I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 65

The Hidden Giant of the British Empire, Episode 65 (65/537)

To the Higher Place (3)

Creating a new peerage in the British Empire is the monarch’s prerogative, and the Prime Minister mainly plays the role of selecting and recommending suitable candidates.

And receiving a peerage in England also means receiving a ticket to enter the House of Lords.

Because it was such an important decision, it was customary for the Prime Minister to discuss it with the ministers and leaders of other parties before making a recommendation.

Robert Peel, the Prime Minister of the Conservative Party, who regained the position of the ruling party with the support of the Repeal Association [an Irish political organization advocating for the repeal of the Act of Union], convened a meeting according to custom.

He had already coordinated with the ministers, but Robert Peel did not have enough influence to silence all the senior members of the party, so it was necessary to gather as many opinions as possible.

Lord Melbourne, the representative of the Whig Party [a British political faction, precursor to the Liberal Party], and Daniel O’Connell, the representative of the Repeal Association.

And the Duke of Wellington and the Duke of Rutland, who were deeply involved with this recommendation candidate, attended as representatives of the Conservative Party’s nobility.

“Thank you for listening to my request despite your busy schedules. The new parliament will begin its activities in earnest in three days, so I thought it would be good to finish the discussion before we get busier, so I arranged this meeting.”

“Is our opinion meaningful? I know that even if we object, there will be no procedural problems if the Prime Minister pushes ahead with the recommendation.”

“That’s true, but I want to give this recommendation a unique meaning, so I want to show that the parliament is moving in unison. Not only the House of Commons but also the House of Lords.”

The reason is grand, but in the end, this is no different from asking the Whig Party to support the talent recommended by the Conservative Party.

Frankly, if it were a case like when the Duke of Wellington was created, with the support of the entire nation, I would agree wholeheartedly, but this is a bit different.

Lord Melbourne read the recommendation written by Robert Peel in a blunt tone.

“It is an objective fact that the Earl of Aaron family has made many efforts for the harmony between Ireland and England, and the royal family and the parliament have a duty to praise their efforts. Therefore, the title of Baron Sudley is newly granted to the current Earl of Aaron, Killian Gore, so that he can make even greater contributions to this country as an English nobleman, not just an Irish one… So, to summarize, you are asking us to accept Killian Gore as a member of the House of Lords.”

“I think the Earl of Aaron family is qualified enough. I believe Lord Melbourne is well aware of how favorably the public opinion in Northern Ireland has changed thanks to the Earl of Aaron.”

“But our House of Lords already accepts as many as 28 representative nobles from Ireland. When a vacancy arises later, the Earl of Aaron family will take care of it.”

“That way, it won’t appear as though we are treating the Irish nobles who have contributed to the home country well.”

Lord Melbourne knew very well what the Prime Minister was saying.

Frankly, considering that the Earl of Aaron family has a positive influence not only in Northern Ireland but also in Central Ireland, it is natural to grant him a title.

However, isn’t the Earl of Aaron a member of the Conservative Party?

If even the Whig Party joins forces to agree to recommend the Earl of Aaron, it is too easy to predict how much his status will soar.

Giving the objective fact that not only the Conservative Party but also the opposition Whig Party unanimously approved the granting of the title.

The Prime Minister’s aim is to preemptively silence any voices questioning whether it is right to bring a young Irish earl who is just becoming an adult into the House of Lords.

I don’t want to be manipulated by such obvious tactics, but I’m concerned that this is an issue related to Ireland.

I couldn’t easily express my approval or disapproval without knowing the opinion of O’Connell, who is presumed to hold some leverage over our weaknesses.

“Ahem, I think it’s right to listen to the opinions of the locals first. What do you think, Representative O’Connell?”

“Our party has no reason to have any objections. Why would we object to having even one more person who can represent Ireland and raise their voice in the House of Lords?”

“…But I know that the Earl of Aaron and the representative have slightly different views.”

“That’s right. But I think that the heart of caring for Ireland is the same, regardless of ideology. What more is needed than that?”

That’s right. O’Connell was originally this kind of person.

He was a man with the capacity not to exclude even the autonomists if it would truly help Ireland.

Of course, Ireland is not in a position to be picky, but the fact that he can make such a judgment shows that he is definitely a great politician.

Should I assume that O’Connell was the one who sent the warning?

If so, expressing an opinion contrary to O’Connell here would be too risky.

“If even the Repeal Association, which has different ideologies from the Earl of Aaron, agrees, our party cannot blindly oppose it. Certainly, even Irish or Scottish nobles who have devoted themselves to the interests of the British Empire deserve to enter the House of Lords. The more precedents we create like that, the better the local public opinion will be.”

As it is, it is better to dispel any perception that you are not devoted to party interests for the sake of your country’s interests.

When Lord Melbourne suddenly changed his opinion, Robert Peel blinked as if surprised and turned his gaze to the Duke of Wellington.

“Since the Whig Party has also expressed its approval, it can be said that the opinions of the House of Commons have been virtually unified. Next, I would like to hear the wise opinion of the Duke of Wellington, the spiritual pillar of the Conservative Party.”

“Hmm… So, you’ve decided to grant the title as soon as he becomes an adult?”

The Duke of Wellington, who I thought would be the first to agree, scratched his head and continued in a surprisingly reluctant tone.

“But Prime Minister, as you know, the age at which you can officially participate in the House of Lords is 21. Of course, you can attend the proceedings, but isn’t it too hasty to grant the title and have him participate in the House of Lords from such a young age when he can’t even participate in official activities? Besides, I’m sure you know that the Duchess of Inverness, the wife of the Duke of Sussex, is planning to adopt the Earl of Aaron as her son before the end of this year?”

“Yes, of course, I’ve heard about it.”

“Then, isn’t it possible that the Earl of Aaron could be recognized as a member of the royal family? So, I think it might seem a little hasty to create a position in the House of Lords from now on.”

“That will not happen. His Majesty will not make such a decision, and above all, the Earl of Aaron is adamantly refusing to receive such privileges.”

This was a story that Lord Melbourne had already heard.

Anyway, the Duchess of Inverness will continue to hold the position of Chief Lady-in-Waiting since the ruling party won the general election this time.

And being adopted by her means that he will also have the aura of the Duke of Sussex, the eldest member of the current royal family.

If he receives a title and enters the House of Lords, it can be said that the Earl of Aaron has virtually joined the highest echelon of the British Empire.

Looking at it all together, I thought it was being pushed too hard.

No, maybe they think that they have to push this hard to reduce O’Connell’s influence in Ireland.

“Killian… no, did the Earl of Aaron say that? Even if His Majesty is willing to accept him as a member of the royal family, he would refuse?”

“Yes, he has made it clear that he will not be greedy for even greater favors as he is already receiving excessive grace.”

“Hmm… He’s always been good at keeping the line since he was a child. Then I have no complaints.”

The Duke of Rutland, who had been quiet until now, added a word from the side.

“My son shared a room with the Earl of Aaron at Eton [a prestigious British boarding school] until last year. I can say for sure that his loyalty to the British Empire is genuine. And since he has a clear understanding of his position and has kept the line perfectly since he was a child, there will be no chance of him going astray.”

“Then I will take it that the Duke of Wellington and the Duke of Rutland also agree. With this, it is virtually confirmed that the Earl of Aaron will become a member of the parliament next year, making it easier to have him join the cabinet.”

In the current era, it was customary for most of the key government positions such as the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to be held by members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons.

But even so, isn’t the Earl of Aaron still too young?

Lord Melbourne, who was trying to remain silent, unknowingly joined the conversation.

“Are you going to give the Earl of Aaron a cabinet position? Isn’t it too early for a young man who is about to graduate from Eton and become an adult next year… a very young man?”

“Of course, I’m not going to appoint him as a minister, but I’m thinking of temporarily appointing him as the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs. He can’t participate in the House of Lords right away, but there is no age limit for the cabinet.”

“Even so, it’s too young to give him the position of Undersecretary.”

“That’s why it’s temporary. I don’t know if he’ll be able to do well, but there may be issues where the Earl of Aaron can contribute.”

I’ve heard that he’s an amazing talent, but what can a young nobleman who is only 18 years old do…

Lord Melbourne was about to say that, but he closed his mouth at Robert Peel’s next words.

“The merchants’ complaints are getting stronger and stronger these days. At this rate, we can’t balance the trade balance. Does the Whig Party have any brilliant ideas?”

“…Ah.”

I had completely forgotten about it until now.

Come to think of it, the Earl of Aaron was not a pure-blooded Irish nobleman but a mixed-blood, and his origin was clearly…

“Then, there may be no one more suitable than him in the current situation.”

Lord Melbourne nodded, immediately changing his attitude as if he had never opposed it.

Neither the Duke of Rutland nor the Duke of Wellington objected to the decision to appoint a young man who was just becoming an adult as the temporary Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

There was no other reason.

This issue was a problem that all politicians in the British Empire had to cooperate on a non-partisan basis.

* * *

As the Prime Minister had confidently stated, the decision to grant me a new title was made much faster than expected.

The Prime Minister submitted a recommendation to Victoria in a form that received the approval of both the ruling and opposition parties and the House of Lords, and she naturally stated that she would respect the opinions of the Prime Minister and the parliament.

In addition to this, Victoria held a commemorative dinner to celebrate the fact that she would continue to keep the Duchess of Inverness as her Chief Lady-in-Waiting and that she would adopt me as her son.

Even though it was a dinner, it was a private gathering to which only the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and I were invited, but the dining room of Kensington Palace was decorated more elegantly than I had ever seen before, with the Queen and the eldest member of the royal family.

Victoria, who had matched her dress and accessories so that the locket she had received from me as a birthday present was easily visible, naturally spoke mainly with the Duke of Sussex at first, according to etiquette.

If it had been a state banquet, I would have been sitting at the very end and would not have been able to talk to her until the end.

As I spent time talking about health problems and court gossip in the early stages, the roasted pheasant dish, which had been marinated with herbs and spices, was prepared.

Victoria, who had elegantly taken a fork, finally turned her gaze to me and started talking.

“Now that the Earl has become the adopted son of the Duchess of Inverness, will you be moving into Kensington Palace?”

“That’s not true. Even if I’m an adopted son, there will be quite a few people who won’t like it if I, who have not been incorporated into the royal family, live in the palace.”

“That’s a shame. Oh, but how long are you going to use the title of aunt? Our Duchess will be sad.”

When Victoria joked with a bright smile, Aunt Cecilia, who was next to her, nodded immediately.

“Now that the procedure is over, it feels too awkward to call me aunt.”

“Uh… That’s true, but um… I understand. As a nobleman, I have to be more thorough in these titles. From now on, should I call you mother…?”

“Yes, yes! It was my lifelong wish to be called that at least once, so I’m so happy.”

Well, she has never had children in her life, so the title of mother must sound more special to her.

On the other hand, when I think about it, I have never called anyone by the title of mother, so it is very awkward.

In my previous life, I was an orphan, and in this life, my biological mother had already passed away when my memories returned.

Even when I came to England, my mother on the register was not in good health, so I never even saw her face until she passed away.

Looking at it this way, I think I’ve lived a very harsh life.

In fact, Cecilia has been playing the role of my mother in practice for a long time, so there is no reason why I can’t grant her wish if she wants to be called that.

I also feel a little warm in my heart when I think that there is someone I can call mother, so that’s my honest feeling.

“This is all thanks to Your Majesty’s consideration, so I am just grateful.”

“It’s natural to do what I have to do, so it’s strange to receive thanks. The same goes for the conferment of the title next week. As the Queen of the British Empire, I am conferring a title on someone who has contributed to the country, so accept it with dignity.”

“I’ll try my best.”

Certainly, she has become more accustomed to the position of Queen, and although she uses very polite words, her tone is full of confidence and dignity.

Feeling something in my satisfied gaze, Victoria smiled awkwardly and lightly raised her glass.

“Next week, you will officially receive the title of England. Can I hear your impressions?”

“I am very moved to think that I can enter the House of Lords. I am not yet 21 years old, so I cannot participate in speeches or votes, but I will have to observe and learn a great deal in the meantime.”

“I hope that the House of Lords will learn from the Earl of Aaron’s wisdom, not that the Earl of Aaron will observe and learn something in the House of Lords. I feel that the complaints about the House of Lords that I hear these days are getting worse and worse.”

“The conflict between the House of Commons and the House of Lords is not a matter of today or yesterday. Does Your Majesty think that the responsibility lies entirely with the House of Lords?”

Victoria elegantly cut the venison that came out after the pheasant dish and asked back as if it were interesting.

“Wasn’t it the Earl of Aaron who said that the influence of the House of Lords would inevitably weaken?”

“As long as this country adopts the system of voting, that is an inevitable trend. But the future is the future, and we are living in the present reality. Your Majesty must pay attention to this trend.”

Even if the authority of the House of Lords is destined to decline, their power is still strong.

It is not simply because the authority that the House of Lords holds is strong.

The power, wealth, and influence that the members who belong to it occupy still extend throughout the British Empire.

Considering all these factors, it can be said that the power of the House of Commons, which has recently become stronger, and the power of the House of Lords, which has become weaker than before, have reached a balance.

And when their powers are balanced like this, it is a good opportunity for the king, who only has ceremonial authority, to show his presence.

Simply because the House of Lords is losing power, it is close to a bad idea to listen more to the voices of the House of Commons.

If she is bright, she would have understood the meaning of my words just from the conversation.

As expected, Victoria carefully savored the taste of the wine and saved her words for a while.

When cheese, fruit, and cake came out as dessert to finish the meal, she naturally changed the subject.

“Oh, come to think of it, I forgot. The Prime Minister gave me a recommendation and asked me to agree to the cabinet composition, but has the Earl of Aaron ever been to China?”

“…Yes?”

I know that it is natural to get the king’s consent to appoint high-ranking officials in the cabinet, although it is ceremonial.

But I don’t understand why the story suddenly connects to whether I’ve been to China or not.

“Um? I thought you would know, but didn’t the Prime Minister tell you? The Earl of Aaron’s name was also on the list of cabinet members to be newly formed next year.”

“My name?”

“No, if His Majesty’s consent is needed, it would be a high-ranking position such as a minister or vice-minister… Is Killian qualified to be appointed to that position?”

That’s what I’m saying.

Are you going to put an 18-year-old in a high-ranking cabinet position? Without saying anything to me?

Robert Peel, is this human trying to screw me over on purpose because I’ve been dragged around by him a lot lately?

“The Prime Minister’s opinion was so firm and everyone agreed, so I agreed. He will be the youngest vice-minister, but I’m sure the Earl of Aaron will do well.”

“No… Even if my opinion is not sought, why suddenly Chinese…?”

“I was a little surprised by that part too. As far as I know, the Earl of Aaron was born in a country called Joseon [historical Korean kingdom], not China, but the Prime Minister said there was no problem. Anyway, Joseon is a vassal state of Qing [the last imperial dynasty of China]? A colony? Something like that, and the Earl is also fluent in Qing culture and language.”

Uh… um, Joseon is a tributary state of Qing, but if you call it a colony, the Joseon people will foam at the mouth and rise up right away, but I wonder if there’s anything I can do to explain it.

Anyway, the Westerners of this era, who are desperately ignorant of Eastern culture and thought, will not properly understand the concept of the Eastern Heavenly Order and tributary states.

“I know a certain amount about Chinese language and culture. It’s not something to be proud of, but at least I know it better than any member of the House of Lords.”

“That’s why they’re trying to appoint the Earl of Aaron as the temporary Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs. As you know, the trade deficit with Qing has been seriously accumulating in recent years, and there seems to be no sign of it being resolved. In addition, diplomatic friction has been added, and the atmosphere is getting worse and worse.”

So, are you saying that a nobleman who is familiar with Qing’s language and culture should go and try to smooth things over?

Well, at this time, the trade balance must have gone bad to the point where they want to grab even a straw, so I understand what the intention is.

But…

The reason why the diplomatic relations with Qing are messed up now is because you guys sold opium, you crazy bastards.

Asia is just India or China. If not, is it Zipangu [historical European name for Japan]?

Since you are a Joseon mixed-blood, please use your strength to improve relations with your hometown, Qing.

As I tried to follow this dizzying flow of thought, I suddenly remembered my previous life. When I went to Australia, someone asked me in English with a hard-to-understand accent, ‘You’re from Korea? Ni hao [Mandarin Chinese for hello]! Or not? Konnichiwa [Japanese for hello]!’

It was like that even in the 21st century, so how would it be in the 19th century? I have to understand even if it’s pathetic.