I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 49

The Bridge of Ireland

“…I think we can stop here for today. I’m not really cut out for military stuff, so it took longer than I thought.”

“It’s fun learning together. It’s more human to see some flaws. If Killian were good at military matters too, I might really wonder what he is.”

“I’m glad you felt I was human. Haha.”

“Actually, wouldn’t it have been okay to skip class for today? You must have been through a lot.”

Victoria looked at Killian, who was smiling like a statue right in front of her.

*I wonder what he’s really feeling inside, even though he’s smiling like that.*

To be honest, I was a little taken aback when I first heard the news and wrote Joe’s letter.

I wasn’t sure what words of comfort to write because I didn’t really know what it felt like to lose parents.

I do have a father who passed away, but he died when Victoria was only one year old.

So she didn’t yet know what it felt like to lose parents.

Her father had been absent since before she could even remember, and she knew well how much loneliness that brought.

In Killian’s case, he must regard his father as the greatest benefactor of his life, so the sense of loss must be enormous, but I honestly still don’t know how big that is.

Still, it wasn’t as if she couldn’t imagine it at all.

Even though her father was never there from the beginning, and she only had a mother like that.

Victoria never wanted her mother to disappear completely.

Because she hadn’t given up hope that she might be able to restore her relationship with her mother someday if Conroy was just removed.

Even though she had been terribly tormented since she was young, the bond between parents and children was ultimately like that.

“It’s okay. To be honest, I wish my father had lived longer and seen me grow up, but he said he was happy anyway. The letter you sent me was also a great comfort. Thank you again.”

“Don’t mention it. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to tell me. I feel like I’m not giving back enough compared to the help I’ve received…”

“I’m not really hoping for anything, so it’s okay. If I really need help later, I’ll let you know.”

*I think he said something like that before, but I don’t remember him ever asking for anything.*

At first, I was sure this person wanted something too.

Because everyone who approached her, even if they pretended not to, had some kind of desire.

Even though she doesn’t have power now, she will one day be the Queen of England.

There were many who wanted to be promised future benefits, and that was no exception even for family.

However, Killian only pretended to covet the title in front of his mother and never said anything special in front of Victoria herself.

Rather, it would be better to create public opinion for the conferment of the title naturally in the parliament, and then acknowledge it.

Ah, come to think of it, there was something he wanted.

A story about hoping that Frederick and Cecilia’s marriage would be blessed.

And I remember being told that all he wanted was to not be discriminated against for being from Ireland later.

But strictly speaking, isn’t that closer to a common-sense appeal to normalize the abnormal, rather than a demand?

I didn’t understand it at first, but I get it now.

The reason why he thinks that’s enough is probably because that man has unwavering confidence in himself.

It means that he doesn’t care who he competes with as long as he can stand on an equal footing, and based on what I’ve seen so far, it makes sense.

I have never seen anyone among adults who has as much insight as Killian in the economic, social, and political fields.

He’s definitely a year younger than me, but it’s still a mystery how he came to have that level of insight.

The only thing I don’t like is that sometimes he treats me like a much younger girl, even though he’s younger than me.

I have no choice but to learn now, but I think it’s necessary to establish a clear relationship later if I have the opportunity.

“Speaking of which, Killian, didn’t you say you would give me homework last time? About who benefited the most from this election.”

“I did.”

“I’ve been thinking hard, so can you give me some points?”

Victoria spread the headlines of the newspapers Killian had brought on the table so that they could be seen well.

-Shock, O’Connell’s party supports the Conservative Party. Prime Minister is Robert Peel of the Conservative Party

“Daniel O’Connell showed signs of breaking away from the Whig Party, but not many people thought he would join hands with the Conservative Party. The pro-Whig newspaper, Morning Chronicle, interpreted that O’Connell was deliberately acting to increase his value.”

“Many people must have thought so. The Conservative Party wasn’t on very good terms with O’Connell.”

“That’s right. With this decision, the Whig Party suffered a huge blow, and the new leadership of the Conservative Party has become even more solid. And His Majesty, who pushed for the current Prime Minister, has also gained considerable power.”

“So, which side benefited the most?”

Usually, it would be the Conservative Party, which regained power, or the King, who forced the appointment of the Prime Minister but gained legitimacy even after the fact.

Or O’Connell, who can finally wield real power in the parliament, could be a strong candidate.

However, that is only the judgment of general intellectuals and newspapers with limited information.

Victoria knew very well who had predicted this trend from the beginning.

“The Conservative Party had a lot of fun in Ireland this time. And strangely, Daniel O’Connell suddenly put aside the conflict surrounding Ireland and joined hands with the Conservative Party. The newspaper says it’s thanks to Charles Wellesley, but I heard it directly from Killian, even if no one else knows? That he’s on special terms with Charles Wellesley.”

“You remembered?”

“Of course. I think there was someone who helped Charles Wellesley negotiate smoothly with O’Connell. Otherwise, that somewhat sudden move wouldn’t be explained. If so, the most likely candidate would be a family or aristocrat with some influence in Ireland, and I think that person would also have gained considerable power due to this election. What do you think?”

It was close to a guess based on intuition, but strangely, she didn’t think it was wrong.

Killian stared at her with eyes that didn’t reveal his inner thoughts as usual, then chuckled.

“70 points. Isn’t that more like picking a candidate from the beginning and retrofitting the surrounding situation?”

“Still, the fact that there are some points means you don’t deny it?”

“If you tell me a more in-depth reasoning next time, I’ll answer you.”

“Are you leaving? You seem to be getting up a little earlier than usual.”

“I have another appointment after this. I have to see the Prime Minister.”

Meeting with the person who will be the next king of the British Empire, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister.

Yet, seeing his relaxed attitude as if he were going for a walk in the neighborhood, she felt a subtly different feeling from Killian than before.

The expression ‘grown up’ might not be appropriate.

He was originally a precocious person who didn’t fit his age.

…But still, something is different.

She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but Victoria thought Killian looked more mature now.

Victoria watched his back until he disappeared from her sight.

* * *

“So, she’s roughly catching on.”

It’s a conclusion reached by spoon-feeding information, but Victoria showed the expected reaction.

At this point, it’s an assumption that only she, who knows me to some extent, can’t even imagine, but in a few years, there will be plenty of other candidates.

Thanks to that, it became a good reference.

I was able to come to a definite conclusion on what position and what stance I should take in the party in the future.

“…”

I took a carriage waiting in front of Kensington Palace and headed to Westminster.

No. 10 Downing Street, famous as the Prime Minister’s residence, was not yet being used as the Prime Minister’s residence [it officially became the PM’s residence later].

In the past, I would have met with Wellesley or Disraeli, but now it’s different.

As I entered the office alone, Robert Peel, who was sitting at his desk, greeted me with a broad smile.

“Welcome. It’s not a short distance from Eton [prestigious boarding school] to Westminster, are you tired?”

“I came from Kensington, so it didn’t take long.”

“Ah, that’s right. You must have come after being with the Princess. I hope I didn’t get in the way?”

“Of course not. Come to think of it, I’m late in visiting you and saying hello. Congratulations on being reappointed as Prime Minister.”

The smile on Robert Peel’s lips deepened even more.

“Hahaha, even if it’s a reappointment, the first time was just a temporary position, so now is the time to say that I’ve become a proper Prime Minister. And I should be thanking you. Wellesley said that you put in a lot of effort to persuade O’Connell.”

“Since you know everything, there’s no point in denying it. Yes, I worked hard.”

When viewed dispassionately, Victoria’s point that Wellesley persuaded O’Connell alone was unconvincing.

If someone who had no contact with him until now suddenly won over the other party with tremendous negotiating power, it would be impossible not to feel something was wrong.

Coincidentally, I was also planning to gradually reveal my presence within the party, so I decided to use this opportunity.

Therefore, the contents of the report received by Robert Peel were as follows.

-The reason why Charles Wellesley was able to persuade Daniel O’Connell was entirely thanks to the Earl of Aaron and Killian Gore.

“To be honest, I was a little uneasy when Wellesley told me to trust him and leave it to him. He’s been very active these days, but still, isn’t this too important? What magic did he use to win O’Connell’s heart?”

If O’Connell had rejoined the Whig Party, Robert Peel would have been dragged down just four months after taking office as Prime Minister.

It doesn’t reach George Canning’s 119-day term, which was the shortest record so far, but Canning died due to ill health, not being ousted.

In that respect, if the Conservative Party had failed to persuade O’Connell, Robert Peel would have received the dishonorable title of the shortest-term Prime Minister.

The reason why he didn’t fully trust Wellesley and the reason why he’s smiling so brightly now are easily understood.

“O’Connell is more sincere about the Irish issue than anyone else. However, even in a situation where the Whig Party had an overwhelming number of seats, the Church Reform Act was not passed in the end. In one corner of his mind, there must have been a sense of unease that if he continued to go with the Whig Party, Ireland might remain in place even after several years.”

“Wellesley also said that he would attack that point and get concessions by promising gradual reforms. But was O’Connell that easy of a person? Enough to change his position just by hearing these words?”

“No. In fact, my late father had been working hard to expand his influence within Ireland for several years. The fact that we recaptured a significant portion of the central region occupied by the Whig Party, not just Northern Ireland, in this election is proof of that. And O’Connell is quite worried about the fact that he has no successor to take over. I attacked that point.”

“Successor? You don’t mean…”

“Yes. My family and I will continue to have a stronger influence in Northern Ireland in the future. And if we work together with O’Connell in the future, O’Connell’s concerns about not having a successor will naturally be resolved.”

The smile on the Prime Minister’s lips disappeared in an instant.

“O’Connell is an independent, you don’t mean…?”

“No. If I had other intentions, would I be telling you this so openly here? O’Connell and I are more than 40 years apart in age. It means that it is possible to gradually learn and absorb the forces in reverse.”

“Is it possible? If you can do that, it means that Ireland will be completely our backyard…”

“If you help me, Prime Minister, it is unconditionally possible. My father has already set up all the plans, and I have learned all about it this time. We just need to find an appropriate line that gradually listens to Ireland’s demands without greatly stimulating public opinion in the home country.”

If I say that most of this was a plan that came out of my father’s head, there will be no suspicion that I have suddenly changed, and it is possible to naturally take care of the rights.

Of course, I must not lose my humble attitude because I must not give the impression that I am running wild as soon as I get the title and power.

“Amazing. I didn’t know that the Earl of Aaron had such a meticulous plan. If you think of it as the father’s legacy, who wanted to pass on a solid position to his young son, it’s not that I don’t understand.”

“Currently, my uncle has decided to manage Northern Ireland. He is continuing to work by co-opting other nobles and landowners, so he will be able to give you good results.”

“Hahaha, yes. You seem to have become more trustworthy since you received the title.”

“Thank you. I will show you that I will attract at least 90 seats or more from Ireland to the Conservative Party within ten years. However, our analysis is that there is a law that must be passed during this term to do so.”

Even loyal puppies need to be given feed to tame them, let alone people.

Robert Peel, who knows this obvious truth, asked without much concern.

“Are you talking about easing the tithe [a church tax]? That’s already been promised, so there’s no problem handling it.”

“That’s a promise with O’Connell. Northern Ireland has not only Catholics but also many members of the Church of England, so other reconciliation measures are needed. Of course, I don’t want to put a big burden on you, Prime Minister. It doesn’t have to be right now, but if you pass only three bills by the end of your term, Wellesley and I will take care of the rest.”

“If it’s three by the end of the term, it means you only have to handle one a year. There’s not much of a burden, but my answer will inevitably change depending on what kind of bill it is. Can I hear what it’s about?”

“Of course.”

What is it about?

It’s a bill that will receive corresponding compensation for using this much power.

You said the answer might change? Sorry, but that option doesn’t exist, Prime Minister.