Chapter 134
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 134
Chapter Title: Take What's Ours (2)
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The supreme magnate of the British Empire's financial world, whose successful ventures spanned the Empire, the United States, and now even Canada.
James, now hailed as the father of human rights by the black population in the United States, dragged his exhausted body from his bed.
His closest confidants revered him, calling him the king of capitalists, the man who had built a kingdom of gold.
A notion that, of course, drew nothing but a hollow laugh from him.
The seat he now occupied was indeed the throne of a kingdom built on wealth.
However, fewer than five people knew that the true master of this throne was someone else.
In essence, James was not the kingdom’s master but its steward... No, he supposed he held more authority than a mere steward.
If he so chose, he could indulge in lavish pleasures, spending the kingdom's money freely, and the true master would never have uttered a word of complaint.
But what was the point of all that accumulated wealth when he lacked the time to enjoy it?
It's said that people eventually grow accustomed to their work, but as soon as he did, new tasks would appear. Astonishingly, his workload only ever increased.
Fortunately, his recent appointments of salaried figureheads in each region had granted him some breathing room.
His current, primary objective was to relentlessly drive these sacrificial lambs, ensuring his newfound respite would continue.
If only the man upstairs would refrain from launching any new ventures, the month-long vacation he so desperately craved would no longer be a mere dream.
But this time, too, the heavens had forsaken James.
“I recently negotiated with the Russians, and we've decided to buy Alaska.”
“Alaska? You mean the Russian territory bordering Canada to the north?”
“That's right. We're buying it for the bargain price of 1.35 million pounds, but the problem is Parliament will undoubtedly foam at the mouth, claiming even that is too expensive. So, I think it would be better to just buy it with our own money.”
“1.35 million pounds is hardly an issue, but it does seem a waste to throw that much money at an empty piece of land.”
“Empty land? What are you talking about? Do you think I'd be mad enough to spend my own money on some worthless territory? That's why I want you to use our businesses in Canada to put in a bid. Tell them to prepare for surveying the resources and for mining operations.”
Just as I suspected. This financial wizard would never make a losing deal.
How he knew was a mystery, but it seemed the land of Alaska was also brimming with vast, untapped resources.
They already held a near-monopoly on coal and iron ore mining rights in Canada. If they now extended their reach to Alaska, how much more wealth would they amass?
“But will we be able to secure the mining rights so easily?”
“I already told you. We're buying it with our own money. I'll cover the entire cost of the Alaska purchase. I'll use my publicly declared assets to fund about sixty percent, and we'll raise the remaining forty through private investment.”
“And you intend to use our Canadian resource extraction companies for that forty percent. It seems 1.35 million pounds could be covered entirely by the Royal assets. Is there a reason you're choosing not to?”
“Because if I effectively own all that land myself, there will inevitably be chatter when the resources start pouring out. People will say I bought it too cheaply, and that as a royal, I should be more magnanimous. Questions might also arise about whether it's right for me to monopolize everything.”
Was it right to be planning what soup to have, when the baker hadn't even offered any bread?
Anyone else would call this getting ridiculously ahead of oneself, but James was astonished to find he harbored no doubt at all.
If Killian said it would happen, then it was as good as done.
The question was, just how vast were the resources for Killian to be planning this far ahead...
“So, by bringing in forty percent private capital, you're creating the appearance of giving back to the public.”
“Exactly. Besides, coal and iron ore will be in immediate demand, and there might even be gold, so we must be prepared. Mobilizing the private sector is faster for this sort of thing. They can also use more... aggressive methods without causing problems.”
“...Are you saying there will be gold as well?”
Every word he uttered so casually was enough to leave a man breathless.
“Yes. But what happens when word gets out that there's gold? Riffraff from all corners will flock there, and it will be utter chaos, won't it? An influx of population isn't a bad thing, but the side effects would be too severe. We need to prepare.”
Regulating mining and land rights, efficient extraction using advanced technology.
And building the necessary infrastructure... not a single one of these things would come cheap.
Still, to enter the venture with guaranteed rights to such a vast territory and its resources... the potential profits were beyond his comprehension.
And while it was framed as opening rights to the "private sector," wasn't that sector comprised entirely of Killian's own organizations?
In effect, the land of Alaska was becoming an inexhaustible spring of wealth for the British Royal Family... no, for Killian himself.
“Then I'll send men to Canada at once. We'll have the coal mining, iron ore, locomotive, and labor supply companies all bid separately. If seven or eight firms divide the investment, it shouldn't arouse suspicion.”
“Excellent. Then I'll need to go before Parliament and deliver a speech. I'll say the important thing is for our British Empire to secure complete control of northern North America, which requires pushing Russia out. To that end, I will gladly open my own purse to purchase Alaska. I do not wish to burden our citizens unnecessarily, so not a single penny of state funds will be used. What do you think of a speech like that?”
“I'm so moved, tears are clouding my vision. They might even ask what you stand to gain by giving so generously to the nation.”
“What I'd gain? Why, the support and love of the good citizens of the British Empire, of course.”
Killian rose from his seat with a knowing smile.
This meant more work for him, but he had already appointed several managers in Canada. If he squeezed them hard enough, his own workload wouldn't increase too drastically.
“Go well, Your Highness. I will prepare to leave for Canada at once—”
“Ah, one more thing. I heard demand is soaring for the clothing factories we acquired and the artisans we hired. We should use this opportunity to seize control of London's apparel industry and fashion scene. How about we acquire factories on a massive scale, churn out ready-to-wear clothing for the working class, and supply the upper class with symbolic luxury goods that are unattainable even with vast wealth?”
“Do you mean items like the high heels Her Majesty the Queen wore?”
“Exactly. But if money alone can buy such things, it cheapens them, doesn't it? So let's create different tiers: a top-tier luxury brand, a slightly more accessible luxury brand, and another for the general upper class—those who wouldn't be caught in ready-to-wear but can't afford the most extravagant pieces.”
James was reminded every time: Killian knew exactly how to exploit human psychology to bleed people of their money.
By creating tiered clothing brands, those wearing the top-tier items would be visually distinct, allowing them to feel a sense of superiority.
This was all possible thanks to the absolute advantage of having the Queen herself as the ultimate promotional model, enabling the creation of the British Empire's most prestigious luxury brand. And it was, in fact, the perfect way to extract money from the populace.
It was undeniable. A man who started from nothing and rose to become the power behind the British Empire's throne was bound to have such capabilities.
No matter how ruthlessly Killian worked him, moments like these inevitably rekindled his respect.
“So, James, before you leave for Canada, prepare to launch the luxury brands. Acquire other companies if you must.”
“...Me?”
“Who else would I entrust this to? You know, if this goes well, you'll be able to dress from head to toe in luxury goods that even the highest aristocrats of the British Empire would envy.”
The time it took for his burgeoning respect to vanish completely: exactly three seconds.
No matter how brilliant his abilities or how his predictions bordered on prophecy, to James, there was no more wicked an employer in all the world.
***
As expected, the Alaska purchase was controversial only at first, proceeding without any major issues.
The Whigs had been ready to attack, questioning why money had to be spent on acquiring Alaska. But when I announced that I would fund the purchase with private investment and cover the rest myself, they fell silent.
“It is doubtful any capitalist would invest in such an icy wasteland, but if the Prince Consort is using his personal funds, we see no reason to object.”
They couldn't resist getting in one last dig, but what could I do?
The call for investment in the Alaska purchase, which was premised on the distribution of concessions, was a resounding success, reaching its target amount in a single day.
This left the opposition wondering, "How did that even work?" before quickly dismissing it, assuming investors had simply put their faith in a royal endeavor.
Some even voiced concerns that investors might later complain to the Royal Family about having wasted their money.
I wondered what their reaction would be when the resources began to pour out of Alaska in earnest.
And what long, sorrowful tale would Russia spin, having sold Alaska for a mere 1.35 million pounds?
The anticipation alone was enough to make my mouth water.
As I was cheerfully wrapping things up, the date for our departure to Canada was finally set.
None other than the Queen of the British Empire herself was visiting a colony, accompanied by her Prince Consort.
Ahead of this unprecedented event, the government had focused all its resources on coordinating the plans. At last, Victoria and I crossed the Atlantic together.
At first, I worried that a fortnight at sea might take its toll on her, but Victoria, surprisingly, handled life aboard the ship remarkably well.
She occasionally mentioned feeling nauseous, but a touch of seasickness was something anyone might experience. It was hardly a major issue.
Unlike my last trip, there were no pressing time constraints, so I treated it as a cruise to Canada and spent a leisurely time with Victoria.
We ate together, chatted, slept in the same bed, and occasionally shared pleasantries and jokes with the officials and attendants.
After enjoying a long-overdue holiday to the fullest, we finally arrived in Canada. Even before we disembarked, a tremendous roar of cheers echoed from the port, loud enough to shake the very foundations.
It was understandable, of course. The Queen of the British Empire had come in person.
Perhaps that was why, more than the enormous crowd, my eyes were drawn to the Governor-General of Canada. The dark circles under his eyes nearly reached his chin, a testament to his ordeal.
The man was getting on in years; it would be dangerous if he collapsed from overwork. Who could have pushed him so hard...? Ah, right. It was me.
“Your Highness, the Prince Consoooooort! A most hearty welcome back to Cana—Your Majesty! That you would grace us with your presence is an honor beyond measure!”
So overjoyed was he that he had nearly greeted me first before catching himself and bowing deeply to Victoria. The Governor-General then sidled over to me and whispered.
“Your Highness, this is an urgent matter. I felt I must inform you before the official welcome concludes.”
“Has there been some kind of accident?”
“An incident, you could say... but it was not our fault.”
Casting an anxious glance around, as if worried about dampening the festive atmosphere, he lowered his voice even further.
“Four days ago, near the border, American slave catchers crossed over, claiming to be searching for runaways.”
“That's hardly a new problem, is it?”
“But this time, the scale was larger. What's more, they came fully armed with firearms... A massive shootout erupted, resulting in numerous casualties.”
“That is a serious matter indeed. For such an unfortunate incident to occur just as Her Majesty arrives.”
So, not only did they cross the border, they caused an incident by firing their weapons indiscriminately?
And during such a sensitive time, when the country's Queen and Prince Consort are visiting, no less.
How anxious our dear Queen will be when she learns of this incident.
As Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Canada and as the Queen's husband, I cannot possibly overlook this matter.
I made a show of trembling my fist in anger, subtly bowing my head to hide the smile that threatened to creep onto my lips.