I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 489

The Great Authority

Bismarck’s emotional display inadvertently drew attention, and, predictably, it made headlines the next day.

[Tears of the Iron Chancellor: What’s the Real Story?]

[That seat should have been mine! Is Prussia even aware of Austria’s strength?]

[The Iron Chancellor’s tears are like an overture, foreshadowing the future structure of the German Confederation. Those who are awake, prepare yourselves…]

“Europe seems rather turbulent as well.”

“Indeed. But isn’t the Iron Chancellor Bismarck supposed to be the epitome of a cold-blooded man, the kind who wouldn’t shed a tear even if stabbed? I can’t imagine him crying; he seems more like the type to throw a punch first.”

“Doesn’t that suggest he’s incredibly upset? Originally, the marriage negotiations with the British Empire were with Prussia, but Austria snagged that opportunity.”

“It’s a pity. But if he’s shedding tears, does that mean Prussia was seriously considering war with Austria? His emotions wouldn’t be so raw unless a major plan had fallen apart.”

Rockefeller, disembarking from the ship, quickly scanned the front page of *The Times* he had purchased, letting out a sigh that was a mixture of admiration and shock.

Carnegie, also summoned, meticulously examined the newspaper, attempting to decipher the prevailing trends in Europe.

“Things aren’t going to get complicated, are they? I’m not sure if we arrived at the right moment.”

“We were simply summoned; what can we do? Besides, if the situation in Europe is rapidly changing, it might present another opportunity for us.”

“Well, it’s far more productive to consider how we can leverage this situation to increase our profits.”

Rockefeller and Carnegie, both ascending figures, were past their youthful twenties and now in their prime, both physically and mentally.

They possessed unwavering confidence, believing their power and wealth were sufficient to support them, but there’s always a higher authority.

At the behest of the British Empire’s son-in-law, the new owner of the James Group, the two boarded a ship to London that very day, acting like obedient sheep.

And these men, newly arrived in London, attempted to maintain their composure, but their nervousness was palpable.

“…Carnegie, what are your thoughts? Will the new owner of the group value us?”

“I’m uncertain. Perhaps he believes we’re too young to be entrusted with significant roles within the group?”

“I’ve heard he’s a staunch meritocrat. In that case, I believe there’s a chance he’ll value us even more…”

“Regardless, it’s noteworthy that he only summoned the two of us. I’m unsure whether it will be advantageous or detrimental.”

While contemplating how to gain Killian’s favor, the new owner of the group, they were forestalled.

Had they known this would occur, they should have sent a congratulatory gift beforehand, but events transpired so swiftly.

It seemed somewhat late to present a gift now, but not doing so felt equally awkward.

What could they possibly give to someone arguably among the most powerful individuals globally to curry favor?

Rockefeller and Carnegie had yet to reach a conclusion.

Time continued to pass, and in the interim, the order to hasten to London was issued.

Of course, it wasn’t a direct command to arrive immediately.

Killian summoned the two to encourage the presidents of the affiliates and discuss future endeavors.

“When we last met him, he seemed to think highly of us, so things shouldn’t go awry.”

“That’s correct. And you may not be aware, but I hail from the British Empire. His Majesty will undoubtedly favor me.”

“Oh, really? When we were in the United States, you were a proud citizen, but as soon as we arrive here, you transform into a Scotsman? I envy your ability to change your identity so conveniently.”

“One must adapt when the environment shifts. Haven’t you heard that those animals are more likely to survive?”

If they had never met Killian before, they might have been so anxious that they couldn’t even eat properly.

The two eased each other’s tension with banter and were escorted to Buckingham Palace by a servant dispatched by Killian.

“Your Majesty! It is a great honor that you have not forgotten us and invited us to this auspicious occasion! Upon receiving Your Majesty’s summons, we immediately crossed the Atlantic and arrived in London with joyful hearts.”

“To witness and enter the magnificence of Buckingham Palace with my own eyes is all thanks to Your Majesty’s grace! It is an honor that will never be forgotten, and in the future, I will continue to serve Your Majesty…”

“Let’s dispense with the flowery speeches. Sit down comfortably. It must have been sudden, and you must have exerted yourselves to travel all the way here to London.”

“No! I rushed here with a joyful heart because Your Majesty summoned me!”

“Me too!”

The two, poised to continue their mindless praise and adulation, immediately fell silent when they noticed the faint smile on Killian’s face diminish ever so slightly.

It wasn’t that they were so oblivious that they couldn’t discern whether he appreciated flattery or not.

“You must be weary from the long journey, so I’ll proceed directly to the point so you can rest promptly. The reason I summoned you two first is to discuss matters pertaining to the future management of the group.”

“Yes? Discussions about management with us?”

“Yes. You may have heard, but if I, who wield the power to influence the economy in the United States, directly intervene in the management of the James Group, the United States government will inevitably be uneasy. Therefore, I have agreed to appoint an agent, effectively resigning from management.”

“Then, is another member of the imperial family joining the group as a vice chairman?”

“That’s the plan. But in that scenario, factions within the group will be divided, and other affiliate presidents may feel uncomfortable, correct?”

Quick-witted Rockefeller immediately grasped Killian’s intent.

Glancing over, he observed Carnegie’s eyes widen and his posture straighten, as if he, too, had understood.

Should I demonstrate my quick thinking here?

It might be the way to gain the giant’s favor by appropriately showcasing my abilities, but giving the impression that I’m too clever might backfire.

While hesitating momentarily, Carnegie threw a fastball first.

“Rest assured! Andrew Carnegie, a Scotsman with the blood of the British Empire coursing through his veins! I swear on the blood of the British Empire that I will serve the person who will be Your Majesty’s agent with all my heart and soul!”

“Oh, will you?”

“Of course! If any rebellious faction within the group raises a sword against that person, I will be a shield to protect them!”

That sly fellow is wagging his tail without any shame.

He used to proclaim that this place was a land of opportunity when he was in the United States, but suddenly he’s possessed by a loyal British Empire citizen and wagging his tail. What a sight.

But that’s that, and this is this.

“Your Majesty! Then I, John Davidson Rockefeller, will be Your Majesty’s sword and strike down the impure! I respect Chairman James as I would my own father, and my life’s ambition was to emulate him. He bequeathed everything to Your Majesty, so I will follow Your Majesty with everything I possess, just as he did!”

Half of it was insincere, but the calculation that it was advantageous to side with Killian was undeniably genuine.

The other party is a symbolic figure of the world’s strongest country and now a true superman who has even acquired the world’s greatest wealth.

Moreover, since he stated that he would not directly manage the economy, the presence of a trustworthy subordinate is essential.

If he becomes Killian’s agent, the eldest daughter or the second son will be the most likely candidates, and if he can establish himself as a confidant of that side, who can challenge him?

The reason why Killian specifically selected Carnegie and Rockefeller is now apparent.

The person who will serve as his agent will inevitably be young, so he desires to attach the youngest of the current power holders in the group as his child’s aides.

It will be difficult to control the other older men, and, above all, it will be challenging to serve the owner of the group for an extended period.

It is certain that he narrowed down the candidates to Carnegie and Rockefeller after comprehensively assessing which business would be promising in the future and who possesses strong capabilities.

“Please trust us and entrust it to us.”

“Thank you both for expressing that so readily. Then I’ll accept it as such and place my trust in you. You must be weary today, so go and rest. I’ll make time soon to introduce you to the person with whom you’ll be working.”

The most crucial aspect to be aware of when running a business is aligning oneself with the core of power.

And now, a golden opportunity has arisen to attach oneself to the heart of the world’s strongest country.

Missing this opportunity would be an act of utter foolishness.

Rockefeller was convinced that an even greater opportunity had presented itself than when he had caught James’s eye.

* * *

“Adelaide, take Rockefeller and Carnegie with Alfred and attend as many events as possible.”

“You intend to solidify their position here and instill in them the understanding that they should have no other aspirations and simply submit? Then we should frequent the most luxurious and extravagant venues?”

As expected, my daughter comprehends by taking one thing and extrapolating two.

It’s convenient because I don’t need to provide lengthy explanations, but it’s not yet perfect, so correction is necessary.

“You grasped the intention correctly, but you need to refine the process slightly. It’s natural that it should be luxurious and extravagant, but among them, invite only individuals who conduct themselves in the most aristocratic manner and take them to such places. The objective is to make them feel as though they’ve become aristocrats. To put it bluntly, don’t even invite people below the rank of count.”

“Ah… I believe I understand. After all, no matter how much money one possesses, one cannot purchase their lineage.”

“Yes, both of them have a status far removed from nobility. You haven’t witnessed it firsthand yet, but it’s not without reason that commoners who have amassed wealth through their own efforts are obsessed with power and honor.”

Even in the 21st century, the United States was a far more powerful and affluent nation than the United Kingdom, yet numerous wealthy individuals secretly admired and fantasized about the lives of British royalty and nobles.

It’s not without reason that if an opportunity arises to be actually invited to Buckingham Palace, they endeavor to attend by leveraging even the acquaintance’s acquaintance’s chance.

When people are comfortable and satiated, they begin to seek what is referred to as ‘roots’.

Especially in this era where nobles and kings take privileges for granted, those from common backgrounds are bound to be more fixated on such elements.

On the surface, they disdain them for being born with privileges and merely being able to enjoy them, but the reality is that if they are offered the opportunity to join them, most people eagerly accept the title of nobility.

“Then, do you actually intend to bestow titles upon them?”

“Depending on their actions. If they genuinely desire it and act accordingly, why wouldn’t I grant it to them?”

“Then I need to modify the plan somewhat. Come to think of it, those individuals must have spent as much money as they desired, so focusing on that wouldn’t be particularly impressive.”

They’ve accumulated sufficient wealth, so it’s time to indulge in the allure of power and honor.

No one in the world, or rather, the more money they possess, the more people cannot easily escape from this high.

If they get to savor an experience that they can never buy even with a thousand gold coins, what kind of transformations will occur in their minds?

“And firmly instruct the invited nobles. If anyone disrespects Carnegie or Rockefeller, they will never be invited to events hosted by the imperial family again.”

“Don’t worry. There are no nobles in London with empty heads who would disrespect Dad’s guests.”

Those who are already playing key roles among the elders in the group have been shackled long ago.

All that remains is those two, so if I take the time to completely remodel them into people on our side to the bone.

There is ample time and a venue has been prepared, so there are no obstacles.

Good. Before departing London, I’ll ensure both of them feel as though they’re already nobles at heart.