I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 438

< The Age of Madness (4) >

Leopold II’s plan to establish the Congo as his personal dominion was progressing steadily.

Originally, it was a plan that would have taken years, but thanks to a remarkable alignment of interests among the major European powers, the discussions gained rapid momentum.

“France and Prussia will certainly vote in favor. The Nordic countries as well.”

“What about the British Empire?”

“The British Empire has also secured cabinet approval. They’re urging a quick meeting in London, so if things go well, we might see results this time.”

“I thought it would take at least three to four more years, but it’s happening so fast.”

It was what he wanted, but he was rather taken aback by the speed of events.

For Leopold II, the unexpected cooperation from the British Empire, which he had been most concerned about, was particularly surprising.

If he had to name the most avaricious nation in the world, he would undoubtedly choose the British Empire.

Their greed was evident simply by looking at the vast territories they occupied.

India, of course, as well as Canada and Alaska, and even their control over the Suez and Panama Canals.

While acquisitions like Alaska and Panama might seem like strokes of luck, they were the result of the British Empire’s aggressive land grabs.

Therefore, he had secretly anticipated some resistance from the British.

The Congo was an enormous territory, and even if it wasn’t immediately profitable, there was a good chance they would resent Belgium acquiring it.

‘They’re only interested in places with guaranteed profits, is that it?’

Considering the British Empire’s reputation for greed, this seemed a plausible explanation.

In the past, they had been indiscriminate in planting their flag, but the current British Empire was more selective.

Looking at their current holdings, it was clear that they were primarily expanding in areas where they could reliably extract resources.

Or in strategic locations that controlled access to India, like their protectorates in the Middle East.

Even then, they typically only occupied small territories with limited populations, which explained why the Congo didn’t attract their attention.

“Minister, if the British Empire supports us in this meeting, it’s certain that the Congo will become my personal possession, correct?”

“With the British Empire, France, Prussia, and the United States all expressing their approval, who would dare to oppose it?”

“Yes… I’m looking forward to it. I will spare no effort to ensure that the poor black people of Africa can live happier lives.”

“The Congolese people who have the privilege of serving such a benevolent monarch as Your Majesty are the luckiest people in the world.”

Leopold II inwardly sneered, knowing that no one suspected his true intentions.

Strictly speaking, the Congo was not becoming a colony of Belgium.

Belgium itself was largely uninvolved in colonial administration, and the annexation of the Congo was entirely driven by Leopold II personally.

The Congo would become Leopold II’s private property, not Belgium’s, meaning the state could not interfere in its affairs.

“Good. Then I will go to London myself.”

“Yes? Are you saying you will go in person, Your Majesty? It would be better for me to handle such a matter…”

“Technically, this matter concerns me personally, not Belgium. Of course, I am also the king of the Belgian people, so it’s not entirely unrelated, but wouldn’t it appear more sincere if I attended myself?”

“That is true, but if Your Majesty is visiting London in person, appropriate protocol and security are essential, so we must first discuss it with them.”

The minister made a valid point and sent a telegram to the embassy to coordinate with the British.

Surprisingly, they received a reply from the British side in less than a day, readily agreeing to welcome Leopold II.

“Hmph, they’re being remarkably cooperative.”

Within the British Empire, they must be confident that a nation like Belgium posed no threat.

Leopold II felt a twinge of unease, but he was generally pleased.

In any case, the plan was progressing smoothly.

* * *

Usually, international conferences require months, or even years, of preparation.

Even for less significant meetings, the participation of a head of state necessitates at least several months of planning.

But this time, things were moving at an astonishing pace, like cooking a steak in a lightning flash.

“London… It’s always surprisingly crowded.”

Leopold II chuckled as he gazed at the scenery outside the carriage, traveling along the banks of the Thames.

He recalled asking Count Linden if he understood the extent of the British Empire’s development.

“Someday, Brussels will enjoy prosperity equal to this.”

To achieve that, overseas colonies were essential.

He had no concern for the plight of the Congolese natives.

He would exploit them ruthlessly to bring as much wealth as possible to Belgium.

Belgium was much smaller than the British Empire, so effective management of the Congo could have a significant impact.

With sufficient funds, he could simply hire skilled engineers from the British Empire or France to build infrastructure.

His aides, oblivious to his true intentions, observed Leopold II’s expression and attempted to reassure him.

“Your Majesty, everything will be fine.”

“That’s right. No European monarch has ever approached Africa with such noble intentions as Your Majesty. Your Majesty will be remembered in world history, not just Belgian history.”

“Hahaha, it’s not because I’m good. I’m simply following Christ’s teachings to practice love.”

“That’s what makes you so great.”

Despite the heartfelt praise, Leopold II felt no remorse.

If his plan succeeded, the Congo would become an endless source of wealth to fill Leopold II’s coffers.

But the citizens of Belgium would also benefit, so wouldn’t he be fulfilling his duties as a king admirably?

Besides, the Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself, but how could African blacks be considered his neighbors?

European human rights activists claimed that blacks were also human, but even so, blacks were only slightly more advanced than monkeys.

Christ told us to love our neighbors, but he didn’t tell us to love intelligent monkeys, so this didn’t contradict the Bible.

Leopold II, engaging in mental gymnastics that would have shocked even the slave traders of the past, turned his gaze toward Buckingham Palace in the distance.

Everything else was proceeding as expected, except for one thing.

He honestly never imagined that he would be speaking with one of the residents of that palace on the day he arrived in London.

Of course, it would be odd not to greet the Emperor upon arriving in London, but strictly speaking, the Prince Consort [the husband of the reigning Queen] wasn’t the Emperor, was he?

‘Killian… I’ve heard the name so many times, but this is the first time I’ve actually met him. I wonder what kind of person he is.’

According to the rumors, he was exceptionally talented, but rumors were just rumors.

Leopold II tended to believe only half of what he heard.

While it was true that Killian was an unusual individual, his achievements were also facilitated by the British Empire’s global dominance.

He was confident that he could have achieved just as much if Belgium possessed the same national power as the British Empire.

In any case, even though this was a personal meeting, it wasn’t unusual to exchange opinions before the official conference, so he wasn’t particularly worried.

Unless Killian or Victoria [Queen Victoria of England] could read minds, there was no way they could know his true intentions.

However, he shouldn’t let his guard down, so it was best to remain vigilant.

Leopold II checked his expression again and cleared his throat.

* * *

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am deeply honored to meet someone who is currently the center of attention around the world.”

“Thank you. I am truly honored to meet someone as renowned as you. Hahaha!”

“I am deeply impressed by Your Majesty’s commitment to the well-being of the black people in Africa. I arranged this meeting hoping to offer some assistance, but I worry that I might be intruding.”

“Intruding? On the contrary, I am encouraged to know that I have your support.”

After exchanging formal greetings and compliments, Leopold II carefully studied Killian’s face.

He knew that Killian was in his late 40s, but he resented the fact that he appeared more virile than himself, who was in his mid-30s.

Could that be because he used the wealth of the British Empire to his advantage?

No. After all, he was just a middle-aged man approaching 50, so it was illogical to be concerned about this.

“To be honest, I never expected Your Majesty Killian to be so actively involved. I was pleased, but also somewhat surprised.”

“There are many people in the world who possess power, but few who use it for the benefit of others. The Bible speaks of this, but if everyone lived according to Christ’s teachings, wars and crimes would have vanished long ago. Therefore, when someone like Your Majesty takes the lead in practicing Christ’s love, it inspires even greater love in the world.”

“I am embarrassed by your excessive praise. Your Majesty has improved the human rights of immigrants and black people in Canada and significantly enhanced the rights and interests of workers in Europe. Moreover, it is said that not only have human rights been guaranteed, but productivity has also greatly increased as a result, making Your Majesty a truly great man who has profoundly changed the world.”

He could roughly discern the sincerity behind these compliments, but that was all.

Before arriving, Leopold II had reviewed Killian’s past actions and recognized their consistency.

Killian’s reputation in Europe was undeniably excellent.

His image was so positive worldwide that it was said his popularity offset the antipathy towards the British Empire.

In fact, hadn’t Russia’s attempt to discredit him with baseless accusations been exposed to the world?

Now, anyone who spoke ill of him was likely to be ridiculed as a Russian agent.

However, he maintained his constant suspicion of Killian’s motives.

Even he himself was concealing his true intentions and pretending to be virtuous, so there was no guarantee that the other person wasn’t doing the same.

Even Killian, who championed the human rights of black and Asian people, couldn’t possibly be as benevolent as he seemed.

He must have ulterior motives.

Of course, it was possible that his aim was to attract population, as such policies had significantly increased Canada’s population and sustained its growth.

‘Whatever it is, I won’t let my guard down. You’re too perfect.’

This was by no means jealousy or envy towards someone superior to himself.

Leopold II repeatedly resolved not to be swayed by Killian’s amiable facade.

Regardless of the other person’s intentions, he was a master of deception who was fooling the world.

He possessed an unwavering confidence that he would never be outmaneuvered by hypocrisy, even if he knew nothing else.