I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 87

Marriage Commotion

The nobles and citizens of the British Empire were convinced that the British Empire was the greatest and most powerful nation in the world.

After defeating Napoleon of France, the only real rival to the British Empire in Europe, this became an established fact.

Russia was a potential threat, but no one in the British Empire considered them stronger. They simply regarded Russia as a threatening enemy that should not be allowed to grow too powerful.

In other words, the British Empire was currently the undisputed strongest power in the Western world.

And the nobles and citizens secretly prided themselves that there was no country stronger than the British Empire in the entire world, not just the Western world.

India had already been brought to its knees, so all that remained was the Central Plains, which had been the strongest country in the East for thousands of years.

However, the Qing Dynasty, the empire that ruled the Central Plains, was not an easy opponent, and British intellectuals were well aware of this.

Just looking at the numbers, the pressure of a population of 400 million was no joke.

Even if they brought in all their colonies, not just the British mainland, they would barely reach half the population of the Qing Dynasty.

“If we fight head-on, the British Empire will never lose the battle, but tactical victories are different from strategic victories.”

“If the Qing Dynasty continues to leverage its size, we will inevitably suffer considerable damage due to the limitations of long-distance expeditions.”

Military experts and scholars mostly made these claims, and this was the general perception of the Qing Dynasty not only in Britain but throughout Europe.

Technology is on our side, but there is no match for sheer numbers.

No matter how many tactical victories you achieve, if your combat endurance cannot keep up, you will eventually be defeated.

Europe knew this absolute truth better than anyone after the Napoleonic Wars, and that’s why they had to be careful.

But someone appeared who shattered this stereotype in an instant.

A nobleman with Asian blood, Earl Aaron Killian Gore.

Based on his deep understanding of Asian countries, he argued that Britain’s existing ideas needed to be revised.

He didn’t just make claims but perfectly proved his words with his incredible diplomatic skills.

The trade issue with the Qing Dynasty, which had been blocked for over a decade, was resolved.

No one knew what means he used, but the Qing Dynasty seemed to self-destruct, giving him a justification for war.

If it had stopped there, he might have remained a diplomatic genius, but Killian Gore also achieved results in actual warfare.

-Admiral George Elliot: “I only commanded in this war. All the major strategies were decided according to the Minister’s opinion.”

-“The Qing Dynasty moved exactly as the Minister said.” The amazing and mysterious predictions of Minister Killian Gore. This is already the realm of prophecy.

-Testimony from Superintendent Charles Elliot: “We couldn’t lose this war. From the beginning, the Minister had the Qing Dynasty’s military strength and all their responses mapped out in his head.”

These articles continued to pour out, regardless of whether they were from conservative or progressive newspapers, so the British citizens knew who was really leading this war.

Especially as Killian was finishing his work in Asia and returning to his home country.

He had accomplished so much, and there were so many rumors that it was impossible to know what was true and what was exaggerated.

The social circles, dominated by upper-class British ladies, played a significant role in amplifying these stories.

“Oh my, is that really true?”

“Yes, it is. My husband knows Disraeli [Benjamin Disraeli, a British statesman and novelist], a member of parliament who is close to Earl Aaron. According to Disraeli, Earl Aaron had foreseen these results even before he left England.”

“Oh my gosh, he’s so intelligent and wonderful! I heard that the Prime Minister sent him hoping he would only solve the trade issues, but he far exceeded expectations.”

“That’s right.”

Women in 19th-century England were not allowed to participate directly in politics, but they enjoyed discussing various social and political issues in salons [gatherings of people to discuss intellectual or cultural ideas].

Even if direct participation was impossible, it was still possible to indirectly influence their husbands by inspiring them.

However, since direct participation was impossible, it was inevitable that the topic of conversation would lean towards gossip to some extent.

Especially when a rising star emerged who had a huge impact on the political and social scene, like now.

And if that person was young and handsome?

It’s no exaggeration to say that they took up 70% of the conversation among socialite ladies.

Even in the salon of Emily Lamb, the sister of Lord Melbourne, the leader of the Whig Party [a British political faction], the major opposition party, and the wife of Lord Palmerston, a key member of the same party, this was no exception.

“Everyone, have you heard the news? There’s a rumor that the Minister is actually a descendant of Eastern royalty.”

“Ah! I’ve heard that too. It was already well-known that the Minister was of Irish-Asian mixed race. But to think that he was actually a descendant of Eastern royalty!”

“Someone said he was a slave in the past. Was that just a false rumor to damage the Minister’s reputation?”

“Oh my, we should sue all those people! I wonder how much our Minister suffered from those false rumors.”

Even though it was the salon of the Whig Party leader’s sister, Killian’s title had somehow become ‘our Minister’.

He was handsome just to look at, and if he was even capable, then he was ‘our Minister’, not ‘your Minister’.

“Mrs. Lamb, your husband probably knows the exact details. Have you heard anything?”

“I heard a story a few days ago. Where was it… Not China, but if you go further east from China, there’s a country called Jipan? Japan? There’s a rumor that he’s from the ruling class there.”

“Oh? But from what I heard, it wasn’t that kind of country… I’m sure of this because I heard it from the Minister’s friend, Congressman Wellesley. I think the Minister was definitely born in a country called Choseon? Korea?”

“I’ve heard that too. But my husband says that the rumor that the Minister might be a descendant of royalty is definitely about Japan, not Korea.”

At first glance, it seemed contradictory, but the British nobles interpreted it differently.

“Ah, so that’s what it is! The leaders of that country called Japan married into Korea, and that lineage has continued down to the Minister.”

“I think so too.”

From the perspective of Europeans, it was not strange at all for the royal families of different countries to intermarry; it was just a natural phenomenon.

So the ladies took it for granted that Killian Gore was a member of the Joseon [Korean Dynasty] royal family and the Edo Shogunate [Japanese feudal military government] royal family at the same time.

“No wonder the Minister is so knowledgeable about Asian issues.”

“My husband heard from the Prime Minister that they originally only intended to appoint him as Minister temporarily, but that’s no longer possible. Earl Aaron will probably be the Foreign Minister until the end of the current cabinet’s term, right?”

“Wouldn’t that be the case even if the cabinet is replaced? Other European countries are going to try to expand into Asia, and we need someone like our Earl Aaron if we want to continue expanding our influence in Asia.”

“Exactly. Oh, by the way, isn’t our Minister still unmarried? I wonder which lucky woman will get such a groom.”

“I heard there are a lot of people aiming for him. If I had a daughter of a similar age, I would have subtly inquired about his intentions, but it’s a shame.”

Except for unusual cases like William Pitt [British Prime Minister who never married], who was a lifelong bachelor, most politicians who reached the top had wives.

But Killian Gore was still young, and there was no talk of marriage proposals with anyone.

The fact that he was of Irish-Asian mixed race, which was his only perceived weakness, was no longer a big problem since he had achieved such success.

The Queen herself had bestowed upon him the title of English nobility, and he was even said to be of Eastern dynasty blood.

Now, in terms of family status, he was not far behind any high-ranking nobleman.

He was truly a tempting target for parents with daughters.

“By the way, I heard that the Bain family is secretly planning a marriage with the Minister…”

“Really? I heard that the Earl of Nottingham’s family is also aiming for him.”

“I heard that the Earl of Buchan and Lord Falkland are also very interested.”

“Wow~ There are so many people aiming for him! I wonder if we’ll hear wedding news soon after our Minister returns.”

What someone said as a joke spread like a well-established theory.

“Honey, honey, did you know? Earl Aaron is a member of the royal family of Korea and Japan!”

“Honey! I heard a story today that the Earl of Buchan is preparing to marry his daughter to Earl Aaron!”

The stories that the ladies who attended the salon heard were passed on to other ladies and to their husbands.

Due to the nature of the era, these rumors were constantly amplified and reproduced, and the newspapers printed articles as they were.

Even if they wanted to confirm the facts, it would take at least half a year to send someone to Asia and back.

If they wasted time checking the facts, they would be overtaken by others.

-Shocking! Earl Aaron Killian Gore has the blood of an Eastern dynasty flowing through him?

-The identity of Earl Aaron’s well-founded knowledge. What kind of countries are Joseon and the Edo Shogunate, where the Earl’s bloodline continues?

-Today, France laments. ‘Why don’t we have a nobleman with the blood of an Asian royal family?’

-Asia expert Minister Killian’s marriage is imminent? The Morning Chronicle has exclusively obtained information that there are families actively seeking marriage with him…

A capable young minister who proved that the British Empire is the strongest in the world.

It turns out that the blood of a distant Eastern dynasty flows through his body, and he’s even getting married this time.

Once a rumor caught fire, it grew wildly without a single verification of its truth, and quickly became the biggest issue in London.

And in less than a month.

The rumor that Killian Gore would make a wedding announcement after his return had already become an accepted fact in London.

* * *

Kensington Palace, where the Queen, the symbol of the British Empire, resides.

There had been constant criticism that it was too small for the Queen to conduct her duties, but Victoria liked it here.

She wanted to postpone the move to Buckingham Palace as much as possible.

This was where she had grown up since she was a child.

Although there were many difficult experiences, there had been far more happy things in the past few years.

Precious memories and unforgettable moments of excitement were all here.

That didn’t change even after she became Queen.

The person who brought her great happiness had left for Asia, but she didn’t feel sad.

She had sent him to do diplomacy, but he had not only done diplomacy but also greatly enhanced the prestige of the British Empire through war.

Not stopping there, he firmly proved that the British Empire was the strongest power in the world, not only in the West but also in the East, and he succeeded in bringing enormous benefits through negotiations.

Having ports in key areas of Northeast Asia as well as India was an advantage that could not be expressed in words.

India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tainan, Shanghai.

No country in Europe had as many ports in Asia as this, and there never would be.

Russia, which was still struggling to find a single ice-free port, could not even imagine such a situation.

Victoria never told anyone, but she couldn’t hide her satisfaction as she continued to receive reports of Killian’s achievements.

The higher his status rose, the more pleased she felt, and she felt good until she went to bed when she heard news that he was on a roll.

Why would Killian be struggling so hard in China to build up his achievements?

It was all for the future, and she was sure that the future would include what she was expecting.

But…

“Ha. Ha. Ha. That’s a very interesting and intriguing rumor.”

“Isn’t it? This story has been brought up every time ladies have tea these days.”

Victoria quickly drank her tea and took a long breath to suppress something boiling inside her.

Frances Anne Vane, the Marchioness of Londonderry.

She was one of the most influential people in London society along with Emily Lamb, and she was very interested in Killian, who was close to the Conservative Party.

She owned a huge fortune from coal mining and donated a lot to the royal family, so Victoria often invited her to tea time.

Thanks to this, she heard a lot of rumors circulating in the world from her, and she was also the first person to tell her about Killian’s marriage rumors.

To be honest, when she first heard that such nonsense was rampant in London, she was really dumbfounded.

No, who gets married without anyone’s permission?

Could it be that Killian had a woman in his heart without her knowing?

‘No, that can’t be. He must love me… I mean, like me unconditionally. Baroness Lehzen keeps saying that Earl Aaron is head over heels for Her Majesty the Queen.’

This is definitely a rumor. Yes, that’s right.

But no matter how hard she tried to suppress it, the rumor did not subside easily.

It’s absurd, it’s absurd.

The person involved hasn’t even thought about marriage yet, but it’s pitiful that those who are jumping the gun are so pathetic.

The person Killian really likes is someone else.

They’ve been talking nonsense so far, but that’s the end of it today.

After all, she received the most definitive evidence today.

“Marchioness, I’m sorry to say, but that has already been concluded as a false rumor.”

“…Yes? Really?”

“Of course. Here, this is a letter that came to the palace today. I guess the Minister was embarrassed when he heard this ridiculous rumor as soon as he got off the ship. He even wrote a personal letter to apologize for the unintentional spread of this strange rumor.”

Victoria took out the letter and fluttered it elegantly so that the Marchioness could see it.

Isn’t it obvious that he wrote such a long letter in a hurry without her saying a word?

She didn’t show the front part because it was a personal story, but she decided to read the back part aloud because it was something that everyone, not just the Marchioness, should know.

“So, let me say again, I would like to inform you that there has never been any formal marriage proposal. The rumor that a wedding ceremony will be announced after the victory parade is a ridiculous rumor that is not worth considering, and it is absolutely not true,” It is written.

“I see. So there is no family that has formally proposed marriage to the Minister yet. You are indeed Her Majesty the Queen. You get information much faster than I do, who hears stories from so many people in the salon.”

“That’s because the Minister is always a patriot who puts the country first. I am sometimes surprised at how great his loyalty to me is.”

So I wish they would stop setting their sights on things they can’t have and stay away.

The Marchioness nodded with shining eyes, whether she knew the Queen’s true feelings or not.

“I am so grateful to Your Majesty. I was wondering if it was too late if the Minister had someone he liked.”

“…Too late?”

“My daughter Emily will be eighteen next year, and isn’t that what all parents with daughters feel? I just hope she meets a good husband. At first, I thought it would be nice if she got along with John Spencer Churchill, the eldest son of the Duke of Marlborough…”

“…Thought it would be?”

It is said that most ominous premonitions come true.

“In terms of potential, Earl Aaron might be a little better. So I’m thinking of creating a situation where my daughter can naturally meet Earl Aaron… Would it be okay to take advantage of the victory celebration ball that Your Majesty will be hosting next time? After all, it’s a place hosted by Your Majesty, so I’m telling you in advance because it’s polite to tell you these things. Oh, of course, the donation too…”

The Marchioness continued to babble after that, but no sound came into her ears.

No, she corrected the rumors, but now there are people who are really coming at her, saying that it’s a good thing?

She thought she heard a crackling sound from her temples, but Victoria didn’t show it and slowly put down the teacup she was holding in her hand.

“…Relationships between men and women are a private matter, so there is no need to proceed while reporting such things one by one.”

“Thank you. But I have received very valuable information from Her Majesty the Queen, so if it goes well, I will definitely show my sincerity accordingly.”

“…Good luck.”

As the saying goes, bees flock to fragrant flowers, so if she lets her guard down, something really bad might happen.

‘I have to do something quickly somehow…’

She must negotiate as soon as the victory parade is over.

Oh, and she felt sorry for the daughter of the Marquis of Londonderry, whom she didn’t even know, but she wouldn’t allow her even a second to talk to Killian at the ball.

The minister, who had contributed to raising the prestige of the British Empire, would be monopolized by her throughout the event and would not be let go.

She should just quietly marry someone called Churchill or something.

‘Ha… Thinking about it, I suddenly feel a little bad. It’s the first time I’ve seen him in a year, and I have to worry about this?’

So he should have given her more reassurance and expressed his affection so that she wouldn’t feel this way.

Just wait until he gets back.

A small spark spread in the Queen’s eyes as she looked at Killian’s letter, which had only looked lovely until just now.