Chapter 169
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 169
Chapter Title: The Hidden Big Shot (5)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The reporters, who had been scribbling furiously, suddenly stopped.
Those who had already drafted their articles in a rush to publish stared at me in disbelief.
“Y-Your Highness! Does that mean you intend to respect Parliament's bill…?”
“Our British Empire is a nation with the most advanced system in the world. However, any country that is the first to establish a system is bound to have some rough edges. We are no different. While we profess to uphold the rule of law, we rely heavily on tradition and custom, and there are frequent clashes between law and tradition. Therefore, I believe any attempt to clearly define by law what has traditionally been taken for granted should be duly respected.”
“But hasn't it already been revealed that the intention is to exclude Your Highness from domestic politics?”
“The royal family of the British Empire must remain neutral in matters of domestic politics. This is a tradition we have upheld until now, and one we must continue to uphold. Some traditions must change with the times, but I believe this is a righteous tradition our royal family must preserve forever. Therefore, I have decided to willingly comply with Parliament's request.”
“So you mean to set an example of respecting this nation's system, like Socrates, who knowingly drank the poisoned cup.”
At this point, they must feel a level of magnanimity completely different from those who engage in political strife for personal gain.
Seeing the undisguised respect in the eyes of the writing reporters, I chuckled and shook my head.
“That is too much praise. If I were truly such a magnanimous person, I would have immediately declared my respect for Parliament's decision before the debate even ignited. When I first watched this controversy unfold, I was naturally angered, and I even considered using it as a pretext to intervene in domestic politics.”
“You certainly could have, but is there a reason you changed your mind?”
“As I said, regardless of Parliament's intentions, I believed it was right to protect this nation's traditions and the rule of law. This is also why Her Majesty did not order the dissolution of Parliament. To be honest, as I am only human, I do not feel entirely pleased even at this very moment. However, more than that, I love this British Empire and carry a sense of duty to continue dedicating myself to this country. The reason I am announcing my respect for Parliament is because of this conviction of mine. My conviction must not be shaken by Parliament's decision, must it?”
“Parliament's actions cannot shake my conviction… My decision is not for Parliament, but for my own conviction…”
Addressing the reporters who had begun to write furiously again, I did not forget to make a final, polite request.
“Therefore, as Her Majesty has stated, I hope the politicians will end this tedious fight and once again pool their wisdom to craft policies for this nation and its citizens. The same goes for the press. I ask for your help in ensuring that Her Majesty's and my decision can help stabilize the society and public opinion that have been sharpened by extreme confrontation.”
“Leave it to us!”
“We, too, will prioritize this nation's development, just like the Prince Consort!”
The press conference, which was expected to be a venue for denouncing Parliament, transformed into a stage for praising my magnanimity.
Until Victoria and I rose from our seats after the conference and entered the palace.
The reporters' praises and applause continued unabated.
***
The House of Commons and the Whig Party, completely cornered, could not refuse the lifeline I had extended.
The members, who had believed Parliament's dissolution was inevitable, greeted me with thunderous applause when I appeared at the next session.
It was like the reaction of people who had invited their savior into their home.
Strictly speaking, it was a fitting analogy.
I was, after all, the benefactor who had allowed the political lives of the members of the House of Commons to continue.
“Your Highness! I am overwhelmed by your generous decision.”
“After reading the articles that day, I foolishly shed tears. Ah! I had forgotten the essence of politics all this time. If there were a hole to crawl into, I would hide in it.”
Gladstone, Palmerston, and Russell.
Without exception, the Whig members approached where I was seated for the speech, bowing their heads repeatedly and never forgetting to express their gratitude.
The same was true for the Conservative members who had cooperated with the Whigs to pass the bill.
Of course, Wellesley and Disraeli also did not forget to act as if they were begging my forgiveness.
Besieged by the constant stream of gratitude, the scheduled start of the meeting was delayed by well over an hour.
The meeting that began after much ado was just as sluggish.
Although it had been agreed that the bill would be passed as originally proposed, the majority of the members, watching my expression, could not bring themselves to say they approved.
“Members in favor of the bill, please say 'aye'!”
No matter what the Speaker said, how could the members possibly vote in favor in such an atmosphere?
As everyone looked to me, unsure of what to do, I rose from my seat with a wry smile, as if I had no choice.
“Mr. Speaker, if it is not an imposition, may I have a word before the vote?”
“…It seems that would be for the best.”
“Thank you. My dear members, as you all know, there was a truly unfortunate incident recently. However, as I have stated before, I believe that for this proud British Empire to continue to develop, the rule of law must be firmly established. And the responsibility and role of Parliament, which holds the legislative power to enact laws, will only grow more important and heavier. Therefore, when voting on a bill in this sacred place, no external factors or pressure should intervene.
I hope you will exercise your authority according to your beliefs, according to your convictions. I, too, will continue to keep to my place as specified in the law and spare no effort for the future of this country.”
*Clap, clap, clap.*
As soon as I finished, Disraeli, sitting on the opposite side, was the first to applaud.
The Conservative members followed with a round of applause, and soon after, the Whig members joined the current.
“Your Highness! Thank you!”
“Thank you! Thank you!”
In the chamber, which had instantly turned into a revival meeting, I received the cheers of the members and bowed politely.
Polite and humble to the very last moment.
So that no one could see the smile breaking through my poker face.
I bowed my head even deeper.
***
“What in the world has happened! No… what did you do?”
As soon as the meeting ended, a breathless Wellesley rushed to find me and raised his voice.
“Why did you just let the bill pass? The situation was flowing in a way that there would have been no risk in rejecting it. Didn't you tell me to stay put because you had a plan?”
“I did. And you did very well too, Prime Minister. Thanks to you, everything went according to plan.”
“The bill passed, and that was the plan?”
“When did I ever say I would have the bill rejected? From the beginning, I believed its passage was inevitable.”
Wellesley stared at me with an expression of utter bewilderment.
Considering he had played along with my tune from the start, his reaction was understandable.
He must have thought I would use some brilliant move to crush the House of Commons' scheme, but in the end, it seemed like all for naught.
“If this is the case, then the Prince Consort will be legally unable to hold a proper position in Parliament or the government! The intention of valuing this country's traditions and laws is good, of course, but the loss is far too great.”
“Loss? What have I lost?”
“Well…”
“Tell me one thing that has changed among what I already enjoy.”
Wellesley, who had been about to unleash a torrent of excited words, cooled his head for a moment to think, then scratched his head and moved his mouth without a sound.
“Well, of course…”
“…”
“…Hmm…”
When Wellesley fell silent, I calmly spoke again.
“The influence I wield in Canada and Asia, the financial power I hold in my hand, and my connection to you, Prime Minister. I haven't lost a single thing, so what is there to be disappointed about?”
“But in the future, it will be impossible to hold a position in the domestic Parliament or government…”
“As long as you continue to hold your position, Prime Minister, why would I need to cling to such a title?”
“Then was the purpose of this plan to give the impression that Your Highness is not attached to such positions?”
“That's not all. Although I could have suppressed Parliament if I had wanted to, that's not a good method in the long run. As long as this country espouses a cabinet responsibility system, Parliament is bound to be its center. Forcibly crushing it is by no means good for the nation's future.”
Unless the plan is to abolish Parliament and revert to an absolute monarchy, it should not be seen as an object of oppression.
Taming it instead of suppressing it.
Cutting the rope around its neck at a critical moment instead of slitting its throat.
That was the key scene I intended to orchestrate through this plan.
“From now on, not just the Whig Party but the entire House of Commons will live with a sense of indebtedness to me. And at the same time, they will feel that the Prince Consort, who did not exploit this opportunity, truly has no intention of intervening in domestic politics.”
“…Indeed, attempts to check Your Highness in this manner will likely cease.”
“Besides, they took such a beating this time that for a while, they'll have no choice but to be mindful of public opinion when creating bills. And the House of Lords, which would have been pleased if the Commons were too intimidated, also took a hit, so they won't be able to get too cocky either.”
The Prime Minister was also lumped in with Parliament and criticized, but politics is all relative anyway.
Even if the Conservative Party was criticized, if the Whig Party was criticized more, it's not considered a setback for the Conservatives.
An election, after all, is a battle won by getting just one more vote than the opponent.
This means that whether he was criticized this time or not, there's no obstacle to Wellesley retaining the Prime Minister's seat in the next election.
“Come to think of it, the *Morning Post* seems to have grown enormously…”
“It's now unquestionably the largest newspaper in the British Empire. If a time comes when you wish to sway public opinion, feel free to use it anytime. That's why I nurtured it.”
The bill preventing me from intervening in domestic politics may seem like a shackle at first glance, but in the current situation, it's no different from a suit of armor protecting my image.
After a commotion that nearly turned the country upside down, how will people perceive the Prince Consort who willingly shackled himself to uphold tradition when no one forced him to?
The limitation of not being able to hold a domestic position?
Frankly, that holds no sway over me.
I have a connection to the Prime Minister, the most powerful man in the British Empire, and there are more than a few members in the House of Lords and the House of Commons who will act as my voice.
On top of that, I've grown the previously acquired *Morning Post* into the largest media outlet in the British Empire, and above all, haven't I legally secured authority over the colonies, which will one day become far larger than the motherland?
Yet, even in this situation, the citizens of the motherland spare no praise, calling Prince Consort Killian a true patriot with no lust for power.
And the Whig members who had been clamoring to keep me in check will take time to reflect, realizing they engaged in a pointless endeavor.
“Prime Minister, from now on, please play the role of mediator so the House of Commons and the House of Lords can reconcile. As the son of the Duke of Wellington, you are the most suitable person for such a role. If the House of Lords and the House of Commons of this country continue to be divided and snarling at each other, what will it be but a self-destructive act?”
“So, I should reassert my presence in that way. I understand. Since Your Highness has prepared the meal, I shall enjoy it.”
The traitor controversy that had shaken the British Empire for some time quickly subsided, thanks to the sacrifice of the Prince Consort, who took the lead and willingly hung himself on the cross.
The political world, where figures had been tearing at each other's throats until recently, soon returned to normal.
In the end, the British Empire returned to its tranquil routine, but.
An indelible stain remained on the names of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and they would need to make constant efforts to overcome it.
Only I, who had made a show of relinquishing authority I never even possessed without letting go of anything I actually held.
Emerged as the sole victor of this battle, winning public sentiment that surpassed even that of Parliament.