Chapter 88
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 88
Chapter Title: The Marriage Commotion (2)
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Even in the 19th century, grand triumphal ceremonies were a rare sight in Britain.
Of course, commanders and soldiers returning victorious from war were met with immense blessings and honor.
Most officers and soldiers received medals commemorating their valor and service, and it was not uncommon for commanders to be granted titles and estates.
A prime example was Arthur Wellesley, who received the title of Duke of Wellington and a grand mansion, Apsley House, on a prime piece of London real estate.
Of course, no one considered the recent war with the Qing Dynasty to be an accomplishment on par with the Napoleonic Wars.
Nevertheless, the reason for this unprecedentedly large-scale victory parade was rooted in various political calculations.
First, the cabinet and the ruling party wanted to publicize this victory as widely as possible to boost their own approval ratings.
Considering the reparations and territory they had secured, the cost-effectiveness was astounding; it would have been strange not to promote it.
However, if they celebrated the victory in the traditional manner, the supreme commander would monopolize nearly all the glory.
Thus, they decided to hold a parade to frame the victory as a collective achievement: a triumph for all the soldiers who fought, and a splendid feat accomplished by the British Parliament and government that supported them to the end.
There was also likely an intent to fuel national pride, now that the British Empire had become the undisputed global superpower.
“Huuuuuurrrrraaaaaay!”
“Minister! You’re magnificent! So handsome!”
In any case, for these and other reasons, a rarely seen triumphal procession wound its way through the streets of London.
Its destination was, naturally, Kensington Palace, where the Queen resided.
“Waaaaaaah!”
As the procession of soldiers passed the palace and came before the Queen and the royal family, the cheers reached a crescendo.
It was a first for me, across both my past and present lives, and my heart pounded a little.
I had been momentarily stunned by the absurd rumor, but I had sent a letter to the palace right away. Victoria’s misunderstanding should be cleared up by now, right?
As I drew closer to the Queen, I saluted her with a light heart, and she returned the gesture with a broad smile.
But something felt… off. Could it be that the letter never arrived?
That seemed unlikely.
“As the queen of this nation, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Minister and the soldiers who have journeyed to the far reaches of Asia to elevate the prestige of the British Empire.”
“It is our pleasure to serve Your Majesty, this nation, and its people.”
As we exchanged formalities, I subtly observed her. Indeed, though her lips were smiling, her eyes were not.
Why? I had made it clear that it was a baseless rumor. Had something else happened?
Still, my intuition, honed by years of reading people, told me she wasn't truly furious.
Pouty, perhaps.
If the letter hadn't been delivered, her reaction would have been far worse. It must be something else, something minor.
Fortunately, no other major issues arose after that.
As the procession of soldiers continued, citizens who had flocked from all corners of the country offered their unsparing congratulations and cheers.
The spectacular triumphal ceremony, meticulously prepared by Parliament and the government, concluded with great success.
It would be no exaggeration to say that I had experienced the highest honor an aristocrat of Irish descent could receive.
But to be blunt, this was merely the beginning; the real game had not even started.
A victory parade was just that—a parade.
The crucial step of meeting face-to-face with the country's elite to gauge their intentions still remained.
I’d even heard that some ridiculous newspaper was calling me Killian D. Gore, adding Tokugawa to my name. Were they out of their minds?
The common folk might not know any better, but it was still uncertain how the high and mighty would react to this “Will of D” incident. I had to be cautious.
And then there was this marriage affair that had erupted out of nowhere… no.
Considering the sequence of events, it was probably safe to assume these two controversies were a single package.
I had returned to my spiritual home, yet it felt like my troubles had only multiplied since my return. This certainly wasn't my idea of a conquering hero's welcome.
It seemed that a peaceful life was still far out of reach.
***
The victory ball held after the triumphal parade took place not at Kensington Palace, but at Buckingham.
It was likely deemed a more suitable venue for gathering the leaders from all strata of society.
The grand ballroom, recently renovated and more opulent than ever.
Gathered beneath the golden canopies and dazzling chandeliers, the cream of British high society showed a level of interest in me that was on a completely different plane than before.
“Minister, have you any intention of publishing a book detailing the diplomatic negotiations? My younger brother runs a publishing house, and if you are interested, perhaps you could work together?”
“It might be a fine idea, given the opportunity. However, I am far too busy with a backlog of work at the moment to find the time.”
“Ah, I see. Well then, please do look me up when you have a moment to spare.”
Book publishing, new companies vying to enter the newly acquired British ports, and the lingering, though faint, issue of opium.
An endless barrage of questions, unlike anything I had experienced before, descended upon me. Just as my head began to spin, a figure who could bring order to the chaos thankfully appeared.
“Her Majesty the Queen is entering!”
At the chamberlain's resonant announcement, the pack of hyenas that had been hovering around me scattered as if by magic.
As the Queen, clad in a stunning sapphire silk gown, appeared at the top of the grand staircase, everyone, including myself, showed their respects. The chamberlain's voice rang out clearly once more.
“Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, will share the first dance with the hero of this occasion, the Foreign Secretary, Killian Gore.”
Although I had attended many official events since she became Queen, I had never been the first to dance or converse with her.
And for good reason. No matter how renowned I was in Ireland, I was hardly of a station to be singled out first by the Queen.
Had that happened, I would have effectively monopolized the front page of the next day's newspapers.
Now, however, as Victoria singled me out, no one cast a strange glance or whispered amongst themselves.
They simply remained silent.
They parted ways for me, like the Red Sea, allowing me to ascend the staircase.
It was now 1840, nearly ten years since I first came to England.
A long time, or a short one, depending on how you look at it. But I had finally risen to a level where I could take center stage at such an event.
I walked up the stairs, knelt respectfully before the Queen, and extended my hand.
I had worried she might still be angry, but it seemed she wasn't truly upset, as she let out a small laugh and took my hand.
“There’s quite a crowd. Will you be disappointed if I make a mistake?”
She too knew this was our first official dance, and a hint of mischief played in her eyes.
“Compared to the pressure I felt when I first took this post, this is nothing, Your Majesty.”
Hand in hand, we slowly descended the staircase. The orchestra began to play a gentle waltz, and the Queen's clear voice rang out.
“Well then, Minister. Shall we dance?”
“It would be my greatest honor, Your Majesty.”
For an aristocrat, learning to dance for social gatherings was not a choice but a necessity, and I had practiced diligently.
Thanks to that, while my skills weren't jaw-droppingly brilliant, I was confident I wouldn't embarrass myself.
Still, dancing alone with her under the intense gaze of so many people was a little embarrassing.
Unlike me, for whom this was a first, Victoria leisurely enjoyed the dance. As we drew closer, she even had the composure to jest.
“You’re a better dancer than I thought. You must have practiced a lot.”
“I couldn’t show a disgraceful side as Your Majesty’s partner.”
“Surely you haven’t had experience dancing with anyone other than me, have you?”
“Of course not.”
“Who knows? You’re the man whose marriage rumors are spreading like wildfire throughout the city.”
“I told you, that’s a baseless rumor. Logically speaking, I’ve been in Asia this whole time. How could I possibly find a marriage partner?”
In her head, Victoria probably knew all of this.
She just wanted to hear it directly from my lips.
She smiled in satisfaction for a moment without a word, then, as the dance neared its end, she whispered in a small voice.
“This is all happening because you’re being so indecisive, Minister. You’re the one who caused this.”
No… I’m being this way because I *can’t* be proactive. It’s not like I’m playing the field or flirting, you know?
Besides, it seems obvious that if I were to make a move, Victoria would be the one to cause a major incident, and I would be the one in trouble.
Whether she knew my thoughts or not, Victoria ended the dance with a meaningful smile, and the observing nobles erupted in thunderous applause.
Now that the Queen had performed the first dance, the party was officially underway.
The guests who had been watching from a distance now came forward in pairs, and the ball began in earnest.
I watched the scene for a moment, then turned to the Queen, who seemed to have no intention of moving.
“Your Majesty. With whom will you dance next?”
“Hmm. Today is not a typical ball, but a celebration of victory, so I would like to continue honoring our Minister’s achievements. That should be fine, shouldn’t it?”
“Are you saying you will stay with me until the end of the ball?”
“Of course. I’ve already confirmed with my chamberlain, and he said there is no issue at all.”
True, this event was to commemorate my achievements, which had brought immense benefits to the British Empire, so it was unlikely to cause any controversy.
For me, having her by my side was a two-for-one deal, as it would keep the buzzing flies at bay.
“Shall we then sit and quench our thirst until the next song ends?”
“A fine idea. A joyous occasion cannot be without drink. Let us go to the adjacent room. Tonight, we can enjoy wine with the tales of the Minister's heroic exploits in the Qing Dynasty as our accompaniment.”
Thankfully, she seemed to be in a much better mood now. Victoria walked briskly toward the exit of the ballroom.
Just as I was about to follow her out of the grand hall.
“Oh, Minister. I have been wanting to meet you for some time. It is an honor to finally cross paths.”
At the ill-timed voice, my head naturally turned back.
A dark-haired noblewoman, whom I felt I might have seen somewhere before, was smiling brightly alongside a person who appeared to be her daughter.
“I am Frances Anne Vane, wife of Charles Vane, the Marquess of Londonderry. I believe you have met my husband.”
“Ah, the Marchioness of Londonderry. I am often indebted to the Marquess.”
Though we hadn't spoken directly very often, the Marquess of Londonderry was a Conservative member of the House of Lords.
His family was also incredibly wealthy. Perhaps this was a good opportunity to get acquainted… Just as I was about to make that rash judgment, a gentle yet warm voice from behind me snapped me to my senses.
“The Marchioness of Londonderry. Now that I think of it, you said you had something to discuss with the Minister, didn't you? I almost forgot.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. It is only natural that the hero of this event should be by your side. I was merely about to offer my greetings, as I was so pleased to meet him. Oh, and this is my daughter, Anne. The Duke of Wellington was her godfather at her christening. I hear you are also close with the Duke, Minister. What a marvelous connection.”
“Ah, yes… I have been indebted to His Grace the Duke since I was a child.”
She called it a coincidence, but bringing her daughter along made her intentions rather clear.
And considering Victoria’s tone, which was unusually benevolent, it was impossible not to notice.
My guess was not wrong. Victoria, who had been listening quietly, suddenly interjected.
“My Lady, have you spoken with the Duke of Marlborough over there? His son, John Spencer-Churchill, the Earl of Sunderland, is with him as well.”
“Pardon? Ah, yes. I was just about to pay my respects in a little while.”
“I see. Minister, are you acquainted with the Duke of Marlborough? He is also a Conservative, so you will be seeing much of each other. It would be good to be on friendly terms. Oh, and the Duke’s son I just mentioned, Earl Spencer-Churchill of Sunderland, is an Eton alumnus. That makes him your junior. That, too, is a connection, if you will.”
Ugh… this is suffocating.
Pretending to know nothing, I took a sip of cold water and glanced at the Queen.
By the way, Churchill… was she referring to *that* Churchill?
Considering the time period, this Churchill would likely be the grandfather of *the* Churchill, but hearing the unexpected name here felt strangely refreshing.
Still, as novel as it was, it would be best for my mental health to escape this minefield as quickly as possible.
“My Lady, it was a pleasure meeting you today. I hope we can dine together with the Marquess when time allows. For now, however, I must take my leave, as I have an urgent report for Her Majesty regarding the recent treaty negotiations.”
“Ah, of course. How thoughtless of me to nearly interfere with important matters of state. It was a pleasure to meet you as well.”
The Marchioness and her daughter Anne smiled brightly and bid me farewell. I bowed politely and, this time for real, left the grand ballroom with Victoria.
From the looks of it, Winston Churchill would be safely born in this country in this world as well.
He, who had yet to be born for quite some time, would have no way of knowing my thoughts, but honestly, I felt like I deserved his thanks.
No, wait a minute. On second thought, because of me, there probably wouldn't be a situation where British forces would have to land at Gallipoli.
To become the benefactor of the yet-unborn Mr. Gal… no, Sir Churchill. What a strange feeling.
***
Lost in such idle thoughts, I followed Victoria into the private room she had prepared. The first thing I saw was a table already set with various dishes and wine glasses.
She sat down naturally, and the chamberlains and royal staff all exited the room.
Ostensibly, this conversation was to discuss important diplomatic matters, so secrecy was paramount.
“Well then, shall we speak candidly? No one but the two of us can hear the conversation in here, so there is no need for secrets.”
“I do not believe I have ever kept secrets from Your Majesty, past or present.”
“Tsk, tsk, there you go again, feigning ignorance. You may not have hidden anything completely, but you’ve never told me everything, have you?”
“Because there has been almost no time for Your Majesty and I to have a truly private conversation.”
Creating an occasion like this now, under the pretext of discussing important state affairs, was no problem. But before, I was not in a position to meet Victoria with such an excuse.
Victoria looked at me with a resentful gaze at my smooth reply and quietly tipped her glass.
“Honestly, the way you always say things that are technically correct makes you even more vexing at times. Well, I suppose so. I am still immature and hasty. You, on the other hand, are rational and cool-headed.”
“Your Majesty is plenty rational. During my time in Asia, I could feel that the royal family’s popularity has grown significantly.”
“You’re the one who told me what to do in your letters.”
“There are more people in this world who cannot do things even when told how.”
This wasn't empty flattery; it was a compliment mixed with a degree of sincerity.
In the original history, Victoria had not received proper education as an heir and ascended to the throne unprepared.
This time, however, I had been by her side, providing her with necessary knowledge and ensuring she received a thorough education, so her capabilities were much higher.
Her knowledge of economics and politics, areas that directly affected the public, was comparable to that of the veteran members of Westminster.
“By the way, you were staring at the Marchioness’s daughter earlier…”
“I did not stare long enough to warrant such a comment. I was merely looking because I found it interesting that she and the Earl of Churchill would make a good match.”
“Aha. I knew it. I also think the Marquess of Londonderry and the Duke of Marlborough would make fine in-laws.”
Victoria smiled pleasantly and subtly kept offering me wine.
“Well then, let’s leave them to their own devices and continue our talk. To be honest, I am in a very good mood for the first time in a long while. Did you know? This is the first time since becoming Queen that I’ve shared a drink with someone, just the two of us.”
“How could I not know? Of course, I know.”
“Since the Minister knows everything, you must know this as well, right? That recently, the members of Parliament and my other advisors have been trying to sound out my intentions regarding marriage. It seems they are also looking for potential suitors.”
The Queen was now twenty years old, so it was not strange for calls to emerge for her to marry and produce an heir.
Of course, no one could force her, but the mere existence of such talk must be weighing on her mind.
“So, what did you say?”
Victoria hesitated for a moment, then drained her wine glass and asked bluntly.
“What would you have liked me to say?”
“…”
When I didn't answer immediately, she refilled her empty glass herself and downed it in one go.
“Your Majesty, drinking wine like that is not good for you.”
“No, that’s not what I asked. What do you want me to do? No, wait. This is an order, as your Queen. If I drink a glass, you drink a glass.”
I’d drunk so much in my past life; this was nothing.
I obediently drank with Victoria, emptying glass after glass as she commanded.
Victoria’s face flushed red from the alcohol. When the bottle of rather strong wine was nearly empty, I nonchalantly opened a new one and spoke.
“Knowing Your Majesty, you would have flatly refused, saying you have no intention of marrying yet.”
“Haha, look at this. If you know me so~ well, you must know better than anyone what I want, right?”
“I do. But as Your Majesty is well aware, there is a time for everything in this world.”
“That. Is. Why! I’m asking you to give me a little reassurance so I can wait for that time. Is that, hmm? Is that so~ difficult? I don’t think so~ I think it’s easy.”
Victoria, her words completely slurred, looked up at me with eyes like a cat’s.
The slurring meant she was already drunk. I couldn't let the dignitaries in the ballroom see her like this.
“Your Majesty, you have had too much to drink. You should go to your bedchamber and rest.”
“N~o. I haven’t had too much. I’m not drunk. But if the Minister answers me, I’ll go to my bedchamber. No, you have to take me.”
“…If I did that, my name would be plastered all over the front page of tomorrow’s newspapers.”
“No, we just have to make sure no one sees! Are you, hmm? Disobeying a Queen’s command? This is, this is… treason! No, treason is too much… um…”
It seemed she had intended to get me drunk to hear my true feelings, but she should have paced herself. Drinking like this defeated the whole purpose.
“When you have a clear head, I will visit you with a fine gift. I will tell you everything you wish to hear then, so for now, it would be best for you to rest.”
“Really? If you lie then too… I’ll be really angry… hmm…”
Victoria, who had been trying to say more, suddenly dropped her head and fell silent, her breathing soft and even.
I stared at her sleeping form for a while, lost in thought.
“I have never lied to Your Majesty, so please rest assured and sleep well.”
“…If you marry… some other wench… I’ll really kill…”
Hearing the sudden mumble, which could have been either sleep talk or her true feelings, I let out a small laugh and asked a chamberlain to summon my aunt, Cecilia, the lady-in-waiting.
If I delayed this any longer, I might actually get stabbed and meet a gruesome end. I had no choice.
I couldn't act rashly right now, but it seemed I had no choice but to accept it as fate.
Sigh, just my luck.