I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 494

< Uprooting (4) >

Serbia, nestled in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, had been actively pursuing independence since the early 19th century.

-The land of Serbs belongs to Serbs!

Coincidentally, the Ottoman Empire was experiencing a period of instability, and the rise of nationalism coincided, accelerating the independence movement. Russia, ever eager to capitalize on the Ottomans’ misfortunes, took notice.

The Russian imperial family, their authority weakened by scandals involving the British Empire, saw an opportunity to bolster their standing through the Balkan countries, a strategy that proved effective.

In the past, driven by greed, Russia might have exploited the Ottoman Empire relentlessly, declaring, ‘Hehehe, the Black Sea is ours, and so is the Bosphorus Strait.’

However, Russia, now facing harsh realities, surprisingly adopted a more cautious approach.

‘Even if we seize the entire Black Sea, the British Empire and France will likely intervene. Let’s not risk humiliation by grasping for gains we can’t secure.’

This war aimed to restore the imperial family’s authority, but another setback at the hands of the British Empire would be disastrous.

People would perceive Russia as a weakened state, unable to assert its rightful gains without the British Empire’s approval.

Whether accurate or not, such an image had to be avoided at all costs.

Therefore, Russia’s primary objective was to actively support the independence of Orthodox and Pan-Slavic countries.

As the late 19th century approached, clinging to the term ’empire’ seemed less crucial; the most effective way to unite a country was by fostering national pride.

In particular, the title of Emperor of the Empire was the perfect way to enhance the imperial family’s prestige.

Russia decided to capitalize on the burgeoning Pan-Slavism movement [a political ideology advocating the unity of all Slavic peoples].

“We will fully support independence and the establishment of monarchies. However, recognize and respect Russia as the big brother of the Slavic people.”

Originally, an empire resembled a system where numerous vassal states surrounded a powerful country led by an emperor.

Until now, the Russian Empire had called itself an empire, but in reality, it was more like a somewhat pathetic country shouting ‘Emperor’ alone on a remote island.

However, if countries like Serbia and Bulgaria gained independence in the Balkans and formed a force centered on Russia, the situation would change.

Russia wasn’t seeking Ottoman-style dominance; they merely requested respect for their role in helping these countries achieve independence, which met with little resistance.

Indeed, Russia’s influence on their independence was undeniable.

“From now on, only countries for the Slavic people, by the Slavic people, will exist in this land! Serbians should unite, and Bulgarians should unite to exercise sovereignty!”

Since they declared their intention to unite and live among themselves, the Western European powers had no immediate grounds for intervention.

Russia quietly acted as a patron of the Balkans, while the Ottoman Empire, weakened, focused on managing its remaining territories.

Of course, Russia’s attitude was known to change drastically depending on the circumstances.

They might be content with being treated as the big brother of the Slavs for now, but it was widely understood that the big brother would soon become a dad, and the dad would become the master.

A significant number of Balkan nationalists were pro-Russian, but some of the more astute ones recognized this potential shift.

“Russia is being friendly now because their circumstances are unfavorable. Once their conditions improve, they will demand our submission at any moment.”

“That’s true, but we’ve also received considerable help from Russia, so rejecting them outright because of a future possibility seems unreasonable, doesn’t it?”

“Of course, we shouldn’t openly antagonize them. However, we must always be prepared and strengthen our solidarity even further.”

As soon as Serbia was recognized by the European powers as the Kingdom of Serbia, they placed Prince Milan Obrenović of Serbia on the throne.

However, the Serbian prince was only 17 years old and lacked political control.

Moreover, the military’s influence was overwhelming after the successful armed independence movement, effectively making them the de facto political leaders.

“In that regard, Serbia should be most wary of two countries in the future: Russia and Austria.”

“We understand Russia, but why Austria too?”

“Austria is attempting to incorporate various ethnic groups by creating a unified empire. This will undoubtedly hinder the unification of our Serbia in the future.”

“That’s right. Considering immediate threats, Austria is likely a bigger obstacle than Russia.”

At the staff meeting discussing Serbia’s future policies, the young officers unanimously leaned towards an anti-Austria stance.

Being young, energetic, and proud of their role in achieving independence, this was a natural development.

“…But isn’t it too risky for us, a fledgling nation, to confront Austria head-on?”

“There’s no need for a direct confrontation. Instead of the government taking an official position, we should mobilize a private organization to shape public opinion.”

“Are you suggesting we create a secret society led by the military?”

“Exactly. We need an organization with the drive to advocate for Serbian unity, continuously highlight the dangers of Austria, and demonize them!”

Young officer Petar’s passionate speech resonated with the generals in attendance.

“If the government officially does this, it will give them an excuse to find fault. If we secretly create and support an organization, we can dismiss any protests from other countries. We can claim ignorance.”

“Yes. Speed is crucial, so if you give us permission, we’ll start immediately.”

“Good. Proceed. As for His Majesty, we… no, there’s no need to inform him.”

After all, informing the young king might only frighten him; it’s best to handle it ourselves.

Thus, less than ten days after its establishment, Serbia created a secret organization to promote extreme nationalism.

The secret society with the chilling name [Death Rather Than Disunity] began its activities in secret, unnoticed.

* * *

The integration of nationalists and the integration of those aiming for a unified empire have completely different meanings.

Crown Prince Rudolf Franz Karl Joseph definitively concluded which path Austria should take after a year in London.

He was liberal-minded but still young and impressionable.

“We are the Austrian Empire, but there’s no future in a system where only Austrians enjoy privileges. If I become emperor, I plan to actively employ Austrians, Serbians, Bosniaks, and Croatians, assuming they are capable.”

“That’s a good idea, but how will you address the opposition from those who already have privileges?”

“Uh… that… I’ll look to the British Empire for guidance…”

“The British Empire isn’t a perfect example. They didn’t reduce existing privileges but distributed newly created vested interests from their colonies to new people.”

Within England, aristocrats and emerging capitalists fiercely compete for vested interests, but they are all English.

Most marginalized Irish, Black, and Asian immigrants are recognized as citizens in Canada and enjoy their lives there.

However, Austria can’t create new lands like Canada.

“Hmm… I was planning to create something like the United States of Greater Austria, inspired by the British Empire or the United States of America, but is it still difficult?”

“It’s not impossible, but expect opposition. Consider how to resolve it.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Rudolf bowed politely to Killian, who had advised him, and left Buckingham Palace.

His ideas could have been dismissed as childish, but Killian always listened seriously.

He didn’t treat his thoughts like a fool, like his father, or scold him.

He also didn’t insist on protecting traditions and establishing the empire’s authority.

This was probably because Killian was British, not Austrian, but he liked Killian more than his own father.

Killian respected the Crown Prince’s inclinations and introduced him to members of parliament and university professors.

Rumors that the Crown Prince was reforming Austria’s future politics based on the British Empire had spread in London.

-The Crown Prince, studying in London, is impressed by the British Empire’s superior system and is trying to learn from it.

This alone made citizens more friendly to Rudolf and Austria, so newspapers deliberately spread such articles.

“Should Austria reform by referring to Canada instead of the British mainland? I should consult my sister, but she probably doesn’t know much about this… or my brother Edward or sister Adelaide…”

“Crown Prince! Wake up!”

“Unified Empire! What nonsense!”

However, an unexpected incident occurred.

Crown Prince Rudolf returned to his mansion and was shocked to see people lined up in front of the fence.

“What are those people doing?”

Judging from their chants about the Crown Prince, they were dissatisfied, but he didn’t understand why.

As Rudolf was about to investigate.

Beeeep!

“Where do you think you’re protesting, you bastards!”

“You maggots who can’t tell your ass from your elbow! Drag them all away!”

Mounted police rushed in and quickly suppressed the protesters, dragging them away.

The still-young Rudolf struggled to understand the scene, but he vaguely remembered some of their slogans.

No matter how good the intention, some will reject it.

He, still young, had no idea how to solve this.

* * *

“…It was roughly this kind of flow.”

Something was wrong.

I know about the extreme nationalist group in Serbia.

What was it called, the Black Hand or the White Hand? [Both were Serbian nationalist groups, though the Black Hand is more famous.] Anyway, I knew they were major players in the Sarajevo incident.

But the guy who caused that incident was either just born or not even born yet, and already there are guys causing a ruckus in front of the Crown Prince’s house?

I guess the team that’s going down is going down, and the events that are going to happen are going to happen.

“Prime Minister, I think we should move up the plan a little more. Let’s just do it now?”

“Yes? So you’re really saying that His Majesty didn’t orchestrate it?”

“Ah, I’m telling you, that’s not it. Would I be crazy to instigate that commotion in front of the mansion of the Crown Prince who came to study in London?”

The possibility that this is related to that Black Hand or whatever is low.

Perhaps a similar group has emerged much faster than in the original history, but it may not be the case.

But what does it matter?

The important thing is that the Crown Prince of Austria felt his life was threatened because of those crazy people.

What kind of threat to life is it just because of a protest?

A person dies when their heart stops, and if they receive too much shock, their heart can be paralyzed.

So, those who surprised the Crown Prince can be said to be attempted assassins who aimed for the Crown Prince’s heart attack.

And I had a duty to protect the safety of the distinguished guest who visited the British Empire.

Okay. Let’s start by holding a press conference.