I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 472

< The Danish Dispute >

A luxurious conference room located in Westminster Palace.

Though not a large space, those gathered here could be said to practically control the British Empire.

Present were myself, representing the Royal Family, and Wellesley, the head of the government.

Disraeli, a key figure in the ruling party, and Gladstone and Russell, representing the opposition.

The fact that such prominent figures encompassing the Royal Family, Parliament, and the government were gathered meant that a pressing situation was at hand.

Of course, that didn’t mean the ruling and opposition parties were united and working together towards a single goal.

For the British Empire, Denmark was not an enemy that needed to be defeated at all costs.

“Isn’t the opposition being too much? In such a critical situation, instead of criticizing Denmark, they’re turning their guns on our own side.”

“No, Mr. Disraeli. What are you talking about? We have criticized Denmark more fiercely than anyone.”

“While pretending to do so, you subtly criticized us. Because of that, the criticism that should have been directed at Denmark almost pierced our own ranks.”

“That was not our intention. And even if that were the case, if the public perceived it that way, it means the ruling party also bears some responsibility.”

As soon as the opportunity arose, Disraeli started attacking the opposition, and Gladstone retaliated just as fiercely.

Wellesley and Russell exchanged glances that said, “They’re at it again,” shook their heads, and looked at me.

Yes, it’s always my job to mediate.

“Gentlemen, this meeting is not to determine who did well or who did wrong. You are aware of that, aren’t you?”

“…Sorry.”

“I will be careful.”

“The fact that our Royal Family has suffered an indelible disgrace due to Denmark’s recklessness remains unchanged. And frankly, it’s no one’s fault. It’s not reasonable to expect our Foreign Office to ask them if their princess has a lover or if she’s pregnant, is it?”

“Your Majesty is right.”

If that had really happened, it would have been recorded in world history as an act of tyranny and rudeness by a great power, condemned by the entire world.

But surprise! The fact that this actually happened is shocking and terrifying, but it’s fair to say this couldn’t have been prevented.

“The current situation is more complicated than expected. Prussia has openly declared its intention to intervene, and Austria is also testing the waters. In addition, we have received intelligence that the princess’s lover, Freeman Mather, has escaped from Denmark. If we don’t want this to drag on, we all need to be on the same page. That’s what I think.”

“I agree with Your Majesty. But is it true that the cavalry officer escaped? Could they have let him go?”

“There’s no real benefit to letting him go… But wouldn’t it be fair to say that Denmark is too distracted to even handle that situation?”

“If that’s the case, Prussia will be even more eager. Austria is getting impatient… Oh, right, Your Majesty. How is His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? I heard he’s been seeing Princess Gisela. Is that true?”

“I asked him about it, and he said she’s a lovely and kind child.”

Even so, it would be difficult for a fourteen-year-old to feel romantic affection, but that’s something time will solve.

If he likes her, they can just get engaged and wait about three or four years before proceeding with the wedding.

More important than his current age is whether Edward has the desire and whether Gisela is a suitable Crown Princess for the British Empire.

In that regard, the signs are not bad.

I don’t know how he feels, but I’ve heard that Edward has been taking Gisela around to various places recently.

He even sought advice from Adelaide and enjoyed a small ball together, which I think is a very positive sign.

“Edward is a serious workaholic, so as a father, I hope he has a gentle wife who can support him well. The atmosphere isn’t bad now, so I’m sure we’ll hear good news.”

“It’s the first time we’ve heard of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince spending leisure time with another woman. I also think the picture looks good.”

“So, can we proceed with the plan assuming we establish a relationship with the Austrian Imperial Family?”

Recognizing the clear situation, Disraeli and Gladstone, as if they hadn’t been fighting, began to list the grand strategy for the future in unison.

“Austria is clearly trying to strengthen its relationship with us and use the relationship between the two countries as a buffer against Prussia. However, Prussia is our ally and a country that is actively siding with the British Empire this time as well. If we try to mediate clumsily when the conflict with Austria becomes full-blown, there is a risk that public opinion towards us will worsen.”

“Couldn’t we compromise to some extent if we take care of them appropriately this time? Prime Minister Bismarck is a reasonable person and doesn’t tend to be greedy, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“That’s only the case when Prime Minister Bismarck is in power. He can’t be the Prime Minister of Prussia forever, can he?”

“That’s true. But isn’t that the same for us? Prime Minister Bismarck seems likely to hold power in Prussia longer than we will…”

Just a moment ago, they were fighting over who was better, but when discussing the long-term future, they quickly engaged in a productive discussion. A strange relationship.

Prussia is Prussia, but I think it might be important for the British Empire to maintain this confrontational structure in the future as well.

Even if ideologies differ and political positions vary, an ecosystem must be created where everything is put aside and unity is achieved in the face of national interests.

If that doesn’t happen, no matter how much national power is built up, the country can become a mess in an instant.

“I’ve already spoken to Prime Minister Bismarck about Prussia, so you don’t have to worry too much. They’ve promised structural improvements.”

“Excuse me? When did you arrange that?”

“I mentioned it casually when he came to London a while ago. And I told Denmark that Prussia would be making a move soon, so we just need to seize the right moment to intervene and take a lot in return. I’m considering Greenland for now. What do the others think?”

“Greenland is good, but how about getting Iceland as well? If we can secure territory stretching from Canada to Greenland and Iceland, there will be no obstacles from the British mainland to northern Canada.”

Looking at the map at Disraeli’s suggestion, I slowly nodded.

“It’s not bad, but Denmark would have to be pretty badly beaten to make them concede that much.”

“Well… wouldn’t that be possible enough?”

“Oh, really? Let’s hear what you have in mind.”

“I don’t know, but I think Your Majesty would be capable enough…”

At Disraeli’s absurd remark, I blinked and looked around.

Surprisingly, not only Disraeli but also Wellesley, Gladstone, and everyone else in the room were looking at me with similar eyes.

Is this that? Like having a great design and then passing it on to the developers to figure out how to make the product?

“Wait a minute…”

“As expected of Your Majesty!”

“I agree with Your Majesty’s opinion.”

I haven’t even said anything yet, what do you mean agree, you pathetic fools!

* * *

Freeman Mather, who had abandoned everything to survive and came down by boat, was at a crucial crossroads in his life.

If he wanted to live, he had to escape Denmark.

And the place he was in was, coincidentally, the territory of Denmark, but Schleswig-Holstein [a duchy historically contested between Denmark and Germany], where Denmark’s control was very low.

If he went just a little further south, he could enter the territory of the German Confederation [a loose association of German states].

But is it right to head towards Germany?

Germany, especially Prussia, is a country that claims to be a brother nation of the British Empire and is constantly denouncing Denmark for insulting the British Imperial Family.

If he, the main culprit who insulted the Imperial Family, set foot in the German Confederation, wouldn’t he be lynched and die immediately?

Even if he didn’t die, he might be beaten to a pulp and handed over to the British Empire, suffering humiliation.

But if he stays in Danish territory, all that awaits him is suicide by pistol.

Wandering around unable to do either, he was eventually caught near the border.

His life, which wasn’t very long, was coming to an end.

But the one who offered him a helping hand, who had completely given up, was the German officer who arrested him.

Prussia certainly wants his life as much as Denmark does, but what is going on?

Fortunately, it didn’t take long to resolve the question.

“…So, you’re saying you’ll guarantee my life if I testify?”

“Of course. That’s a promise our Prime Minister made himself. We can even write you a guarantee if you want. Of course, you’ll have to abandon your name and live with a new identity, but you can definitely save your life.”

“What kind of testimony are you asking for…?”

“It’s simple. The Danish royal family forced him to commit suicide, placing all the blame on him to cover up their mistakes. But he was too wronged to die like that, so he attempted to escape. That’s not exactly a lie, is it?”

When he was first dragged in, he thought it was all over, but suddenly, after some people from a special unit came, the soldiers’ attitude changed noticeably.

Seeing them say this much, it doesn’t seem like a lie, and he couldn’t help but be moved.

“Is that really all I have to say?”

“That’s all. Of course, if you give us a few more words, we can promise you better conditions.”

“Better conditions? Are you going to give me a lot of money?”

“It’s much better than that. Your child, who will be treated as an outcast in Denmark. We’ll somehow return the royal bastard to your arms. We’ll also provide financial support so you can go to Canada with your child and live a new life.”

“……”

He accurately pinpoints the reason why he couldn’t easily say yes to the sweet temptation of saving his life.

Even though he was on the run, Freeman couldn’t help but worry about his child, who was still growing in the princess’s belly.

What if something happened to his child growing in the princess’s belly if he said the wrong thing?

It’s already impossible to live a normal life, but if he betrays Denmark altogether, he’ll be labeled as a bastard and a traitor’s child, and he might resent his father for the rest of his life.

It was a child whose face he didn’t even know, let alone the gender, but it was extremely difficult to completely shake off his paternal love for his child.

“You’re going to bring that child? How……”

“With this mess, will the Danish royal family raise a bastard themselves? Of course, they’ll try to pass it off to a nearby aristocrat. We’ll register your child in a family belonging to our federation and then treat it as if they died of illness. How about that? I think that’s a pretty attractive condition.”

“Surely… surely that is the case… If this fact gets into the ears of the British Empire, wouldn’t they immediately turn their backs on you?”

“The Prime Minister is handling this himself. Do you think he wouldn’t have discussed that much?”

“What? No way…”

Freeman’s eyes widened at the meaningful words of the officer in front of him, but he cut off the words firmly, saying he couldn’t say more than that.

“Choose. Of course, I think it’s already decided which one you’ll choose.”

“…Okay. Then what else do I need to say?”

“The reason Denmark is trying to push the marriage so hard is to use the power of the British Empire to completely annex Schleswig-Holstein. Please testify in front of our reporters that you will.”

As soon as he finished speaking, reporters with pens rushed in, and the officer added with a cold smile.

“Right now.”