Chapter 106
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: How About We Call It a Draw?
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While they say there's nothing more entertaining than watching a fight, that's not quite the case when it's a family squabble.
Naturally, the clash between the old and new guards that began in the House of Commons was a topic the House of Lords watched with keen interest.
In particular, since the House of Lords was effectively dominated by the Conservative Party, they wished for the party to maintain its strength in the House of Commons as well.
So with such a commotion brewing, it was inevitable that some nobles would find themselves displeased.
As such whispers began to circulate, the Duke of Wellington gathered the most reputable nobles.
“As you all know, the House of Commons has been quite tumultuous lately. I thought it best to decide on a clear course of action, which is why I've gathered you all here today.”
“Considering the topic, the Prime Minister is conspicuously absent.”
“Former Prime Minister, that is. Strictly speaking, he no longer holds the title. In any case, the former Prime Minister is at the heart of this issue, so he was not invited in the interest of fairness.”
Though he served as Prime Minister in the House of Commons, Robert Peel was, strictly speaking, a member of the House of Lords, holding a peerage.
However, as the Duke of Wellington drew a clear line, the other nobles raised no particular objections.
“Your Grace, I heard your son gathered all the reporters in London yesterday and gave a tremendous speech. Were you aware of this beforehand?”
“I haven't heard the details, but I have heard about the convictions that drive him. Of course, I have no intention of personally taking his side just because he is my son. What's important is that our party continues to hold power.”
“The Prime Minister… my apologies, the former Prime Minister, expressed his wish for the House of Lords to unite and pressure the House of Commons. He said that if things continue this way, the Conservative Party's influence in the Commons is bound to weaken…”
“Influence weakening in the House of Commons? I wonder. From a dispassionate perspective, how would the public view it if the House of Lords were to side with the former Prime Minister now? The reason the cabinet collapsed is because they were too excessive in suppressing the younger generation and attempting to monopolize power.”
If the House of Lords, which already had a strong high-handed image, were to back Robert Peel here, it would only serve to cement that perception.
In truth, the conservative-leaning nobles did not particularly welcome Wellesley's actions, which were tantamount to insubordination.
But even more so, they had no desire to be dragged through the mud because of Robert Peel's blunder.
The Duke of Wellington's older brother, the Marquess Richard Colley Wellesley, a long-time stalwart of the Conservative Party, openly clicked his tongue in disapproval.
“Casting aside a useful subordinate is fine, and so is attempting to instill some manners in the youth. I have no intention of criticizing that. But if you fail and end up being ousted by a vote of no confidence, you should have the decency to be ashamed. Strictly speaking, that's not corruption, it's incompetence.”
The Marquess of Anglesey, who had been given a heads-up by Killian beforehand, immediately nodded and added a word.
“I agree. Beyond the question of right and wrong, this is simply proof of his incompetence.”
The members of the House of Lords had no intention of criticizing the intent to tame one's subordinates.
But one must tread carefully. To try and crush them too forcefully, only to be thrown out by the backlash—was that not an utterly disgraceful sight?
“But Your Grace, the election will be held in just a few months. If we end up fighting amongst ourselves like this and happen to lose the election, what then…?”
“What do you mean, ‘what then’? In that case, we will have to hold my foolish son responsible for causing strife within the party. If he started this without even a plan to win the next election, can we really entrust the helm of the House of Commons to such a person?”
Even if he is my son, if he harms the party, he will be cut off without hesitation.
However, if he wins the next election and proves his ability, there is no reason not to see how things unfold.
At the Duke of Wellington's clear stance, the other nobles slowly nodded their heads.
“Then shall we simply remain neutral and observe until the next election?”
“I agree, that would be best. There's no need to get involved in such a mud-slinging fight, is there? Honestly, with our dignity to consider, should we really step into such a low-class brawl? Ho ho ho.”
“I also agree with Lord Aberdeen's opinion. There is no need to lend our voices to a fight so beneath us.”
To put it bluntly, be it Charles Wellesley or Robert Peel, whoever could win the next election and secure a majority for the Conservative Party—that was the man on their side.
While Robert Peel was a member of the House of Lords, was not Charles Wellesley the son of the Duke of Wellington, a veritable pillar of that same house?
Furthermore, it wasn't just him; his older brother was also a member of the House of Lords.
Since neither was an outsider, it was only natural to back the more useful of the two.
The Conservative members of the House of Lords almost unanimously decided to remain neutral in this incident.
Robert Peel's request for them to help him and rebuke Charles Wellesley's insubordination ultimately received no response.
***
There is a saying that the tumult of the outside world cannot breach the thick walls of the royal court, but that is now a story of old.
Queen Victoria, more interested in politics and the lives of her citizens than any monarch before her, summoned me the very next day after Wellesley's press conference.
“I've heard about what's been happening. Is everything all right?”
“I apologize for causing you concern. But fortunately, there are no problems. Everything is proceeding smoothly according to plan.”
“All according to plan? Then why didn't you tell me beforehand?”
“That's because it was a plan formulated after hearing the news from Mr. Disraeli in Ireland. I intended to tell Your Majesty, but you kept avoiding situations where we could be alone, so I had no choice.”
When I'd tried to tell her she needed to hear something, she was the one who had blushed and scurried away. For her to say something like that now felt terribly unfair.
As if suddenly remembering the previous incident, Victoria blushed and touched her brow with her fingertips.
“That… was indeed my mistake. I apologize. My heart simply wouldn't settle down at the time.”
“It's all right. In truth, if it were something you absolutely had to know, I would have found a way to tell you. Besides, Your Majesty needed time to compose yourself back then.”
“Then is there nothing I can do to help with this matter?”
“The former Prime Minister will likely visit Your Majesty. He has to request the dissolution of Parliament, so he has no choice but to come. At that time, it's possible he might ask you to take his side or request your mediation.”
“As a matter of fact, I'm scheduled to meet the former Prime Minister today. I can just make a suitable excuse and refuse him then. I heard that man tried to send you back to Asia as a special envoy, Minister?”
Was it just my imagination? For a split second, a murderous glint seemed to flash in her smiling eyes.
“Yes… that was his intention. It fell through partway, however.”
“Why did you not tell me? I mean, to send someone who has just returned after rendering such great service back to Asia—is that even a sensible suggestion? This is no laughing matter…”
“If Your Majesty were to publicly oppose it, it could be seen as political interference. And since it was a matter I could handle on my own, I deliberately didn't mention it to avoid worrying you.”
“…I see. Still, I cannot forgive him. As you said, Minister, speaking out directly could be seen as political interference, so I'm thinking of leaking my remarks through unofficial channels. That should be all right, shouldn't it?”
So she wanted me to use the phrase “according to an anonymous source,” a trump card even in the modern era.
Indeed, just leaking the words like that would likely have a significant effect.
“Understood. Then I will release an article along these lines: An interview was conducted with a lady-in-waiting at Kensington Palace, and according to her, Her Majesty the Queen despises unjust acts the most. Such acts degrade the dignity of the British Empire, and those who have rendered great service must be treated accordingly. Well, if the article is worded like that, no one will fail to understand who is being criticized.”
“Excellent. I don't know about others, but the man who tried to keep you stuck in Asia, Minister… him, I simply cannot forgive.”
“Hahaha…”
I never expected Robert Peel to incur the Queen's wrath in this way.
It seemed Her Majesty was truly furious. He might face a harsher fate than I anticipated.
“If Parliament is dissolved, an election will be held. If you win, it's safe to assume the former Prime Minister's faction will all but collapse, correct?”
“Yes. The defections have already begun. By the time the election is over, most of the members will have sided with me.”
“But the former Prime Minister is a member of the House of Lords, so even if he's pushed out of the premiership, can't he just return to the House of Lords? He won't even have to face an election.”
“Even so, the nobles of the House of Lords won't rally around someone who is essentially a dog that has lost a fight. Wouldn't they rather try to distance themselves from him?”
“That alone is unsatisfactory…”
Anyone watching would think it was Victoria fighting Robert Peel, not Wellesley or me.
To be honest, I also wanted to crush the former Prime Minister completely.
But no matter what, Robert Peel was a bona fide member of the British Empire's House of Lords.
If I were seen crushing him too harshly, voices would naturally rise from the House of Lords calling it excessive, and this could lead to animosity towards me or Wellesley.
That's why I intentionally planned to only oust his surrounding faction and leave him some breathing room. But if the Royal Family got involved, might the story change?
“Your Majesty. Do you perhaps have a method in mind?”
“No. Nothing specific yet. But…”
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Victoria was about to continue, a servant waiting outside knocked on the door to announce a visitor.
“Your Majesty. Prime Minister Robert Peel has arrived. Shall I show him in?”
“Yes. Please tell him he may enter.”
As soon as Victoria's permission was given, the door opened, and a slightly haggard Robert Peel entered and bowed his head.
“Your Majesty. Thank you for making time for me. The reason I have come today is, as I mentioned, to request the dissol… ution…”
As he spoke, he saw me sitting opposite the Queen, and his face stiffened.
Seeing this, Victoria sipped her tea nonchalantly and offered a businesslike smile.
“I was just curious about recent events and was receiving an explanation from the Minister. Please pay it no mind and continue. Weren't you here about the dissolution of Parliament?”
“…Yes, that is correct. The vote of no confidence has passed, and as I am in no position to nominate a successor, it seems we must form a new Parliament. Therefore, I would be grateful if Your Majesty would come to the House of Commons and dissolve it. I apologize for troubling you with this unfortunate matter.”
“Not at all. It is my duty, so there is no need to apologize. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Her voice was filled with benevolence, but in truth, Victoria was most frightening when she spoke in such a tone.
Robert Peel, too, seemed to feel the unspoken pressure, glancing back and forth between her and me before finally sighing and shaking his head.
“No, Your Majesty. I could not trouble you any further. However… if it is not too much to ask, may I have a brief word with the Minister?”
What more could he possibly have to say at this point?
When I gave a signal that it was fine, Victoria let out a small laugh and nodded.
“Of course. I imagine you two have much to discuss. Please, go and talk.”
“Thank you. We shall return shortly.”
After bowing once to Victoria, I followed our dear former Prime Minister outside.
Robert Peel walked silently to the garden in front of the palace, letting out heavy sighs, before finally turning his head toward me.
“You… what did you say to Her Majesty?”
“She wished to know how the political scene has been unfolding recently, so I merely offered an explanation.”
“…You think you've already won, don't you?”
“Is there really a winner and a loser here? I, too, find it regrettable that things have come to this.”
“Regrettable? If you truly think so…”
What's this? Does he have another card up his sleeve?
As I waited for his next words, half in anticipation and half in doubt, Robert Peel's decisive words struck me.
“How about we call it a draw?”
I was so taken aback by a remark I never could have anticipated at this juncture that I nearly burst out laughing.
Ah… so this is his way of begging for his life?
“Prime Minister.”
I took great care not to laugh too hard as I offered Robert Peel one last remark in a polite tone.
“If you're going to speak such nonsense, go and have some fish and chips.”