Chapter 87
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: The Marriage Commotion
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The nobles and citizens of the British Empire were convinced that their nation was the greatest and most powerful on Earth.
This became an established fact after they defeated Napoleon of France, the only rival to the British Empire in Europe.
Russia remained a potential threat, but no one in the British Empire believed themselves weaker.
They simply regarded Russia as a menacing foe that could not be left to grow unchecked.
In other words, the British Empire was, without question, the strongest power in the Western world.
And in their hearts, its nobles and citizens prided themselves on the belief that no country on the entire planet was stronger than the British Empire.
India had all but been brought to its knees, leaving only the Central Plain, which had reigned as the supreme power of the East for thousands of years.
But naturally, the Qing Dynasty, the empire that ruled the Central Plain, was no easy opponent, a fact that British intellectuals were well aware of.
The sheer pressure of its 400-million-strong population was staggering.
After all, even if Britain mustered the entire population of its colonies, not just the homeland, it would barely reach half of the Qing Dynasty’s numbers.
“In a head-on conflict, the British Empire would never lose a battle, but a tactical victory is different from a strategic one.”
“If the Qing Dynasty continues to press its advantage in numbers, the limitations of a long-distance expedition would inevitably lead to considerable losses for us.”
Most military experts and scholars offered this view, and it was the prevailing perception of the Qing Dynasty not only in Britain but throughout Europe.
We may have the superior technology, but there’s no arguing with sheer numbers.
No matter how many tactical victories one achieves, defeat is inevitable if the ability to sustain combat is lacking.
After the Napoleonic Wars, Europe understood this absolute truth better than anyone, which was why it had to be cautious.
But then, someone appeared who shattered this long-held stereotype in one fell swoop.
A nobleman of Asian blood, Earl Aaron, Killian Gore.
Based on his deep understanding of Asian nations, he raised his voice, insisting that Britain must revise its existing views.
He did not stop at mere assertion; with incredible diplomatic skill, he proved his words completely.
The trade issues with the Qing Dynasty, which had been deadlocked for over a decade, were all resolved.
And by some unknown means, the Qing Dynasty self-destructed, providing a perfect pretext for war.
Had he stopped there, he might have been known merely as a diplomatic genius, but Killian Gore also achieved results in the actual war.
- Admiral George Elliot: “I merely commanded in this war. All the grand strategies were decided according to the Minister’s opinions.”
- “We just followed the Minister’s words, and the Qing Dynasty moved exactly as he said.” The astonishing and mysterious predictions of Minister Killian Gore. This is on the level of prophecy.
- Superintendent Charles Elliot’s testimony: “It was impossible to lose this war. From the very beginning, the level of the Qing Dynasty’s military strength and all their possible responses were already in the Minister’s head.”
As such articles poured out from newspapers of all stripes, both conservative and liberal, the British public came to know who had truly led this war.
Especially during Killian's journey back to his homeland after completing his work in Asia.
His achievements and the rumors surrounding them had grown so numerous that it became impossible to distinguish truth from exaggeration.
Playing a significant role in this were none other than the salons of high society, dominated by the ladies of the British upper class.
“Oh my, is that truly so?”
“It is. My husband knows Representative Disraeli, who is close to Earl Aaron, you see. According to Representative Disraeli, it seems Earl Aaron had anticipated all of this even before he left Britain.”
“Goodness, how intelligent and wonderful. I heard the Prime Minister sent him with the hope of only resolving the trade issues, but this has far exceeded all expectations.”
“Indeed.”
In 19th-century Britain, women were not permitted to participate in politics, but they enjoyed discussing various social and political issues in their salons.
After all, even if direct participation was impossible, they could still exert indirect influence by planting ideas in their husbands' minds.
However, since direct involvement was out of the question, it was also true that the topics of conversation inevitably drifted toward gossip.
This was especially true when a new star of such immense influence in politics and society emerged.
And if that person happened to be young and handsome?
It would be no exaggeration to say that he would occupy 70% of the conversation among the ladies of high society.
This was no exception in the salon of Mrs. Emily Lamb, the sister of Viscount Melbourne, the leader of the opposition Whig Party, and the wife of Viscount Palmerston, a senior member of the same party.
“Everyone, have you heard the news? There’s a rumor that the Minister is actually descended from an Eastern kingdom’s royal family.”
“Ah! I’ve heard that as well. It was already a well-known story that the Minister was of Irish and Oriental mixed heritage. But to think he was actually of royal blood from the East.”
“Didn’t someone once say he was a former slave? I wonder if that was just a malicious rumor to tarnish the Minister’s honor.”
“Hmph, those people should all be sued. Imagine how our Minister must have suffered because of such baseless rumors.”
Although it was the salon of the Whig leader's sister, the title for Killian had, at some point, become “our Minister.”
It was a moniker solidified by the logic that if a man was handsome enough to warm the heart just by looking at him and also exceptionally capable, he was naturally “our Minister,” not “their Minister.”
“Mrs. Lamb, your husband would surely know the exact details. Have you perhaps heard anything?”
“I heard something just a few days ago myself. Where was it… Not the Qing Dynasty, but further east from there, a country called Jipan? Japan? The rumor is that he is descended from the ruling class there.”
“Oh? But I heard it was a different country… I can be certain of this, as I heard it from Representative Wellesley, a friend of the Minister. I believe he said the Minister was born in a country called Choseon? Korea?”
“I heard that as well. But my husband said the talk of the Minister being a royal descendant was definitely about Japan, not Korea.”
At first glance, the statements seemed contradictory, but the British nobility interpreted them differently.
“Ah, so that’s how it is. The ruling class of that country, Japan, must have married into Korea, and that bloodline continued down to the Minister.”
“That’s what I believe as well.”
From a European perspective, it was not at all strange for the blood of different royal families to mix; it was a perfectly natural phenomenon.
Thus, the ladies accepted the speculation that Killian Gore was a royal of both Joseon and the Edo Shogunate as an obvious truth.
“Now I understand why the Minister is so well-versed in Asian affairs.”
“My husband heard from the Prime Minister that the ministerial position was meant to be temporary, but that’s no longer possible. Earl Aaron will likely be the Foreign Secretary until the end of the current cabinet’s term.”
“Wouldn’t that be the case even if the cabinet changes? With other European nations now trying to expand into Asia, we need someone like our Earl Aaron to continue expanding our influence there.”
“Exactly. Oh, speaking of which, isn’t our Minister currently unmarried? I wonder which lucky lady will have such a groom.”
“I hear there are a great many people vying for him. If I had a daughter of a similar age, I would have discreetly tested the waters myself. It’s such a shame.”
With the exception of peculiar cases like William Pitt, who remained a bachelor his entire life, most politicians who reached the highest echelons had a wife.
But Killian Gore was still young, and there was no talk of any marriage proposals being exchanged.
His only weakness, being of Irish and Oriental mixed blood, was no longer a major issue after such success.
The Queen herself had bestowed upon him an English peerage, and now he was even said to have the blood of an Eastern dynasty.
When it came to the standing of his house, he was now on par with most high-ranking nobles.
In short, he was a prize that made the parents of eligible daughters drool.
“Come to think of it, I heard a rumor that the Vane family is secretly arranging a marriage with the Minister…”
“Really? I heard the family of the Earl of Nottingham is also interested.”
“I also heard that the Earl of Buchan and Viscount Falkland are very interested.”
“My, so many are after him. I wonder if we’ll be hearing news of a wedding shortly after our Minister returns.”
What someone said as a joke soon spread as established fact.
“Darling, darling. Did you know? They say Earl Aaron is a royal from countries called Korea and Japan.”
“My love! I heard today that the Earl of Buchan is preparing to marry his daughter to Earl Aaron!”
The stories flowed from the mouths of the ladies who attended the salons to other ladies, and then to their husbands.
Given the nature of the era, such rumors were constantly amplified and reproduced, and newspapers printed articles as they came, rushing to press.
Even if they wanted to verify the facts, sending someone to Asia and back would take at least half a year. What could they do?
If they delayed for fact-checking, they would be scooped by others.
- Shocking! Does the blood of an Eastern dynasty flow through Earl Aaron, Killian Gore?
- The secret behind Earl Aaron’s well-founded insight. What kind of nations are Joseon and the Edo Shogunate, from which the Earl’s bloodline descends?
- France laments again today. ‘Why do we not have a nobleman with the blood of an Asian royal family?’
- Asian expert Minister Killian on the verge of marriage? The Morning Chronicle has exclusively obtained information that several families are actively pursuing a union with him…
A capable, young Minister who had proven the British Empire to be the strongest in the world.
It turns out that the blood of a distant Eastern dynasty flows in his veins, and now he is even getting married.
The rumor, once ignited, grew uncontrollably without a single verification of its authenticity, quickly becoming the hottest topic in London.
And in less than a month.
The rumor that Killian Gore would announce his marriage after his return had become an accepted fact in the city of London.
***
Kensington Palace, residence of the Queen, the symbol of the British Empire.
Though there were constant remarks that it was too small for the Queen to conduct her official duties, Victoria liked this place.
She knew she would have to move to Buckingham Palace eventually, but her honest feeling was to delay that time as much as possible.
This was the place where she had grown up since she was a child.
Although she had many difficult experiences, the happy ones had far outnumbered them in recent years.
Precious memories and unforgettable moments of excitement were all steeped in this place.
That did not change even after she became Queen.
The person who brought her great happiness had departed for Asia, but she did not feel sad.
She had sent him to conduct diplomacy, but had he not elevated the prestige of the British Empire through not only diplomacy but also war?
He did not stop there; he had definitively proven that the British Empire was the strongest power in the world, encompassing not just the West but the East as well, and had succeeded in securing enormous benefits through negotiations.
To have ports in key regions of Northeast Asia, not just India, was a gain that could not be expressed in words.
India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tainan, Shanghai.
No other European nation possessed such a string of ports in Asia, and likely never would.
It was a dominion that Russia, still struggling to find even a single warm-water port, could not even dare to imagine.
Though she told no one, Victoria could not hide her pleased heart as she continued to receive reports of Killian’s achievements.
The higher his prestige rose, the more pleased she felt for some reason, and news of his triumphant progress kept her in good spirits until she fell asleep.
Why would Killian be struggling so hard and accumulating merits in China?
It was all for the future, and she was certain that this future included what she was hoping for.
However…
“Ha. Ha. Ha. That is a very amusing and interesting rumor.”
“Isn’t it? These days, it has never failed to come up when the ladies gather for tea.”
Victoria quickly sipped her tea and let out a long breath to suppress the turmoil boiling within her.
Frances Anne Vane, the Marchioness of Londonderry.
Along with Emily Lamb, she was a woman of considerable influence in London society and, being close to the Tory Party, she had a great interest in Killian, who was also a Tory.
Possessing immense wealth from coal mining, she also made large donations to the royal family, so Victoria often invited her for tea.
Thanks to her, she heard many of the rumors circulating in society, and it was the Marchioness who had first told her of Killian’s marriage rumors.
Honestly, when she first heard that such a baseless rumor was rampant in London, she was truly dumbfounded.
By whose authority was he getting married?
Could it be that Killian had a woman he cherished in his heart without her knowing?
‘No, that can’t be. He must lo—… like me, there’s no doubt about it. Even Baroness Lehzen always says that Earl Aaron is completely smitten with Your Majesty.’
This was clearly a false rumor. Yes, indeed it was.
But no matter how hard she tried to suppress it, the baseless rumor would not easily subside.
How absurd, how utterly absurd.
The man himself was probably not even thinking about marriage yet; she almost pitied those who were getting their hopes up for nothing.
The one Killian truly liked was someone else.
They may have chattered as they pleased until now, but that would end today.
After all, she had received the most certain proof today.
“Marchioness, I’m afraid that has already been concluded to be a false rumor.”
“…Pardon? Is that really so?”
“Of course. Here, this is a letter that arrived at the palace just today. It seems the Minister was also taken aback upon learning of this ridiculous rumor as soon as he disembarked. He sent this personal letter to apologize for the unintentional spread of such a strange rumor.”
Victoria took out the letter and elegantly fluttered it so the Marchioness could see.
Wasn't it obvious, seeing how he had hastily written such a long letter without her saying a single word?
The beginning contained personal matters, so she didn't show it, but the latter part was something that not only the Marchioness but everyone ought to know, so she decided to read it aloud.
“So, to repeat once more, I would like to state that there have been absolutely no formal marriage discussions. The rumor that I will announce my wedding after the victory parade is a bizarre tale unworthy of any consideration, and it is absolutely not true. That is what is written here.”
“I see. So no family has yet made a formal marriage proposal to the Minister. As expected of Your Majesty. You obtain information much faster than I, who hears stories from countless people in the salons.”
“That is because the Minister is a patriot who always puts the country first. The depth of his loyalty to me sometimes surprises even myself.”
So, I wish they would stop gazing at a tree they cannot climb and just step away.
Whether she knew the Queen’s heart or not, the Marchioness’s eyes lit up as she nodded.
“We are truly grateful to Your Majesty. I was worried it might be too late if the Minister already had someone he favored.”
“…Too late?”
“My daughter, Emily, turns eighteen next year, and you know a mother’s heart. My only wish is for her to meet a good husband. At first, I thought it would be wonderful if she got along with John Spencer-Churchill, the eldest son of the Duke of Marlborough, but…”
“…But?”
Did they say that ominous feelings usually become reality?
“Looking at future prospects, Earl Aaron seems to be a slightly better choice. So I was thinking of creating an opportunity for my daughter to meet Earl Aaron naturally… Might I perhaps try my luck at the victory ball Your Majesty will be hosting next? It is only proper to inform you of such things beforehand, especially at an event hosted by Your Majesty. Oh, and of course, the donation…”
The Marchioness continued to chatter on, but not a single word registered in Victoria's ears.
What? Now that she had corrected the false rumor, people were actually taking it as a green light to make a real move?
She thought she heard a crackling sound at her temple, but Victoria showed no sign of it and slowly set down the teacup in her hand.
“…Relationships between men and women are a private matter, so there is no need to report on them at every step.”
“Thank you. However, as I have received very valuable information from Your Majesty, I will be sure to show my corresponding sincerity if things go well.”
“…I wish you luck.”
It seems that bees are drawn to a fragrant flower, and if she let her guard down, something truly terrible might happen.
‘I must find a way to act quickly…’
As soon as the victory parade was over, she would settle this once and for all.
Oh, and she felt sorry for the Marquess of Londonderry's daughter, whom she didn't even know, but she would not be permitted even a second to speak with Killian at the ball.
She would be clinging to the Minister who had raised the prestige of the British Empire for the entire duration of the event, never letting him go.
That girl could just go and marry that Churchill fellow or whoever.
‘Ha… Thinking about it now, this is rather upsetting. Is this what I should be worrying about when I’m seeing him for the first time in a year?’
He should have given her more reassurance, more expressions of affection, so she wouldn’t have to feel this way.
Just you wait until you get back.
The Queen’s gaze, which had been looking at Killian’s letter so lovingly just a moment ago, now held a small, burning ember.