I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 463

< The Dawn of a New Era (5) >

Having observed France for so long, I’ve come to one conclusion:

Expectations will be brutally betrayed.

This isn’t to say France is a treacherous country.

If that were the case, I would have cut ties and kicked them out of the alliance.

However, France believes that maintaining a close relationship with the British Empire is in their best interest, and they have actively tried to improve relations.

Especially when Guizot was Prime Minister, the royal family, having avoided the revolutionary storm thanks to me, leaned even more towards the British Empire.

However, there are many fields where doing well is more important than trying hard.

National management is definitely one of them.

In that sense, I had almost no expectations for France.

It’s not that I particularly dislike France. Strictly speaking, I didn’t have negative feelings towards France.

Why would I dislike an ally that listens well, has delicious wine, and excellent food?

But apart from that, I’ve felt more than once that entrusting them with work would be a disaster.

Just recently, they took a warship to Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] because they envied the British Empire, only to run aground and lose a battleship.

I even saw that warship being used as a war victory museum when I visited Joseon last time.

One of the things Joseon used to stir up nationalistic fervor was the fabricated victory over France.

And what about the war with Russia?

They suffered enormous damage using kamikaze tactics [suicidal attacks], and even when we showed them how to improve hygiene, they belatedly applied it and suffered unnecessary losses.

Considering their involvement in the Civil War, where they were utterly defeated by the North before finally coming to their senses, it’s strange to trust them anymore.

They have a good physique, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they caused an accident and messed things up.

“Thank you for meeting me today. Although this is our first time meeting in person, I’ve heard so much about Your Majesty from the former Prime Minister that I feel very familiar.”

“I have also heard a lot about you, Prime Minister. I still exchange letters with former Prime Minister Guizot occasionally.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Anyway, enough of that.

Even if I worry about France and distrust them, the truth is that the peace of continental Europe depends on our French brothers.

Like it or not, Germany and France are destined to be the two major powers in Europe, a truth known to heaven, earth, and everyone.

Knowing that, the new French Prime Minister, Freycinet, rushed to London to see me.

I have a rough idea of what he’s here to talk about, but he obviously doesn’t know what I discussed with Bismarck.

“I am delighted that both the Prime Minister of Prussia and the Prime Minister of France have come to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday. As a member of the royal family, and as a husband, I would like to express my gratitude.”

“Not at all. It’s just a stone’s throw away. I will come often if there are joyous occasions in the future. The former Prime Minister crossed the Dover Strait frequently, didn’t he?”

That’s true. In the history of the British Empire, no other foreign Prime Minister has visited London as often as Guizot.

“But is there a reason why you asked to see me separately?”

“Ah, yes. As the new Prime Minister of France, I wanted to personally greet His Majesty and ask for your continued support in maintaining the friendly relations between our two countries. I heard that Prime Minister Bismarck also visited His Majesty yesterday…”

“Indeed.”

“Perhaps…”

After a moment of gauging my reaction, Prime Minister Freycinet revealed the real purpose of his visit.

“Was there any request regarding the German Confederation?”

He’s cutting straight to the chase without any probing. He must be very curious.

“Isn’t it about time? But I understand that France has already agreed to side with Prussia.”

“…That is true, but the opinion of the British Empire cannot be ignored.”

“Actually, I am treated as the representative of this country, but the decision-making power rests with the Parliament. Officially, I have no influence on domestic politics.”

“But no one is unaware of His Majesty’s considerable influence on foreign affairs.”

Well, that’s true, but that’s not the point. Both France and Prussia are allies of the British Empire, so if we side with one, what would the other think?

“Let’s be honest. France doesn’t want Prussia to become stronger than it is now, does it?”

“It’s a bit different. We don’t care if Prussia expands its colonies overseas. However, we are a little uneasy about them showing excessive expansionism in the mainland, where we share a direct border. Frankly, most countries would agree with our position.”

“Of course, of course. But in terms of objective military strength, even if Prussia swallows most of the German Confederation excluding Austria, it’s not to the extent that France should be afraid, is it?”

“That’s… true, but…”

Actually, even though I said that, I didn’t think France would win if they actually fought Prussia.

The legend of the Six-Week Miracle [referring to Prussia’s swift victory in the Austro-Prussian War] is too deeply ingrained in my mind, but I can’t help but distrust them!

In the past, I thought about raising France to use them as a check on Prussia if they went on a rampage, but that plan was scrapped early on.

If you have excessive expectations for someone and make plans based on that, you will definitely regret it one day.

If you don’t have expectations in the first place, you won’t be betrayed.

However, apart from that, it’s right to get as much as you can.

“I believe that no matter how strong Prussia is, France is the ruler of continental Europe. Wasn’t the most recent actual confrontation an overwhelming victory for France?”

“That goes back to Napoleon…”

“Prussia knelt before France in just six days back then. Leaving aside the fact that Napoleon was a dictator, I think his military achievements are undeniable.”

“Uh… um…”

Come to think of it, even though France was defeated in six weeks, Napoleon crushed Prussia in six days, so wouldn’t that be considered a French victory?

Of course, the current France doesn’t have the history of the Six-Week Miracle, so I couldn’t deny my endless exaggeration.

If you ask why they are so anxious when they are much stronger, there aren’t many counterarguments.

“Nevertheless, I understand the factors that make your country uneasy. No country in the world welcomes a country that shares a border with them growing larger than necessary. Even if it’s an ally.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“I will take responsibility and step in to ensure that Prussia does not become a threat to France. I would appreciate it if you, Prime Minister, would acknowledge my efforts.”

“Of course. There could be nothing more reassuring than Your Majesty stepping in. I didn’t expect you to grant my request so readily… Thank you so much.”

Actually… I’ve already finished talking with Bismarck.

But this is definitely not free.

Even if France didn’t ask, I would have done it anyway, but it’s true that France is also benefiting.

Then, of course, I have the right to charge France for my trouble.

“In that sense, there is one thing I would like to ask of you…”

The more allied you are, the more thorough the transaction should be.

That’s the way to strengthen each other’s trust and last longer.

* * *

It wasn’t just the working-level staff who were busy with Bismarck and Prime Minister Freysinet’s simultaneous visit to London.

The members of the British Imperial family were also busier than usual, strengthening their friendship with the Prime Ministers of the allied countries and exchanging warm greetings.

Emperor Victoria was on the receiving end of the greetings, but the still-young Crown Prince enthusiastically made appointments to meet and talk with Bismarck and Prime Minister Freysinet, and even had discussions on various issues.

[Crown Prince Edward’s brilliant insight captivates the Iron Chancellor! Prime Minister Bismarck: “I was amazed by His Highness’s wisdom after talking to him. The future of the British Empire will continue to be brilliant, as can be seen from His Highness’s insight alone.”]

[For a plant to grow, its roots must be strong. The future of the royal family, which can be said to be the root of the country, is so bright that the British Empire will continue to maintain its dignity as the strongest power leading the world.]

[Now, all that’s left is a beautiful and intelligent Crown Princess…]

“Hey, let’s talk.”

In the midst of steadily gaining experience.

Edward, who was reading a wonderful and excellent newspaper editorial that was flawless except for the last column, glanced up at his twin sister, who had entered the room.

I thought she was here to pick a fight again, but surprisingly, she didn’t look so venomous.

“To call your brother in the sky ‘hey,’ you would have been immediately reprimanded if you went to Asia, you rascal.”

“You’ve become a Confucian Crown Prince after visiting Asia once. Don’t you know that even Joseon is throwing away that Confucianism these days?”

“You only know one thing and not two. No matter how much you try to throw it away, deeply rooted ideas don’t disappear. Even if they hate Confucianism, the people of Joseon are more Confucian than anyone else.”

“Oh, you’ve become a Joseon expert. Did you get along well with Joseon? That’s why you’ve achieved such great feats.”

Adelaide let out an absurd laugh and sat down.

“The rebellious elements of Joseon went crazy and set fire to the flag. It was just luck.”

“Come on. Even a fool would know that our beloved brother orchestrated it.”

“Really? Do my other siblings think so too?”

“Well, they don’t know your true personality, so they might misunderstand, but I don’t, do I?”

“Speaking of you, didn’t you play with the pure heart of the Prussian Crown Prince? As soon as I read the newspaper article in Hong Kong that you were the victim of a broken engagement, I burst out laughing and spat out the coffee I was drinking.”

The real victim is the Prussian Crown Prince, who was excited just by looking at her face. How is she the victim?

Objectively, if she just kept her mouth shut, she would be considered a blessed gene owner who deserves to be called beautiful, but I just feel sorry for the brother-in-law who will marry her in the future.

Of course, my sister also said that she felt sorry for her future sister-in-law whenever she had the chance, but that’s a ridiculous slander.

“Anyway, why did you come suddenly? Surely you didn’t come to have a friendly chat with me.”

“Of course not. Haa… I don’t know why I have to do this. Anyway, Mom doesn’t like me, does she?”

“Why again? Where else is there someone as kind and wise as Mother? Why are you complaining again? You would have been slapped for violating the Three Bonds and Five Relationships [Confucian ethical principles] if you were in Asia, you rascal.”

“Oh, if you like Asia so much, go live there. Anyway, Mom said she’s endured enough and can’t stand it anymore because she’s so anxious. She told me to find out if you like men, so tell me the truth. You like women, right?”

Ptoo!

He choked and spat out the coffee he was drinking onto the newspaper, coughing.

“Cough! Cough, cough! What… crazy 소리를…” [Korean for ‘nonsense’]

I glared at my sister, wondering if it was some new kind of joke, but surprisingly, her expression was very serious.

Could it be… is she seriously suspecting it?

You stupid people, there’s no way that’s possible!