I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 378

The British Empire was able to take the Philippines from Spain because Spain was heavily indebted to them.

So, what would happen if Spain, already drowning in debt, had to shoulder Cuba’s debt alone?

Edward watched Narvaez get thoroughly outmaneuvered without lifting a finger, a faint amusement in his eyes.

Unsurprisingly, Spain ended up ceding all ownership of Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Cuba’s debt became Spain’s sole responsibility, and Puerto Rico was swiftly snatched up by the South.

Furthermore, Spain officially acknowledged the South’s claim that they weren’t obligated to pay the outstanding balance for weapons sold to the former Confederate States of America.

“So, all that remains is for Spain to acknowledge their responsibility for destroying our Union transport ships with mines and compensate us. Public outrage is at a fever pitch. I doubt the people will be satisfied until Spain offers a sincere apology.”

“We did no such thing. How can we apologize for something we didn’t do?”

“Then, how about this? Spain will have to pay compensation to conclude the war regardless, so why not add a little extra and hand over some rights and interests? I understand Spain holds silver mining rights in Mexico; we’ll take those off your hands.”

“Hmm…”

If Spain, already struggling with liquidity, lost its silver mines in Mexico, what would be left? But realistically, holding onto their American rights and interests was becoming impossible.

“We can’t simply hand them over for free. In that case, we’d rather secure funds from Mexico and resell the rights. The Union must offer an appropriate price. Then we’ll consider selling.”

“Agreed. However, payment will be in installments over at least five years, not a lump sum.”

“…Okay.”

After about ten days, the issues concerning the American continent were nearing resolution.

Spain was eager to return home as quickly as possible, but unfortunately for them, the real game was just beginning.

“Now that the agreement between Spain and the North and South is nearing completion, the home country must, of course, confirm its terms. Just as bonds have priority, the amount the British Empire is owed by Spain is considerable. Given the timeline, our claim is the earliest, so I believe we should be reimbursed with higher priority than the Union or the Confederacy. I’d like to hear from Minister Seward and Representative Bakunin on whether they agree with this.”

“We have no objections.”

“That’s as it should be. Besides, the bulk of our compensation will come from the colonies, and the cash component isn’t that significant.”

It was true that Spain was indebted to the British Empire, but bringing it up so abruptly and linking it to the Philippines seemed opportunistic.

The timing and justification were crucial, and now was the opportune moment, with the North and South having roughly calculated their dues from Spain.

‘You have this much to give to those people, but surely you’ve set aside what you owe us first, right?’ It was a natural segue.

Minister Seward readily sided with Edward, as he was paid to maintain neutrality, leaving Spain with no room to maneuver.

“Uh… um, that’s probably possible… isn’t it?”

“It must be possible. You haven’t forgotten how many times the home country has postponed its repayment schedule, have you?”

“Ah, yes. I understand. I will calculate it and give you an answer at tomorrow’s meeting.”

He said that, but Edward, Narvaez, and even Seward and Bakunin knew Spain was essentially broke.

Furthermore, Spain had to assume all of Cuba’s debt, so no matter how hard they tried to squeeze, where would they find the funds?

The next day, Narvaez, looking haggard as if he hadn’t slept, arrived with a stack of documents and desperately tried to evade the issue.

“…So, the amount the home country can realistically raise this year is…”

“To put it simply, is it possible or not?”

“If you give us five more years…”

“You know very well that’s impossible, right?”

“…”

“I can’t help it. When the deadline arrives, the home country will begin compulsory execution [seizure of assets]. We’ve given you ample opportunities, so I trust you won’t accuse us of being overly harsh.”

Compulsory execution meant seizing and selling any Spanish assets that could be converted into cash.

Minister Seward narrowed his eyes and leaned forward.

“If the British Empire carries out compulsory execution, wouldn’t that risk infringing upon the home country’s compensation from Spain?”

“We’ll coordinate in advance to prevent that, of course.”

“Wait a minute. Then, how about this? Haven’t the home country and the Socialist Union already settled their affairs on the American continent? Perhaps the British Empire could take its due from Spain in Asia or the Pacific?”

“Hmm, what could the home country take in that region?”

“Wouldn’t that be the Philippines or Guam?”

“The Philippines! Why is that being brought up!”

Perhaps relieved that he had managed to protect the Philippines until now, the faces of Narvaez and the Spanish delegation paled, their spirits utterly broken.

But what could they do? If you don’t have money, you pay with assets.

Moreover, the situation couldn’t be more advantageous, as the British Empire wasn’t the one demanding it; the North and South were practically forcing it upon them to protect their own interests.

“The Philippines are off-limits!”

“If not, do you have any other suggestions?”

“Then, let’s hand over the other two regions, excluding Luzon [the largest and most populous island in the Philippines]…”

“That’s unreasonable.”

“Exactly. Haha, in my life, this is the first time I’ve seen a country trying to cheat the British Empire out of its money. Spain is truly remarkable.”

The North and South immediately joined in with a barrage of insults.

Watching them, one might think they were on good terms.

“Wait a minute, please. The Philippine issue is beyond my authority. If we include this in the agreement as it stands, the home country will refuse to ratify it.”

“Is that so? Then we’ll await permission from the home country and resume the meeting. I also need to inform our parliament and government of your country’s intentions. It seems Spain has no intention of repaying its debts to the home country.”

“Ah, no! That’s not it, I’m merely requesting time from the home country…”

The siege was complete.

The situation had shifted from a perceived 2-on-1 fight to a 3-on-1 onslaught.

“Then, let’s temporarily suspend the agreement until we receive word on the intentions of the Spanish home country. If the most crucial issue remains unresolved, further discussion is pointless.”

“The Union agrees with His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“We have no objection either.”

The principle of majority rule prevailed.

With everyone except Spain in agreement, Spain’s opinion was irrelevant.

“Ah, and since the home country will be assuming a portion of Cuba’s debt, how about considering handing over Guam along with the Philippines?”

Narvaez, staggering to his feet, lost his balance and collapsed back into his chair at Edward’s final words.

I had to desperately suppress the grin that threatened to spread across my face as I witnessed all of this.

He’s grown up so well. He’s my son, after all.

* * *

“Joseon [Korea] and Japan! To the strong friendship between the Korean and Yamato [ancient Japanese name for Japan] people!”

“For the sake of!”

“May the friendship between the Korean Peninsula and the archipelago last forever!”

“May it last forever!”

While Spain was enduring humiliation in London,

Joseon and Japan, having resolved to conquer Manchuria and land on the continent together, pledged to stand united until the very end in this war.

It was a blood alliance surpassing any ordinary alliance.

Since the dawn of history, had there ever been a time when these two countries were so close?

For this momentous declaration of a blood alliance, Japan dispatched Okubo [Toshimichi], the Prime Minister, to Joseon.

In truth, this was partly Okubo’s own initiative.

He sensed that remaining in his own country, which was becoming increasingly unhinged, posed a danger to his well-being.

A few honest words could cost him his head, like the minister who had recently met his demise, so a temporary escape abroad seemed prudent.

Kilian had also advised him to prioritize his safety, promising to rescue him when the time was right.

But discerning sanity from madness was proving difficult, making self-preservation a challenge.

Thus, he sought to slip away quietly and enjoy a vacation abroad.

Frankly, he also wanted to witness firsthand the atmosphere in Joseon, which was enthusiastically embracing Japan.

“Hahahahahahaha!”

“Khahahahahahahat!”

And witnessing it firsthand solidified his conviction.

The atmosphere was strikingly similar to Japan, and officials were uttering remarkably similar sentiments.

Initially, Okubo mistook Joseon for western Japan.

And upon first meeting Kim Jwa-geun, the leader of the Joseon cabinet, Okubo felt a surprising sense of kinship.

“With such a strong friendship between our two countries, conquering the continent is merely a matter of time.”

“Of course! Of course! Just witnessing the Prime Ministers of Joseon and Japan sharing a drink together makes the future clear, doesn’t it? In my eyes, the alcohol in our glasses symbolizes that continent.”

“Come now, Prime Minister Okubo, finish your drink.”

The Joseon officials surrounding Kim Jwa-geun and Okubo continued to offer drinks and endlessly whisper about a bright future.

Not only cabinet ministers but also army and navy generals were present at this welcoming event, but nothing surprised him anymore.

Okubo calmly emptied his glass and studied Kim Jwa-geun’s complexion, who sat across from him.

The vanguard of reform, known as Joseon’s Okubo in Japan.

He suddenly recalled Saigo’s remark that Okubo was called Japan’s Kim Jwa-geun in Joseon when he visited Joseon.

At the time, he had simply scoffed and moved on, but seeing it now, he felt a sense of camaraderie and sympathy.

As expected, when the event concluded and they were alone in the office, Kim Jwa-geun downed the remaining alcohol and slammed the glass hard on the table. Ttaak!

“Hoo, damn it, it’s so frustrating that I can’t do anything.”

That thick, guttural curse word was unmistakable.

As Okubo smiled wryly and nodded, Kim Jwa-geun clicked his tongue and spoke in Japanese.

“Ah, I’m sorry. You understand Joseon language.”

“Not fluently. But I know some Joseon curses. They sound so satisfying.”

“Haha… I apologize for showing you such an unsightly display in front of a valued guest, due to the alcohol.”

“No. In the current situation, who can remain sane without going crazy? I fully understand.”

The meeting of the two Prime Ministers, the only two sane individuals in countries consumed by madness, continued.

Kim Jwa-geun looked at Okubo with a face full of emotion.

His eyes even welled up with tears, perhaps heightened by the alcohol.

Okubo, too, couldn’t contain the surge of emotion as he looked at his only sympathizer across the sea.

Hey, you too? Hey, me too!

How comforting it was to know he wasn’t alone in this difficult world.

“Prime Minister Okubo, have you received any instructions from London?”

“I have something to say about that. Please, hear my story.”

The two Prime Ministers, who had barely managed to build up their countries as the vanguard of reform, were now forced to watch their homelands descend into chaos.

The conversation between the two men, who discovered an unexpected resemblance, continued until dawn.