I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 488

After seeing James off completely, I began to pay closer attention to my surroundings.

It struck me that even if I still had some time left, many around me were truly nearing their end.

And I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

“Mother, if you’re not feeling well, you can stay here. I’m sure the children will find their way to you.”

“This mother of yours is still going strong, so don’t worry. How could a grandmother miss her eldest grandson’s wedding?”

Victoria’s mother, Duchess Marie Luise Victoria, waved her hand with a genuinely happy smile.

There was a time when even being in the same room as Victoria was awkward due to their strained relationship, but decades have passed since they reconciled.

And like most grandmothers, she doted on her grandson, so how could she not be overjoyed that he was getting married?

Even if she wasn’t feeling her best, she wouldn’t spend the best day of her twilight years locked away in the palace.

She kept smiling as she was helped into her dress and put on her jewelry, then turned her gaze towards me.

“Now that Edward is married, all that’s left is to find a match for Adelaide. Please pay a little more attention to it. Our granddaughter must meet a wonderful husband like you. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I will pay more attention.”

“I only have two wishes now: to attend our granddaughter’s wedding and to see Edward’s child. Once I see those two things, I can close my eyes without any regrets, so please take care of it.”

“Why close your eyes? You should see William and Beatrice’s weddings too.”

“That’s too greedy. The Duchess of Inverness might be able to do that. She still seems quite healthy. By the way, haven’t you visited them lately?”

“Adelaide and William have gone to see Mother.”

Alfred, who was listening to the conversation beside me, chimed in.

“Grandmother, you have to come to my wedding too. I’ll bring a lovely bride soon, so please wait a little longer.”

“Our grandson is so kind. Alright, I’ll try to gather a little more strength, so don’t be too late.”

“Yes.”

After exchanging warm greetings, I left with Alfred so the mother and daughter could talk privately.

As we headed to Westminster Abbey, where the wedding would be held, I naturally changed the subject.

“Alfred, you’re aware of the current situation with the James Group, right?”

“Yes. I heard that the actual owner of the group has changed to Father.”

“Right. The United States isn’t thrilled with the idea of someone holding an official position in the British Empire being the head of such a large group. As a compromise, we decided to have someone without a public position act as an agent.”

Even so, it’s still ultimately controlled by the British Imperial Family, so it’s just a thinly veiled attempt to hide the obvious.

“…Is this something you’ll entrust to Sister since it’s business-related?”

“No. I considered it, but your sister is too busy with her own ventures to handle that. And even with her British Imperial Family title, she’s still a woman. It’s different if it’s a business she built herself, but if she inherits it, the executives within the group will inevitably feel uncomfortable.”

It’s almost unimaginable in the 21st-century Western world, but this is the 19th century.

Whether it’s America or Europe, the perception that women should focus on housework and supporting their husbands is deeply ingrained.

It would be acceptable within the British Empire, but extending that influence all the way to northern America is too risky.

From the start, she’s just my agent, not directly managing the group, so Adelaide would definitely complain that it’s boring.

“Alfred, I can give you a chance if you want to try. Of course, I can’t give you that position right away. You’ll have to follow me or learn from Adelaide for at least a few years.”

“R, really? If you entrust it to me, I’ll do my best, even if it means working myself to the bone!”

Such an enthusiastic reaction. He must have been quite envious watching his older brother and sister handle important tasks.

It would be impossible to completely replace James’s position, but looking ahead 20 to 30 years, Alfred would be the perfect choice to represent the group.

“Good. Then, since there’s Edward’s wedding today, I’ll have you start learning the necessary things tomorrow. It’ll be much more of a headache and harder than you think. You might regret it?”

“Then that would mean I’m not up to the task. It’s okay. Ah, but if I were to take on the role of agent, would I have to go to New York or Toronto to announce that fact?”

“You? No. Of course, they have to come here. Alfred, don’t misunderstand the power dynamic.”

They are seasoned experts who have been around the block and are very shrewd.

If Alfred, who is still young, travels across the continent himself, it would be enough to make him seem inferior.

“But even if I’m a member of the Imperial Family, I’m still a young man, so wouldn’t it seem rude to order them around? Wouldn’t it create more animosity?”

“That’s true too. So, you shouldn’t be the one ordering them around. I’ll take care of that. And you can calmly show them when they come to London who is the master and who is the subordinate.”

“…I will learn thoroughly, without missing a single detail.”

“Good. And your sister will be good at this, so get help from her. I’ll tell you this in advance.”

After Edward, Adelaide, and Alfred become independent, all that’s left are the two young children.

I keep worrying about what to give them.

* * *

Westminster Abbey, the most prestigious wedding venue, coronation hall, and cemetery in the British Empire.

Edward’s wedding being held here, where royal weddings have been held more than 10 times since the 12th century, was a significant event.

It was a declaration that the succession of the British Imperial Family was strong and secure, and at the same time, a statement that they had seized the wealth of the world’s richest man buried here.

The distinguished guests from all over the world were seated in their designated places, waiting for the main figures to arrive.

“Now that His Highness is getting married, His Majesty must be deeply moved.”

“It would be a lie to say otherwise. After all, Prime Minister, you have personally come to celebrate our son’s wedding.”

“Hahaha, you know I’m not one to make empty promises. I said I would attend, so I have to attend. By the way…”

Bismarck glanced around at the staff who were busily preparing for the final touches, then continued in a low voice.

“I heard the news. Former Prime Minister Guizot has passed away.”

“He closed his eyes and passed away peacefully in his sleep. In a way, it’s a good death.”

“I see. And with the death of Chairman James, which caused a stir around the world recently, it feels like the world is slowly moving on to the next stage, which is a bit bitter.”

“There’s a saying that nothing lasts forever. It’s inevitable as a human being.”

“Technology has advanced so much that trains now run underground [referring to the newly developed London Underground], but it’s sad that we still can’t overcome the limitations of the flesh. Will it be different when humans conquer the sky?”

No. Unfortunately, humanity will not conquer aging until the day people land on the moon.

“In fact, the sky is an area that will soon be conquered by humans, and it’s not that far in the future. But the death of the body, well, I don’t think we’ll be able to do anything about it even after 150 years.”

“You’re saying things that seem to foresee the future again. I sometimes get goosebumps because it seems like you can really do that, Your Majesty. I didn’t know you were also in control of the James Group. Since when have you been doing that?”

“What are you talking about? Who’s in control of what?”

“Ah… that’s the cover story. I understand. I know you well, Your Majesty, so I know, but others definitely don’t know. Hahaha, I’ll take it as that.”

That’s why I don’t like Germans who are quick to catch on.

He seems to have guessed just by looking at the general situation, but that’s why I’m relieved.

Even Bismarck, who knows me well and highly values my abilities, thinks I’ve taken over the James Group.

In fact, it was mine from the beginning.

“Let’s stop talking about dreary money matters. How long are you going to stay here? If you’re okay with it, let’s stay for a few days and have a drink together?”

“I’m busy, but it’s hard to refuse when you offer, Your Majesty. But coming here makes me a little impatient, so I’ll only stay for three days.”

“Impatient?”

“The people who went through the old days together are leaving one by one, and the people who will carry the future are meeting their partners and getting married like this, so I can’t help but wonder how much time I have left. I still have unfinished business, so I have to make sure to finish at least that before my energy runs out.”

He seemed a bit troubled, but was it because of Prussia’s domestic political issues?

Considering the growing pan-Germanism [a political movement advocating for the unification of all German-speaking people] and the increasing ambitions of the Junkers [Prussian landed nobility], it’s no wonder Bismarck is getting impatient.

He hasn’t even figured out how to perform the surgery yet, but hearing news of deaths around him must have made him wonder if it might be him too.

“Prime Minister. You’re not even 60 yet, so if you’re already complaining, other people will resent it. You’ll be fine for at least 20 years, so don’t be impatient.”

“Haha, does Your Majesty’s 100 percent accuracy rate also apply to people’s lifespans?”

“Of course. You’ll be fine for at least 20 years, so relax and don’t worry about anything.”

If Bismarck falters, the effort to restrain Prussia from going on a rampage will inevitably be disrupted.

In that respect, he still had a lot to do for world peace, and he had to finish cleaning up his house before he left.

But Bismarck seemed to have understood my words a little differently, or perhaps he knew and felt something welling up inside, as he wiped the moisture from his eyes with a handkerchief and nodded.

“Thank you. I feel much more at ease now that someone like you, Your Majesty, has said that.”

Even though he’s called the Iron Chancellor, Bismarck is originally very emotional and cries a lot.

I stared at him for a moment, then turned my gaze to the entrance as majestic music began to play.

Unlike us, who are getting older, the new protagonists who will vigorously shape the era are walking in, receiving the blessings of everyone.

I applauded them generously and threw a word to Bismarck before moving to Victoria’s side.

“Prime Minister, our time starts now too.”

This is a pledge to myself, not just to Bismarck.

If there is a prelude and a finale to life, now is just the beginning of the finale.

There is still a long way to go.

“Your Majesty is… still a secretly warm person… sniff.”

No, I mean, stop crying.

Haven’t your tear ducts gotten too weak since you got older? Someone might misunderstand.