Chapter 120
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 120
Chapter Title: A Master Stroke (2)
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Kensington Palace, the symbolic residence of the Queen of the British Empire.
Though somewhat small for a monarch to live and work in, Victoria had not yet moved from this place.
Many speculated she would naturally relocate to Buckingham Palace upon her marriage, but the important thing was that the Queen had no intention of marrying.
At least, that was what everyone publicly believed.
Victoria herself had declared that for the time being, she would live as if married to the nation. Since then, bothersome marriage proposals had ceased, and she was secretly relieved.
Until an environment could be created where marriage talks with Killian could proceed naturally, she was more comfortable with everyone just keeping quiet.
But recently, another event had occurred that tested her resolve.
‘Now that it’s confirmed Killian is royalty from an Asian country, is there any need to wait?’
What was the reason for being so cautious until now?
Was it not because she couldn't bring a man who was not only of Irish descent but also had Eastern blood into the British royal family?
That was why the Duke of Sussex, even while adopting Killian, had not incorporated him into the royal line.
But if that Eastern blood was royal blood, the story changed completely.
After all, in European society, nothing was more important than status.
While dividing people by race was as natural as breathing in this era, it was customary to treat foreign royalty with the respect due to their station.
Besides, unless someone was told, it was impossible to know Killian had mixed Eastern blood; he showed no signs of being of mixed heritage.
Nine out of ten people would simply feel that he was exotically handsome.
‘If I had known this would happen, should I have waited a bit longer instead of declaring I wouldn't marry?’
If there was one obstacle, it was that Victoria, as Queen, had too firmly declared her intention to remain unmarried for the time being.
It would be one thing if several years had passed, but to suddenly flip her stance so soon after the declaration would undermine her dignity as a monarch.
She really needed to summon Killian and have a serious talk with him.
However, despite the Queen's plans, she had no choice but to make time today, as Viscount Palmerston and Gladstone of the Whig Party had requested a meeting first.
As a result, she was not in a good mood.
She had a strong premonition that they would just drone on about some useless matter when she was already busy.
"Your Majesty. What we have to say today may be presumptuous, but we have come on behalf of our party to discuss a matter of great national importance."
"Seeing you both here together, it must be quite important. Has something significant come up that requires my attention?"
"Yes. It is something only Your Majesty can do. It concerns… the declaration of non-marriage you made some time ago."
Could it be that even after she had drawn such a firm line, they still hadn't gotten the message and were about to spout more nonsense?
As the corners of Victoria's eyes lifted slightly, Gladstone hastily continued.
"Of course, we understand Your Majesty's heart for the nation. But realistically, is it not also true that the citizens feel secure when the royal line is strong? Therefore, we have devised a plan that perfectly respects Your Majesty's wishes while also making a significant contribution to the national interest."
"Is there such a way?"
"Yes. Your Majesty must have heard the recent sensational news about Minister Killian. We thought he was simply of Irish mixed heritage, but it turned out the rumor that he is descended from an Eastern dynasty was true, did it not?"
"Well, yes. It was a surprising story."
Wait. Why was Killian's name suddenly coming up?
Surely, the marriage candidate they were talking about couldn't be…
"We understand that Your Majesty has been close with the Minister for a long time. Furthermore, it is the unanimous opinion of all experts that the Irish question will only grow in importance. With the Canadian immigration policy proceeding successfully, how we embrace the Irish people will determine the stability of the colonies."
It was a sound argument, with not a single flaw.
With a large number of Irish people having moved to Canada, the issue of embracing them was no longer confined to the Irish mainland.
"So, what you gentlemen are suggesting is… surely not?"
"Had it stopped there, we would not have brought this up. But the Minister is a man who carries the blood of the ruling class of not one, but two Asian nations. Incorporating the Minister into the British royal family would not only perfectly integrate Ireland but also bring immeasurable benefits when we later expand into Asia."
He stopped short of saying they could intervene in a civil war, or even start one and then step in to resolve it, but Victoria understood their meaning well enough.
"A marriage to the Minister is in the interest of the British Empire…"
"Of course, Your Majesty may not be keen on the idea, having already declared your intention to remain unmarried. But was not the reason for that declaration your intent to care for the affairs of the state as if they were your husband's? For the greater national interest, and with the added request of Parliament, everyone will praise you for making an even better decision for the country."
"Parliament will formally recommend it? Have you already spoken with the Tory Party?"
"Not yet. But with such a clear justification, if Your Majesty wishes it, the Tory Party will have no choice but to cooperate. What is important is Your Majesty's will. You cannot remain unmarried for your entire life, and realistically, you will not find a better candidate for a husband than Minister Killian Gore anywhere."
That's true. This Gladstone fellow certainly knows what he's talking about.
As she listened intently to their words, Gladstone, sensing a possibility, began to praise Killian with an even brighter expression.
"Though I am now with the Whig Party, I have known the Minister since my time with the Tories, no, since I attended a gathering for Eton alumni. From a young age, his character was impeccable, his patriotism for the nation profound, and his wisdom to foresee the future and his excellent political sense were unmatched. He was an outstanding talent, incomparable to anyone else. Add to that his distinguished looks, and I am certain you will not find another man like him in the entire world."
"...The Minister is certainly a man like that."
"If Your Majesty feels no romantic attraction to the Minister whatsoever, we will, of course, press the matter no further. However, if Your Majesty's heart is moved, we wish to say that the Queen's Parliament is ready at any moment to begin preparations to welcome the Prince Consort of the British Empire."
Gladstone and Lord Palmerston continued to talk at length about what a perfect Prince Consort Killian would be before taking their leave.
After telling them she would think about it and give them an answer within a few days, she drank her tea alone, trying to calm her trembling heart.
This was an opportunity. Just accept it and announce the marriage.
A tempting voice whispered in her heart, and she felt an urge to surrender her entire being to it, but she needed to remain calm.
This situation was indeed the realization of a dream she had envisioned.
If the proposal came as a request from Parliament, her previous declaration of non-marriage would pose no problem.
As Gladstone had said, it would be interpreted as the Queen's generous concession, setting aside her own wishes for the sake of the national interest.
Marriage to Killian, something she had so desperately wanted.
Just the thought of it made the corners of her mouth twitch uncontrollably, and she felt a phantom heat on her forehead where he had once kissed her.
But marriage was not something one did alone.
A decision made without considering the other person's opinion was out of the question.
That wasn't love, but violence disguised as affection, and that was not the kind of love she wanted.
‘I have to talk to him. That must come first.’
Having made up her mind, Victoria postponed her afternoon schedule and sent a request for Killian to come to the palace, setting aside all other matters.
She hadn't been this nervous even when she made her first official appearance as Queen.
It seemed a person's heart was not something that could be controlled, no matter how hard one tried.
* * *
Typically, the monarch of the British Empire avoided directly summoning prime ministers or ministers.
As one who must maintain political neutrality, they tried their best to avoid any appearance of political intervention.
Therefore, the Queen's request for him to come to the palace as quickly as possible meant that, in all likelihood, some major incident had occurred.
As the saying goes, ominous premonitions usually come true.
This time was no different.
But at the same time, it was an undeniable fact that this was something completely unexpected.
"...What did Gladstone say?"
"He asked what I thought about marrying you…"
Perhaps embarrassed to speak of it, Victoria lowered her head, her face flushed pink, and explained the morning's events in a voice that was barely a whisper.
"To proceed with the marriage in the form of a recommendation from Parliament… That's certainly a move I didn't see coming. I thought at most they'd suggest sending me off as a special envoy to Asia, but I never imagined they'd come up with such an extraordinary method."
"He said that with your elevated status, no one would be able to object. Far from objecting, everyone would admire it as a master stroke and bless the marriage."
"That's likely. It would not only integrate Ireland but also serve as a very useful pretext for expanding into Asia. If the Whig Party makes such a request, the Tories would be in no position to oppose it. Unless, of course, Your Majesty were to say you felt no affection for me, in which case the matter would be dropped."
Of course, even if Victoria were to refuse, she couldn't use that as her reason.
In that case, this was as good as a done deal from the moment the proposal was made.
It didn't seem like Gladstone knew about my relationship with Victoria when he made this move, but it had inadvertently produced a more certain effect.
"...What do you think, Minister?"
"What Your Majesty thinks is what matters most."
"Of course, I'd be delight—I mean, ahem, it's not that I'm incredibly thrilled, but I don't see any particular reason to refuse. But aren't the Whigs rivals of the Tories? I'm guessing they didn't recommend you as my husband for purely selfless reasons. Am I right in my understanding?"
"That's right. If I become Prince Consort, I'll have to step down from my ministerial post, so their stronger motive is likely to get rid of me. The monarch's spouse must, along with the monarch, maintain strict political neutrality."
He had never heard of using the position of Prince Consort to eliminate a political rival, but that was precisely why it was such an effective master stroke.
If he were a man whose sole ambition was to rise through the ranks domestically, his hands and feet would have been tied, with no way out.
"So they meant to harm you with this marriage. If that's the case, then I… even if their intentions align with what I want, I have no desire to go along with it."
"Are you saying you will refuse?"
"No, not necessarily… I just don't know what to do. That's why I called for you. To inform you of the situation and take some time to think."
This must have been something she truly wanted, yet she was willing to postpone her decision out of consideration for his position.
He could feel her concern for him so clearly that his heart felt strangely full.
"Your Majesty. It is indeed proper for me to resign as Minister if I become Prince Consort. It would also become impossible to openly maintain my position in the Tory Party as I do now."
In truth, the possibility he had considered was Victoria proposing marriage immediately, citing the change in circumstances.
The chances were low, but given Victoria's fiery and unpredictable nature, he thought it was a low-probability event that might still occur.
But he never imagined Gladstone would strike in such a manner.
Perhaps this was what one would expect from a man who, in the original history, was considered one of the greatest prime ministers in the history of the British Empire.
He couldn't help but genuinely admire the sharp move that had far exceeded his expectations.
But for that very reason, this time.
It seemed Lady Luck had smiled upon him.
Contrary to their expectations, this marriage would not be the grave of his political career.