"…Ha… this is quite a surprise, seeing familiar faces again."
"Likewise. We only came to see how much our homeland has developed, but we did not expect to find you here as ambassador."
They say enemies meet on a narrow bridge, and it seemed that day had truly come.
For Bismarck, this was a past he would rather not face again, yet he maintained composure and even extended a handshake like a gentleman. With so many subordinates watching, he could not afford to make a scene.
Marx and Engels, on the other hand, showed no such restraint. Having nothing to be embarrassed about yet, they appeared rather at ease.
"There are more people than expected. You must have prepared thoroughly. It may not match France, but it is impressive that Prussia has performed this well."
"As ambassador, it is only natural to do my utmost for the honor of my nation. Though, as you say, I had hoped to surpass France, so it is a bit disappointing."
"It does feel like just one or two more distinctive features could have drawn even more attention."
"It is easy to say that, but far harder to achieve. Those who only observe from the outside would not understand."
Already sensitive about lagging behind France, Bismarck seemed slightly irritated by Marx's remark.
"Anyone can talk like an expert. But turning ideas into reality is another matter."
"No, I do have a rather brilliant idea. It would certainly have drawn attention."
"Then let us hear it."
"A dueling arena. To reflect Prussia's strength. A duel between you, me, and Engels, something like that."
As expected, they were completely incompatible.
Without prompting, tension began to rise.
"That is an amusing joke. But if we are to show true strength, it should be a fair one on one match. Two against one would hardly be honorable."
"Some people say that only after losing, do they start calling it unfair. Others might call that rather pathetic."
They circled each other with thinly veiled insults.
"You were both born in Prussia. Should you not be rooting for your homeland? Or do you now consider yourselves British?"
"We do want Prussia to succeed. That is why we point out what was lacking. Someone confident would not react so sensitively."
"Sensitively? When have I done that?"
"You are doing it now."
"…I had hoped you might have matured, but it seems not. Idealists who speak without understanding reality. Associating with you before was my mistake. No doubt you would twist events to suit yourselves."
"Who would do such a thing?"
Marx and Engels looked baffled, but I understood Bismarck's intent immediately.
He was laying the groundwork. By showing that the two bore him ill will, any future contradictions in accounts could be dismissed as bias.
A calculated move.
If true, it was impressively thorough.
"People who follow communism should not have been engaged with in the first place."
"It seems becoming an ambassador has changed your attitude quite a bit."
"My attitude has not changed. Your behavior has simply become intolerable. Is that how you address an ambassador?"
"We live in Britain. Should we bow just because you hold a title? This is not the Middle Ages."
They moved away from prying eyes, but their voices only grew louder.
"Then fight me again. Or are you not confident unless it is two against one?"
"Ambassador, I now lecture at universities. You are a state representative. Fighting here would be absurd. And if I were to defeat you again, it might become difficult to manage."
In short, they refused.
After provoking him thoroughly, Marx and Engels left.
"Your Highness, did you hear that insolence?"
"Then why provoke them in the first place? It almost seemed intentional."
"…Intentional? I have no reason for that."
I tested him, and it confirmed my suspicion.
"A rising scholar defining capitalism, arguing with the Prussian ambassador. Even a brief report would attract attention."
"People quarrel all the time. And I am only an ambassador. The public would not care."
"Careful, aren't you. Now, what was it you were about to say earlier? Something about Austria."
"…Yes, before we were interrupted."
Bismarck's tone shifted, suddenly serious.
"Do you believe the German Confederation under Austria will continue to exist?"
"That is a significant question. As Britain's Consort, anything I say will be interpreted heavily. You are asking whether Britain would intervene."
"As expected, you understand."
"Both Austria and Prussia are our allies. If conflict arises, we would mediate, unless one side is clearly at fault."
It was a standard answer, but sufficient.
Still, the question lingered.
Even if history diverged, Prussia remained Prussia.
Unless something drastic occurred, the monarchy would remain, and future instability could not be ruled out.
Perhaps maintaining a balance with Austria would be preferable, but whether that was possible was another matter.
Direct British intervention lacked justification and might even unify the German states.
In such cases, it might be better for another power to act.
France, perhaps.
The decisive moment approached.
As Bismarck had indicated, France had secretly contacted Kim Jwa-geun, trying to understand Joseon's intentions and the meaning behind recognizing Britain as an empire.
Likely because of Vietnam.
However, I had no intention of extending ambitions that far.
Britain's strength did not justify reckless expansion.
War, if mishandled, could quickly weaken even the strongest nation.
Direct involvement would only come when unavoidable.
Still, the world was already moving toward conflict.
Let us consider the situation.
The United States and Spain were bound for war, which would benefit Canada.
Prussia and Austria would likely clash as well.
If France could be guided properly, balance might be maintained without direct involvement.
With so much to handle, attention could not remain in Europe.
Only one path remained.
"Your Highness."
"Yes, Ambassador."
Kim Jwa-geun stood before me, visibly tense.
"You were approached by France."
"Yes. I was about to report it."
"I imagine it was exhausting, given their lack of understanding."
"…That is true. Still, I explained as clearly as possible."
They had likely interpreted it in their own way regardless.
"Well done. I will handle France from here. You need not worry."
"Yes. And regarding what I mentioned previously…"
"Have you heard of the Taiping movement? It is growing stronger. Qing struggles to suppress it."
"I have heard…"
Instead of continuing, I showed him a document.
"The leader is using my name. I will request Qing to capture him."
"They lack the capacity. You will go yourself."
"…Yes."
He understood.
"I would prefer not to return to Asia, but it cannot be helped."
Kim Jwa-geun then produced a letter.
"This arrived just yesterday. His Majesty's health has worsened. If you decide, we will mobilize the court."
The table was already set.
There was little left to consider.
"Very well. Proceed."
It was time to leave London once more.
This time, not merely passing through a port, but entering the palace itself.
A return after twenty years.
Not a homeland I particularly missed.