I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 436

< The Age of Madness (2) >

Belgium, uniquely, does not refer to their monarch as the King *of* Belgium.

The correct title is not the King *of* Belgium, but the King *of the* Belgians, which implies more than just a difference in name.

Unlike other kingdoms, Belgium was founded through a revolution, and a king was appointed during this process, inevitably incorporating republican elements.

Because of these differences, the coronation in Belgium also involved a unique procedure unlike typical monarchies, and the authority or position of the king was somewhat different.

The current King of Belgium, Leopold II, had shown great interest in geography since childhood. Even during his time as a senator in parliament, he had argued that Belgium’s path to development lay in securing colonies.

Originally, he had planned to wait a few more years, but after seeing France and Prussia occupy Panama and the Philippines, his patience wore thin.

He feared that if time dragged on any longer, there would be no place left in the world for Belgium to colonize, and he couldn’t help but feel anxious.

Finding the Congo, a pristine land that no one had yet claimed, was fortunate in that sense.

He was confident that his insight, gained from years of studying and researching geography, had proven invaluable.

Once his mind was made up, he knew hesitation was the enemy of success.

Leopold II immediately summoned Count Linden, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, and secretly inquired.

“Foreign Minister, who is the most knowledgeable person about the situation in Africa right now?”

“I am generally aware of the details, but it depends on what Your Majesty wishes to know.”

“I would like to establish a base for Belgium in Africa. What are your thoughts?”

“Realistically, that is not an easy matter.”

The king nodded calmly at the Foreign Minister’s immediate response.

*Of course*, it wouldn’t be easy. The great powers, like jackals, would not want any country other than themselves to manage colonies.

“Minister, can you outline the expected problems?”

“First of all, the era of treating Africa as a source of slaves is over. If it were like the old days, we could simply push in with the military and suppress them with guns. But now, we have to treat them as people, at least outwardly. They may be somewhat inferior and incompetent, but they are still people.”

“Of course, of course, that’s only natural. As believers in God, it is our duty as civilized people to care for those inferior and pitiful beings. We must never treat them violently.”

*It’s quite amusing to see those who, just a few decades ago, were stacking black people like bricks and selling them to America, now saying, ‘Heh heh heh, black people are best as slaves. You were born into this world to be slaves of white people. Humans? What nonsense about humans.’*

But now is the time to wear such hypocritical masks, so what can you do?

A mediocre country like Belgium must dance to the tune of the rules set by the great powers to avoid being kicked off the stage.

“Since Your Majesty is aware, the explanation will be much easier. To put it bluntly, Belgium obtaining a colony in Africa is not something we can do just because we want to. It may be a bit much to say this, but… we need the permission of the great powers.”

“It’s an unpleasant reality, but it can’t be helped. The question is how we can get that permission. What do you think?”

“The attention of Europe is currently shifting towards Asia, especially since there is a very good target called Qing China [the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912]. Interest in Africa has waned… but wouldn’t another country creating a colony in Africa be a separate matter?”

He wasn’t stupid enough not to realize that the minister was beating around the bush with difficult words.

In short, wasn’t he saying that it is impossible to take Congo by direct means?

So, should he give up?

Of course, he had no intention of giving up at all.

“Minister, I want to do something meaningful in Africa, not create a colony and act like a tyrant.”

“…Yes? But when Your Majesty was in the Senate…”

“Oh, come on. That was more than 10 years ago. How can a person be the same as they were back then? As you know, I have traveled the world for 10 years and seen and felt many things.”

This statement itself was an unashamed truth.

Before ascending to the throne, Leopold II traveled all over the world, including Egypt, the Mediterranean coast, as well as distant India, Qing China, and America.

And, coincidentally, the country that occupied almost all the regions he had visited was none other than the British Empire.

“Minister, when I went to Egypt, I saw the Suez Canal [an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea]. Countless merchant ships from various countries passed through that canal, endlessly increasing the wealth of the British Imperial Family. The money from all the ships passing through the canal was going to the British Empire.”

“Trade with Asia has become much easier because of the existence of that canal.”

“Not only that, they have bases in India and even Qing China, endlessly scraping together the wealth of the world. And Canada. Have you ever been to Canada?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Hoo… I see. You can show such an indifferent attitude now because you haven’t been there. You, as well as others, all have this thought in the corner of your minds, don’t you? That it can’t be helped that we are behind countries like the British Empire or France.”

Count Linden gave a polite smile but didn’t particularly raise any objections.

People and nobles had formed forces and lived in the Belgian region for a long time, but it hasn’t even been 100 years since the country with this name was born.

So, now is the time to enjoy the joy of independence. How many people would think that we should act like the British Empire or France and dominate the world?

Of course, it would be nice to become a powerful country, but more people thought it was excessive greed.

Of course, to Leopold II, this was nothing more than the rationalization of losers.

“Minister, in order for a country to develop, it must constantly contemplate and have the desire to rise upwards. If the British Empire and France are obstacles, we must seek ways to shake off their shackles. How can we give up saying it can’t be helped?”

“That is certainly what Your Majesty says is correct. But what does Canada have to do with this…?”

“Canada was once a completely insignificant colony. Compared to the United States, which gained independence from the colony, it was a subordinate territory that was far behind and not even worth mentioning. But do you know how shocked I was when I went there recently? The difference has widened so much that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this Brussels is a rural area compared to Montreal or Toronto over there. Even the California region, which has just begun development, will soon overtake us. You don’t believe it, do you? You won’t believe it unless you see it with your own eyes.”

The minister was surprised, but Leopold II felt suffocated with frustration when he couldn’t shake off the feeling that it couldn’t be *that* bad.

*Isn’t Belgium continuing to fall behind because the head of diplomacy is so ignorant of the world?*

The United States, which was once a colony of the British Empire, has already become strong enough to crush Spain.

Looking at the current growth trend, Canada will be comparable to the United States or Russia on its own, without even needing to go as far as the entire British Empire.

While these latecomers are quickly rising, Belgium is just sitting idly by, blaming the great powers, which is just frustrating.

But conversely, the fact that everyone thinks this way may be a good thing for Leopold II personally.

Even the people in the home country are like this, so wouldn’t the leaders of the great powers naturally assume that Belgium would never have any absurd intentions?

“Your Majesty, I understand and agree with Your Majesty’s feelings, but Canada has grown by using the power of the British Empire because it is ultimately a part of the British Empire. Moreover, it boasts enormous land size and resources, so I don’t think applying that development method to Belgium is a good idea.”

“I think so too. But the important thing is that we must continue to have the desire to develop. And I got inspiration from the method the British Empire used to raise Canada: coexistence and co-prosperity. That’s the slogan we need to put forward.”

The British Empire raised and integrated Canada not by simply exploiting Canada, but by establishing a direction to grow together with the British Empire and practicing it well.

“What if we create a country like this in Africa where we live together? In a humanitarian and peaceful way, we spread civilization to Africa. I’ve already looked at the area for that.”

The expression on the Foreign Minister’s face slowly changed from skepticism to anticipation as he looked at the area Leopold II was pointing to.

A vast area almost 80 times larger than Belgium itself.

If Belgium could occupy this land, which still has no owner due to the mutual checks of the great powers, the economic benefits would be enormous beyond words.

“If Your Majesty has such a strong desire, I think we can try to promote it. It’s not just a simple colony, but also a good intention to spread knowledge and civilization to Africa.”

“Of course. Aren’t the other great powers doing evil deeds because they want to treat those poor black people as virtual slaves? But I am different. If I widely publicize my noble intentions, the world will soon support Belgium.”

The script for the Congo’s domination was already complete.

The Foreign Minister, unaware of anything, was moved, saying that our king had changed, and immediately went back to prepare thoroughly.

Leopold II decided to hold a geography conference in Brussels, leveraging his reputation for being interested in geography.

*-A good step to shed the light of civilization on Africa, which has been marginalized until now. We ask for your support in this good movement and invite you.*

Invitations engraved with the name of the King of Belgium were sent all over Europe, and famous scholars, diplomats, and prominent businessmen from around the world gathered in Brussels.

* * *

“The reason I have gathered you here in Brussels is not for the benefit of Belgium or myself!”

“Although our Belgium is not as big as the British Empire or France, it is a place with small happiness, and I and the citizens are all satisfied with living. I think everyone in this world deserves to enjoy this happiness. That’s no exception for Africa either.”

Leopold II’s appeal began to move people’s hearts.

“Africa has been alienated from the light of civilization for too long. But isn’t it by no means their fault that they were born a little less intelligent and inadequate? It may not be easy for them to have a highly developed civilization like our Europe, but if we teach them how to efficiently use Africa’s resources and labor, they can live a better life than now!”

Not everyone in the 19th century had the idea of squeezing and suppressing people.

Just as the abolition of slavery was thanks to people who believed that slavery was wrong and constantly raised their voices.

There were plenty of humanitarians in the world who criticized Europe’s actions of harshly exploiting Africa.

Moreover, it’s not like they’re trying to liberate colonies already in the hands of the great powers, but no one would look askance at doing some charity work on ownerless land.

“I have been interested in geography since I was young and have studied and investigated the geography of various parts of the world. I want to make the most of this ability to support various explorers to investigate the unexplored regions of Africa and help the suffering black people!”

Clap clap clap.

As Leopold II’s passionate speech ended, everyone who participated in the conference gave enthusiastic applause.

Chairman James, who was enjoying a leisurely vacation ahead of his retirement, was one of them.

*Besides Killian, there was still a royal with that kind of mindset in Europe. This is very interesting.*

The feeling of being too idealistic and kind made him feel a little strange for some reason, but surely a king of a country wouldn’t tell such obvious lies in public.

James sent enthusiastic applause to Leopold II and wrote a letter to Killian.

-Your Majesty, do you know? You may have heard of it, but there is an interesting king here… .