassadors of both countries focused intently on gleaning even the slightest hint of Killian’s true feelings.

How could they extract the truth from this formidable old fox? Just as they were about to wrack their brains, Killian spoke.

“Not only the North but also the South will participate in the war with Spain. We will remain neutral.”

Clang.

Without any warning, Killian put down his coffee cup as the bombshell was dropped.

“···Yes?”

“Is that true?”

They were willingly revealing the information they most desired to know? What was their motive?

“After all, they are going to fight each other in the Americas, so it would be a waste of national power for us to intervene. We will remain still. The North will take Cuba, and the South will take Puerto Rico.”

“Heo… Have they already agreed to divide up Spain’s colonies?”

“It’s information that came through a reliable channel, so it must be accurate.”

This was something that neither Prussia nor France had been able to ascertain.

If they were divulging such valuable information, there must be something they were aiming for, but the fact that they couldn’t discern what it was continued to frustrate them.

“I am grateful that Your Majesty has given us such valuable information.”

“What are you talking about? Aren’t we allies? If we want to share a deeper friendship in the future, we have to give this much. In this harsh world, we have to help each other like this.”

It was a statement that would enrage the African and Asian countries if they heard it, but the two ambassadors smiled brightly and nodded.

“That’s right. If the British Empire, France, and Prussia join hands, which country in the world would dare to challenge our stronghold?”

As Ambassador Bernstorff laughed heartily, Marquis de la Valette opened his mouth, following his lead as if he had been waiting.

“In that sense, I have something to tell you. There is a war going on not only in Spain but also in Asia, isn’t there? According to the information we have obtained, the British Empire is negotiating with Japan and Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China]…”

“Yes, we are negotiating.”

When he admitted it so readily this time, it was Marquis de la Valette who was taken aback, as he had been trying to gauge Killian’s reaction.

“···Yes? Ah, yes. I see. We were speculating that the British Empire might be trying to acquire not only its current territory but also more territory. I know that the British Empire’s Asian policy all comes from Your Majesty’s fingertips, so can we expect the kindness of sharing this information as well?”

Even so, would he simply tell them that for free?

France’s diplomatic skills were truly lacking.

“Of course. I was going to share it anyway, so I’m glad. After this war is over, we are considering buying the islands occupied by Japan. Naturally, the condition that Qing recognizes Japan’s occupation will be attached.”

He was telling them this? Why?

Bernstorff, who was inwardly sneering, opened his mouth wide at Killian’s next words.

Killian continued in a nonchalant tone as if it were nothing.

“But if we take too much, we might appear to be vulgar people only interested in profits, right? In that case, how about we sell the colonies that we are likely to take over to France and Prussia?”

The two ambassadors blinked blankly when they saw the large islands on the map that Killian had pointed out.

What kind of otherworldly diplomacy was this?

If he gave away this much, what would be left?

Killian nonchalantly brought the coffee cup back to his mouth as if he had read their minds.

“You guys will be left, won’t you?”

Ah, the title of ambassador was not an easy one.

Bernstorff closed his eyes tightly and stopped thinking for a moment.