I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 483

< London's High Society in Tumult >

The British Empire is a peculiar nation where the aristocracy’s power appears weak yet remains subtly strong.

Unlike pre-Revolution France or modern France, nobles don’t openly wield power, but their influence deeply permeates society.

A hereditary body called the House of Lords blatantly exists, and there isn’t a sector of society untouched by aristocratic power.

Of course, capitalists amassing enormous wealth are emerging, but most of these capitalists are connected to the aristocracy in some way.

Even in an era where the aristocracy’s authority and power are diminishing, the upper echelons of society are still largely governed by them.

As the economy develops and people’s living standards rise, nobles naturally indulge in greater extravagance.

The highest social circles in London are truly a world of their own.

However, since the accession of the conservative Queen Victoria, the trends in high society have slightly shifted.

With her strong conservative leanings, she tended to distance herself from nobles who engaged in excessive luxury.

Originally, she intended to openly reprimand nobles and their wives, but Killian persuaded her to change course midway.

The imperial advisor suggested to the Empress that overtly suppressing people was not very effective.

It was a logical point, considering that humans tend to rebel when forcibly suppressed.

Instead, Victoria adopted a policy of enjoying elegant and refined culture without being too excessive, making it the foundation of the imperial family’s image.

And those who deviated too far from this were never invited to private gatherings, though they might be seen in public, which proved incredibly effective.

“Ahem, have you heard the news? My daughter and I have been invited to the imperial banquet in a fortnight.”

“As expected of the Duchess! Her Majesty doesn’t favor such lavish events, so only about thirty people were invited to this banquet, but you still made the cut.”

“Well, we maintain close ties with the imperial family.”

“Ah, that’s right. I heard the Duke has met Emperor Killian several times. That’s truly remarkable. To be on personal terms with His Majesty.”

The British Empire’s imperial status has transformed so dramatically since Victoria’s reign that it’s incomparable to what it was before.

From the very name, it changed from the Royal Family to the Imperial Family.

Although Victoria doesn’t directly control domestic politics, people believe the Imperial Family could do so if they wished.

In reality, the likelihood of that happening is practically nonexistent.

However, the key is not whether they actually intervene but whether people believe they have the power to do so.

The public greatly perceives the authority of the Imperial Family, and this perception is growing stronger as Killian handles numerous international affairs.

To put it simply, the image of the British Imperial Family in the eyes of the public is as follows:

-They have no interest in domestic power struggles, are dedicated to the welfare and rights of the citizens, and are diligently securing interests from abroad.

In truth, all of this is thanks to Wellington, who handles all the bothersome domestic politics and administrative tasks, but the public has no idea about these behind-the-scenes dealings.

What the public sees are the members of parliament constantly bickering between the ruling and opposition parties.

And the contrasting attitude of the Imperial Family, diligently securing interests from overseas.

Of course, even with absolute public support, there was still room to downplay the lack of real power.

However, the current Imperial Family was not merely a figurehead that reigned but did not govern.

Unlike mainland Britain, Canada was virtually imperial territory, and Alaska was truly the Imperial Family’s private property.

Furthermore, with control over Suez and Panama [strategic canals providing immense economic and military advantages], they were raking in money, causing countries worldwide to openly defer to the Imperial Family.

Given this situation, nobles had no choice but to react to every move of the Imperial Family, eager to narrow the distance between them.

“By the way, have you heard the rumor that the Crown Prince will be getting married as early as next year?”

“Ah, that? I’ve heard such rumors too.”

“Could it be true? I mean, how charming must the Austrian princess be for His Highness, who has never been linked to any woman, to make up his mind so quickly?”

“I’m actually scheduled to meet her, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

Frances Anne Spencer-Churchill.

The eyes of the other noble ladies widened at the composed words of the Duchess of Marlborough.

“Excuse me? Who is actually coming here?”

“I’m talking about the Austrian princess, who is the center of attention throughout the British Empire. I have business in London next week, and I’m planning to meet her at my villa then. Would you like to join me?”

“It would be a great honor for us!”

“You truly are amazing, Duchess!”

In the current London social scene, everyone was eager to win over Gisela, the future Crown Princess.

The fact that she had immediately arranged a tea time appointment with such a person was proof of the influence of the Duke of Marlborough, Churchill.

The Duchess savored the praise directed at her and decided to invite only the most distinguished individuals to the tea time when she went to London.

That way, everyone could indirectly feel the power of the Duke of Marlborough.

At this time, the Duchess naively believed that she would be the star of the tea time.

* * *

“Oh, you’ve finally arrived.”

“Yes. Thank you for inviting me!”

“No need for thanks. Are you getting used to living in London?”

“Thanks to Edward and Adelaide, I already feel like this is my home.”

“Really? You certainly seem brighter even without Gisela by your side. By the way, why did Gisela say she couldn’t make it?”

“Ah, she said she was invited to some noble ladies’ gathering. Something about a duchess…”

If it’s a duchess in London right now, it must be Churchill?

With Mrs. Gallipoli Grandmom [likely referring to a prominent or well-connected older woman], Gisela would easily attract attention, so it’s a very appropriate venue.

I took Crown Prince Rudolf, who looked noticeably different from when I first met him, around and shared various knowledge that would be helpful to him in the future.

“You’ve probably already visited London’s landmarks and places symbolizing the British Empire’s power, so I won’t mention them separately. First, Rudolf, as the Crown Prince of Austria living in London, what have you noticed?”

“Hmm… what surprised me the most was Edward and Adelaide. The way they treat me and my sister is so different from how my family treats us, and I’m envious.”

“I see. My principle is that education must change with the times, so I try to give the other children as much freedom as possible. Of course, as members of the Imperial Family, they must fulfill their basic duties.”

“The world’s strongest empire is different. It’s evolving so quickly, so it must be developing, right?”

When was the last time I received such sparkling, admiring eyes?

I think our children were like that when they were young, but how did they all grow up like that?

They still look at me with admiration, but it’s clearly different from this 100% pure admiration.

Could it be that Rudolf and Gisela will become like Beatrice and William later if they grow up here?

If that happens, there’s no helping it. I might be able to handle it, but Emperor Franz Joseph might be devoured by his children. He should consider it the consequence of neglecting to connect with his children when they were young.

“Emperor Franz Joseph asked me to focus on educating you to become a stronger man. I told him I understood, but I don’t think such education is useful at all, so you won’t have experiences similar to when you were in Austria.”

“My goodness, my father asked that…”

Rudolf, who frowned as if recalling the nightmare of waking up to the sound of gunfire, sighed in relief at my words.

As the Crown Prince of a nation, he might want to show more pride or be treated with more respect, but this child is fundamentally too gentle.

He wants to be spoken to in a friendly manner, like a child, rather than being treated with formality, and that desire is too easily revealed.

Both Gisela and Rudolf have suffered from a lack of parental affection since childhood, so it’s not particularly unusual.

Thanks to that, Rudolf opened his heart to me and my children within a month of arriving in London, but I couldn’t help but feel sorry every time.

“However, that doesn’t mean the leader of a country can neglect the military. I myself have been to several wars, and I’ve repeatedly told my children to serve in the military, even if it’s just in the rear. A nation must always show respect to soldiers who risk their lives for the country. But that doesn’t mean the Emperor has to act like a soldier.”

“Yes, I will keep that in mind!”

“Then, what else is important to the Emperor? Have you noticed anything new since coming here?”

“Well… I can’t explain it specifically, but I felt that the attitude of British politicians and citizens towards the Imperial Family is somewhat different from that of my home country. Perhaps it’s because Austria is composed of more diverse races than the British Empire…”

“That’s half right and half wrong. As you said, Austria is composed of Austrians, Hungarians, and many other minorities. However, the British Empire is also a kind of federation made up of five united kingdoms. Especially Ireland and Canada across the Atlantic are very different from other united kingdoms.”

I was wondering when to naturally tell him this story, but I’m so grateful that he brought it up himself.

Since the war has already begun, it’s impossible to prevent countries like Serbia and Bulgaria from emerging in the Balkans.

Rather than wasting time trying to prevent the inevitable, it’s much more efficient to take preemptive measures to ensure that problems don’t escalate.

To do that, Rudolf here must become the focal point that unites Austria.

Unlike Franz Joseph, he was a more liberal child, so if I just give him a little push, he will grow that way.

However, if it becomes like forcing ideology, it could escalate into a diplomatic issue, so I have to slowly infiltrate him under the guise of advice.

Fortunately, Rudolf is quite bright, so even if he doesn’t know two things when taught one, he certainly understands that one thing.

“Ah! I was short-sighted. The British Empire is indeed made up of five kingdoms, including Canada.”

“Right. And Canada is made up of white people, Irish, and black people, most of whom were slaves until decades ago. In addition, there are Asian immigrants whose numbers are growing alarmingly every year.”

“Canada alone is more serious than Austria. But Canada is running smoothly without conflict, isn’t it?”

“There’s no way there’s no conflict. There’s no such paradise in the world. But it’s possible to quickly resolve problems when they arise and learn from them to avoid similar problems in the future. What do you think is the reason why Canada and the British Empire can grow like that?”

“Reason? Hmm… if there’s a reason…”

It was too difficult a topic for a child who wasn’t even thirteen years old, so I just told him the answer.

“It’s because the Imperial Family reigns as a symbol of unity. People who would otherwise discriminate against each other and fight can form a group in the form of worshiping the Imperial Family because there is a focal point called the Imperial Family. That’s why the Imperial Family must be the most respected group in the British Empire.”

“…I see.”

That’s what makes a country with a king clearly more advantageous than a country without one.

The function as a symbol of uniting the country.

Whether they are criticized and dragged down or receive unlimited support as objects of worship, the existence of a king can be a good driving force for uniting citizens.

Fortunately, Rudolf seemed to understand my words and nodded, resolving himself.

“I need to learn and grow a lot here too. Becoming like His Majesty… it may be difficult, but I want to become a great leader that the various peoples of Austria can believe in and follow. I have to be the Emperor of Austria. Can I do that?”

“Of course. You can do it if you want.”

I’ve learned in my life that nationalism is powerful, but even that nationalism can’t beat the high of being a powerful nation.

Deep in people’s hearts lies the instinct to feel superior by comparing themselves to others.

If you can bring out that desire, even if a country next door is struggling and shouting, ‘We’re the same race~ we’re comrades~,’ the answer will be, ‘Who are you?’

That’s how people are.

No matter if it’s the 19th or 20th century, people are all the same in the end.

That essence never changes even after a thousand years.

The world has been and will continue to roll on like that.