I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 63

Became a Hidden Power in the British Empire 63

To the High Place

About two weeks after the funeral of William IV.

Victoria, after consulting with Robert Peel, announced a royal decree to dissolve Parliament.

Since the British Empire still operated under the belief that Parliament’s authority and legitimacy stemmed from the Crown, a law existed stating that Parliament could not continue after the monarch’s death.

Questions about the purpose of this law had recently surfaced, but as long as it remained, it had to be observed.

Thus, the dissolution of Parliament due to the monarch’s death—which would be recorded as the last of its kind in British Empire history—took place. Official documents announcing elections for a new Parliament were disseminated throughout the country.

Prime Minister Robert Peel, having completed all the necessary procedures, returned with a sigh.

The deep wrinkles etched on his forehead made it clear how much effort he had invested in this matter.

“You’ve worked hard, Prime Minister.”

“Since I’ve dissolved Parliament, I’m technically not the Prime Minister anymore.”

“You’ll be Prime Minister again anyway, so what does it matter?”

“I hope so, but… Did you uncover everything you were supposed to? Are you certain the Whigs have other plans?”

“Absolutely.”

I only shared half of my findings with Robert Peel.

I merely mentioned that the Whigs were attempting to oust Daniel O’Connell and replace him with a pro-Whig figure to alter the Repeal Association’s agenda.

I withheld the shocking truth: their plan to instigate a large-scale riot in Ireland, blame it on the Tories [members of the Conservative Party], and eliminate both the Tories and the Young Ireland faction [a nationalist political movement] in one fell swoop.

“So, the Whigs were considering replacing O’Connell with this O’Brien fellow as the next leader of the Repeal Association. They told me they were going to wipe out the Repeal Association altogether, but they had other intentions after all.”

“They’re probably planning to exploit him, drain him dry, and then discard O’Brien too.”

After all, O’Brien and the Young Ireland faction are merely pathetic puppets dancing to the Whigs’ tune.

They may believe they’re working towards their country’s independence with noble ideals, but their fate is only a ‘purge after use’ ending.

They won’t even be remembered in history as the worst traitors who ruined Ireland, so they should be thanking me instead.

How many who have sought independence by relying on external forces have actually succeeded?

Especially when the target is the political party of the country dominating them?

Ultimately, it means the initial approach was flawed from the start, leaving no option but to dismantle everything and rebuild from scratch.

“Anyway, you said you have a plan, so I’ll refrain from informing the party and observe. But if things go awry, you understand this won’t be solely your problem, correct?”

“Yes. But if I resolve this matter flawlessly, I trust you’ll grant me greater importance in the next government.”

“That’s precisely what I mean. I’ve been pondering this, and I’ve concluded that this situation arises because our Conservative Party hasn’t fully established control over Ireland. My relationship with Daniel O’Connell isn’t poor, but he’s aging, and his desire for independence means we’ll inevitably part ways.”

“Even if it’s not O’Brien, any successor from the Young Ireland faction will likely lead to increased conflicts with our party.”

“Precisely. Therefore, if we become the ruling party this time, we must, at all costs, expand our party’s influence in Ireland. You’ll be of age next year, enabling you to actively participate in politics.”

Good, good. This is unfolding exactly as I anticipated.

But you understand what I require to completely dominate Ireland, correct?

If something is given, something must be received.

“But Prime Minister, even upon reaching adulthood, establishing a prominent presence in politics won’t be easy. As a Count, I’m barred from the House of Commons, and being an Irish Count doesn’t automatically grant me entry into the House of Lords…”

“Don’t fret. Once the election concludes and Parliament is formed, the party will petition His Majesty to bestow a title upon you. His Majesty holds you in high regard, so he won’t refuse. Consequently, you’ll become a member of the House of Lords starting next year.”

“Won’t there be opposition from within the party? I recall hearing considerable dissent last time regarding my immediate entry into the House of Lords upon reaching adulthood…”

“Once the election concludes, the full story of this incident will become known within the party. Then, to prevent similar incidents in the future, the sentiment to promote you as Ireland’s representative will inevitably gain traction. Have no worries.”

Of course, it should.

One of the reasons I initially withheld the Whigs’ detailed schemes from Robert Peel was precisely this.

Had I revealed all of the Whigs’ plans to Robert Peel or the Conservative Party, what would their reaction have been?

Undoubtedly, they would have concentrated all their efforts on systematically removing the Whig leaders, turning the opposition party into a wasteland.

Then, I, who had made a significant contribution, would naturally be trusted initially, but for how long?

The value of Ireland and myself is paradoxically amplified by the Whigs’ presence as a threatening opposition party.

If the Whigs were reduced to a minor party barely capable of securing 100 seats, it would signify the exhaustion of their value.

Since the ruling party is already determined, regardless of Irish seats, what concessions would the Conservative Party continue to grant me?

Scipio, who defeated Hannibal and crushed Carthage, serves as a fitting example.

Scipio Africanus, the unparalleled general who triumphed at the Battle of Zama and concluded the Second Punic War.

Initially hailed as the hero who saved Rome, he was eventually driven out of Roman politics by the Senate, which feared his growing influence.

If the Whigs truly collapse, my future won’t differ significantly.

They would merely bestow upon me a flattering title, lauding me as the Conservative Party’s hero who aided in ousting the Whigs, and then gradually push me into obscurity.

“Thank you. If I enter the House of Lords, I will dedicate myself even more diligently to the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party.”

“Good. I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Completely neutralizing the Whigs should occur only after I am certain that the Conservative Party has become entirely mine.

Of course, the more weaknesses of the enemy I possess, the more avenues I can exploit, so I must gather evidence incrementally.

Even with the data I’ve amassed this time, I could end the political careers of Lord Melbourne or John Russell if I so desired.

Therefore, until the opportune moment arrives, I hope they remain a threatening opposition party capable of challenging the Conservative Party, even if only nominally.

So that I can continue to pick up some crumbs as I am now.

* * *

A small house near the southernmost part of Ireland.

Cork County, one of Ireland’s largest constituencies, was a crucial location that would serve as the starting point for this incident.

And now, with the day of the uprising fast approaching, I conducted a final review of the plan with O’Brien.

“…With this, the preparations are complete. Now, if we execute everything flawlessly on the day, the plan will proceed smoothly.”

“So, you’re saying you’ll be next to O’Connell the moment he’s arrested.”

“Yes. If the police don’t recognize him, I’ll have to signal.”

It’s not a consciously devised method, but it bears a resemblance to the method employed by Judas, who betrayed Jesus in the Bible.

I refrained from adding any specific remarks and simply concurred with O’Brien’s plan, as I had done thus far.

“The structure is sound for now. Killeen Gore is coming down here to deliver support speeches for his party’s candidates, so a large crowd will gather, and interest will be high. So, are you planning a direct act of terrorism against the Conservative Party’s members there?”

“I’d like to do that if I could, but I’ll limit myself to issuing threats for now. Anyway, you promised to take care of Killeen Gore.”

“Come to think of it, you did. Ah, if you require any additional support, feel free to inform me at any time. I can provide you with funds.”

He doesn’t critique the plan or inquire deeply, but he supports the funds.

From the executor’s perspective, there is no more reliable investor than this, so O’Brien trusted me, who still doesn’t show his face, until the end.

“By the way, I’ll finally see your face when this plan is over. I’m looking forward to it.”

“Are you still curious about my identity? Or do you suspect me?”

“There’s no way I’d suspect you. You’ve been supporting me with funds like this and haven’t uttered a single negative word. And I can surmise why you can’t reveal your identity. If you’re someone capable of moving this much money at your age, there aren’t many individuals like that in this country. I can imagine what kind of background you possess.”

O’Brien regarded me with an understanding gaze, as if he had a few candidates in mind.

Then, he filled a glass with Irish beer and proposed a toast.

“Now everything will revert to its rightful place. For the success of the plan, for Ireland!”

“For Ireland.”

I didn’t decline and drank the lukewarm beer.

I feel sorry for O’Brien, but the reason I generously provided him with funds and didn’t inquire about the plan in detail was because there was no need to do so in the first place.

Money is flow, and if you understand the flow, you can grasp the entire picture of the plan.

Simply by observing how O’Brien utilizes the money he receives from me, I can discern the nature of his plan.

How he disguises the members as rioters, which areas he intends to instigate simultaneous riots in, and how he plans to fabricate evidence to implicate Daniel O’Connell as the mastermind and deliver it to the Irish police.

I had already anticipated everything in advance.

With more experience, I might have sensed something amiss, but the youthful exuberance of a thirty-year-old and the intoxication of nearing the plan’s success must have blinded him.

Simultaneously, I also confirmed the ideology shared by the extreme radicals concealed within the Young Ireland faction through O’Brien.

Unfortunately, I cannot allow dangerous bombs that disregard reality to remain within Ireland.

If that’s the case, I hope they vanish as fuel for Ireland, as they constantly proclaim.

As splendidly as possible.

* * *

The day of the fateful election campaign.

O’Brien attempted to conceal his nervousness and assisted Daniel O’Connell as usual.

“Today, we will hold a joint rally in Cork County. The Conservative Party will be present with Earl Aaron and the candidates he supports, so a fierce debate is anticipated.”

“Still, that side has sided with us before, so at least three out of four seats will be won by our people. What’s more important is to convince not only the voters but all the citizens of our policy.”

O’Connell didn’t solely fixate on winning the election.

His grand ambition was to garner support from all Irish citizens rooted in this land, even those without the right to vote.

In that regard, Cork County, with a population exceeding 800,000, was an area that could never be overlooked, and the same held true for the Conservative Party.

“O’Connell, Earl Aaron’s popularity has been soaring lately. If we don’t respond carefully, we may lose the area we occupy to them.”

“If the citizens of Ireland deem their ideology more correct than ours, we must humbly accept it. The heart for Ireland will be sincere to each other, so wouldn’t it be right to have a good-faith competition?”

“That’s too soft of a thought. Look at what the British guys did this time. They’re spreading scandalous articles that O’Connell is having an affair with John D’Esterre’s widow.”

“There’s no need to be shaken by those who resort to such low-quality tactics. After all, wise voters will recognize it as a garbage article that doesn’t warrant consideration.”

The sensational articles designed to conceal the original purpose of the Whigs and O’Brien continued to circulate, but O’Connell seemed largely unconcerned.

His strategy was to briefly refute it at this rally and focus more on the essential issues.

He wasn’t wrong. He certainly wasn’t wrong, but he was too weak.

Even just the problem of Killeen Gore is like that.

Their hearts for Ireland are sincere to each other?

How can he unite the public opinion of Ireland and reach independence with such a soft heart?

Politics must be like war, with the mindset of thoroughly kneeling the enemy and monopolizing all the rights.

O’Brien once again confirmed O’Connell as a weak leader in his heart.

What will happen today is by no means wrong, and everything is for Ireland.

O’Brien, who had gone through the process of justifying his decision once again, had no hesitation at all now.

And finally, as their carriage arrived at the rally, a cloud of people gathered and raised their voices.

“O’Connell! O’Connell!”

“The hope of Ireland! The guardian of Ireland!”

The enthusiastic cheers of the believers poured out even before they went up on the platform.

O’Connell walked onto the platform, drawing a speech on the spot in an even louder voice, as if responding to their enthusiasm.

“Dear compatriots, beloved brothers!”

“O’Connell! O’Connell! O’Connell!”

“Thanks to you who have trusted and supported me, we have achieved many results! No more of your tithes are used only for those few Anglicans, and the administration of our region is not controlled by a few corrupt politicians! But we have not yet reached the end! What do we want?”

“Independence! Independence! Independence!”

“That’s right! We will continue to move towards independence in the future! Until the day when we can decide our future with our hands, I, Daniel O’Connell, will be with you! Even if you pay a little less tax, even if you don’t have the right to vote, I will listen to the voices of everyone. Don’t forget that I, O’Connell, am always by your side! For Ireland!”

“For Ireland!”

That charisma that drives supporters crazy even before starting a proper campaign.

How long have I cherished the regret that if I had used that ability better, I could have accelerated the independence of Ireland even faster?

But that feeling ends today.

Just in time, the atmosphere was just right, and at the perfect timing, the Conservative Party members and their supporters were seen gathering on the opposite side.

The moment O’Connell, who was standing on the platform, was about to start his main speech, O’Brien, who was standing behind him, gave a signal. As if promised, shouts erupted from all over the crowd.

“There! There are lackeys of the Autonomy Party who are hindering independence!”

“Traitors who deny independence!”

“Isn’t it because of those bastards who lick England’s ass that we still haven’t achieved independence!”

“Let’s kill them! Let’s kill them! Let’s kill them!”

A large number of agitators who had been planted in advance ran out and shouted, and some of the crowd, who were already furious, were swept away by them in the meantime.

It would be futile if they didn’t respond at all, but of course, they had planted people on that side in advance.

“Empty-headed independence parrots!”

“They want to get hit, so let’s beat them as they wish!”

It’s not uncommon for the two sides to clash during the campaign, but the scale was different now.

Thanks to the agitators who were dug in at the right places, the crowd was completely out of their minds, and the crowd that was out of control instantly turned into rioters.

They were not only fighting among themselves, but also breaking the carriages that the landowners and candidates had come in, tearing up banners, and chairs and clubs were flying everywhere.

“Let’s destroy everything! After all, these are things made by exploiting our blood and sweat!”

It’s not just here now.

Similar things will be happening in the north and central regions, so the authorities will never be able to ignore this disturbance.

O’Brien, who was watching the torrent of curses, screams, and frenzy, stood next to O’Connell as if to protect him.

“O’Connell, the situation is unusual. Just in case, you should take shelter here…”

“What are you talking about! We have to stop this madness! Everyone, listen to me! You must not use violence! Using violence will only undermine our position!”

No matter how much he appeals, nothing can be heard in the ears of those who have already been swallowed up by the frenzy of violence.

Above all, even if this side stops, the rioters planted on that side will make a fuss, so this flow cannot be stopped.

“O’Connell! The Conservative Party members have already realized that the situation is serious and have all retreated. We don’t know what kind of trouble we’ll get into if we stay here.”

“Why is this happening… Isn’t this too unnatural?”

He had been campaigning at a distance for a long time to prevent this situation, and he couldn’t understand why this suddenly happened when he had passed by without any problems last time.

“Even if you’re worried, you have to go to a safe place first! It’s dangerous here!”

“Hmph… This shouldn’t be happening. This…”

O’Brien, who was convinced of the success of the plan, took O’Connell and escaped to the escape route he had planned in advance.

After taking a breather for about an hour, the Irish police, who had been dispatched late as planned, came to find them.

“Are you Daniel O’Connell of the Repeal Association and William Smith O’Brien?”

“That’s right. Did you come to investigate what happened today?”

“We came to arrest you, not to investigate. We have secured clear evidence that there is a mastermind who instigated this, and an arrest warrant has been issued immediately.”

“Arrest? Who?”

O’Connell’s face was filled with doubt, and O’Brien offered an apology to his former teacher, whom he had respected.

‘Thank you for your hard work so far. I will continue your will, so please forgive me.’

The four police officers stopped in front of them and slowly said the name of the perpetrator who planned this incident.

“We will arrest William Smith O’Brien as the main culprit in this riot.”

“Bullshit! O’Connell is the culprit, what nonsense is this…!”

No, wait a minute. Who are you arresting?

“I said I would arrest William Smith O’Brien, not Daniel O’Connell, as the main culprit in this riot.”

He looked around, feeling like he had heard a name he shouldn’t have heard, trying to show a planned reaction.

He pointed to himself with his finger, blankly looking at the calm gazes of the police officers and Daniel O’Connell’s shocked eyes, and asked.

“…Who? Me?”