Chapter 58
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: A New Era (2)
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A cool dawn in June 1837.
Outside the palace, the world was still cloaked in darkness before sunrise, and a quiet stillness lingered within its walls.
Victoria, who had recently gained the freedom to read any book she desired, was still sound asleep in her bed, a consequence of being engrossed in a book until late the previous night.
Lately, her days had been filled with nothing but happiness, and a smile graced her sleeping face.
Even in her dreams, she never doubted that this comfortable life would continue, but alas, fate does not wait for one to be ready to bear its weight.
“...Victoria. Wake up.”
“Mmm... who is it?”
Drowsy with sleep, she slowly opened her eyes at the sensation of someone gently shaking her.
The sun had not yet peeked through the gaps in the curtains, so it wasn't time to wake up.
To be woken at such an hour—could something have happened?
Victoria, careful not to be impolite, covered her mouth and yawned softly as she looked up at her mother.
“It’s still dawn. Is there something urgent?”
“Well...”
Since Conroy’s recent expulsion from the palace, her mother’s attitude had changed considerably.
Perhaps it was because she could no longer exert influence over her daughter and was forced, however reluctantly, to face the fact that her daughter was far more capable than she was.
It was still a small change, but any improvement was not a bad sign.
Victoria thought the day she could reconcile with her mother might not be as far off as she had imagined.
“I hope there hasn't been an accident?”
“An accident... you could call it that. Lord Chamberlain Earl Conyngham and Archbishop William Howley of Canterbury are waiting downstairs.”
“The Lord Chamberlain and the Archbishop of Canterbury... at this hour?”
“Yes.”
There was only one reason for the Lord Chamberlain, who oversaw the royal household, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest cleric of the Church of England, to visit at such a ungodly hour.
Even without hearing the rest, she guessed what had happened, and her voice trembled slightly.
“His Majesty... has he passed away?”
“Yes. Change your clothes and go down. The Prime Minister and the other members of the Privy Council will be arriving soon.”
Just last week, they had met and talked, and he had given her his blessing to continue her education as the heir, just as he always did. Was that to be their last meeting?
Did that mean that from today, she was the... of this country?
For a moment, her mind went blank with shock, but Victoria reflexively changed her clothes and hurried out of the room.
As she entered the drawing room, Earl Conyngham and the Archbishop of Canterbury saw her and respectfully knelt on one knee.
“Today, at 2:12 in the morning, His Majesty King William IV, while recuperating at Windsor Castle, was called to the Lord. From this moment on, the monarch of the British Empire is Your Majesty, the Queen. All officials of the Royal Household will assist Your Majesty and do everything in our power to support you in governing the nation.”
“May God’s blessings be with Your Majesty’s future. Every member of the Church of England will pray for Your Majesty and for the future of this nation you will lead.”
Not Princess, but Your Majesty, the Queen.
The weight of that title, heard for the first time, made time seem to stand still for a moment.
As she took a deep breath to compose herself, the Lord Chamberlain cautiously asked her.
“Your Majesty. If you are all right, may I briefly explain the schedule for what follows?”
“...You may.”
“The members of the Privy Council will be arriving shortly. You will swear an oath before them, announcing your accession as Queen. They will bring the text of the oath, so you need not worry; you may simply read it aloud.”
“I see. So I... I’m really the Queen.”
When she was younger, she had often imagined growing up quickly and inheriting the throne.
But now that it was a reality, she realized just how childish that thought had been.
The monarch of this nation was not a transcendent being who held the country in their hand and bent it to their will.
They were a figurehead with the duty to uphold the law, protect the faith, and maintain political balance.
Was she truly prepared to bear the weight of this crown?
She was still studying politics, economics, society, and religion, but it was precisely because she was studying that she knew.
She still had so much to learn, and she hadn't reached a satisfactory level in any of it. Yet she was being told to ascend the throne?
“Your Majesty. Then, now...”
Just as the Archbishop of Canterbury began to speak, four men entered the drawing room.
They were Robert Peel, the Prime Minister of the ruling party; Viscount Melbourne, the leader of the opposition; and their respective aides.
“Your Majesty. The Royal Council, the Prime Ministers, the Lord Chancellor and other Archbishops, and the Lord Mayor of London, along with all members of the Privy Council, have arrived in the council chamber. We will escort you as soon as you are ready. If you require more time, please do not hesitate to take as long as you need.”
The Privy Council, which served as the monarch’s advisory body, was a committee composed of giants from the political and judicial worlds, and a new monarch was to take their oath before them.
Of course, the council had become largely ceremonial since the establishment of the parliamentary system, but its members were so distinguished that it still commanded respect as an honorary body.
Victoria, too, was theoretically aware of the procedures she would have to follow on her first day as monarch.
Nevertheless, her heart continued to race, showing no signs of calming down.
If only she hadn't gained any real knowledge, if she were still in her ignorant past, unaware of her own shortcomings, perhaps she wouldn't feel such pressure.
But as she was about to laugh bitterly at the weakness of her own nerves,
Victoria caught sight of the young man accompanying Robert Peel as an aide and nearly burst out laughing.
‘What are you doing here?’
A man of the Prime Minister’s stature would naturally have an aide, and Victoria had a faint memory of seeing him on a few occasions.
But the person now standing silently behind Robert Peel was a young man a year her junior whom she knew very well.
It was Killian Gore, the Earl of Arran from Ireland—Victoria’s friend, mentor, and benefactor.
Could he have asked the Prime Minister to let him come as an aide because he was worried she would be nervous?
—*Killian told me he would never do anything that could harm you.*
The words of William IV from their recent meeting flashed through her mind.
Miraculously, her heart, which had been pounding with anxiety, calmed as if it had never been agitated.
Right. All she had to do was read the oath brought by the Privy Council and make some polite conversation. What was so difficult about that?
Her pride would not allow her to show a clumsy side in front of him, who had believed in, supported, and taught her so much.
Besides, if she were to show a truly embarrassing side, he might see her as someone who needed even more looking after.
Even so, being perceived that way by someone a year younger than her didn't seem helpful for her future goals.
In any case, from this moment on, she was the Queen of the British Empire. She had to act with dignity.
Completely free from her tension, Victoria spoke to the bowing Prime Minister in a gentle tone.
“Then, would you mind waiting a moment while I change my clothes? I think a black dress would be more appropriate, as this one seems too bright.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. We will await your return after you have changed.”
Victoria gave the Prime Minister a relaxed smile and turned away.
‘See? I just had to do it.’
There was no need to make such a fuss just because she had gone from being a princess to a queen.
The only things that had changed were the reactions of those around her and the way people treated her.
Her essence remained unchanged.
‘Come to think of it, even Killian will have to call me ‘Your Majesty’ now.’
He hadn't uttered a word, given the setting, but what would be the first thing he'd say when they were alone?
Victoria pondered this as she scanned the outfits she would have to wear today.
* * *
“...Thus, I do solemnly swear, as Queen of this nation, to uphold its laws, protect the Church of England, and defend the rights and freedoms of my people.”
Though the day had come unexpectedly, her voice was steady, her pronunciation clear.
Once the oath was finished, the members of the Privy Council came forward one by one to pledge their allegiance to the new Queen.
After being the first to pay his respects, Robert Peel returned to his place and whispered to me, standing beside him.
“She’s much more composed than I expected. Don’t you think?”
“Indeed. She seems to be handling it far more calmly than I anticipated.”
“She was clearly a little nervous at first, but to regain her composure so quickly... I was worried we were placing too heavy a burden on someone who has just come of age, but it seems I underestimated her.”
“Did I not tell you? She has the makings of the greatest monarch in the history of the British Empire.”
“But the fact remains that she is still young. It wouldn't do for the leader of the ruling party not to seize even a small advantage at a time like this, would it?”
He watched as the Privy Council signed the proclamation officially declaring Victoria the new Queen of England, then slowly rose from his seat.
At the exact same moment, as if by magic, Viscount Melbourne also rose and approached us, speaking affably.
“Oh, Mr. Prime Minister, do you already have something to say to Her Majesty?”
“Of course. I imagine it’s for a similar purpose as the Whig Party.”
“Excellent, then. We can go together and hear Her Majesty’s thoughts.”
After a moment of subtle tension, the two men let down their guard and approached Victoria, who was carefully reading the proclamation.
Forced to receive the leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties on her very first day of accession, she lifted her gaze from the document.
“Is there more on my schedule that I must attend to?”
“It is not something you must do today, but the sooner the better, so your opinion now would be of great help.”
“If it is a matter that requires my help, I will gladly offer my opinion. What is it?”
“As you know, Your Majesty is now the monarch of this nation. It is, of course, necessary to appoint ladies-in-waiting and select a head lady-in-waiting.”
Among the ladies of the royal court, those who directly served the Queen held a position of such high esteem that only women from the most distinguished families could even be considered candidates.
They were also known as Ladies of the Bedchamber, and their importance was significant as they effectively served as the Queen’s secretaries.
However, one had to be at least the wife of an earl to be chosen, and the head lady-in-waiting, known as the Mistress of the Robes, was customarily a duchess, making even being considered for the role a difficult feat.
These ladies, being in close proximity to the Queen, would subtly promote their respective parties’ policies and act as a channel of communication with the monarch, making them very important figures.
For this reason, both the ruling and opposition parties always recommended individuals close to them for the monarch’s retinue, and this time was certainly no exception.
In fact, it was even more intense now.
They would assume that the younger the monarch, like Victoria, the stronger the influence of her ladies-in-waiting would be.
Robert Peel and Viscount Melbourne had undoubtedly rushed here with that very point in mind.
Victoria, who had been observing the two men, nodded as if in agreement.
“You are right. I must begin my duties tomorrow, and it would be problematic not to have people to assist me. I must select the ladies-in-waiting as quickly as possible by reviewing the candidates.”
“In that case, please leave it to us. It has been customary for the ladies of the court to be appointed from those close to the ruling party.”
“Ahem, Mr. Prime Minister. That is not quite right. While the Conservative Party may be the ruling party, the Whig Party holds the most seats as the largest party. The Mistress of the Robes should rightfully be an associate of the Whig Party.”
“It is more important which party the Prime Minister comes from than the number of seats.”
If the party with the majority had produced the Prime Minister, this wouldn't be an issue, but who knew O'Connell's presence would skew the parliamentary landscape to this extent?
So, what verdict would our new Queen deliver?
“In any case, the current ruling party is the Conservative Party. It has always been a deeply respected custom that the ruling party’s voice is given priority.”
“That was because the ruling party was also the majority party. This requires serious discussion.”
“I fully understand the points both of you are trying to make.”
Victoria cut the two men off.
“This is a good opportunity. With this decision, I can clearly show the direction I intend to pursue.”
“Direction, you say...”
“I believe the monarch of the British Empire must always strive for the future of the nation and the betterment of the people’s rights, without political bias. The Mistress of the Robes shall be recommended by the ruling party that produced the Prime Minister. As for the ladies-in-waiting, we will need eight or ten, so I will decide based on recommendations split exactly in half between the ruling and opposition parties. If you have any objections, please state them.”
The decision was swift and firm, yet neither Robert Peel nor Viscount Melbourne responded, instead gauging the other’s reaction.
With the monarch having declared perfect impartiality, raising an objection now would risk being seen as politically selfish.
“...Then, in the future, if Parliament is configured in this manner, is it your intention to decide the Mistress of the Robes based on the recommendation of the party that produced the Prime Minister?”
“Yes. And for the other ladies-in-waiting, I will ensure they are distributed fairly based on recommendations from parties holding over 200 seats. It would not set a good example to fill the Royal Household with individuals from a single party. Especially since I am still young and have much to learn. I wish to encounter as many diverse opinions as possible to cultivate my own judgment, so I would be grateful for your help and guidance in the future.”
What could these seasoned politicians do when the young Queen, just ascended to the throne, presented herself this way?
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“We will do our utmost to assist you, so please do not worry.”
If they didn't want to be criticized as politicians trying to manipulate the Queen by imposing partisan views, they had no choice but to cooperate.
“Then, I shall see you at the next meeting.”
As Victoria smiled brightly and turned her gaze back to the document she had been reading, the Prime Minister and Viscount Melbourne also bowed and withdrew.
Once outside the council chamber, the Prime Minister gave a wry smile and clicked his tongue.
“Well, I'll be. I went hoping to get a few scraps from the young Queen, only to be soundly put in my place. What was your impression, Viscount Melbourne?”
“I understood it as a warning to both the ruling and opposition parties not to interfere with the Royal Household.”
“That was my interpretation as well. A young woman who has just come of age, who has just shouldered the heavy burden of being Queen today, yet she doesn't shrink before the leaders of both parties and draws a line in the sand like that. Killian, just as you said, she might become quite a formidable person with more experience, don't you think?”
Did he really think she'd be so easily controlled after I'd spent nearly five years sticking by her side and teaching her?
Of course, I hadn't expected her to be able to so clearly express her intentions to the Prime Minister and Viscount Melbourne on her very first day. Is this what a mother bird feels when her fledgling leaves the nest?
It's more rewarding than I thought.
As we were walking out of the palace towards the waiting carriage,
“...By the way, Mr. Prime Minister.”
Viscount Melbourne, who had been silently stroking his chin, spoke in a suggestive tone.
“Now that Her Majesty has ascended the throne, Parliament will soon be dissolved and a new election held, will it not?”
“That is correct. Are you perhaps making a declaration that you won't lose this time?”
“I have no intention of losing, of course, but there is one thing I wish to make clear beforehand. I personally question the necessity of going this far, but as the party line has been decided, I am in a position where I cannot ignore that voice.”
“Was there something we needed to make clear between us?”
It wasn't uncommon for the ruling and opposition parties to make some sort of agreement before an election, but at this particular moment, there didn't seem to be any reason for it.
Viscount Melbourne nonchalantly dismissed the questioning looks from Robert Peel and me.
“With the variable of Ireland and O’Connell, there are too many factors for both our side and yours to consider, are there not? If they become the kingmakers again, we'll have to swallow our pride and ask for their favor.”
“Hmm...”
“Of course, you are currently receiving their help, Mr. Prime Minister, but their demands will only grow. To be frank, now that the Corn Laws have been successfully repealed, don't you feel confident that you can secure a majority on your own in this election?”
The Prime Minister narrowed his eyes. He must have hit a nerve.
In truth, although they maintained a cooperative, if not official, relationship, the best-case scenario for the Conservative Party was to oust O'Connell and secure a majority on their own.
So, I could roughly imagine what was going through the Prime Minister's mind right now.
He was likely calculating whether he could use me to monopolize Ireland if O'Connell were out of the picture.
“So what the Whig Party is proposing is to get rid of O'Connell’s Repeal Party and return Parliament to the two-party system of Conservatives and Whigs?”
“Yes, you’ve understood perfectly.”
“What is your specific plan?”
“Several members of our party have already made preparations. They will simultaneously expose scandals related to O’Connell through the newspapers, and the Conservative Party simply needs to do nothing and remain quiet. Once O'Connell is gone, let us compete fair and square to see whether the Conservatives or the Whigs will take south-central Ireland.”
Well, I'll be. The definition of "fair and square" must have changed without my knowing.
After a moment of contemplation, the Prime Minister, having seemingly finished his calculations, grinned and nodded.
“Let’s do it. After all, the two-party system is a time-honored tradition of our British Empire, is it not? And conservatives must uphold tradition.”
“Very well. Then we shall begin our work on the very day Her Majesty dissolves Parliament.”
This steadfastness, this dedication to their own brand of politics regardless of a new queen's era or what anyone else might say.
Watching the politics of the British Empire proceed, business as usual, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of admiration.
Yes. This is the British Empire I know.