I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 59

Fair and Square

As the carriage headed back to Westminster after the meeting in Kensington, Robert Peel suddenly spoke.

“Were you perhaps in low spirits?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you have Irish blood, and you are an Irish nobleman. I thought you might have been offended by what was said.”

Frankly, I wasn’t particularly bothered by the fact that they were bad-mouthing Ireland in front of an Irish nobleman.

It wasn’t as if English nobles had just started treating Ireland poorly.

Of course, Robert Peel and Lord Melbourne probably thought of me as Irish in name only, so they spoke more freely.

“You did say that you weren’t truly cooperating with O’Connell anyway. Those people were determined to make Ireland independent, so they couldn’t stay with us forever.”

“I suppose so.”

“Actually, I was a little worried, but this is good for us. If the Whigs’ scheme succeeds, O’Connell will fall, but who do you think will have an easier time seizing the south-central part of Ireland that becomes vacant, us or them?”

“Us, of course.”

Robert Peel’s face brightened at the answer he wanted to hear.

“I thought so too. I’m asking just in case, but if that actually happens, you’ll have to play an active role. Are you confident?”

“Yes. I need a few things, but I have a way to make the possibility 100 percent.”

“Really? Is there anything I need to help with?”

“No. I can prepare that myself. However, there’s something about this plan that I don’t quite understand. Didn’t the Prime Minister feel any sense of incongruity?”

In fact, the Whigs know very well that even if they oust O’Connell, they won’t be able to significantly increase their stake in Ireland.

Even so, they might decide to carry out the scheme, thinking it’s worth it to gain even a few more seats, but is that really all there is to it?

Lord Melbourne isn’t the type to be good at scheming, and from what I heard, it didn’t seem like this was his plan in the first place.

Perhaps it’s because I’m naturally suspicious, but I kept feeling like there was more to this plan than met the eye.

“Incongruity? What kind of incongruity are you talking about?”

“If the Whigs aren’t stupid, they must know that if they get rid of O’Connell, I’ll take his place. To put it bluntly, the Conservative Party had 40 seats in Ireland, and O’Connell had 50. It’ll just end up with the Conservative Party having 85 seats and the Whigs having about 5.”

“Wouldn’t they want those 5 seats? In the last election, the Whigs only needed 9 more seats to have a majority in Parliament. With the economic crisis this time, they might attack our party on that front and try to take 5 more seats in Ireland to secure a majority. At least, that’s how I interpreted it.”

“Maybe. But if I were them, I’d add just one more thing to the scheme. That way, they could solidify their victory.”

To oust O’Connell, who has stubbornly endured all sorts of schemes, they must have put a lot of effort into this one.

Having gone to that much trouble, would they be satisfied with just securing 5 more seats?

If I were the one who came up with the plan, I would never end it like that.

“You’re making me confused. If you were the one leading this plan in the Whig party, what would you do?”

“I’d spread sensational articles saying that the relationship between O’Connell and our party has broken down. If possible, I’d also include an anonymous tipster’s interview saying that the Prime Minister was displeased with O’Connell’s continued rise. After all, the Conservative Party benefits the most from O’Connell’s disappearance in the current situation. Usually, when something suspicious happens, the first ones to be suspected are those who benefit the most, right?”

“…Are you saying the Whigs are going to carry out a scheme and pin it on us? Surely not…”

“The Whigs will have done a lot of work in advance to avoid being caught carrying out the scheme. Even if we belatedly say it’s a conspiracy, the Irish public will already be outraged. Their anger will be directed at the dirty Conservative Party, which stabbed its ally O’Connell in the back to monopolize Ireland. Then the Whigs will be able to take at least 30 seats in Ireland, right?”

Robert Peel’s mouth dropped open.

Have I gone too far?

No, but shouldn’t the political machinations of the Great Hateful Empire be carried out on this scale?

“You… I’ve thought you were unusual since the year before last, but you definitely have the qualities to become a great politician. Yes, I overlooked that point.”

His reaction wasn’t sarcastic, but purely admiring, which made me feel strange.

Perhaps it’s because being recognized as a promising politician in the British Empire feels like an insult.

No, right? This is a compliment, right?

“Anyway, if they’re really plotting something like this, we need to think about countermeasures.”

“That’s easy. We can just tell the Whigs that we’ve changed our minds and won’t cooperate.”

“Then we’ll just go back to square one. I have a better plan than that. For now, Prime Minister, please pretend you don’t know anything and accept the Whigs’ proposal. I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Can you do it alone? Shouldn’t we move at the party level?”

The Prime Minister’s concern is understandable, but moving at the party level makes it harder to maintain security, which increases the chances of them noticing.

In the first place, I don’t think my information, which includes the two best detective agencies in London, or even England, is inferior to the Conservative Party’s at this point.

“Then just give me some funding. I’m thinking of asking a detective agency that’s gaining fame in London to gather information, but it might cost a bit.”

“Ah, right. I remember hearing that there’s a company that operates detectives on a large scale. You managed to think of that. Good, it seems faster to deal with people who will move reliably if we just give them money, rather than moving on a large scale. We’ll support the commission fee, so don’t worry about the cost and pick reliable people to investigate.”

“I understand. Then I’ll look into it as soon as I get back.”

Good. Since I’m going to investigate anyway, I’ll squeeze a lot of funding from the party, pretend to commission them with that, save money, and investigate. It’s killing two birds with one stone.

I’ll do the investigation and make money. Thanks to the Whigs, I’ll have a lot of fun.

I’ll treat you with the best price in the industry, but I can guarantee the quality, so don’t feel too bad, Prime Minister.

* * *

Only a few days have passed since Victoria ascended to the throne, but quite a few things have already changed.

First of all, the new Queen Victoria has declared that she will not enter Buckingham or Windsor Castle for the time being.

Even if she ascends to the throne, the coronation is usually held after half a year, or even up to a year, of preparation after the late king’s funeral, so rumors have been circulating that the move will take place at least after the funeral.

Still, the birth of a new monarch was enough to breathe new life into London, which had been exhausted by the recession.

In particular, newspapers hungry for scoops reported on how resolutely Victoria completed her schedule from the first day of her reign, and the public’s expectations soared.

It is impossible for the monarch to be deeply involved in politics, but still, citizens hoped that the young and beautiful queen would bring a fresh breeze to this country.

The citizens I saw on my way to the palace at Victoria’s call certainly looked more hopeful than before.

Even if there is not much change in reality, the economy is significantly affected by the psychology of the people.

These hopeful signs have a positive effect on escaping the recession, not a negative one.

“I greet Your Majesty.”

“It’s only been a few days, but you seem to have lost some weight.”

As the Duke of Sussex bowed slightly and I curtsied, Victoria glared as if she didn’t like it.

“Don’t be so stiff and treat me as before in private. Especially if you, Killian, do that, I feel too uncomfortable.”

“Hahaha, then I’ll deal with it accordingly in private. But I doubt whether this place should be considered private…”

As the Duke of Sussex turned his gaze to Lord Chamberlain and Earl Cunningham, who were standing next to Victoria, he smiled awkwardly and replied.

“I will deliver the will left by the late king and return to work immediately.”

The Duke of Sussex’s lips twitched for a moment at the word will.

Everyone already knew the contents, but he pretended to be really curious and exclaimed.

“Of course I have to listen to what my brother left me. So, what is it?”

“The contents will be delivered to the Duke and Her Majesty here first, and then released to the outside.”

“Then should I go out for a while?”

“No. Earl Aaron is also involved, so let’s just listen together.”

Earl Cunningham took out a document wrapped in antique leather, unfolded it so that the Duke of Sussex could see it, and continued solemnly.

“This is the will left by the late King William IV to His Grace the Duke of Sussex and Her Majesty Queen Victoria, the successor.

‘Although the Duke of Sussex married against the customs of the royal family, their love is sincere, and I have always felt sorry for being too harsh on my blood brother. So, if the heir who succeeds me has the mind to do so, I hope they will bless the marriage of my brother, the Duke of Sussex, even after the fact.’ That is the full text of the relevant content written in King William IV’s will.”

This way, Victoria can recognize Aunt Cecilia as the Duchess of Sussex without any burden, under the pretext of listening to the late king’s will.

Victoria, who pretended to be contemplating for a moment, asked Earl Cunningham.

“Then there’s no problem if I make an announcement that I will formally recognize the marriage between Cecilia Underwood and the Duke of Sussex, right? Tomorrow right away.”

“Yes. If King William IV’s will is made public, you will rather be praised for making a quick decision in consideration of the late king.”

It was a marriage that violated the laws of the royal family, but the Duke of Sussex had already suffered for a long time because of it, and William IV felt sorry for his brother and left this will.

Considering that the will left behind when he passed away was nothing more than a sentiment for his family, there is virtually no one who would object to this.

“Then what title should I give Cecilia Underwood?”

“Even if it is a posthumous recognition, it is not retroactive, so it is impossible to use the title of Duchess of Sussex. His Grace the Duke of Sussex also holds the position of Earl of Inverness, so it would be appropriate to grant his wife the title of Duchess of Inverness. Then, in the future, his wife will be called the Duchess of Inverness.”

“Then let’s do that. Lord Chamberlain, please process the relevant procedures today so that we can make an announcement tomorrow.”

“I understand.”

With this, Aunt Cecilia will now be officially recognized as a member of the royal family.

The Duke of Sussex couldn’t hide his excitement more than I did, but I could easily understand how he felt.

How would he feel watching his wife being treated like an outsider while living in Kensington Palace?

He was smiling so wide that his mouth was about to reach his ears, and he grabbed Earl Cunningham, who was about to bow and leave, and asked one more question.

“Then, with this, my wife is a definite member of the royal family and can be seen as having all the rights as my wife, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Then what happens if I adopt Killian, my wife’s nephew, as my adopted son?”

“…Yes? No, that’s…”

Earl Cunningham’s mouth dropped open as if he had never imagined such a case.

“I don’t have any children, but aren’t those children legally powerless? But I’m wondering what happens legally if I adopt Killian, my wife’s nephew, here.”

“First of all, there is not much problem with Your Grace adopting Earl Aaron as an adopted son under current law. However, adoption does not grant inheritance rights. So, of course, Earl Aaron will not be recognized as a member of the royal family. To be recognized for inheritance rights, you need Her Majesty’s permission, but of course Her Majesty would not allow it…”

“I don’t allow it? Why?”

Victoria, who was watching, interjected, and Earl Cunningham blinked and looked at the Duke of Sussex and Victoria alternately.

“You’re going to recognize the right of adoption?”

“No. I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but I’m saying I won’t necessarily oppose it.”

“It’s impossible. Of course, it’s possible if Your Majesty pushes it, and if His Grace the Duke of Sussex was just another earl or marquis who was not a member of the royal family, I honestly wouldn’t have any problems, but this is a matter involving the royal family. You must make a decision considering the opinions of Parliament and the citizens.”

“So you’re saying it’s better not to do it because there will be strong opposition from the outside?”

“Yes. That’s right. If Your Majesty has taken good care of state affairs for 20 or 30 years and then dares to make such a decision, you can still push it. But if you make such a decision as soon as you ascend the throne, there will definitely be a huge backlash.”

“I understand. If it’s impossible, I can’t help it.”

When he surprisingly accepted it, Earl Cunningham sighed in relief and hurried out, fearing that he would receive another strange question.

Victoria, who was staring at him, clicked her tongue openly and said.

“I have the authority, but I can’t use this, and I can’t use that. I expected it, but it’s really frustrating.”

“Still, Earl Cunningham is right.”

It’s okay to just go in as an adopted son, but an Irish half-blood inherits the position of a member of the English royal family and the Duke of Sussex?

Besides, a young queen who has not been on the throne for a week made this decision?

If you want people not to talk behind your back even after this, wouldn’t that be conscience-free?

“Still, it’s a relief that my aunt is recognized as the duchess. With this, I can recommend it to the Prime Minister without any burden.”

“Recommendation? Ah, that’s right. If Cecilia is recognized as the Duchess of Inverness, there will be no problem even if the Conservative Party recommends her as the Chief Lady-in-Waiting. But isn’t it unusual for a member of the royal family to serve as the Chief Lady-in-Waiting?”

“Of course, but my aunt has just become a member of the royal family, so the situation is a bit different. There is also the aspect of giving her the respect she has not received, and the aspect of helping her get used to the royal family more quickly. Above all, the current Chief Lady-in-Waiting is close to a temporary position that will change after the next election. In that sense, the ruling party will welcome it from the perspective that they can recommend it without any burden.”

Unless there is a special event, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting usually stays in office for 2 years or even 3 to 4 years.

However, now that William IV is dead, Victoria must dissolve this parliament and hold a new election.

Then, of course, the Chief Lady-in-Waiting is likely to be replaced by the recommendation of the new ruling party, so the current Chief Lady-in-Waiting’s term could be less than 2 months if something goes wrong.

No matter how honorable the position is, how many people would be willing to take a position that they might have to pack up and leave in just two months?

Especially if they are people with the status of Chief Lady-in-Waiting, they have no choice but to save face even more.

“But doesn’t that mean that the Duchess of Inverness may have to step down from the position of Chief Lady-in-Waiting in two months?”

“It’s okay. That’s because if the ruling party wins the next election, they just won’t recommend a new Chief Lady-in-Waiting. I’ll tell the Prime Minister.”

I was already thinking about what to ask for in return after contributing to the victory of this election, but there didn’t seem to be a better deal than this.

It wasn’t a burdening request at all for the Conservative Party, so it was good to show off, and it was okay for me because I wasn’t asking for my personal gain.

The Duke of Sussex seemed to be quite impressed this time, and Victoria was happy because the person she had been close to since before became the Chief Lady-in-Waiting.

This is what an ideal way for everyone to be happy is all about.

And above all…

“Thank you. Killian, who will be the adopted son of the Duchess of Inverness, will have even more power in Ireland.”

Oops, I got caught.

Still, I can’t leave my happiness out of everyone’s happiness. Of course, it has to be included.

“As someone who was a teacher for a moment to Her Majesty the Queen’s sharp insight, I couldn’t be more proud.”

I didn’t intend to hide it in the first place, so I just smiled confidently.

Victoria, who was looking at me, finally burst out laughing as if she was dumbfounded.