I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 415

< The Imperial Family vs. The Imperial Family (5) >

Kheu, that’s the stuff.

The taste of victory is exactly this.

After the press conference, London was buzzing with angry citizens.

Of course, since their anger wasn’t about domestic issues, there was no violence or rioting.

This anger was 100 percent directed at Russia.

Of course, there was one place that wasn’t spared, and that was naturally the Russian Embassy.

“Russia, apologize!”

“If you have any conscience, the Russian Ambassador should come out and state their position!”

“Kneel before His Majesty Killian and beg for forgiveness, you sons of bitches!”

Bricks were flying from all directions, and the angry crowds were even trying to push their way in, but the Russian side couldn’t properly respond because they knew they had done something wrong.

Of course, the Russian Embassy was actually closer to being a victim in this situation.

This was something the Imperial Family had arbitrarily done, and even the ambassador at the embassy hadn’t received a proper explanation about it.

Suddenly, they woke up to find themselves in a situation where they were about to be beaten to death by the citizens of the British Empire, who were so angry they were seeing red.

“Your Majesty! We really don’t know anything. Unless we want to go to war with the British Empire, how could we do such a crazy thing!”

“Is that so? I heard that Russian diplomats have been investigating our information?”

“That’s…”

In fact, in this era, it was standard practice for every country to embed spies among diplomats and focus on gathering information.

Of course, the British Empire’s intelligence agents were also working hard in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Everyone knew but kept it quiet, and if they weren’t caught, they would deny it, but from Russia’s perspective, the situation was not good at all.

“There are rumors that Russian agents gathered information here, fabricated it, and wrote articles slandering me based on that. What do you think about that?”

“Absolutely! Absolutely not!”

“I can’t believe it. Frankly, I can’t believe anything your country says anymore. Your credibility has already collapsed.”

“Your Majesty! We are being framed! This was really just the Imperial Family’s unilateral action…”

“Then can we review all the data in the embassy? We need evidence, not just words, to believe you. If you cooperate, we will definitely guarantee the safety of your diplomats.”

Saying they would review the embassy’s data was no different from saying they would review everything they had done there so far.

Of course, that would include many things related to Russia’s national secrets, so it would be absolutely impossible to allow.

“Your Majesty! Even so, that’s…”

“I thought so? Even so, that’s impossible. I understand. But you also know that we can’t believe your country right now. I have no way to control the angry parliament and citizens, so I hope you return to your home country safely.”

“W, wait! I understand. If you review all the data, will you at least believe that our Foreign Ministry is not involved in this matter?”

“At least we can accept it as a unilateral rampage by the Imperial Family or a minister.”

“…I understand. Even to prove the government’s innocence…”

Originally, in a case like this, they could have just sent troops, stormed in, and beat everyone up, and no one could say anything.

But the British Empire, the nation of gentlemen, couldn’t take such barbaric measures, could they?

Besides, they might destroy some of the data, so this is much more efficient.

“However, if there are any traces of data being arbitrarily destroyed, I can’t guarantee what will happen then.”

“…I understand. Then, until the investigation is over, what about our staff…?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll take measures to ensure they can stay comfortably in a safe place.”

I know that Alexander II led the operation, but there’s no need to say that externally.

We need to thoroughly investigate how far the Russian government is involved and whether other nobles are involved.

This was a natural thing to do for national security, and as a side benefit, we could get our hands on all the confidential data the Russian Embassy had and see it.

Maybe similar things are happening in France or Prussia?

Since there are circumstances that Russia is investigating the royal families of other countries and digging up their weaknesses, other countries will not just listen to this as someone else’s story.

Whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the Russian Embassy in other countries will have to hand over the data and undergo thorough verification.

In the process, the numerous atrocities committed by Russia will be exposed, so it is no exaggeration to say that Russia’s diplomatic relations are now truly over.

My heart is so relieved. Keuek.

After half-threatening the Russian ambassador to extract the data, the next step was to attend Parliament and listen to the condolences and pledges of the lawmakers.

From saying how worried they were to comforting and pledging to make Russia pay the price.

I was enthusiastically cheered on, almost like a loyalty oath, and I leisurely waited for Russia’s response at Buckingham Palace, diligently promoting domestic public opinion.

Just in time, Victoria, who had returned from tea time, came and sat next to me as if she had been waiting.

“Are you done with work?”

“Russia will make an official statement soon, so the decision will be made accordingly.”

“The noble ladies also poured out a lot of passionate words about this situation. They told me to comfort you because the shock must be great.”

“That’s timely advice, but it seems our Emperor has no intention of comforting her poor husband?”

“The Russian Emperor should receive comfort. My husband should receive praise, not comfort. In that vein, why don’t you say a word to the Russian Emperor, who must be out of his mind right now?”

Victoria chuckled and leaned close to me, and the image of Alexander II’s panicked expression naturally came to my mind.

The previous emperor’s pores met a catastrophic end [He died of stress-related illness] because he was so stressed during the Crimean War, so I wonder what he will be like.

“Think of it as a good experience in life? That’s a bit weak… I can’t help it. I’m your opponent, right?”

“That’s a really annoying thing to say if you actually hear it. But I don’t know if it will be a lesson in the first place. No matter how this ends, the Russian Emperor’s position will be greatly narrowed. Then, won’t Russia’s political situation become chaotic?”

“That’s right.”

From the beginning, Russia’s power structure has been formed through a fierce tug-of-war between the Tsar and the nobles.

It is said to be an absolute monarchy, but the history of the Russian Empire establishing a truly powerful absolute monarchy is not that long.

To be exact, it would be more correct to say that it went back and forth.

And as Victoria said, now that this incident has occurred, it is impossible for the Emperor to continue to exert influence as an absolute monarch.

Of course, chaos will inevitably occur.

It would be a problem if it didn’t.

“Do you think… do you think a war will break out?”

“No way. I’m sure of that.”

“Are you saying that Alexander II will really apologize almost kneeling and bowing his head? Still, the Emperor’s pride… Ah, I see. If the Emperor doesn’t apologize, he won’t be able to act as Emperor anymore?”

You know it well.

I smiled and nodded.

Whether or not to apologize is up to the Imperial Family, but since the parliament’s ultimatum to wage war has already been issued, the Russian nobles had no choice.

In the first place, most of them would be thinking about why they have to go to war again because of the Emperor’s crazy actions, so can the Imperial Family ignore their complaints and not apologize?

I guarantee that there will be a coup right away if that happens.

Expressing an apology is a given.

The important thing is what practical benefits to gain based on that apology.

Words can repay a thousand *nyang* debt [Korean currency], but it’s already too deep to get out of the situation by just talking.

So, what is Alexander II’s most precious thing?

* * *

The shocking conclusion that the British Imperial Family’s behind-the-scenes conspiracy theory, which had been boiling all over Europe, was a Russian fabrication was almost solidified.

At first, people talked about it after seeing the sensational headlines, but after learning that it was a rumor spread by Russia, everyone became level-headed critics and laughed at the illusion of the conspiracy theory.

“It doesn’t make sense logically, does it? That His Majesty Killian is controlling the world from behind like this.”

“So, even if you just have a head, you can see it at a glance. Even my dog wouldn’t believe that.”

“Hey, didn’t you say before that the British Imperial Family felt fishy somewhere?”

“Eoeoeo! When did I say that! You’re trying to frame an innocent person!”

Conspiracy theories are believed by stupid and unintelligent people.

People didn’t realize it, but the atmosphere naturally settled down where even mentioning the British Imperial Family was considered a foolish act worthy of ridicule.

And this news traveled by telegram and telephone to far away Asia.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince! Your Highness! Look at this!”

“Governor Parker, what’s wrong? Why are you so excited?”

Edward blinked and turned his gaze as the Hong Kong Governor, who was usually composed, eagerly showed him the newspaper.

“What is it? Did Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] or Japan do something strange again?”

“It’s much worse. Look at this!”

“Hmm… where. Excessive slander and defamation by the Russian Imperial Family? Attempt to undermine the dignity of the Imperial Family detected? What is this?”

“It’s exactly as it says here. These crazy bastards were plotting this conspiracy!”

“Wow, this is a big deal.”

To think that such an interesting incident would happen while I was in Asia.

The Prime Minister frowned as if he didn’t understand, looking at his face with a full smile.

“No, Your Highness the Crown Prince. The Russian guys are attacking us now, but you’re showing such a relaxed reaction…”

“Ah, good heavens, my father was almost unfairly harmed by such slander and defamation, but is it okay for the eldest son of the Imperial Family to show such an indifferent reaction? What, you might see me as the most unfilial son in the world, or something.”

“Ah, no. I’m not saying that far…”

“Why would I be angry? I’m just laughing because it’s so absurd. Governor, you know my father well, don’t you?”

Anyone else would be fine, but that father is being backstabbed and endangered by the Russian Imperial Family?

There was no such possibility from the beginning.

Other people would think that Russia was doing some kind of scheme and was counterattacked at the end, but he knew.

Even if everyone in the world is deceived, he was sure. This is all his father’s work.

“…This conspiracy theory doesn’t make sense to anyone, does it?”

“That’s right. But at first, there were many people who believed that it was plausible, so the world is really in its end times.”

“That’s right. It doesn’t make sense.”

Even a passing child would coldly consider it and think it doesn’t make sense, but well.

If you ask if all of this is really a lie, the Crown Prince wanted to answer that it might not be.

Because he watched and learned political maneuvering from his father’s side, and saw with his own eyes how he profited from the Civil War through Canada.

Still, I couldn’t help but admire the part where he created a black human rights group and amplified the conflict in the United States.

“After all… political power can be built similarly with effort, but I can’t follow this seed planting close to foresight.”

“…Yes?”

“No. It’s nothing.”

This is not an area that can be followed with effort, so I have no choice but to say that it can’t be helped.

Edward smirked as he looked at the article that elaborately wrote this amazing process and the governor who was still cursing at Russia.

Looking at the situation, not only Russia and the British Empire, but also Europe and the United States are showing similar reactions.

As expected, it’s my father. He’s a really ruthless person.