I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 61

Fair and Square (3)

In politics, universal agreement is an unattainable ideal.

When disagreements become irreconcilable, changing parties might be the only solution. However, when that’s not an option, differing opinions must coexist within the same party.

O’Connell’s Repeal Association wasn’t at that point yet, but signs of internal division were beginning to surface.

“William Smith O’Brien leads a faction within our party known as Young Ireland. As you know, the Young Ireland faction holds views that diverge somewhat from my own.”

“I’ve heard some argue that O’Connell’s methods lack efficiency.”

“I firmly believe that violence should never be an option. Some of the younger members find this stance… limiting.”

The Young Ireland faction is, as the name suggests, comprised of young and enthusiastic Irish nationalists.

In the original timeline, they emerged a few years later, but O’Connell’s rapid rise seems to have accelerated their appearance.

“Considering O’Connell’s accomplishments, surely no one would openly criticize his methods as inefficient?”

“Of course, they wouldn’t say that to my face. But as our influence grows, the call for a more aggressive, more radical approach is inevitable. Young people are always more zealous.”

“It sounds like childish complaining, but do they have much support within the party?”

“No. If they did, I wouldn’t be standing idly by. Besides O’Brien, there’s John Mitchel and Osborne Davis. O’Brien is the most vocal advocate for violence, but his support is limited.”

I understood O’Connell’s inaction.

Unless their influence grew enough to cause significant discord, he likely saw no need to suppress opinions that were fringe, even within the Young Ireland faction.

As any organization expands, diverse voices emerge.

Given O’Connell’s personality, he probably felt that intervening in such minor matters would be unbecoming of a party leader.

“Still, isn’t O’Brien a member of the House of Commons? Even with limited support, publicly criticizing O’Connell’s methods seems problematic.”

“The idea of violence is beyond consideration, but other points are debatable, and I’ve considered them myself. Unlike me, who emphasizes English education, the younger members argue for abandoning English and embracing Irish exclusively… These are matters for discussion, not for imposing my views.”

“I understand. Language and nationalism are intertwined.”

O’Connell’s insistence on mastering English, the language of England, while advocating for independence did seem contradictory.

His reasoning was sound.

English was becoming a global language, offering a significant advantage, so rejecting it would be unwise.

Conversely, the Young Ireland nationalists believed that learning English would neglect Irish, weakening national identity.

Both sides had valid points, making it a matter for careful consideration, not imposition.

O’Brien was simply the most outspoken critic of O’Connell’s policies.

“Why bring this up now? I don’t see its connection to the Whigs’ attacks on me.”

“I intend to investigate that. But I’m gaining insights thanks to you, O’Connell.”

“Is that so? That’s a relief.”

“To get the full picture, I need to hear their side, but they’re unlikely to cooperate, right?”

To the Young Ireland faction, who view O’Connell as moderate, I’m practically a traitor hindering Ireland’s independence.

A rational assessment would show who is more beneficial to Ireland, but extremists rarely think rationally.

These young people might not be complete extremists, but they certainly won’t be friendly.

“Should I arrange a meeting for you, given the opportunity?”

“No. The Whigs might discover my contact with O’Brien. If the conversation goes poorly, they might reveal everything. I’ll contact them myself, discreetly. This might require extreme measures, so please understand.”

“I’m just saying this, but you’re not planning to harm them, are you?”

“Of course not.”

Would someone as refined as me assault or kill a member of the House of Commons?

I’ll simply instill a sense of potential crisis if things go awry.

I even agree with the Young Ireland faction that violence is sometimes justified.

However, they should be prepared to be targets themselves.

If not, this will be a valuable lesson. They can thank me later.

* * *

London, July 1837.

Three weeks after King William IV’s death.

The funeral took place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, in a solemn atmosphere.

Following tradition, Queen Victoria did not attend the funeral of the previous monarch.

This emphasizes the transition to a new era. The current monarch’s absence symbolizes the end of the old and the beginning of the new.

Instead, the Duke of Sussex, the late king’s brother, stood directly behind the coffin, leading the procession in place of the Queen.

Prominent figures from all walks of life, along with members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons, filled the chapel. The Archbishop of Canterbury delivered a memorial address.

“…The late King dedicated his life to his country, fostering progress through social reforms. We pray that William IV rests in eternal peace and for the future of the newly enthroned Queen…”

As the choir sang hymns, William Smith O’Brien chuckled inwardly.

Wasn’t this absurd?

The king of England died, yet Irish representatives, including himself, were expected to feign sadness?

Sending a representative to express condolences was understandable.

But requiring all members to attend the funeral at Windsor Castle was hard to accept.

Ireland was part of England, so members of the House of Commons had obligations?

That was the logic of the oppressors.

Anyone concerned with Ireland’s future should object, but most resigned themselves to it.

‘O’Connell’s methods have limitations.’

Some accused him of hostility towards Daniel O’Connell, but that was false.

O’Connell was a great politician deserving of respect. He meant that sincerely.

However, Ireland now had an opportunity to gain more power and influence, so it was time to change tactics.

Otherwise, opportunists like the despicable Earl of Arran, Killian Gore, would exploit the situation.

‘You trashy traitor. When Ireland becomes independent, I’ll hang that bastard myself.’

O’Brien controlled his expression, glaring at Killian, who was praying near the Conservative Party members.

He hated the English, but he hated Killian more.

A man of Irish blood who was more loyal to England than anyone else.

If he lived that way quietly, it wouldn’t matter, but his influence on Ireland was significant.

Northern Ireland was practically the Earl of Arran’s territory, and his admirers were increasing even in the central and southern regions.

His aunt, Cecilia Underwood, had received a title from the Queen, officially joining the royal family.

Irish people were starting to see this as proof that they could succeed in England.

Dangerous. A dangerous trend.

‘I have to accept their proposal.’

To restore this country, there was no other way.

An extreme remedy was needed, even with the shock and pain it would cause.

Even if it seemed like betraying his respected benefactor.

Wouldn’t O’Connell gladly bear the burden for Ireland’s sake?

Having rationalized to his satisfaction, O’Brien left Windsor Castle quickly.

He didn’t want to remain in that unpleasant place any longer.

In the carriage, he closed his eyes and organized his plans.

He would meet with the Whig Party figure next week to finalize the arrangements.

Since the preparations were complete, he needed to avoid getting caught.

Looking out the window, O’Brien felt something was wrong.

“Huh? This isn’t the way we came. Are we going the right way?”

“…”

“Hey! Why aren’t you answering? Are we going the right way?!”

Thump! Screech!

The carriage stopped abruptly, and O’Brien hit his face on the seat.

“Wh-what! What’s going on…?”

Rubbing his nose, O’Brien opened the door and stopped when he saw masked men.

“William Smith O’Brien, right?”

“Y-you! Do you know who I am? I’m a member of the House of Commons…”

“We got the right one. Any trouble, and we shoot. Come with us if you want to live.”

He never imagined thugs would kidnap a member of the British House of Commons in broad daylight.

And near nobles attending the King’s funeral?

The culprit was either powerful or insane.

Either way, it was dangerous, so O’Brien decided to comply for now.

The coachman was slumped over, unconscious.

Who were these people?

He had to find out while appearing compliant.

Then he would make them pay.

It was unimaginable, but O’Brien maintained his composure and moved slowly.

* * *

Kidnapping a member of the British parliament would have severe consequences.

Anyone knew that, so those responsible had to be prepared for the aftermath.

A huge basement resembled a secret organization’s hideout.

O’Brien was dragged into a room with a screen, hiding my employees.

I had thoroughly investigated O’Brien’s route, the coachman, and his habits, making it easy.

The detectives I hired were reliable and discreet, creating a plausible atmosphere.

“You’ve finally arrived.”

O’Brien flinched at my muffled voice from behind the screen.

“I don’t know what you’re planning, but this won’t end by silencing me. You’ve attacked the parliament.”

“Hehehe, the parliament? You constantly demand Ireland’s independence, but now you claim to be a member of the British House of Commons? Convenient.”

“…What?”

“Isn’t it hypocritical to preach ‘Ireland, Ireland’ but invoke the British House of Commons when threatened? Or is your usual persona a facade?”

“Facade!”

O’Brien glared at me, forgetting his kidnapping.

The more agitated, the better. I sneered.

“Isn’t that obvious? That’s why you’re here.”

“Why I’m here? You’re not after money. Who ordered you? The Conservative Party? Or O’Connell’s supporters? Too bad, I won’t cooperate. I won’t say a word.”

“You misunderstand. We want nothing from you. We risked everything to punish a traitor.”

“…Traitor?”

O’Brien blinked, confused.

Threats and violence in parliamentary politics weren’t new.

Such things were common in the 20th century, and political gangsters and the Mafia still existed in the 21st.

No matter how bizarre my actions, as long as they occurred in politics, I could only use familiar methods.

I had encountered all sorts of dirty things and people.

Therefore, understanding O’Brien’s tendencies wasn’t difficult.

He wasn’t driven by personal gain.

He believed he was acting for Ireland more than anyone else.

Threats and coaxing wouldn’t work. They would backfire.

The most effective approach was to underestimate his conviction.

“Trash trying to sell Ireland’s future. We’re united to punish you.”

The last words were in fluent Irish, driving a wedge. O’Brien’s eyes trembled.

Incomprehension, embarrassment, confusion, anxiety.

He shouted urgently.

“What nonsense! How dare! How dare anyone call me a traitor? No one in Ireland can say that to me!”

“Denying it shamelessly? We have evidence. We collect information to eliminate those who harm our compatriots, dedicated to helping Ireland. We’ve eliminated quite a few, disguised as accidents or illnesses.”

“…What is that…”

“We’ve been careful because targeting parliament members or nobles would cause too much attention. But shouldn’t we eliminate a traitor who clings to England?”

O’Brien’s face turned white, realizing the misunderstanding.

The impregnable expression collapsed.

“Betray the country? Nonsense! You’re English spies! What reward did they promise? You should be ashamed!”

“Excellent acting. English spies? Don’t be absurd. If you deny it, I’ll reveal everything. Before the election, the Whigs contacted Irish members to induce betrayal. They all refused.”

“That’s…”

“But you. You’ve been in contact with the Whigs. We investigated. You made a secret deal. The others rejected the Whigs to help Ireland.”

O’Brien’s pupils shook.

He no longer saw us as a ragtag group?

“We can’t let a dangerous person who made a deal with the Whigs live. There may be other traitors. Your death will warn them. Killing a parliament member will cause noise, but we’ll endure it for Ireland’s future. Unlike Daniel O’Connell, we’re ready to shed blood for Ireland.”

One of my subordinates pointed a pistol at O’Brien’s head.

“Wa-wait! You misunderstand! I’m not a traitor!”

“They all say that. When Ireland is independent, your name will be cursed as a traitor. Regret betraying your country and fall into hell…”

“No! That’s not true! You morons! I contacted the Whigs for Ireland, not betrayal! Investigate thoroughly! Listen to me and judge again!”

Life is precious, but he can’t stand his beliefs being denied?

The subordinate lowered his gun, and I lifted the screen, wearing a mask.

“I’ll listen to your evidence. If it’s a lie, I’ll kill you.”

“Hoo…. You stupid morons. If I prove I didn’t betray, you’ll apologize and cooperate with my plan. Can you do that?”

That’s what I wanted. How grateful.

I stared at O’Brien, nodded, and sat down.

“Speak.”

“…Okay. Listen carefully and judge properly.”