I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 45

The Great Rift

Having successfully concluded the deal with Daniel O’Connell, I wanted to wait leisurely for a response, but in reality, I didn’t have that luxury.

I had to maintain my image as the top student at Eton, manage the business with James, and coach Wellesley to stand out in the House of Commons.

Frankly, if it had ended there, I could have at least spent the weekends relaxing and talking with Victoria to refresh myself.

However, after making a secret pact with William IV, I had to bid farewell to enjoyable weekend tea times.

Because…

“Today’s study topic is the procedures of Parliament and the role of the monarch within it, as well as the importance of maintaining the balance of power among various political forces. In particular, His Majesty wishes for the Princess to possess the ability to manage these affairs in the future.”

“That’s an interesting topic. I’ve been waiting for the time to discuss such matters.”

This was why I had to take on the responsibility of educating Victoria, the heir.

In fact, to put it coldly, Victoria hadn’t even taken her first steps in many of the subjects she needed to learn as the next monarch.

Of course, the cause was the Duchess of Kent’s foolishness.

It goes without saying that every country puts a great deal of effort into educating the heir who will become the next monarch, and England is no exception.

The normal course of education for an heir includes studies in history, literature, language, philosophy, mathematics, and science, as well as training in politics, military affairs, and the navy. In addition, they receive education in religion and diplomacy.

However, while Victoria was well-versed in literature, classics, and philosophy, she had not received high-level instruction in military or political matters.

Concerned about this, William IV ordered her to study the subjects she needed to learn with me and regularly report her progress in letters.

The intention is understandable.

If he didn’t do this, Victoria would only begin learning the knowledge she needed as a monarch after she became an adult.

Thanks to this, I had to go beyond simply conveying the contents of the books Victoria wanted to know and take on the role of her tutor, which was not in my nature.

It was close to inviting hardship, but well, this would be a good investment for the future.

“Then, let’s start by discussing the parliamentary politics of this country.”

“Of course, I know that much. Actually, I had Killian go over the basics a while ago.”

“That’s right.”

In fact, I had already explained the basic knowledge, such as how decisions are made in the House of Commons and how the House of Lords and the monarch’s veto power are exercised.

And ‘the reason why the decisions of the House of Commons should be respected’.

“But Killian, according to what I’ve heard so far, is the monarch’s veto power necessary? It hasn’t been exercised for 130 years, and from what I hear, it seems like it shouldn’t be exercised in the future either.”

“Yes. Certainly, the veto power has not been exercised by any monarch since Queen Anne last exercised it in 1708. It is true that it is a sword that should not be drawn. However, the fact that the sword is in its scabbard can be a sufficient threat.”

“It’s just a decorative sword that can’t be drawn and used to stab people, isn’t it?”

“The ability to make people follow with that decorative sword is what we call political power. And the most necessary ability when the Princess ascends the throne will be that political power.”

Victoria, still a fifteen-year-old girl, nodded at my words, but she didn’t look like she fully understood.

I guess politics needs to be explained with easy-to-understand examples.

I put away the summary of the book recommended by William IV and showed her the front page of a recent newspaper instead.

-Signs of division in the Whig Party. Minister Stanley resigns from his post, criticizing the Church Reform Bill.

-House of Lords to exercise veto power, Church Reform Bill inevitably fails.

-The Anglican Church’s episcopate conveys official opposition to Parliament and the Royal Family.

-King William IV rejects Prime Minister Charles Grey’s request to expand the House of Lords. Signs of division in the relationship between the Royal Family and the ruling party?

All newspapers, regardless of whether they are pro-Tory [Conservative] or pro-Whig [Liberal], are now competing to report on the current political situation.

Politics is inherently a living thing, so these real-life examples will be much more helpful in developing a sense for it than textbooks.

“Princess, as I mentioned before, the Whig Party’s system, which seemed so solid, is cracking. There are many reasons for this, but here, let’s analyze the situation strictly from the perspective of His Majesty. What intention did His Majesty have in rejecting Prime Minister Grey’s request?”

“Isn’t it because this country has the Church of England as its state religion, and there is so much opposition from all walks of life?”

“On the surface, yes, but in reality, this is closer to an oversampled public opinion. The Irish Anglican Church members will vehemently oppose it, but when you look at it coldly, there are more people who don’t care.”

As society becomes highly industrialized, the biggest concerns of British citizens are, after all, money and jobs.

In the face of livelihood, religion and morality have to take a temporary back seat, which is becoming the truth that penetrates the times.

And this reform bill actually had little impact on the daily lives of many citizens.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that many people see it favorably, but at least the royal family could have gotten away with it if they had massaged the media appropriately.

In particular, the King could still exercise strong influence as the head of the Church of England, so he could exert more influence than Parliament in these religious matters.

“Hmm… Then, Uncle, I mean, His Majesty, may have been conservative and felt uneasy about the repeated reforms.”

“That’s right. But in the end, the essence is the balance of power between the political forces I mentioned above. This situation is a very typical example of the theory mentioned in the book. The Whig Party has passed many reforms as the majority party for four years, and the Prime Minister plans to gain even more support from Ireland here.”

“Ah! I understand. So, if the Whig Party perfectly absorbs the support of Ireland here, their current position will continue to be solid for a while, and that’s not a good situation in terms of political balance, right?”

“That’s right. So, His Majesty is taking a gamble. He is trying to weaken the Whig Party and push the Tory Party to restore the balance of power to a horizontal level. That way, His Majesty’s political position will become even more solid.”

“It’s difficult to not intervene in policy decisions based solely on personal inclinations.”

Victoria’s tone deepened seriously.

Her brow furrowed heavily with worries about the future.

“You don’t have to worry about falling behind too much. There are still almost three years left until you become an adult. Besides, fortunately, there are many incidents happening right now that allow you to gain experience indirectly, right?”

“That’s right. I’ll have to study and learn harder in the future. But I wanted to ask you this. Does Killian want to enter Parliament after graduating?”

In contrast to when she was talking about heavy political topics, Victoria’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Come to think of it, this is the first time she has asked about my future plans.

“I am not able to enter the House of Commons because I am to inherit a title. And unless I am selected as a representative of Ireland, I cannot enter the House of Lords either.”

“Then, are you going back to Northern Ireland, where you have your estate?”

“I will go back and forth occasionally, but London is more familiar to me, so I think I will spend more time here.”

“So, in the end, Killian, you would like to enter the House of Lords if you could? When I become queen, I will have the authority to allow Killian to enter the House of Lords…”

She deliberately trailed off, watching my reaction.

Is she trying to sound me out? Or is she trying to test me?

Whatever it is, I don’t have anything to hide, so I shook my head slightly.

“I said that in front of the Duchess, but you don’t have to keep it in mind. It’s not like you have to receive a title from the royal family to enter Parliament.”

“Hmm, another way to enter the House of Lords without receiving a title.”

Victoria, who was quietly looking at me, asked as if throwing a casual remark in a very nonchalant tone.

“Are you thinking of marrying a woman who can inherit a title?”

What is this sudden question?

I don’t know how the topic jumped here, but this time too, I shook my head.

“I can’t make the most important decision in my life carelessly just to get a title.”

I might consider it if it were to obtain something I could never obtain with my own abilities, but a political marriage to obtain a title is too inefficient.

For some reason, Victoria smiled, as if she was satisfied with the answer.

“Of course, you should get what you want with your own abilities. But Killian, if what you want is difficult due to your background or status, would you still keep challenging it?”

“Overcoming those difficulties one by one is rewarding. I will have to hone my abilities to get there, so it will also be a driving force for development. I don’t think it’s bad.”

Trying to take the easy path is ultimately because one’s abilities are not enough to do things the right way.

Of course, I may sound like I’m showing off, but I can’t reach the top position in England without achieving considerable accomplishments.

Still, if I add the foundation I have built to the halo of Victoria, who will become queen in the future, this country, the British Empire, will want me first.

“That’s a very good attitude. I hope that your heart will not change in the future.”

She looks happier than I’ve ever seen her before, was that such a heartwarming thing to say?

I nodded, took a sip of the tea on the table, and got up from my seat.

It was still before sunset, but I had a schedule left.

I have to prepare for the upcoming election from now on.

At this rate, I’ll need two bodies.

* * *

Four days after the resignation of ministers who protested against the Prime Minister’s decision and the King’s participation.

Grey, who had led the Whig Party as Prime Minister for four years, eventually could not overcome the attacks pouring in from both inside and outside the party.

“Extra! Extra! Charles Grey resigns as Prime Minister!”

“The Whig Party’s next leader has been tentatively decided as Lord Melbourne, William Lamb!”

“Tory Party’s [Conservative Party] Robert Peel nominated for the vacant Prime Minister position!”

Newspaper companies, with their mouths reaching their ears at the continuous stream of scoops, happily printed newspapers.

Salesmen walked around shouting the titles of the front-page articles from all directions, and naturally, the commotion outside could be felt even indoors.

“…Amazing. It really happened exactly as you said.”

O’Connell, who had bought a newspaper from outside, spread it out on the table and exclaimed.

“The Prime Minister resigned due to the conflict between the church and the royal family, and Lord Melbourne, who succeeded him, said that he would still try to pass the bill, but it should be considered as already gone.”

“Then, our deal is perfectly established. All the things that O’Connell asked for as a condition have happened.”

“Yes. And just looking at the person who came with you, I can see that there was no lie in what you have said so far.”

O’Connell shifted his gaze to Wellesley, who was sitting next to me.

He also smiled gentlemanly and extended his hand towards O’Connell.

“I heard everything from Killian. I hope that we can cooperate on what we can cooperate on and create a good relationship while discussing what we need to discuss.”

“Does Robert Peel, the leader of your party and the interim Prime Minister, know that we have joined hands?”

“No. This is a secret agreement, so it would be better to keep it a secret between us. If there is a matter that requires O’Connell’s cooperation, I will pretend that I have been negotiating.”

“Then, there is no guarantee that the Tory Party will accept our demands, is there?”

“No. I can definitely promise you that part.”

When Wellesley answered confidently, O’Connell glanced at me.

“I heard from Killian, but is the influence of young lawmakers really that strong within the party?”

“It’s not that strong yet, but after this election, it seems like it could become as strong as you think. Of course, it’s only possible because O’Connell is cooperating.”

“Good. Then, let’s nail it down in this place. If the seats of our party and the Tory Party combined exceed the majority after the election, please separate only the tithe part of the current Church Reform Bill and pass it first. Then, we will also vote in favor of the bill that the Tory Party wants next.”

“Good. I promise you in this place with my name on the line. But in order for this agreement to have meaning, we must win this election, so shall we start discussing the most important story?”

At the same time, O’Connell and Wellesley’s eyes turned to me as if they had promised.

It was a look of expectation, hoping that I, the person who created this place, would say a plausible plan.

And I met that expectation by telling them the core strategy that we should aim for in this election.

“The only goal we should focus on in the upcoming election is to completely eliminate the influence of the Whig Party in Ireland.”

First, the Whig Party is expelled, and the central region is divided between the Tory Party and O’Connell.

Anyway, after a while, I will inherit the base in Northern Ireland, so when that happens, half of it will naturally become mine.

Then, when O’Connell retires and absorbs his forces as they are, only I will remain as the force that can exert influence in Ireland in the end.

On the long journey to the place I want to reach, I have now finally taken a definite step.