I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 39

Buckingham’s Summons (2)

“…For that reason, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend next weekend because I have to go to the commemorative event.”

“An announcement and debate by outstanding students—that sounds really interesting. Huhu… I’d like to go too, but unfortunately, I don’t think it’s possible.”

“His Majesty must have sent an invitation to the Princess, but didn’t you receive one?”

“I did. But unfortunately, my dear mother and Sir Conroy say that I’m scheduled to be sick that day.”

There it is.

Victoria’s ‘incurable’ disease that flares up whenever royal-led events and parties are held.

Surprisingly, because of this ‘disease,’ which is scheduled to be completely cured after she becomes an adult, the current Victoria cannot attend most events.

And it seems that this time will be no different.

“That’s a shame. It would be a good experience for the Princess.”

“If it’s a debate between Eton and Harrow [two prestigious British boarding schools], it seems like it will be quite a fierce competition. Has the topic been revealed?”

“Yes, the debate topic seems to be the most talked-about issue recently: the abolition of slavery. It’s a sensitive issue, but since they are young students, they can debate such topics without any burden.”

“Then Killian will also participate in the debate?”

Yeah, this is the normal reaction, right?

No matter how I think about it, Headmaster Kitt’s actions to exclude me are strange.

“No. I think I’ve been too noticeable recently, so I’ve decided to take a break this time.”

“Still, the school’s honor is at stake. Wouldn’t the teachers want you to participate?”

“That’s the strange thing; the headmaster doesn’t seem to want me to participate.”

“Really? That’s strange. Even if it seems trivial, if it’s a matter of pride like this, they would want to attract even one more excellent student.”

Everyone who has heard this story so far has given her the same answer.

If not only me but also James, Wellesley, and even Victoria felt similar doubts, then this is definitely something to consider.

But the problem is that no matter how much I investigate, I can’t guess the reason.

I released informants to investigate whether the headmaster had met anyone recently, but there were no particularly strange traces.

At most, it was the teachers of Eton, the headmaster of Harrow who will be working with them in the future, and finally, the royal officials who planned this event.

Could it be that they judged that it wouldn’t look good if an Irish aristocrat of mixed Asian descent was included as a representative student of Eton?

If that were the case, I could have dismissed it as me overreacting, but I don’t think the headmaster has such a tendency…

No, since there is a lack of information anyway, it’s best to prepare for what I can do instead of falling into delusions.

Instead of making clumsy guesses, I need to prepare so that I can flexibly respond to any variables that may arise.

“Ah, by the way, Killian. Even if I can’t go to this event, Sir Conroy will probably go.”

“Are you talking about Sir John Conroy?”

I’ve been to the palace quite a bit so far, but strangely enough, I rarely ran into John Conroy, who is the Duchess’s secretary.

I’ve seen his face with the Duchess and exchanged simple greetings, but I’ve never had a long conversation with him alone.

Of course, he’s not someone I particularly want to talk to, so I didn’t pay much attention to it.

“My mother has spoken so highly of you, Killian, that he doesn’t seem to be suspicious, but he seems to want to have a deep conversation with you at least once. He’ll probably approach you intentionally at this commemorative event, so I’m telling you this in advance so you can be prepared.”

“Thank you. I’ll have to prepare in advance.”

“Honestly, that guy is really annoying… he’s a really bad person. I’m kind of looking forward to how you’re going to deceive him! I have to soothe my disappointment of not being able to go to the commemorative event like this; what else can I do?”

Could it be that as we get closer, her true feelings, which she has been suppressing, are unconsciously popping out?

In fact, as someone who knows well what kind of environment she was in since she was young, this didn’t seem awkward at all.

Rather, I wonder if she is suppressing her emotions with truly superhuman patience, just by not swearing.

“Then after the commemorative event, let’s hear a story from Sir Conroy. I’ll explain with saliva flying how useful Killian Gore is to the Princess.”

“Oh? Then wouldn’t Sir Conroy be giving really accurate opinions, unlike himself?”

“That’s right. It would be the first day Sir Conroy gave useful advice to the Princess. Should we designate it as a 기념일 [Korean: anniversary] later?”

“Pfft, it would be a truly historical event.”

Victoria’s face brightened noticeably as if she had relieved some of her feelings.

“Princess, anyway, when you become an adult, he’s someone who can’t even dare to stay where your gaze reaches. Just let whatever nonsense he says go in one ear and out the other. If you can’t, imagine the moment when his usually imposing face turns white with shock, and you’ll feel a little better.”

“But if His Majesty’s health deteriorates before that, I have to see that ugly person for six more years.”

“His Majesty will grit his teeth and endure until you can safely take over the position. In fact, if you were to pick the two people who hate Sir Conroy the most in this world, the first place would be occupied by the Princess, but the second place would definitely be His Majesty, right?”

Strictly speaking, the King hates the Duchess even more than Conroy, but no matter what, she is Victoria’s mother, so I didn’t bother to mention it.

Now that I think about it, this commemorative event is being hosted by the King himself, and he’s even giving out awards, so I’ll have to face him at least once.

He probably knows that I meet Victoria often, so he might try to probe me in some way.

It’s getting complicated, but if I change my perspective, this could be an opportunity.

If I’m not suspected in a place where even the leading politicians of the ruling and opposition parties and royal officials are horrified, who can threaten me?

At least until I appear on the front lines of power and attract everyone’s aggro , the act of being checked will disappear itself.

Since I’m tired of meeting and acting one by one anyway, it wouldn’t be bad to show everyone clearly this time.

The illusion that Killian Gore is just an Irish bumpkin who poses no threat to the vested interests of the British Empire.

* * *

On the day of the commemorative event that the students had been eagerly waiting for, the atmosphere was more heated than expected.

The students who came to Buckingham Palace by carriage were filled with awe as the magnificent gate opened and their eyes sparkled.

As the guards in their unique red uniforms stepped aside with disciplined attitudes, everyone couldn’t help but exclaim.

“Wow! The day has come when I actually enter here.”

“My father has been to balls before, but finally me too…”

“God.”

Surprisingly, the reactions of not only commoners but also noble children were not much different.

Even Robert, the second son of the Duke of Rutland, seemed quite excited, so how could the others not be?

“Senior, have you not been to Buckingham very often either?”

“Of course. My father went a lot, but I haven’t been there much. Maybe for weddings or baptisms? Events held in the palace are generally attended by nobles, high-ranking officials, and foreign ambassadors. Of course, I’ve never been to a place where we are the main characters and can communicate with His Majesty like now.”

“So this is an unprecedented event.”

“According to my father, this event is to show on a large scale how much the British Empire values future talents. So isn’t that why they’re putting in so much effort to treat us so well?”

As expected, is this something different about a country that reigns as the world’s strongest power in the 19th century?

I’m looking at it with tinted glasses, thinking that there’s something going on, but even so, I think I have to acknowledge to some extent the fact that they can hold such an event.

Even if there is some purpose, everyone understands the purpose of holding this event, right?

That’s proof that society recognizes intellectuals and excellent students that much.

Of course, Asian Confucian countries also favored foreign students who would become officials in the future, but the feeling was a little different.

It wasn’t unreasonable for the students to be half out of their minds with excitement.

Soon, after getting out of the carriage, we passed through a magnificent fountain and reached the entrance of the palace.

As we entered, the scenery of the ceiling decorated with gold-plated moldings, elaborate frescoes, and all sorts of rare works of art was sucked into our field of vision.

While everyone was immersed in the rising awe, a royal herald in a clear blue and gold uniform unfolded a scroll, cleared his throat, and shouted loudly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the representative students of Eton College have arrived!”

Finally, the door of the Grand Hall opened and the softly echoing applause rang in our ears.

“Wow… I’m going crazy. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”

The students, who had been stiffening with tension, nodded in unison at someone’s voice filled with emotion.

Looking around, I could see that the students from Harrow, who seemed to have arrived a little earlier, were frozen in the same posture.

If I look too relaxed, I might stand out in reverse?

I was going to talk to Gladstone or Wellesley, who are somewhere here, and then go back, but the plan has changed.

Quickly scanning the surroundings, I deliberately stuck close to Robert with a stiff posture.

Kitt, the headmaster who came into the Grand Hall with us, patted the students’ shoulders kindly with a different expression than usual and pointed around.

“You don’t have to be too nervous. There’s still time before the event starts. There are also alumni among the VIPs, so go and say hello. I’ll introduce you, so everyone follow me.”

“Yes!”

Could it be that he’s trying to relieve the tension in advance because he’s sure that there will be mistakes in the upcoming debate if they’re too nervous?

Whatever the reason, a large number of students huddled together and followed Kitt, exchanging greetings with the VIPs.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere became more ripe and the students began to regain their composure.

“Killian Gore, can I talk to you for a moment?”

A middle-aged man with a sturdy physique approached me in the midst of the crowded VIPs.

Thanks to what Victoria had told me in advance, I wasn’t flustered at all and naturally nodded my head and slipped out of the line of students.

“Of course, Sir Conroy. It seems like it will be a short time since the event hasn’t started yet.”

“That’s a relief. Then let’s go to a suitable place and have a little chat.”

John Conroy, the secretary and advisor to the Duchess of Kent, took me without hesitation to a corner of the Grand Hall.

“Actually, we should have had a conversation like this a long time ago, but the timing has been very late. Still, I’m glad I got the chance now. After all, the wife or attendants were always around in the palace.”

“Doesn’t the Duchess fully trust Sir Conroy?”

“Of course she does. I fully trust the wife too. But how should I put it—aren’t we men from the same Ireland? In that respect, I wanted to have a serious conversation with you in a place where no one else is around. I thought there might be some common ground that only we Irish people can understand.”

Seeing Conroy’s friendly smile, I could understand why the Duchess didn’t oppose him keeping me by her side.

In fact, I expected Conroy to raise objections here and there and prepared countermeasures, but this man was building inner intimacy with me on his own.

Well, living in British high society as an Irishman must have been a lot of hardship, so I can’t say I don’t understand that feeling.

Then I can’t help but use this.

“I haven’t had a chance to say it, but for that reason, I’ve been secretly admiring Sir Conroy. Should I call you my role model?”

“Aren’t there many more wonderful people around you than me?”

“If I look for them, there might be. But the problem is that they’re all from England.”

“Ha, that’s right. They’re such tiresome guys. Listen, Killian, I’ll give you sincere advice since we’re from the same Ireland. No matter how promising a student you are at Eton now and a person who has caught the eye of the Tory party’s heavyweights, you’ll only be able to clean up after them later. Do you know why?”

“Because I’m from Ireland.”

Conroy chuckled.

“That’s right. Those guys have to embrace Ireland, so they’ll pretend to. But if you try to go above a certain level? Then they’ll immediately turn on the lights and pounce on you, digging up and tearing apart all your weaknesses. I also naively believed that I could succeed if I made achievements and threw myself into the military. So I came out of military academy and even participated in the Napoleonic Wars, but those guys never acknowledged me. Ha!”

There’s a reason why people go wrong, and Conroy was also one of the sad monsters born of the times.

Where would there be a heartless villain, but if he didn’t get a good word even after participating in the Napoleonic Wars, it seems like a natural flow to turn black.

“You must have been heartbroken. You were with them in the great achievement of cutting off Napoleon’s breath, but you weren’t recognized…”

“That’s right. Of course, I didn’t participate in the Battle of Waterloo.”

“Ah, then the Iberian Peninsula War…?”

“I couldn’t participate in that either because of circumstances.”

“……”

What is this guy? Then where did he play an active role?

Could it be that the reason he wasn’t recognized was because he made excuses and somehow escaped every fierce battle?

Logically speaking, if he had beaten France and played a truly heroic role in the war, the British would have acknowledged Conroy even if they discriminated against the Irish.

Of course, I can’t say that out loud, so I have to find something else to talk about quickly, but even I couldn’t do it easily.

Ah, that’s right. Since he couldn’t play an active role, I’ll just assume that it was a situation where he couldn’t help but not be able to do it.

“…I see. I understand. The lowly English guys used despicable tricks to prevent Sir Conroy from making achievements and being recognized, so they couldn’t let you go to the decisive battlefield. They’re really mean guys.”

“That… that’s right! You understand me too. The English guys will never let you have the opportunity to take a key position later. That’s why I changed my plans like this.”

“Are you talking about making the Duchess a regent?”

“Yes. Isn’t it funny? The fact that this Irish John Conroy, whom those guys so despised and looked down on, will be behind the queen they respect and love.”

“Just imagining it makes my heart swell! As the same Irish person, I will wholeheartedly support Sir Conroy’s great work. But what are you planning to do after the Duchess becomes regent? If possible, I would like to contribute my meager strength to that grand plan…”

If he’s a man with a grand ambition to give England a blow as an Irishman, he won’t be satisfied with just being behind Victoria.

I should slowly dig up what kind of plan he has and extract some essence if there’s anything useful.

But Conroy, who heard my question, stared at me with incomprehensible eyes.

“Do I really need any more plans? As the queen’s backer, I can also meddle in domestic political issues, get involved in the selection of royal figures, and just being able to move this heart of England, Buckingham Palace, as I please is already the core of power.”

“……”

Really? Is he putting up a smokescreen because he noticed that I was testing him?

No, even so, if you’ve gaslighted a young princess and set up a plan to become the backer of the regency, isn’t it basic to lay down some grand plans after that?

I didn’t want him to say that his life goal was to be the owner of Buckingham Palace, but Conroy’s smile was a 100% genuine sincerity without lies.

“Has there ever been an Irishman in history who has achieved as much as I have? I’m going to be able to move the king of this great empire, which can be called the strongest in the world, as I please. Ah, of course, I’ll get you a title at that time, so don’t worry. Those guys are united and discriminate against us, so we have to unite a little too. Fortunately, the Duchess of Kent is an open-minded person, so let’s use her influence as much as possible to go up.”

Small.

All sorts of thoughts and feelings came to my mind as I listened to the story, but in the end, it was all summed up in just one word.

His vessel is too small.

If he had tried to build an impregnable fortress in this country using Victoria’s influence.

If he had been planning some kind of strategy to maintain power and strength even after the Duchess’s regency ended.

Aside from being a human trash who tried to wield power by gaslighting a child, I might have been able to acknowledge his ambition to rise high as an Irishman.

But I never imagined that the identity of that ambition was just a venting of anger and self-consolation for the English people who had ignored him.

Of course, my mouth and head played completely separately this time as well.

“As expected, Sir Conroy’s ideas are different. You’re a person who actually puts into practice what I’ve only imagined, so I’m still a little dizzy just trying to catch up as a young person.”

“What’s with this? According to the Duchess, your intelligence is unusual, so keep studying hard and honing your skills in the future. Who knows? Maybe you can be in the position of the Queen’s Chief of Staff later. Of course, there will be more than one or two guys who will foam at the mouth and oppose it, but that won’t be a problem if we join forces. Let’s cheer up as the same Irish people in the future.”

I politely took Conroy’s outstretched hand and bowed my head.

“I’m honored. From now on, I’ll only trust Sir Conroy and the Duchess.”

I’m sorry, but I have no intention of partnering with someone with a poor imagination who limits my position to that of Chief of Staff.

John Conroy. There will be no place for you in the future British Empire.