Chapter 139
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: Give Me a Price
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In the original history, the Mexican-American War began in 1846, four years from now.
Since 1842 is already drawing to a close, it would have happened in just over three years.
Heinrich's Law applies to most major events, so that war, too, had numerous warning signs long before it broke out.
Therefore, it wouldn't be particularly strange for this incident to act as a trigger, pulling the inevitable war forward by a few years.
But I never imagined they’d try to tempt me with an invitation to jump into the muck with them.
The Mexican-American War in the original history was also started for absurd, fabricated reasons, and this attempt at war seems to be proof of an even guiltier conscience.
“Isn't Mexico’s national strength incomparable to that of the United States? Surely you can wage war without seeking our help?”
“That may be so, but this incident, caused by Mexico's vile machinations, has also harmed the British Empire. It is dreadful to even speak of, but if Her Majesty the Queen had suffered a great shock, what kind of tragedy might have unfolded... The thought alone sends a chill down my spine. I can only imagine the boundless fury felt by the Prince Consort and the citizens of the British Empire.”
“So you want us to attack Mexico together, but frankly, it’s not a very convincing proposal. Even if this was Mexico's plot, it was the United States that actually employed the slave catchers, and it was the United States that failed to properly control its border. Even if they committed the crime for money, the fact remains that the perpetrators were people from the United States.”
“On that point, I offer my sincerest apologies. I promise we will provide all necessary compensation. However, if there is a power that instigated this affair, is it not our duty to punish them and set justice right? I believe, especially for the prestige of the British Empire, that we cannot let the masterminds of this plot go unpunished.”
Since when did the United States care about the prestige of the British Empire?
The logic was laughable, but I could roughly guess their intentions.
“However, Mexico is too far from our homeland. If we were to actually go to war, the cost to us would be too great.”
“Of course, you would not need to dispatch your army directly. The actual fighting will be carried out by the military of our United States.”
In short, their plan was to beat Mexico to a pulp, then borrow our name to more easily pressure them and seize their territory.
After all, the British Empire and Mexico are too far apart physically, so even in a war, sending an army to occupy territory would be difficult.
The most we could do is send the navy to devastate the Mexican coastline, which would actually make it easier for the United States to conduct the war.
In other words, the US would be able to enjoy a two-for-one deal: they wouldn't be starting a fabricated, unjust war alone, which would ease their conscience, and they could win the war more easily.
Of course, that would only be the case if I had no idea the Mexican-American War was coming and had made no preparations.
“I understand what you’re saying, but the British Empire does not send its allies into the fray alone when it goes to war. Even when Napoleon set all of Europe ablaze, our British Empire stood at the forefront to bring him to his knees. If we truly go to war with Mexico, our policy will not change this time either. Especially if Mexico truly orchestrated this, they have provoked none other than our Queen. Do you think we would let that stand?”
“That… is true. Then the Royal Navy of the British Empire would sortie and devastate Mexico's ports. In that case, we would be most reassured.”
“Is that all? The valiant army of our Queen will march south and relentlessly push forward until Mexico surrenders.”
“…Pardon? But…”
“Ah, and I recall the United States is in a sharp confrontation with Mexico over Texas, correct? That’s even better. We will advance toward Alta California, allowing us to attack Mexico from both directions.”
When war breaks out between the United States and Mexico, the US will inevitably have to concentrate its forces in Texas.
Meanwhile, we can take that opportunity to march down from Oregon and plant our flag all the way to California, completely securing the Pacific region.
I have more than enough troops for that; since the moment I arrived in Canada, I've been continuously training a militia specifically to intervene when the Mexican-American War breaks out.
The California region is Mexican territory in name only, lacking any proper defense forces. If we decide to push through, we can do so with great ease.
Of course, this turn of events would be anything but welcome for the United States, whose plan was to beat up Mexico and snatch its western territories.
If the war ended as I described, the territory we would gain could be far larger than what the United States would take.
As this realization dawned on him, Everett’s eyes twitched faintly as he spoke.
“…There can't be that many troops in Canada. The British Empire need not go to such lengths…”
“Oh, not at all. As I’ve said repeatedly, the British Empire never lets its allies fight alone. This is a matter of our prestige and honor, so you need not worry about it.”
“I’m not worried, I’m…”
“Then there shouldn't be any further issues. However, we will decide everything after observing Mexico's response.”
He wasn’t worried about the British Empire, but about themselves. Still, with the president's letter in my hands, it would be difficult for him to change his tune.
This is why, when plotting to use others, one must always consider the possibility of being used in return.
I slowly folded Tyler’s letter and placed it in my coat, bidding him farewell.
Even for a seasoned diplomat, this situation was clearly unexpected. Everett couldn't hide his bewilderment as he bowed his head stiffly and rose from his seat.
Just a moment ago, he must have been pleased, thinking everything was going according to their plan. What a shame.
Still, seeing his hardened face made me feel as if the steak I ate for lunch had been digested in ten seconds. How refreshing.
Of course, he must be dreading the report he has to give to his president, but isn't that just the nature of diplomacy?
Their misfortune is our good fortune.
***
While the United States had their bubble burst after getting their hopes up, there was another party that was truly blindsided, so shocked they felt their heads would split.
“Your Highness! We are truly! Truly, truly, truly! Wrongfully accused! Why in God’s name would we provoke the British Empire when they were minding their own business!”
The Mexican ambassador, Luis Gonzaga Cuevas, who had offered a lighthearted greeting just a few days ago, was now making the room ring with his sorrowful and indignant voice.
It was unbecoming behavior for a diplomat, but he seemed to have no room to care for such decorum at the moment.
“The United States claims to have secured all the evidence.”
“That is obviously fabricated evidence! The Americans are masters of incitement, lies, forgery, and manipulation. You must not be deceived, Your Highness!”
Cuevas was a diplomat who had built his career serving in both Prussia and Britain, so he knew better than anyone how fearsome the British Empire was.
That was why, upon hearing I was going to Canada, he had personally volunteered for the vacant post of ambassador to Canada.
“What is the public opinion in Mexico? They must have heard about this commotion by now.”
“Naturally, they are furious, calling it an absurd accusation. This… this is nonsense not even worth considering, as you well know.”
“Nonsense not worth a response…”
I fully understood his sentiment, but unfortunately, this was not a wise response.
No matter how absurd and infuriating the accusation, once the other side has made its move, you must refute it with thorough data collection.
Otherwise, no matter how much you claim innocence, third parties will inevitably lean toward the side that presents a more logical argument.
“The Americans are trying to pin their mistake on us and use it as a pretext to gain an advantage in the ongoing disputes. You must not fall for their vile scheme.”
“Ambassador, I understand how you feel, but if you remain so emotional, no one but me will listen to Mexico. The United States has already submitted all its documents to our Parliament, claiming Mexico is the mastermind. What kind of judgment do you think Parliament will render?”
“Th-that is fabricated data…”
“Whether it is fabricated or not is something we cannot know. What is certain is that if this continues, Parliament, pushed by the angry public, may side with the United States.”
It was true that I had been granted full authority to do as I pleased in Canada, but if Parliament passed a law, I would have to obey it.
And nine times out of ten, if this dragged on, Parliament would decide to attack Mexico alongside the United States.
It was the easy way to secure practical gains and uphold our prestige.
“Prince Consort! We are truly innocent. We have absolutely no connection to this incident. And because we are not involved, we cannot prove our innocence. You know this, don't you? Even in a trial, proving a negative is the most difficult task.”
“To be honest, I too have my doubts that Mexico would go that far. But as you know, the British Empire has adopted a parliamentary system. Even as a plenipotentiary, if Parliament makes a formal demand, I have no choice but to comply.”
“Th-then we will also prepare and send our materials, so please review them with us!”
“Of course, we must. But there is one thing I would like to ask. Does Mexico believe there is a high probability of war with the United States?”
“That is…”
“The conflict between the United States and Mexico is a grave matter that could have a profound impact on Canada. The homeland is also watching closely.”
That was a lie, of course.
Britain’s main concern at the moment was Russian expansion. The US-Mexico issue was, at best, a secondary or even tertiary concern.
Though that might change once the recent news reached the citizens back home.
“…We are always mindful of the possibility of war. One must prepare for war to preserve peace.”
“I see. In fact, many on our side also view the expansion of the United States with concern. I am one of them.”
“Is that so?”
“Indeed. I have conducted numerous investigations, and each time, I came to the conclusion that war was inevitable at some point. I just never thought the time would come so soon.”
I didn't know what Mexico thought, but war was now a foregone conclusion.
From the American perspective, having gone to such lengths with this fabrication, they could no longer back down.
The moment they revealed they had framed Mexico, more than a few people would be ruined. How could they possibly retreat?
Once you're riding a tiger, the only time you can get off is after the war has started and you've won.
Hearing my words, Cuevas’s face grew increasingly pale.
He must have a clear grasp of the situation now, right? Keep stewing in your anxiety.
If things continue like this, you’ll have all your territory stripped away and be forced to bow to the United States.
“Y-Your Highness. Then… if war breaks out, does the British Empire plan to remain neutral?”
“I wonder. I, for one, hope that this continent maintains peace as much as possible. If a war were to break out, we might attempt to mediate in our own way.”
“Is that truly so?”
“Yes. Of course, it won't be for free. We would need a price that can convince the citizens and Parliament back home. For instance, here.”
I pointed a finger at the southwestern part of North America that opened to the Pacific Ocean, and Cuevas’s eyes trembled.
“If you promise to incorporate the Alta California region into the British Dominion of Canada, our Parliament at home will gladly accept the British Empire’s mediation in this war.”
“Th-that is…”
“If it's anything less than that, we can't help you. We will have to remain neutral, even if the worst comes to pass.”
Did they think we would lend the name of the world's strongest power, the British Empire, for free?
Whether we attack Mexico alongside the United States…
Or remain neutral and mediate…
Whatever happened, the California region would certainly fall into our hands.
But if it ended with just that, wouldn't it be a bit disappointing?
To name new territories after my soon-to-be-born child, Victoria, and myself, I needed to acquire at least three new regions. Gaining California and Oregon above it still wasn't nearly enough.
For us to take more, Mexico needed to put up a strong fight against the United States, but no matter how I thought about it, Mexico was not in the same weight class.
In that case, there was only one way.
If Mexico cannot be made stronger, then the only other option is to make their opponent weaker.