Three days after Joseon was thrown into chaos by the sudden purge of the military, Tokyo, Empire of Japan.
With Prime Minister Okubo Toshimichi having rushed back from Joseon, along with the Foreign Minister and the entire cabinet leadership gathered.
Though the Emperor himself was absent, the scale of the meeting was effectively equivalent to an imperial council, and they were now discussing strategy following the incident.
"…Is this really the correct way to handle it, Prime Minister?"
The Foreign Minister spoke anxiously, looking at the empty seats where the leaders of the army and navy should have been.
There was only one reason those seats were empty.
Okubo had arrested them immediately upon returning and thrown them into prison.
"This is confirmed intelligence from Joseon. The military's arrogance has gone too far, and they have finally committed the unthinkable by taking action even against the British Empire. Surely you are not suggesting we oppose Britain to protect them?"
"B-but… even so, removing ministers over this…"
"This is not just about this incident. We have gathered evidence of countless abuses carried out under their authority. There is no room left for denial."
Though he had pretended to remain passive, Okubo had not been idle.
While outwardly accommodating the military, he had been collecting evidence of their excesses, waiting for the day promised by Killian Gore Hanover.
Burning the British imperial standard was merely the justification.
The real preparation had been done long ago.
"However, Prime Minister, our soldiers are still fighting fiercely in southern Qing. If we remove all key military leaders now, their morale…"
"Then we end the war. How long do you intend to continue this madness? Do you truly believe we can advance into the heart of the continent and hold that vast land?"
"…."
No one objected.
Instead, practical concerns about supply shortages began to emerge.
This was how a proper discussion should proceed.
With the extremists gone, rational voices finally surfaced.
Okubo felt satisfied.
"Still, we have been winning. Use that to negotiate the best possible terms for ending the war."
"Yes. I will secure the most favorable outcome for the Empire."
"And regarding Britain… rather than promises, we should show action."
"We will prosecute all those involved immediately and present evidence of their crimes."
Everything was falling into place.
The military, which had consumed endless resources in pursuit of impossible conquest, had effectively lost all influence.
The problem remained.
Unlike Joseon, which was connected to Manchuria by land, Japan could not sustain control over mainland territory.
Yet abandoning what had already been taken was also impossible.
Okubo sighed inwardly.
Cleaning up the mess left by others was a thankless task.
But there was no choice.
As time passed and the full truth emerged, the fury in the British Parliament gradually subsided.
Burning the imperial standard was an unforgivable act.
Yet Joseon and Japan's responses were so severe that further condemnation became difficult.
"…Therefore, our nation has dismissed and prosecuted all thirty-two individuals involved, including the Minister of the Army. They will be tried for treason…"
"The Emperor has approved the prosecution of all involved. Severe sentences have already been handed down. The friendship between our nations must remain strong…"
They spoke well.
In essence, they had removed all reckless elements and pledged obedience.
It was exactly the answer I had wanted.
Even so, I had not expected such a clean resolution.
If this had been the Japanese military of the World War era, such a purge would have been impossible.
But figures like Kim Jwa Gun and Okubo had been waiting for their chance.
And behind them,
Someone had guided everything.
Stabilizing Joseon.
Installing a favorable ruler.
Expanding influence.
It seemed obvious.
But the truth was slightly different.
This plan would only be complete once the Joseon royal family itself became powerless.
For now, the immediate crisis was resolved.
Now it was time to restore order in Asia.
The situation in Northeast Asia could only be described as madness.
Joseon, now calling itself an empire, was locked in a brutal war with Qing over Manchuria.
Japan, having taken Taiwan except for British-controlled Tainan, was fighting in Fujian and Guangdong.
Qing was fighting on three fronts.
It could not sustain this.
But that was not the primary concern.
"Your Majesty, while Joseon and Japan have acted decisively, they have not offered compensation."
"I agree. Is that Parliament's position?"
"Yes. The mood has shifted toward demanding appropriate compensation."
Naturally.
There was little to extract directly from Joseon.
What they wanted was something else.
"A message to stop destabilizing Qing?"
"Not just Parliament. All of Europe expects us to act."
China was a market for Europe.
War threatened that.
Intervention had been delayed due to lack of justification.
Now, that had changed.
And thanks to Edward, the British Empire held the advantage.
"I always intended to act. Prepare Parliament's approval. I will mediate between Qing, Joseon, and Japan."
"They will agree. But surely you do not intend to mediate for free?"
Of course not.
"No mediator works without compensation."
Killian smiled.
"There are… opportunities."
Territory.
Influence.
Future control.
The foundation for dominance.
"Then we will proceed."
"And prepare administrators. If we gain more land, we will need them."
Hong Kong and Shanghai already existed.
More would follow.
Integration would be necessary.
"Understood."
Wellesley glanced at the map.
The future was uncertain.
Even the strongest empire could fall.
Killian had repeated this often.
"If Qing refuses?"
"Then we suggest supporting Joseon or Japan."
That would be enough.
Qing would agree.
"And the Crown Prince?"
"He will return soon. His achievements should be publicized."
Edward had performed well.
This opportunity existed because of him.
Wellesley smiled faintly.
"He has grown."
"Yes."
Time had passed.
James had retired.
Wellesley himself was aging.
"Do you remember when we planned everything together?"
"Not quite yesterday."
They laughed.
Years had gone by.
Power shifted.
People aged.
Killian looked at him.
"Are you planning to retire?"
"Not yet. One more term, perhaps. But after that…"
"I see."
The era was changing.
Even those who built it would one day step aside.
Killian glanced at his reflection.
Gray hair.
Faint wrinkles.
Time was moving forward.
And so was history.
That night, they drank together,
sharing memories of the past,
before facing the future once more.
***
Although an agreement had been reached to end the war, Qing could not smile so easily.
From the very beginning, losing Manchuria, the spiritual homeland, to Joseon, which had long paid tribute to them, was already a great humiliation. On top of that, they had lost parts of Fujian and Guangdong as well as all of Taiwan to Japan.
Even Xinjiang, which had been progressing steadily toward subjugation, could not be fully secured because attention had been divided between the northern and southern fronts. In effect, Qing had suffered humiliation on three fronts.
"It is unacceptable for our Great Qing to sign an armistice under such humiliating terms."
"Should we not at least hear the terms first before deciding?"
"There is only one demand. They must return all territories they have unjustly occupied and restore everything to its previous state."
"Please think before you speak."
"If you are so confident, then take up a rifle and go to the battlefield yourself. Your Majesty, further fighting must not continue."
A few hardliners still refused to come to their senses, but their voices were quickly suppressed.
At this point, the real power in Qing lay with Empress Dowager Cixi, and her close aides were more concerned with their own survival than the fate of the nation.
Ending the war immediately was their priority.
Those calling for continued resistance had no real solutions, only empty rhetoric about national pride and the mandate of heaven, so their arguments carried no weight.
Figures like Li Hongzhang, who possessed both ability and determination, were already outside trying to contain the chaos, while those close to the court remained deep within the capital, focused only on their own safety.
That was the reality of Qing, and its future.
After persuading Empress Dowager Cixi to accept British mediation, the Grand Council ministers gathered privately to discuss matters.
"What do you think will happen?"
"What options do we have? We can only minimize our losses."
"No, I mean if we must concede anyway, would it not be better to gain something else in return?"
The ministers of the Grand Council had the authority to accept humiliating terms if they acted together.
If humiliation was unavoidable, then it might be better to accept it while securing some benefit.
The problem was that such benefits were personal, not national.
"Where will the negotiations take place? London?"
"No, Hong Kong. The final decision rests with Killian Gore Hanover, so most likely someone will attend in his place just to formalize the agreement. Perhaps even the Crown Prince."
"I see. Then we should establish discreet contacts with both the embassy and Hong Kong."
They were not foolish men.
If something could not be protected, selling it was not incompetence.
If they could also profit personally, then it became an advantageous negotiation.
That was how they thought.
At the same time.
London.
Although the formal agreement would take place in Hong Kong, the real negotiations were being conducted in my office.
Representatives from Joseon, Japan, and Qing argued intensely, each trying to gain more and lose less.
"Joseon cannot relinquish Manchuria. At the very least, the territories we currently occupy must be recognized as ours."
"That is unreasonable. You control only a portion of Manchuria. If that is your claim, then borders must be adjusted accordingly."
"The areas we occupy are the core regions. Naturally, we must exercise authority over them."
"…Very well. Let us adjust the terms."
That was unexpected.
Qing seemed to concede too easily.
Manchuria was their spiritual homeland.
Even if Joseon could not take all of it, their current demands were close to the territory of Goguryeo at its height.
Logically, Qing should never accept this.
Perhaps there was some hidden agreement.
But then again, Qing officials often exceeded expectations in the worst ways.
"Then we have no objection to ending the war under these conditions."
"Next, Japan. You are requesting Taiwan and Hainan. Hainan has not even been occupied by your forces."
"In exchange, we will not demand the territories currently under our control. Details can be discussed later, but this is the general framework."
"Taiwan and Hainan…"
Both were strategically vital.
Yet the Qing representatives seemed indifferent to long-term consequences.
It felt as though something suspicious was happening behind the scenes.
But that was not my concern.
I only needed to secure what I could now.
After several hours, negotiations concluded.
Only Yoshida Shoin remained.
"Your Majesty, are you satisfied with the results?"
"Completely."
"Prime Minister Okubo sends his gratitude."
His bow was precise.
Well practiced.
In truth, his actions bordered on treason.
But his situation was unique.
With the military purged, his position was unstable.
Yet he had been allowed to remain.
That meant he owed a debt.
"And after the armistice, we will sign a separate agreement to transfer Hainan and Taiwan."
"Yes. And regarding our loans…"
"We will forgive a significant portion."
Japan had chosen stability over expansion.
Joseon had chosen expansion.
Their paths had diverged.
The important result was clear.
The British Empire now controlled the seas of Northeast Asia.
With Hainan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in our hands, Qing could not access the South China Sea.
Even the East China Sea was effectively controlled.
"Please inform the Prime Minister of my efforts…"
"I will."
This arrangement benefited all parties involved.
Japan reduced its burden.
We gained strategic control.
The Empire expanded its influence.
The Crown Prince's mission in Asia was a complete success.
A tangled situation had been resolved.
Even the burning of the imperial standard had been turned into an advantage.
Northeast Asia had become firmly within British influence.
Expansion opportunities elsewhere were diminishing.
The major powers were now planning their next moves.
In Otto von Bismarck's view, the pattern was clear.
"Britain is planning not only for the present, but for future dominance."
"That is obvious."
"Not to most."
The world was changing.
Resources were limited.
Conflicts would arise.
"Killian is waiting for the right moment."
"And that moment is coming."
The question was no longer whether conflict would happen.
But when.
And how.
***
The war between the Joseon–Japan alliance and Qing that had plunged Northeast Asia into chaos had come to an end.
The grand deception of the so-called devil king Leopold II of Belgium that had shocked Europe had also concluded.
Newspapers that had been enjoying increased sales through sensational reporting now returned to their usual topics such as the economy and aristocratic scandals.
That did not mean conflict had disappeared from the world.
Even in the Americas, the confrontation between the North and the South, with the South transforming into a complete dictatorship, continued without end. In Europe, relations between Russia and the Turks remained tense enough that war could break out at any moment.
Strictly speaking, the only ones who felt at ease were the citizens of the British Empire.
Even France, which prided itself as the world's second strongest power after Britain, was no exception.
"…Prussia's movements are unusual?"
"Yes. They are not acting openly, but something feels off."
"Troublesome indeed."
France wanted Europe to remain as it was.
They no longer wanted to fight wars within the continent. If conflict was unavoidable, it was better to fight overseas, where casualties would remain limited.
A war in the heart of Europe would be catastrophic.
Unlike the past, armies of hundreds of thousands could now be deployed with ease.
"Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck is capable and pragmatic. He will not act recklessly, but eventually he will have no choice but to move."
"Why?"
"Because both the citizens and the Junkers want it."
When both the people and the aristocracy desire the same outcome, it becomes inevitable.
From an objective perspective, Bismarck had simply been delaying the inevitable.
But France had a more serious problem.
They owed Prussia.
"If Prussia demands our cooperation, what should we do? Can we refuse?"
"…It will be difficult. We are allies, and there is also the previous agreement."
"That promise has returned as a burden."
During the American conflict, France had promised to support Prussia in future disputes over German leadership.
If Prussia invoked that promise, France would have no justification to refuse.
"What do the ministers say?"
"They recommend preventing conflict if possible."
"Easier said than done."
The king of France let out a dry laugh.
If conflict could be avoided so easily, wars would not exist.
"Under no circumstances must Prussia unify Germany."
"Yes. With British cooperation, it may be possible."
If Prussia unified Germany, France alone might not be able to oppose it.
Alliances were temporary.
No one in politics believed in permanent alliances.
"Strengthen ties with Britain. With the previous prime minister gone, our connection feels weaker."
"I have already arranged to attend Victoria's birthday celebration. However… Bismarck will also attend."
"Bismarck himself?"
That was significant.
It meant he had intentions beyond mere celebration.
France now felt the absence of its former leadership more than ever.
May 1870.
The British Empire was filled with celebration.
[Citizens across the Empire illuminate London to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty.]
[Parliament proposed funding the celebration, but the royal family declined, choosing to fund it themselves.]
[In Canada, a movement has begun to erect a statue in Her Majesty's honor. Donations have already exceeded expectations, and there are plans to include a statue of her husband, Killian Gore Hanover…]
Articles like these filled the newspapers.
Embarrassing.
Why build my statue as well?
From a modern perspective, it felt ridiculous.
The popularity of the royal family had grown rapidly.
Celebrations became increasingly grand.
Citizens did not mind, as it was not funded by taxes.
Even if it were, public support remained strong.
Still, excessive admiration could lead to problems.
"Your Majesty, you seem troubled."
"It is nothing."
I set the newspaper aside.
Otto von Bismarck observed carefully.
"The admiration is genuine."
"That is precisely why it is concerning."
Other monarchies would envy this.
But too much praise could have consequences.
"Did you come all this way to learn the secret?"
"Of course not."
"We have known each other long enough. Speak plainly."
"…Very well."
Bismarck smiled.
"France is uneasy."
"I can imagine."
"They lack direct ties with you, unlike before."
"And you?"
"I am here for a different reason."
He spoke directly.
"I do not intend to claim Austria. If that is guaranteed, can you remain neutral?"
He intended to unify Germany under Prussia, excluding Austria.
A calculated move.
I considered it.
"Conditions."
I would not give anything for free.
"State your offer."
The negotiation had begun.
***
"Conditions, you say…"
Otto von Bismarck muttered to himself as if surprised, then continued in a meaningful tone.
"So you are saying that if I present reasonable conditions, you would be willing to remain neutral?"
"There is nothing in this world that is impossible."
In truth, the issue between Prussia and Austria was troublesome even for me and the British Empire.
Wellesley, Disraeli, and even Gladstone, along with both ruling and opposition parties, all agreed on one thing. Sooner or later, something would happen there.
But once it actually did, opinions diverged on how to respond.
Even within the ruling party, there was no consensus.
In other words, because everyone held different views, someone with influence like me could shape the outcome simply by guiding the conversation.
"What do you want? Hanover?"
"That union ended long ago. Even if you offered it to me for free, I would refuse. I have no intention of being dragged into continental conflicts because of such land."
"Then perhaps one of our colonies. Panama or the Philippines?"
"I already have enough on my hands stabilizing what I possess. I have no need for more."
Some politicians had once suggested using Hanover to influence German affairs, but that idea had been dismissed quickly.
Britain had long followed a policy of isolation from continental conflicts.
Only an extraordinary figure like Napoleon had ever forced direct involvement.
Even in the war with Russia, Britain had relied on France to bear the burden and only provided support from behind.
Maintaining alliances while avoiding direct entanglement was the preferred approach.
Holding territory in the heart of Europe would disrupt that strategy.
Unless it was land of extraordinary value, Hanover was not worth the risk.
The Philippines and Panama were also unnecessary at this point.
"What, then, do you want?"
"That is the problem. Nothing comes to mind immediately."
"Given Britain's isolationist stance, perhaps you could simply remain uninvolved. A stronger Prussia would benefit Britain as well, since we are allies."
That was an uncharacteristically weak argument.
Even Bismarck seemed to have little to offer.
"Alliances can be broken at any time. While you are in power, I have no concerns. But the future is uncertain."
"…So you want something more reliable than an alliance."
"If Prussia were to distance itself from Russia, it would naturally strengthen ties with France and Britain."
"Distance from Russia? I heard that in Prussia they say diplomacy means avoiding conflict with Russia."
Bismarck laughed loudly.
"That used to be the case, but relations have cooled again after the recent incident. And the Crown Prince will never maintain friendly relations with Russia. With a little encouragement, hostility will last for life."
He was not wrong.
Repairing relations with Russia would be difficult.
"If Germany becomes too strong, could it not end up fighting both Europe and Russia at the same time?"
"That is an absurd scenario. No sane leader would fight Europe and Russia simultaneously."
"Unless they believe their army is strong enough to defeat Russia quickly."
"No such person could exist. And if they did, their nation would be doomed."
I thought otherwise.
Such a person had existed.
And history had shown the result.
"Prime Minister, let me be honest. My concern is not for Britain, but for Prussia."
"…For Prussia?"
"Consider this. Nationalism is rising. People are beginning to believe that those of the same ethnicity must unite and prosper together."
"That is why I aim for a smaller German unification, excluding Austria."
Was that truly possible?
Even in a smaller Germany, there would still be Poles, Danes, and others.
And many Germans still desired a greater unification.
"People are never satisfied with what they have. Once Prussia unifies Germany, do you truly believe they will stop there and live contentedly without looking toward Austria?"
"…You believe Austria will become the next target."
"It is inevitable."
This was not a trivial concern.
Such ambitions could lead to disaster.
"Do you think I apply stricter standards only to Germany?"
"…No."
"It is because Germany is structurally vulnerable to nationalism."
Other nations were already stable.
Germany, once unified, could become powerful enough to destabilize all of Europe.
And I knew such a future was possible.
"…In the end, the greatest uncertainty for Prussia is you."
"…Me?"
"Yes. While you are here, everything functions rationally. But once you are gone, can you guarantee that it will remain so?"
Bismarck fell silent.
That was the weakness of his system.
It depended on him.
Once he was gone, there was no guarantee stability would remain.
The state was still dominated by the monarchy and the Junkers.
Without his control, chaos could follow.
"Then you cannot support German unification under Prussia?"
"That is not what I said. If you can assure me that Prussia will remain stable even after you are gone, I see no reason to refuse."
Bismarck smiled.
"I did not expect such concern for Prussia's future. It is… moving."
He had misunderstood.
I was not worried about Prussia.
I was worried about the world.
But he seemed genuinely affected.
"Expansion is important, but stability is more so. I will prepare a plan and present it to you."
That was unexpected.
If it worked, then so be it.
I nodded calmly.
"We are not strangers. Naturally, I consider your concerns as my own."
He bowed his head slightly.
"I once doubted your sincerity. I regret that now."
We continued discussing reforms and governance at length.
"…An extraordinary man."
As he left Buckingham Palace, Otto von Bismarck muttered to himself.
"What do you mean?"
"He pointed out something I had not considered."
"Was the negotiation unsuccessful?"
"Not entirely. I gained something unexpected."
His aide nodded.
"His insight is remarkable."
Remarkable?
That was not the right word.
It was something else.
Perhaps genuine concern.
Or something even greater.
"Whatever it is, he is a man of immense stature."
In the end, Bismarck realized that he had underestimated him.
***
There is one thing I have realized after observing France for so long.
If you expect anything from them, you will be thoroughly disappointed.
That does not mean France is a nation that betrays or stabs others in the back.
If that were the case, I would have cut ties with them long ago and expelled them from the alliance without hesitation.
Rather, France understands that maintaining friendly relations with the British Empire aligns with its own interests, and it has consistently tried to improve ties.
Especially when François Guizot was prime minister, the royal family leaned even more toward Britain, avoiding the storm of revolution thanks to my influence.
However, in this world, there are many fields where working hard matters less than actually being competent.
Statecraft is one of them.
Because of that, I have very little expectation of France.
This is not because I dislike them. In fact, I do not have negative feelings toward France at all.
They are a cooperative ally, their wine is excellent, and their cuisine is superb.
There is no reason to dislike such a country.
But trusting them with important matters has repeatedly proven risky.
Not long ago, they sent a warship to Joseon out of envy for Britain, only to wreck it on a reef and lose it entirely.
When I visited Joseon later, I even saw that same warship being used as a victory exhibit in a museum.
It became one of the tools Joseon used to stir nationalist sentiment by claiming victory over France.
And during the war with Russia, they recklessly charged forward, suffering heavy losses.
Even when we demonstrated improvements in sanitation, they adopted them too late and suffered unnecessary casualties.
They also intervened in the American conflict and were defeated by the North before coming to their senses.
Considering all that, trusting them too much would be stranger.
They have the size and power, but they are the kind of country that could cause trouble at any moment.
"Thank you for meeting me today. It is my first time seeing you in person, but I have heard much about you from the former prime minister, so I feel quite familiar already."
"I have heard much about you as well. I still exchange letters with the former prime minister."
"Is that so?"
In any case, regardless of my concerns, France remains essential to maintaining peace in Europe.
Like it or not, the two major powers on the continent will always be Germany and France.
That is why France's new prime minister, Charles de Freycinet, hurried to London to meet me.
I already knew why he had come, but he did not know what I had discussed with Otto von Bismarck.
"I am pleased that both Prussia and France have come to celebrate Her Majesty Victoria's birthday. As a member of the royal family, and as her husband, I thank you."
"It is nothing. The distance is short, and I will gladly visit again for future celebrations."
"That is good to hear."
"But may I ask why you wished to meet me privately?"
"As the new prime minister, I wanted to greet you personally and ensure that the friendship between our nations continues. I also heard that Prime Minister Bismarck visited you yesterday."
"He did."
"…Then perhaps…"
After hesitating, Freycinet spoke directly.
"Did he make any request regarding the German Confederation?"
Straight to the point.
"So it is finally that time. But I was under the impression that France had already agreed to support Prussia."
"…That is true, but we cannot ignore Britain's position."
"Officially, I have no authority over domestic politics. Parliament holds that power."
"Yet your influence in foreign affairs is well known."
That was not the issue.
If I supported one side, the other would react.
"Let me be direct. Does France not wish for Prussia to grow stronger?"
"It is not that simple. We do not mind Prussia expanding overseas, but expansion along our shared border is concerning."
"That is understandable. No nation welcomes a neighbor becoming too strong, even if they are allies."
"Exactly."
"But objectively speaking, even if Prussia absorbs most of the German Confederation excluding Austria, France should not be threatened."
"…That is true, but…"
He could not argue.
I continued.
"France remains the dominant power in Europe. Did you not defeat Prussia in the past?"
"That goes back to Napoleon…"
"He defeated Prussia in six days."
"…Well…"
He had no response.
Even if modern France differed, the argument still stood.
"You see, France is stronger. Why be so concerned?"
That left him with little to counter.
"Even so, I understand your concerns. A neighboring power growing too strong is always unsettling."
"Thank you."
"I will ensure that Prussia does not become a threat to France. In return, I hope you will recognize my efforts."
"Of course. Your support is invaluable."
In reality, I had already reached an understanding with Bismarck.
But that did not mean France would benefit for free.
"On that note, I have a request as well."
Even among allies, transactions must be clear.
That is how trust is maintained.
With both Bismarck and Freycinet in London, not only officials but also members of the royal family became busy.
Even Edward actively met with them, discussing various issues.
[The Crown Prince's insight impresses Bismarck.]
[The future of the British Empire is secure.]
Articles praised him endlessly.
"Hey. I need to talk to you."
Edward looked up from the newspaper as his twin sister entered.
"What is it?"
She sat down with a smirk.
"Mother is worried."
"About what?"
"She asked me to confirm whether you like women."
Edward choked on his coffee.
"What nonsense are you talking about?"
Her expression remained serious.
He stared at her in disbelief.
Was she serious?
That was absurd.
There was no way such a thing could be true.
***
In the nineteenth century, it would not be an exaggeration to say that there was virtually no country that held tolerant views toward homosexuality.
The British Empire was no different.
Even if it was no longer like the medieval era, Europe remained deeply rooted in Christian culture, and naturally, most people viewed homosexuality negatively.
It was not simply regarded as immoral.
Within the British Empire, homosexuality was literally illegal.
This had been the case since the sixteenth century, when Henry VIII criminalized homosexual acts in England and Wales, and the tradition had continued ever since.
Moreover, after Victoria ascended the throne, this stance became even stricter due to her conservative views.
A few years earlier, legislation had been passed to further tighten restrictions on homosexual acts throughout the British Empire, and society largely accepted this as natural.
Even the literary world, which tended to embrace more progressive values, often portrayed homosexuality negatively.
Under such circumstances, if the Crown Prince of the British Empire were revealed to be homosexual, it would not only shock Britain but shake all of Europe and the world.
If such a truth were exposed, the image of a beloved Crown Prince would collapse instantly.
There would be immediate demands to strip him of his position and pass it to another heir, accompanied by relentless criticism.
The idea of a homosexual heir to the British throne would invite ridicule and outrage.
Edward understood why his mother was so anxious that she would even ask his sister to test him.
But from his perspective, the suspicion itself was absurd.
There was no reason for him to like men.
Edward felt deeply wronged.
"You foolish sister, do I look like someone who prefers men over women?"
"Well… I used to think that was impossible, but these days anything seems possible. Scientists are even saying humans evolved from apes, so why not this?"
"That is not the same thing. If I really preferred men, some kind of scandal would have surfaced by now."
"I do not want to ask this either. So why do you not spend time with women, attend parties, and behave like other royals? Do you know how often I am asked whether you are secretly seeing a man? If you feel any guilt toward me, go and find a lover immediately."
Adelaide's face showed clear irritation.
Edward felt no sympathy.
"Wait a moment. You are in the same situation. Why am I the only one facing such rumors?"
"I was engaged, and it fell through due to circumstances. That is different from you."
He sighed in frustration.
"If I had known this would happen, I would have staged a scandal for appearances."
"That was partly why I accepted that engagement. Our situations are different. You are the heir, and I am not."
Objectively, the idea of a homosexual Crown Prince carried far greater implications.
She continued calmly.
"You keep talking about common sense, but from a common sense perspective, suspicion is natural. You have never had a single scandal involving a woman, and you rarely attend social events."
"I simply prioritize more meaningful pursuits."
"Mother even hoped you might meet a suitable woman during your time in Asia. If even your family thinks this way, what do you think others believe?"
At that point, Edward began to wonder if he had truly been neglecting his duties.
He had devoted himself entirely to becoming a worthy successor, yet this was the result.
"Fine. What do you want me to do? Meet potential brides every week?"
"First, answer honestly. You do like women, correct?"
"How many times must I say it?"
He had nothing to hide.
Yet the situation forced him to consider solutions.
For half an hour, he insisted on the truth, and then began discussing what to do next.
That evening, after successfully concluding negotiations with Otto von Bismarck and Charles de Freycinet, I was met not with relief, but with a worried sigh from Victoria.
"You asked Adelaide to confirm whether Edward is homosexual?"
"I should have addressed this earlier. It seemed easier for her to ask than for us."
"I understand your concern, but…"
The idea seemed absurd.
I knew the real reason Edward had not pursued relationships.
He simply had no time.
And he felt a strong sense of responsibility, believing that careless relationships would reflect poorly on the royal family.
From a father's perspective, such dedication was admirable.
Far better than indulging in reckless behavior like many aristocrats.
"Even so, you cannot ignore this forever. He is nearly thirty and has never even held a woman's hand."
"…Perhaps he has, without our knowledge."
"If that were the case, I would not be this worried. I have waited long enough. Now we must act."
I had no argument.
"Very well. What is your plan?"
"At least we know he prefers women."
I nodded cautiously.
She handed me a thick stack of documents.
"These are potential candidates for his bride."
The weight alone suggested hundreds of pages.
"More than I expected."
"I do not care about background. Even someone from Asia would be acceptable. The important thing is finding someone he likes."
"So you want him to meet them and choose?"
"Yes. I will prepare the candidates. You persuade him to attend."
I sighed inwardly.
From handling great powers to arranging meetings for my son.
Life was unpredictable.
"Very well. I will review these."
"Do not take this lightly. This is important."
"I understand."
As I left, I could not help but think.
Why was I the one being pressured?
If they had simply chosen partners earlier, none of this would be necessary.
But now, there was no avoiding it.
This was no longer optional.