I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 396

The American Socialist Union.

The first communist nation to be born in this world.

This title alone held special significance for numerous socialist activists in the South.

To socialist thinkers, the South was akin to a living god, and the words of the Council were like the Bible.

The head of the Council was Engels, and he was naturally becoming an inviolable figure to socialist thinkers.

However, not everyone in the South revered and followed Engels wholeheartedly.

Engels’ status was absolute, and no one dared to challenge him, but there were clearly those within the Council who thought differently.

A prime example was Mikhail Bakunin.

As a prominent anarchist, he recognized Engels’ authority and faithfully served as his right-hand man, working as a member of the Council.

On the surface.

“Engels is Killian’s minion?”

“That’s what they say.”

Bakunin frowned as he read this unexpected report from the North.

“I told them to investigate, and they’ve written a novel? They need to make sense.”

“But the evidence is solid, they say.”

“Evidence, you say… Wait a minute. Is this real?”

He learned about Engels’ secret when the International, which became the predecessor of the South, was first established.

At that time, socialists fiercely debated to seize the leadership of the organization, and naturally, they had many opportunities to see each other’s research materials.

Bakunin was a representative figure of anarchists, and Engels was a representative scholar of communism, so they often clashed.

It was then that Bakunin saw many of Engels’ materials.

He didn’t exactly try to snoop, but Engels boasted that he was such an outstanding scholar that he was recognized even by the British Emperor, so he just checked.

And when he actually saw the diary, he didn’t think much of it, but as he watched the world turn, he became increasingly suspicious.

Decisively, he became convinced when he went to Great Britain to pressure Spain.

At that time, he felt that all the movements were strangely moving for the sake of Great Britain, or rather, the British Imperial Family, and he made several comrades in Europe who shared his thoughts.

Just looking at his relationship with Engels, it was clear that Killian was hiding something.

But strangely, Engels kept his mouth shut and gave no further information.

Rather, he even denied what he had said in the past and tried to dismiss it as if he had seen things.

At first, he thought it was to distance himself from the British Imperial Family since he had become the General Secretary of the South.

But if this information is true?

It may not have been just to keep a distance, but Engels may have wanted to erase the fact that he was Killian’s minion.

“If this is true, it’s really big information.”

“That’s right. With this, we can bring down the prestige of the British Imperial Family at once. And the General Secretary’s status will be as good as over.”

“Yes. How can he, who was merely a henchman of the British Imperial Family, take on the weighty task of being the General Secretary of this country? Of course, he must be kicked out.”

Unexpectedly rewarded, Bakunin paused to think.

Should he share this amazing information with his comrades in Europe?

This would be a tempting issue for them, but it would be too much of a loss for him to give it away for free.

He shouldn’t be late to let them know after getting as much as he can.

If Engels is pushed out of the General Secretary position, who would be the next General Secretary?

Wouldn’t it be himself, who revealed this fact?

For that time, it is necessary to build a more superior position in the relationship with influential figures in Europe.

“First, tell that detective from the North to keep investigating. He seems capable, and who knows what else he might find out?”

“Yes, sir. Then I will issue that order.”

“Good. Then I should send a message to Europe. I can’t tell them the details, but I have to send a positive signal.”

Russia, Prussia, and France and Great Britain.

Except for Russia, they pretend to be friendly nations and allies, but in reality, they are scheming to devour each other from behind.

Perhaps he himself is a similar being, pretending to follow Engels while looking for a chance to stab him in the back, but what can he do?

That’s how the nature of power is.

Who knows? In the distant future, he too may be chased out by someone in the same way.

* * *

The detective agency in the North was in chaos.

If you were to pick the people who hate communism the most, a significant number of them would be in the North.

From the perspective of the North, which is directly competing with the system, the South was the enemy, and they were ready to do anything to wipe out these commies [a derogatory term for communists].

In order to wipe out the enemy, you must first know the enemy in detail.

The North was frantically trying to grasp information about the South, and detective agencies had been receiving and handling various requests related to this.

MacPhearson also prided himself on knowing quite a bit of information related to the South.

But looking at how things are going, that may have been a delusion.

-As a result of tracking and analyzing each piece of mail sent by Kevin Williams, it was confirmed that Kevin Williams is receiving instructions from the South.

-As a result of contacting agents in the South, it was identified that the person giving instructions to Kevin was Mikhail Bakunin’s secretary.

What is it with these commies, are there internal conflicts even within?.

Like greedy capitalists, they shout about a world where everyone is equal, but in reality, they are more obsessed with factional struggles than anyone else.

That’s how the world is.

Just as people who say they are not interested in money are the most obsessed with money, those who say they are not interested in power are the most obsessed with power.

The reason why Kevin so easily brought up the name Engels was now understandable.

Bakunin, who commissioned this request, would have planned to put all the blame on Engels if things went wrong later.

As expected of a commie, it’s a cunning strategy.

However, it was not yet clear why Bakunin was digging into the British Imperial Family.

It is true that it would be good for a communist country to confuse Great Britain, but is it simply for that purpose?

However, it is not believed that the South alone, especially Bakunin alone, can effectively bring down the Imperial Family.

Above all, judging from the amount of money they put in as a down payment, it was clear that Bakunin was not acting alone.

Even if he is a powerful figure recognized by the Southern Council, it is impossible to raise money like this right away.

This is because the South has not been established for long, and it has not been easy for influential figures in the South to accumulate wealth due to the emphasis on integrity.

Of course, there is no such thing as an honest powerful person in the world, so they must have stashed quite a bit of money behind their backs, but it is almost impossible to exchange the money they embezzled behind their backs in the North, not the South, in a short period of time.

So, it can only be seen that someone other than Bakunin is with him.

“Has the source of the down payment that Kevin gave not been identified yet?”

“No. I’ve looked everywhere, but it was impossible. Seeing that it doesn’t come out even if we털어도 [even if we shake them down], we should assume that they used money that has already been laundered cleanly.”

“They prepared it on purpose. It seems like the picture will be pieced together if we do a little more now.”

Tracking funds is not as easy as it sounds, but MacPhearson used not only the Pinkerton Agency [a private security guard and detective agency] but also the power of the James Group to investigate.

The fact that he could not find out where the funds came from despite this was significant in reverse.

“The agents have tentatively concluded that the funds came from Europe. However, more information is needed to find out more.”

“Good. Then let’s report it as it is and wait for the judgment from above.”

Since a request has been made to dig deeper into Killian’s background, there is no need to rush here.

Under the pretext of investigation, we can drag out time and casually leak the reverse information from above.

MacPhearson stroked his chin, staring at the documents spread out on the table as if he would devour them.

Bakunin.

He is definitely a big shot, but it cannot be denied that it is a bit lacking with just this one person.

It would be great if just one more decisive thing came out, but it wasn’t easy.

* * *

While the currents of the North and South were flowing subtly.

This exciting fact also arrived at Buckingham Palace in London, the center of the British Empire, which receives the world’s envy.

“…That’s the summary of the circumstances of this case so far.”

“Mikhail Bakunin? Edward said he was quite communicative when he squeezed Spain, but I didn’t know he was looking for a chance to stab me in the back. That’s why you can’t know people’s hearts.”

“Since it is certain that Bakunin commissioned the MacPhearson office, there seems to be no doubt that he is one of the centers of this commotion.”

“Yes. Then the problem is what is his ultimate goal.”

In line with his personal success, the General Secretary of the South comes to mind, and in terms of national interest, the isolation of the British Empire on the international stage can be cited.

However, considering that there is a high possibility that there are collaborators in Europe, there was a high possibility that those who aimed at the latter were still stuck here and there.

“Your Majesty, shouldn’t we find out Bakunin’s collaborators first?”

“Isn’t it? That’s what I think too.”

As a result of tempting the other party’s reaction by leaking delicious information, he succeeded in drawing out the name Bakunin.

But to be honest, I am more concerned about the list of those who are looking for a chance to hit me in the back in Europe than one old, successful anarchist member.

“Now that it’s like this, there’s no choice. We have to throw Bakunin another attractive bait and squeeze into the gap.”

“If you mean an attractive bait?”

“Of course, wouldn’t it be Engels?”

Seeing that he hurriedly requested an additional investigation when he was sure that he would bring down Engels, Bakunin’s ambition to become the General Secretary was real.

Isn’t it when people reveal their biggest flaws when they are greedy?

The moment greed blinds you, whether it’s money or power, people’s vision narrows.

“James, there’s one last thing I want you to do.”

“I knew you would. Are you saying that I’m going to have a hard time again?”

“This is the last time. When this is over, appoint a successor, hand over everything, retire, and live as you please.”

“…Are you saying that sincerely?”

“Would I lie about something like this? You’ve worked hard for decades, so isn’t it time you really wanted to quit? I wouldn’t stop you if you wanted to do more.”

“I don’t want to do more. Okay, this is my last job. I’ll finish it splendidly and retire.”

I thought you would say something like, ‘I’ll be by your side until you reach your limit,’ but there was no such thing.

Well, I’ve been holding on to it for a long time.

To be honest, James was already halfway retired, so I was thinking of letting him go when this was over.

Oh, my. Your face looks 10 years younger in an instant because you’re so happy.

“Have you thought about what you’re going to do when you retire completely?”

“I’m worried because there are too many options. For the time being, I’m really going to do nothing, eat, sleep, play, eat, sleep, play, and waste time meaninglessly. But one thing is certain, I’m hardly going to come to London or Toronto. I have to live by the sea in a warm area all year round.”

“It sounds exciting just to hear it. I wonder when I’ll live such a life.”

“Your Majesty can live like that from tomorrow if you just make up your mind.”

“It’s hard to make that decision.”

They say life becomes easier if you give up greed, but if I were a person who could give up greed in the first place, I wouldn’t have come to this position.

Clatter.

James, who had been drinking tea silently for a while, put the empty teacup on the table and stood up.

“I will pull out all the seeds of those who would dare to point a knife at Your Majesty, so Your Majesty can rest assured and work harder.”

“Look at you talking nonsense because you’re retiring?”

“Your Majesty is much younger than me. You have to work until at least my age. That way, I won’t feel so wronged.”

“But I made you a lot of money. Let’s just call it even.”

“How can it be called even? I received much more.”

James straightened his clothes for a moment, bowed his back, and added a word.

“Then I’ll be on my way. I’ll send you good news, so please look forward to it and wait.”

“Okay. You’re the only one I trust and can entrust work to. Oh, and James.”

It was a bit awkward to say these words, but I still gave a sincere thank you to my loyal servant who had been with me since the beginning.

“Thank you for your hard work so far. Let’s talk when the last one comes back.”

Many things will change when this is over.

The potential risk factors that are hostile to me under the surface will be swept away, and I will be able to check my power that I have been expanding while running forward, so the status of the imperial family will be further solidified.

I have to decide on a new successor to the James Group and merge the businesses that James has built one by one under the imperial family, so I will only be busier in the future.

And apart from that, just a little.

I felt like loneliness would increase in my life.