Chapter 96
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: The Guardian of Ireland (2)
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If one were to name an essential virtue for a politician, it would undoubtedly be the ability to capture the hearts of the public.
And among the ways to do so, few methods seep into the public consciousness as easily as evoking ‘empathy.’
According to my prior research, the people of Ireland were rather fond of Victoria.
Perhaps it was the impression of a young, progressive queen that fostered the hope she might treat them better.
To be honest, my intention in having her eat a rutabaga was not merely to promote an alternative crop, but also to raise the Royal Family’s profile.
In modern times, why do politicians go on food tours through traditional markets during their campaigns?
It’s to express with their entire being the message: “We are this interested in the lives of the common people, and we are here for you.”
While many view such acts with cynicism, no one could deny it remained an effective strategy even in the 21st century.
It’s simply human nature to be drawn in when one’s emotional side is stimulated.
And having tried my hand at politics, it seemed that such acts couldn't be dismissed purely as deception.
It is certainly deceit if you don’t follow through, but if you commit to it earnestly, you can genuinely experience the sentiments of the common folk through the process.
A perfect example was the preparation for our dear Queen Victoria’s food tour, who was currently overflowing with gratitude, if not affection.
“Your Majesty, the coastline is visible. It seems we will soon arrive in southern Ireland.”
“...Hah, what a relief. Minister, is my facial expression strange right now?”
“You are as elegant and beautiful as always.”
“I have finally reached a state where my face does not stiffen while eating this devil’s food. I am quite satisfied.”
As Victoria gazed at the green cliffs dramatically emerging from the sea, not a trace of tourist excitement could be seen in her eyes.
It was a complete contrast to her cheerful demeanor when the ship first departed from London.
She stared for a moment at the distant fields and scattered small houses before letting out a soft sigh.
“If this ‘potato blight’ spreads, for how many years will the people of Ireland have to eat that rutabaga?”
“At the very least, we must plan for three years. Of course, they won’t be eating only rutabagas. Thanks to the Corn Laws, the price of wheat has also fallen, and we can prepare relief rations to properly adjust their diet.”
“Still, that means they’ll have to eat it consistently for three years. Truly... that thing, for three years.”
“It might have been more palatable had it been cooked or served with a sauce. The shock was likely greater because you ate it in its most tasteless state.”
How could anyone have a good impression of an already unappetizing food when eaten in its worst possible form?
I seemed to recall reading that rutabaga could be surprisingly edible if made into kimchi, but making kimchi here was a story with near-zero feasibility, so it was a meaningless thought.
While kimchi was nonsense, there were quite a few ways to make rutabaga less unpalatable, if not exactly delicious.
But Victoria had refused all such methods, insisting she would eat the rutabaga as it was—the way the Irish people would eat it when the Great Famine truly struck.
Thinking only of the promotional effect, it was the best method, but honestly, I had expected her to give up after a few bites.
No, even before that, I had repeatedly tried to dissuade her, telling her there was no need to go that far.
I had been eating it too, but was it right to keep feeding this to the Queen of all people?
The thought kept nagging at me. The effect would have been sufficient if Victoria had just pretended to eat a bit while I put on a show of enjoying it, so why the insistence?
If this fact were recorded in history, would Killian Gore one day be remembered as the man who fed the Queen rutabagas on a goodwill contract?
In many ways, it seemed my legacy as a truly remarkable man was all but assured.
Still, Victoria was, surprisingly, a person who did what she said she would do.
She had declared that by the time she reached Ireland, she would be able to eat rutabagas with a smile, without batting an eye. And today…
Just before the royal ship arrived at the port of Cobh, she finally reached the point where she could finish a rutabaga without losing her dignified smile.
*Boom! Boom! Boom!*
As the Queen’s ship reached the port, the resounding sound of a cannon salute erupted from the shore, and a band that had been waiting began to play “God Save the Queen.”
“Your Majesty, it is an honor to see you in Ireland!”
“Thank you for your consideration. It is a novel feeling for me as well, to be able to meet you all in a place other than London.”
“You must be tired from the long voyage. For today, it would be best to rest comfortably at your lodging, and we can begin the official schedule tomorrow.”
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I shall return to my lodging then. Mr. Principal Private Secretary, please speak further with the Minister, and let me know if there is anything you require.”
As Victoria disappeared into the distance amidst the fervent welcome of the crowd, the Earl of German, the Principal Private Secretary who had arrived in Ireland earlier to coordinate the local itinerary, approached me.
“Minister, you’ve had a long journey as well.”
“It’s quite alright. Compared to my trip to and from the Qing Dynasty, this is like a stroll in my front yard.”
“Hahaha, now that you mention it, that must be true. You are a man who has nearly circled the globe by ship, Minister.”
“By the way, have there been any changes to the schedule that begins tomorrow?”
“None as of yet. Local clergy, government officials, magistrates, and town criers will be in large attendance. You and Her Majesty the Queen will give speeches there.”
Initially, the Earl of German had not only arranged for a tour of wealthy areas but had also packed the schedule with events nearly identical to a typical royal excursion.
Meaning, his brilliant plan had been to enjoy tea time with upper-class Irish nobles, host balls in Dublin and Belfast, offer a few pleasantries, and then sail back home.
Why is the aristocracy of this era so lacking in a sense of reality?
Did he truly believe that after staging such events, the citizens would be moved to tears, proclaiming the nobility of the British Royal Family?
In any case, after I seized full control, I naturally scrapped all such ridiculous events and ordered him to create opportunities to communicate with the local people.
Thank goodness I intervened in the meetings from the start; otherwise, I might have come all the way to Ireland just to dance with Victoria before heading back.
But on reflection, it wasn’t so bad that the majority of politicians were so out of touch.
Everything in the world is relative. The more incompetent they were, the more I was bound to stand out.
“Please continue your hard work, Mr. Principal Private Secretary. I will review tomorrow’s schedule once more with my companion and then retire. Mr. O’Connell, shall we?”
“Ah, ah, yes. What did you say? Is it time already?”
“We need to review your speech for tomorrow one last time. It’s an important occasion, is it not?”
“Ah, yes, of course. Forgive me. I was lost in thought for a moment and didn’t hear your conversation.”
The Queen of the British Empire herself had set foot on this land, all for the sake of Ireland.
For O’Connell, who had dedicated his entire life to Ireland, it was no wonder he was overcome with emotion.
After staring for a long while at the spot where Victoria’s carriage had departed, he finally shook his head and began to walk, following me.
***
“On behalf of the town, I offer my greetings! Thank you so much for traveling so far for our sake, Your Majesty!”
“On behalf of our church, I thank you. God himself will surely be greatly pleased by Your Majesty’s benevolence.”
The people filling the vast garden took turns offering their thanks, bowing their heads deeply.
What I had paid particular attention to on this trip to Ireland was ensuring that news of what happened here spread to every corner of the island without distortion.
For the whole of Ireland to know exactly what speech the Queen gave and what orders I issued, it was necessary to gather as many sources of information as possible.
Ireland at this time was a place where the postal system was not yet established, and many areas lacked a proper administrative system.
Therefore, most regions still relied on word-of-mouth or written notices from the authorities to exchange information.
And when infrastructure is this poor, people are naturally heavily influenced by the church and its clergy.
The Irish people were especially devout Catholics, so careful attention was needed in handling the Catholic bishops.
The Earl of German had suggested not inviting the Catholic bishops since the state religion was Anglicanism, but I casually ignored his words and had all the Catholic bishops assemble.
Victoria already had a good image in Britain anyway, so this could simply be promoted as Her Majesty the Queen showing great tolerance to save people’s lives.
The Irish Catholic officials, who had naturally expected to be excluded, were genuinely moved by this decision and were showering praise upon the Queen for her heart for Ireland, and upon me for persuading her.
Come to think of it, wasn't the Earl of German something of a litmus test?
It seemed that whatever he proposed, doing the opposite yielded good results.
Afterward, the officials and Irish representatives continued to pour out sincere praise for Victoria.
Deciding it was time to calm the atmosphere, I stood beside the Queen and began to speak.
“Good day. I am truly delighted to meet you all here in Ireland, rather than London. First, I would like to thank our noble Queen Victoria, who graciously journeyed all this way for the sake of Ireland.”
“Long live the Queen!”
“God save the Queen!”
“Earl of Aran! You’re so handsome!”
Even just a formal remark was enough to heat up the atmosphere.
Is this why they say that once politicians get a taste of the campaign trail high, they can’t get enough?
“However, I am unfortunately not here to bring you only good news. Rumors must have already spread to some extent locally. I have heard that accurate and inaccurate rumors have combined to create new, frightening tales. I could not stand by and watch Ireland suffer in this way, so I earnestly pleaded with Her Majesty the Queen, and our benevolent Majesty granted my request and accompanied me all the way to Ireland.”
“Thank you! Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“The hope of Ireland!”
“First, I will explain the matter you are most curious about. Anything other than what I say is not true, so I ask those present to transcribe my words accurately, and upon returning to where you came from, please convey this to the people. First, it is true that a potato blight may spread, and that potato farming could suffer a devastating blow.”
“...Gasp!”
As if the friendly atmosphere until moments ago had been a lie.
Upon hearing my words, the mood of the assembly froze in an instant.