I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 434

< Age of Storms (6) >

Europeans, who believe without a doubt that they are the center of the world, held a view that was prevalent at the time.

The world was clearly in an era of white supremacy, but strictly speaking, there were slight differences in that perception. Even among white people, not all were considered the same, which was understandable.

Europeans firmly believed that they were the most superior race.

Next came the white people of the American continent, and finally, the white people of West Asia barely managed to be included in their ranking.

From my point of view, it was an absurd hierarchy, but what could I do when a considerable number of people in Europe actually thought this way?

It was fortunate that the British Empire had a weaker tendency in this regard.

However, this wasn’t because the British Empire was particularly enlightened or progressive.

After all, such perceptions are often instilled from birth, so the citizens of the British Empire likely held similar views.

The reason pure European white supremacy was less pronounced within the British Empire was simply because I was not purely white.

With the absolute support of the royal family, which included me, a person of Asian and European mixed heritage, who would openly declare that anyone not purely European white was inferior?

Moreover, with the existence of Canada, simply declaring Europe as the best, like other countries, could lead to disputes.

So, the accepted compromise was that Asians, upon reaching royalty, possessed the potential of white people.

White people were considered excellent, regardless of whether they were European or American.

This perception was overflowing with a spirit of philanthropy, enough to make even Jesus Christ weep.

From a 21st-century perspective, it might seem nonsensical, but surprisingly, in the 19th century, it was a relatively progressive view.

In fact, I once expected that as I became more prominent, the evaluation of Asians would also improve.

However, since I am not purely Asian but of mixed royal blood, I am just considered a special case, so I abandoned such expectations long ago.

At best, the Japanese or Joseon [Korean] royal families might benefit, but even that would only be within Asia, and Europe’s view of them remained indifferent.

To be more precise, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say that they still had no interest?

[The British Empire was right again! The defeat of the South!]

[Professor Marx’s victory is the victory of the British Empire!]

[Was Professor Marx’s appointment at Oxford recommended by the royal family?]

[The reality of the South, which is turning into a dictatorship. The ugly face of communism]

As I checked the newspapers on my first day back, most were still focused on the debate between the North and the South [of the American Civil War], and the South’s strong drift towards Juche [self-reliance] ideology after being thoroughly defeated was dominating all the issues.

Stories about Asia were mostly relegated to a single line in the far corner of the back page, or not mentioned at all.

Of course, separately from that, praise for me continued daily.

Recommending Marx as a professor at Oxford and entrusting him with advice on various policies was seen as a wise move.

It was natural, as the fact that I had been working to understand the limitations of communism while also trying to compensate for the limitations of capitalism had been revealed.

Having shown foresight spanning decades, it would be difficult for anyone to object to my words and actions in the future.

It was originally like that domestically, but now it has become widely known overseas, which is significant.

However, no matter how much everyone praises me, there are times when I am just a mere sinner at home.

Sensing that today was such a day, I came into the palace with flowers in my arms, along with refreshments I had made myself.

“Ahem, my beloved wife. Your loving husband has returned.”

“…You came back relatively quickly this time? I thought it would take a year.”

“Hahaha, you’re joking. When have I recently been abroad for more than a year? Even if something like that happened, your face would linger in my mind, so I would shorten the schedule and return…”

“Enough. Come and sit here.”

Victoria pointed to the opposite side of the table, which was piled high with papers, and then turned her head to look at me, blinking in bewilderment.

“What are those flowers again?”

“I got some flowers thinking of you, but when I put them next to you like this, I feel like the flowers are withering because of your loveliness. Haha… Hahaha.”

“It’s not like you’re a child spilling water and desperately trying to clean it up. Stop talking and come sit here.”

“Yes!”

I faithfully followed her words and sat down at the opposite table, then timidly held out the bouquet.

I was worried that she would get angry, but fortunately, her eyes, which had been full of tension, seemed to soften slightly.

“Geez… you’re only quick-witted when it comes to this. If you had been even a week later, I was going to give you a stern scolding. Did Marquis Salisbury tell you? That I seemed angry?”

“Of course not. It’s just an expression of my desire to explain the situation to you as quickly as possible.”

“Seriously. How long have I lived with you that you would do that? Anyway, seeing that you bought flowers and even made snacks, it seems like you feel guilty about something?”

“…But since things between people always involve misunderstandings, if you tell me which part you are particularly angry about, wouldn’t it be easier to resolve the conflict… or not?”

To be honest, there are more than one or two things I feel guilty about, so I’m not confident if you ask me to name one specifically.

It makes me realize once again how patient Victoria has been to turn a blind eye to my wandering around so much.

If I hadn’t maintained a relationship with her since I was young, I might have been confined somewhere in the palace long ago.

But you still love me, right?

Victoria, who was looking at my most pitiful and dejected appearance, sighed deeply and shook her head.

“Ah, annoying! I’m always the only one who loses out!”

“I am only sorry about that. Still, isn’t it because we have been doing so well together with one heart and one mind that the royal family has been able to prosper so much?”

“Sigh, yes. I have to bear it for the sake of our children. I was really going to get angry this time, but I can’t bring myself to do it when I see your face. Ugh, annoying.”

“Still, almost all the really urgent matters are over, so I won’t go on long-term business trips again… no, four times.”

“What’s with that ambiguous number again? I’m seriously at a loss for words.”

“I’m the type to not make promises I can’t keep anymore…”

It’s something that a person has done not just once, but several times so far, so how can I not do such a thing again?

Moreover, there are plenty of exceptions that can arise in this kind of situation, so it’s necessary to be as careful as possible.

“Haa, okay. If I say anything more here, I’ll just look like a fool, so I’ll let it go.”

While complaining, she picked up the flowers I bought, smelled them slightly, and chuckled. She’s appeased, she’s appeased.

“You told me to tell you what I don’t like, right? You must have heard the news about Edward, so you know.”

“Ah, that’s it. So, the father is so engrossed in other things that he doesn’t come back even after the work is finished, even though his son is struggling so hard overseas, even though the work in the South is important, and he doesn’t even care, which makes you angry? Moreover, it’ll look even more hateful because he usually talks like he thinks so dearly of his sons and daughters.”

“You know it well. Furthermore, Adelaide’s engagement was canceled recently. Of course, it was a planned event from the beginning, but when things keep happening like this in a row, it’s my job to clean up the mess.”

That’s something I can’t argue with.

As the chief executive of the royal family, it was entirely her role to take the lead and finalize things when various incidents occurred.

“Right now, Edward alone is in Asia to fulfill your wishes, but if you are so indifferent and don’t care because you are busy with work in Canada, I honestly don’t feel so good.”

Huh? Who is going to Asia to fulfill whose wishes?

What nonsense is this?

As I blinked blankly, Victoria tilted her head as if she felt something was wrong.

“…Edward wrote me a letter saying that he would like to realize the ideas you have in your head?”

“No, I sent him with a big heart because he said he wanted to test his abilities, but what nonsense is this…!”

I had a hard time enduring Victoria’s nagging that it was right to send the Crown Prince to Asia, but what kind of unfilial bastard is this?

Why are you dragging me in and fanning her anger?

“If you don’t believe me, look here. Edward’s ambition is well written, isn’t it? I’m also worried that this child is still suffering from the pressure to build up achievements as much as you do.”

“…India is currently the British Empire’s most precious colony and the most important base that makes the British Empire the strongest country in the world. However, looking ahead 50 or 100 years, we cannot continue to hold India as a colony. So, we need to find a new alternative, and it seems that Father is already laying the groundwork.”

As expected, he knows well because he is my son.

Half of what I’m doing are things that can be benefited from right now, like Suez or Panama, but the other half are things that will take a long time to see the light.

The reason why it doesn’t show is just because I’ve spread a lot of things that can be monetized right now.

Moreover, even in oil fields, there are quite a few places where it is difficult to extract oil until the early and mid-20th century, so such land will be re-evaluated after I die.

I continued to read the letter, inwardly satisfied with Edward’s insight.

“So I thought about it. If Father, who foresaw the rise of communism even before the Civil War broke out, must have a blueprint in Asia as well. And after staying in Asia for a few months and trying to understand Father’s ideas, I think I’m starting to see the results. We need to tame Japan and Joseon as subordinates, not allies of the British Empire, but wouldn’t we need a reasonable justification to do so?

As a son, to fulfill my father’s wishes…”

After that, the letter described in great detail what Edward was thinking and how he was moving, and my name was mentioned in almost every paragraph.

At this rate, Victoria can’t help but misunderstand that there was some kind of communication between me and Edward.

This mama’s boy only sends me a report, but he writes such a long letter to his mother?

“Just to avoid any misunderstanding, let me say again that this is entirely Edward’s speculation and has nothing to do with me.”

“So, are you saying that Edward is mistaken?”

“That’s not it. As expected of someone’s son, he seems to know exactly what this side wants.”

“So, you’re not thinking of Joseon or Japan as a bride for Edward after all.”

“Were you worried that I might do that?”

“If he liked her, I was going to wait and see before making a decision. But it turns out that there was no need to even consider such a thing from the beginning.”

Phew, have I put out all the urgent fires now?

I breathed a sigh of relief and carefully took Victoria’s hand.

“I’ll be staying in London for the time being and spending time with you, so don’t worry too much. I’ll try to take care of Edward’s problem as much as possible.”

“I understand. You’ll need time to rest not only for me but also for yourself, so take a good rest for the time being. It’s something you have to do for the rest of your life, so it won’t do if your health deteriorates.”

It was definitely a kind word of concern for me, but a chilling sensation ran through my body for a moment.

For the rest of my life, what on earth does that mean, ma’am?

I’m going to build royal family-only villas all over the world when things settle down and enjoy a leisurely life after retirement.

To that end, I need to swallow Hawaii and Saipan little by little, and I think I can adjust that by watching what Edward does.

So, son, please do well.