I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 48

Inheritance

“Hoo… I told him not to overdo it so many times.”

John Gore arrived at his brother’s funeral with mixed feelings.

It’s a universal truth that birth has an order, but death does not, yet I thought he would live a few more years.

If I had to guess the cause, it would be overwork.

He should have at least enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

Wasn’t it unfair to die just as he built the foundation of the Conservative Party, sacrificing his health in the process?

“Father, you’ve arrived?”

“Oh, yes. Thank you for coming so far. I heard you were promoted to acting ambassador to Buenos Aires?”

“Yes. I was returning home anyway, but for this to happen… I’m not sure if the timing is fortunate or terrible.”

“A person’s life is in God’s hands, so there’s nothing we can do. By the way, the heir is still underage, so they’ll need a guardian.”

“Since he’s been close to Aunt Cecilia recently, wouldn’t she be appointed guardian?”

Just like his son Phillip’s casual prediction, John had similar thoughts.

In fact, if they intended to appoint us as guardians, we would have been contacted when the will was read.

From the start, I never expected them to appoint someone like me, who might be seen as after my brother’s title and wealth, so I’m not particularly upset.

However, since my nephew, who is still several years from adulthood, will inherit everything, various thoughts crossed my mind.

“…Phillip, what do you think? It might be inappropriate to have these thoughts at my brother’s funeral, but I can’t help but worry.”

“Father, could it be…?”

“Killian is still young. Besides, even though he’s close to Cecilia, he’s just a student at Eton [a prestigious boarding school]. He can’t compare to you, who is already a diplomat. He’s still a minor, so if you and I apply appropriate pressure…”

Even if I don’t elaborate, a bright son would understand my intentions.

John stopped talking and studied Phillip’s expression.

Frankly, it’s not an absurd idea.

Originally, Phillip, my son, should have been my brother’s rightful heir, and Killian is an interloper.

“Father, I understand your feelings, but Killian is already the official heir, so what can we do?”

“Even so, he lacks proper family connections. You and I are the ones who can properly wield the family’s power, not that young and inexperienced child.”

“Doesn’t Aunt Cecilia exist?”

“She’s in the same boat. She hasn’t even been formally recognized by the royal family through marriage, so does she have time to worry about her hometown? She probably won’t attend this funeral, or she’ll come alone. Her noble husband, the Duke of Sussex, wouldn’t deign to visit such a humble place.”

Still, I’m not so shameless as to discuss such matters immediately after the funeral.

Once the funeral is over, there will be time to apply pressure under the guise of negotiation.

John Gore suppressed his true feelings and headed to the family chapel in the mansion where Killian was waiting.

During the mourning period, mourners would arrive, so the eldest adult in the family needed to greet them.

Even if real tycoons don’t bother to travel all the way to Muldi Moyle Island, they will send representatives, so it would be good to make acquaintances and introduce my son Phillip.

As John headed to the chapel to pay his last respects to his brother, he froze at the sight of people he never expected.

“Ki, Killian. Who are these people?”

“Uncle, you’ve arrived? Thankfully, many people have come to pay their respects to my father. I was just about to thank them, so let’s greet them together.”

“Ah… yes. I’m John Gore, Arthur Gore’s younger brother. This is my son Phillip Gore, currently acting ambassador in Buenos Aires.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you from Killian. I’m Charles Wellesley. I was speaking with the Earl at a party recently, but I never imagined it would be the last time…”

I already knew about Charles Wellesley, a rising star in the Conservative Party.

He came to Ireland recently to negotiate with O’Connell [Daniel O’Connell, an Irish political leader], so it’s not surprising he’s attending the funeral.

What surprised John was not only Charles Wellesley but also the others standing behind him.

“My father wanted to come as well, but since the distance is considerable, the heir of our family, the Marquess of Douro, my brother, came instead.”

“I’m Arthur Richard Wellesley. My father was also deeply saddened by this news. I hope the Earl rests in eternal peace with God.”

“Ah, yes… Th, thank you. My brother will surely be pleased.”

Richard didn’t even glance at John or Phillip after that, turning his gaze to Killian.

“My father is very concerned about you. The Earl’s absence is painful, but my father and our party will support you even more, so don’t worry.”

“Thank you. I didn’t realize you cared so much, but I will do my best to become a valuable asset to the party.”

“Then let’s talk more after the funeral. There’s a matter my father wants to discuss with you at length.”

John blankly watched Richard pat Killian’s shoulder with a friendly smile and enter the chapel.

I could understand Charles Wellesley, but I couldn’t imagine that even the Marquess of Douro, the heir to the Duke of Wellington, would attend.

Richard Wellesley is currently only a lieutenant colonel, but he is a future power broker guaranteed to have a strong influence in the Senate as the next Duke of Wellington.

Why did such a person travel all the way from London?

Especially when Charles Wellesley was already present as a mourner.

It seems they genuinely value Killian within the party, not just attending out of obligation.

And this hunch was confirmed in less than five minutes.

“Are you Killian Gore? I’m here on behalf of Prime Minister Robert Peel. He couldn’t attend personally due to his busy schedule, but he sent a condolence message and a memorial donation written in his own hand. He also said he would arrange an additional memorial service when you return to London.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Following the Duke of Wellington’s family, even the Prime Minister, albeit indirectly, is personally looking after Killian.

What is going on?

Am I the only one who has been living in a different world until now?

While John Gore was stunned, the surroundings became chaotic, and a commotion was heard from outside.

Who else is coming this time? Just as I was starting to worry.

“Brother was here too. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Cecilia. You’ve arrived, so that explains the noise outside…”

John Gore, turning to look at his half-sister while trying to maintain his composure, widened his eyes in disbelief.

“Th, the person next to you… could it be?”

“Of course, it’s my husband. Say hello.”

“I, I’m sorry. I should have greeted you first, but I was beside myself! I’m Cecilia’s brother. And this is my son Phillip Gore…”

“Don’t be so nervous. When you think about it, aren’t we family?”

That’s absurd.

No matter how much we are family, the other person is a member of the royal family and the current king’s brother [referring to King William IV].

There’s no way I can treat him like a normal relative.

I was sure he would never come, but why?

Even if my brother is Cecilia’s brother, they are only half-siblings.

The Duke of Sussex, glancing at John and Phillip, who were frozen like statues, nonchalantly passed them and walked towards Killian.

“Cecilia was worried about you the entire journey. I’m glad you seem to be holding up well, even though you must be heartbroken.”

“No. It’s a great comfort that the Duke came.”

“I had to come because of what you did for me and my wife. Oh, and when I said I was coming, the Duchess of Kent [mother of Princess Victoria] asked me to deliver a letter. I didn’t really want to deliver that woman’s letter, but I couldn’t refuse because it was with our lovely niece’s letter.”

“Princess Victoria wrote a letter herself? Please thank her… no, please tell her that I will personally thank her when I return to London.”

“Yes. It will be difficult, but I’m sure you’ll overcome it. I’ve decided to be your guardian, so if you have any difficulties, feel free to consult me. If I’m busy, Cecilia will handle it for me.”

Who became whose guardian?

John Gore muttered blankly, not fully understanding the situation even after hearing it with his own ears.

“…Guardian?”

“Oh, I guess my brother didn’t know. When Killian came to Ireland this time, I asked my older brother to change some of the will’s contents. Originally, I was going to be the guardian, but my husband is better suited, right? He readily agreed, so my husband and I will be this child’s guardians until Killian comes of age.”

“Ah… ah… Th, that’s a relief. Hahaha… I never thought the Duke of Sussex would do so much…”

“Killian is like a son to me, as I don’t have any biological children. My husband has children, but they’re all adults and independent, so he’s lonely too.”

No matter what, it’s definitely not normal for a member of the royal family to become a guardian.

Besides, what does it mean that Princess Victoria wrote a condolence letter herself?

Not only is he favored by the Duke of Wellington, Robert Peel, and the Duke of Sussex, but he’s also friends with the future queen… This is a big deal.

I can’t keep up with reality.

What on earth has been happening in London for the past few years while I’ve been in Ireland?

John Gore reflexively turned his head and looked at his nephew, who was talking intimately with the Duke of Sussex.

Just a moment ago, my young nephew seemed easy to manipulate, but now he looked ominous, like someone whose true nature I couldn’t fathom.

* * *

The day after the funeral.

After seeing off all the mourners, I was facing John Gore and Phillip Gore at the table in the drawing room.

“Thank you for your help during the funeral.”

“It’s my brother’s funeral for you, but it’s also my brother’s funeral for me. There’s no need for thanks.”

“Still, I’m grateful. I’m just sorry that it was so sudden that I couldn’t share all the details of the will sooner.”

“…That’s true. It would have been nice to know in advance that the Duke of Sussex was to be the guardian.”

If I had told them beforehand, the shock they experienced would have been lessened, but why would I do that?

Of course, my mouth skillfully recited a pre-prepared excuse, contrary to my true feelings.

“I apologize. I had many additional matters to handle, so I was late in informing you. I thought I should tell Uncle, the person involved, after everything was settled.”

“The person involved? Me?”

“To be exact, Phillip is more directly involved than Uncle. Anyway, the arrangements are complete, so I’ll inform you now. James?”

At my words, James, who was holding documents and watching from behind, stepped forward.

“First, His Grace the Duke of Sussex, the young master’s guardian, has appointed me as his full representative regarding the young master. Therefore, I will be in charge of all matters related to the Aaron County from now on.”

“…I suppose so. The Duke of Sussex can’t handle such trivial matters, so I assumed that would be the case.”

“Yes. As you know, the Earl bequeathed the title and almost all of his property to Killian.”

At this point, John and Phillip’s faces hardened slightly.

They did give some to Phillip, who was originally the heir, but it was only a small portion.

However, the uncle, overwhelmed by the impressive figures supporting me at the funeral, couldn’t say a word and only shifted uncomfortably.

Frankly, with the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Wellington backing me, what could he do even if he tried?

As I have become the legal heir, there is no reason to give him even a penny legally.

But that’s a fact that not only I but also my uncle knows, so now is the perfect opportunity to win them over.

“My father bequeathed almost all of his property to me and entrusted me with the management of the mansion, but as you know, I have to go to London. And even after graduating, I will likely spend most of my time in London. So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to stay in my territory for very long.”

“…It doesn’t seem like that will be very helpful in managing the territory’s public sentiment.”

“That’s right. And to be honest, even if I receive the property here, all I can do is let it sit idle, which makes me uncomfortable. So, after discussing with James and Aunt, we’ve decided to hand over all the property except the title to Uncle and Phillip.”

“So, you’re handing it over to me and Phillip… um? What, what did you just say?”

“I will only take the title of Earl Aaron that my father left me. Please manage the rest of the property, Uncle and Phillip. Instead, you must continue to manage the public sentiment of this territory and provide regular reports to James.”

After all, the property of Aaron County is now less than a tenth of my total assets.

Moreover, considering the additional opportunities to increase my assets significantly in the coming years, there’s no need to be attached to it at all.

So, it’s most efficient to give it away while making a show of it.

After all, it’s realistically impossible for me or James in London to manage the territory.

So, I have no choice but to find someone to take over as a proxy, and it’s difficult to find someone as suitable as my uncle, who is the Earl’s brother and has spent half his life as a local leader.

“No… are you really going to give all the property that your brother left to us?”

“Of course. I will gladly give it to you if you adhere to the conditions I just mentioned.”

“Haha… no, that’s something you should do naturally if you live here, isn’t it too generous of a condition for us?”

“Uncle, we are family. I told Aunt Cecilia, but I believe that families should support and rely on each other. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to our family to give the property that I can’t even use properly to Uncle and Phillip, who will use it much more effectively than I could?”

My profit is the family’s profit, and the family’s profit is everyone’s profit.

Moreover, it’s as if my uncle is receiving a considerable amount of property for free, so of course, he wouldn’t refuse this offer.

Here, I further instilled in them the reason why they should dedicate themselves to developing this place.

“And this is a secret between us, but it seems I will also receive the title of English nobleman a few years after Victoria becomes queen.”

“No wonder the Princess sent a condolence letter herself… Then is our family finally entering the House of Lords?”

“Yes. So, wouldn’t it be excessive to monopolize the title myself at that time? It’s good to share. When I enter the House of Lords, I will have the title of Earl Aaron inherited by your son, not my child.”

“Wh, what is that… really? Killian, are you serious?”

“Of course. If you want me to put it in writing, I can do so right now.”

After all, it’s not something I’m giving away now, it’s something that happens after death, so there’s no loss to me.

Anyway, by that time, I will be able to give my child much more than just the title of Earl Aaron, so there will be no reason for complaints.

“No matter how I look at it, it’s much more of a loss than a gain for you…”

“Uncle, the only family I can be close to is Uncle or Phillip, except for Aunt Cecilia. But I’m just a rolling stone, so shouldn’t I open my heart and approach you first so that Uncle and Phillip can accept me? I think the only people I can trust in the world are family.”

“Heo… yes. Now I understand why Cecilia cherishes you so much. To think that you are a child with such a deep heart for your family… Killian, it may sound shameless to apologize now, but in fact, I…”

“It’s okay. It’s all in the past anyway, so let’s bury it all and share only good things in the future. As much as Uncle manages the territory well, I will work hard in London and climb to a high position. Then, won’t there be a day when our family can all seize key positions in this country together? Hahaha.”

Without anyone saying anything, a wave of emotion overflowed in John and Phillip’s eyes.

I don’t need to say more, that expression is answer enough.

With this, I have flawlessly prepared a way to manage the territory while I am away.

In fact, there is also an element of deliberately showing off so that my uncle wouldn’t entertain any foolish ideas, but this is also the time when quick-witted people will gradually sense that there’s something more to me.

It will be the same in the future. If I just hide and pretend to be nothing, I will inevitably be exposed someday.

When hiding 100 properties, the most effective way is not to pretend to have nothing, but to show that only 5 properties are all you have.

When I return to London, many things will likely change.

Even if it’s only partially, now is the time to reveal my true colors.