Just as something one cannot escape no matter how hard one tries is called fate, a war that would bring everything to an end descended upon the world like hell itself.
Austria invaded Serbia, and as Russia and Prussia watched, they soon began clashing with each other, drawing in France and the Ottoman Empire.
Inside my office at Buckingham Palace, I was deep in heated discussion with the ministers, trying to find a way through this chaos.
Then, as if things were not already bad enough, unimaginable news arrived from across the Atlantic.
"One for all, all for one!"
No, this is insane. That slogan sounds far too familiar.
"Your Majesty! Engels in the south is shouting incomprehensible nonsense and has invaded Mexico!"
"What kind of nonsense is this now?"
Recently, I saw a photograph of Engels, and he had gained weight and slicked his hair back in a way that reminded me of a certain northern figure I once knew.
Perhaps all communist dictators inevitably end up looking the same.
"Connect me to Engels immediately!"
"Europe is already in flames, so now it is the turn of the American continent. If we cannot have it, we will destroy it!"
Unlike the world wars I remembered, Europe was fighting among itself while the Americas descended into chaos of their own, plunging the world into even greater disorder.
As the white powers slaughtered each other, other races could not remain idle.
"Europe has promised autonomy to Africa! Rise up and crush your neighboring enemies!"
"We must kill them to gain our independence. Charge!"
As the European front became deadlocked, proxy wars broke out in African colonies.
"Europe is too busy fighting itself? Then this is our chance. The perfect opportunity to conquer the continent!"
Whether their minds had truly been consumed by ambition or not, Joseon and Japan declared war on Qing once again, driving themselves forward like a runaway train with no brakes.
"Hey, how about forming an alliance one more time, Joseon?"
"We should be the ones saying that, Japan. Just do not drag us down."
Have they all gone mad?
No.
Even if they had lost their minds, they would not speak like that.
Just like before, it seems I have been overwhelmed by work and ended up having another ridiculous dream.
I am not so idle that I would be crushed by nightmares that do not even qualify as cheap premonitions.
As I realized it was a dream, my awareness slowly returned, yet the scene before me only grew more grotesque.
Decades after a great war had ended.
"His Majesty Killian once declared that the supremacy of the British Empire must endure forever. We shall uphold his will and never forgive those who threaten our dominance!"
"Rain hellfire upon our enemies!"
You lunatics, when did I ever say such a thing?
As countless nuclear missiles launched from the British Empire streaked across the distant ocean and great cities were consumed by towering mushroom clouds, the nightmare finally ended and I opened my eyes.
Well then. The world is finished.
"Ugh… everything aches."
After such a bizarre dream from the early morning, my head felt heavy and my mind hazy, as if I had been pinned down in my sleep.
As I sat there blankly trying to make sense of it, Victoria approached with a concerned expression and handed me a cup of coffee.
"Are you alright? It looked like you were having a nightmare."
A nightmare. Yes, it was one. A ridiculous dream, but still a nightmare nonetheless.
"Did I say anything strange in my sleep?"
"You were mumbling words I could not understand. Atomic bomb? Ballistic missile? You kept groaning while saying things I have never heard before. Are those important projects? Something the James Group is developing?"
No, absolutely not. It would be disastrous if a private company were developing such things.
"It was nothing. Just meaningless words spoken in my sleep, so do not worry about it."
"…It did not seem like an ordinary nightmare, but if you say so, then it must be nothing."
Thanks to my efforts, the pace of scientific advancement was clearly faster than in the original timeline.
In a few more years, gasoline powered automobiles would likely become widespread, and by the end of the century, even nitrogen based fertilizers might emerge.
But scientific progress never brings only benefits.
Technologies that make killing and destruction more efficient would inevitably appear faster as well, and nuclear weapons would be no exception.
There was no guarantee they would be called by the same name as I remembered, but it was better to be cautious.
There was no reason to invite suspicion by speaking carelessly.
Even if it was just a dream, seeing the British Empire unleash nuclear devastation across the world left a bitter taste that even coffee could not wash away.
Why would I have such a dream?
Could it really have been a premonition?
Ordinary people would dismiss it, but I could not ignore it so easily.
After all, I had already died once and returned to the past. If that was possible, why not a prophetic dream?
Logically, it made no sense, yet the possibility lingered.
Even if it was not a true premonition, it likely reflected the fears buried deep within my mind.
When I thought about it, even if this world seemed more hopeful than the original timeline, history never moved purely by reason.
Unlike the second world war, which was driven by a single madman, the first had no single culprit.
Austria, Germany, Serbia, Russia, France. All of them bore responsibility.
France and Russia had sought to contain Germany, and Britain had not only observed but also supported that effort.
Was the current era truly any different?
Prussia's relations with Britain and France were good now, but there was no guarantee that would last.
Austria faced its own internal instability.
With its population divided, an incident like Sarajevo could emerge in another form at any time.
"…In the end, the only solution is to act first."
"Hm? Who are you planning to strike?"
"Ah, nothing. I was just thinking I should pay more attention to Crown Prince Rudolf at tonight's banquet."
"Do not worry. I have already spoken to the children. They may not all be kind, but they are not bad either. And they understand why it is important to treat him well, so they will not act against our interests."
"That is true. And I plan to invite him to Buckingham often, so I would appreciate it if you treated him warmly as well."
"Of course. After hearing about how he was raised, I do feel sorry for him. I will make time, even if I am busy."
The tensions between Germany and Austria, the powder keg of Europe, still had some time before exploding.
Serbia was not yet independent and remained under Ottoman rule.
Even with rising nationalism, it would take at least fifteen to twenty years before extreme movements gained momentum.
Before that, if Rudolf could grow and stabilize Austria, and if German expansionist ambitions subsided, the extremist movements would lose their foundation.
The only real variable was Russian pan Slavic ideology.
But if Austria could unify its internal populations, even that would struggle to gain traction.
From that perspective, Rudolf's role was more important than anyone realized.
He was not just maintaining balance with Prussia, but acting as a gatekeeper preventing a future catastrophe.
If that powder keg ignited, the nightmare I had seen could become reality.
If Europe descended into war, Africa would follow, and even the Americas and Asia would not remain untouched.
Assuming such a disaster could never happen would be foolish.
If it happened, it would already be too late.
No matter what, the outcome must be decided within fifteen years.
To achieve that, Austria must be united under Rudolf.
I am no expert in raising children, but there is no other choice.
For the sake of this world, I will make sure he has the happiest life possible.
Just wait.
I will ensure he experiences the finest upbringing imaginable.
While Killian was struggling to prevent a future catastrophe, the Russian Empire was far from pleased with the rapidly changing situation.
More than anything, the fact that events were unfolding beyond their control frustrated them.
Prussia and Austria were always nations Russia had to monitor closely, and the pace of change had left their intelligence services overwhelmed.
At the same time, Emperor Alexander II was burdened by both international affairs and internal conflicts with the nobility.
"Your Majesty, the peace agreement between Prussia and Denmark has been concluded. The British Empire has taken Iceland and Greenland as compensation…"
"They took entire lands just for mediating? Shameless. They always accuse us of greed, yet they are the most greedy of all."
"That has always been the case with Britain. They preach justice while acting behind the scenes."
"Damn it. Such a major event, and we gained nothing."
Had the nobles not interfered, Russia might have gained something from this conflict.
Instead, they remained spectators once again.
The American war, the Spanish conflict, the Congo crisis, the Asian war, and now this.
Russia had watched them all without benefit.
"This cannot continue. At this rate, we will fall behind even Prussia. Perhaps we already have."
"Their growth is indeed alarming. Some believe they may surpass France within a few years."
"Then we must unify our divided nation. And to do that, we need an appropriate event."
Targeting Britain was too risky.
So the answer was obvious.
A common enemy.
And Russia had one.
An aging rival, once powerful but now weakened.
"Have Serbia and Bulgaria requested support for independence?"
"Yes. They have pleaded for aid against Ottoman rule."
"Good. Then establish contact. There are many Slavs there. We have no reason to hesitate."
Supporting fellow Slavs against the Ottomans would strengthen imperial authority and unify the nation.
For Alexander II, it was the perfect opportunity.
No matter how it unfolded, he had nothing to lose.
***
If one looks across the world, there are regions where conflicts occur with unusual frequency.
It is not because the people living there are more aggressive than others.
Places where conflict is common inevitably contain conditions that drive people to fight.
In the past, that factor was often food.
Lands with overwhelming agricultural productivity were always the most coveted, drawing the attention of countless nations.
Beyond that, resources, religion, and various competing interests became intertwined, diversifying the nature of conflict, and by the nineteenth century, a force powerful enough to ignite the world had emerged in the form of nationalism.
If one were to name a region where this explosive force had accumulated into a massive powder keg, the Balkan Peninsula would stand above all others.
Where Central and Eastern Europe meet Southern Europe and Western Asia, it is a melting pot of races and cultures.
For centuries, countless ethnicities and religions had clashed here, and conflicts had erupted repeatedly.
During the height of Ottoman rule, local powers had reached uneasy compromises, maintaining a fragile stability.
But as Ottoman power declined and nationalism emerged, the situation began to shift.
Russia, already hostile toward the Ottomans, began probing the region persistently, and after the independence of Greece, this trend became inevitable.
"If Greece can gain independence, why not us?"
"How long must our Slavic people remain under Ottoman rule?"
"Rise, Serbs. It is time to reclaim our identity and faith."
"Rise up, Bulgaria."
Russia did not miss these movements.
In the past, they would have immediately sent troops to provoke the Ottomans, but after their previous defeat, they had learned the importance of diplomacy.
The Russian Empire declared that as the protector of Orthodox believers, it had a duty to defend those suffering under oppression, and strongly condemned Ottoman religious persecution.
They also argued that nations with their own history and culture had the right to form independent communities, and that suppressing them violated fundamental human rights.
This unexpected transformation into a champion of nationalism had a significant impact.
Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Wallachia, and Moldavia all rose in revolt, forming volunteer forces for independence.
Russia subtly organized an Orthodox coalition under the pretext of protecting believers, emboldening these movements.
It became clear that if full scale war broke out, Russia would intervene under the justification of protecting Slavs and Orthodox Christians.
Upon hearing this, Otto von Bismarck immediately convened a strategy meeting.
"You have all heard. It seems Russia is preparing to cause trouble again."
"Russia is currently unstable due to internal conflict between the emperor and the nobility. They may be seeking to restore authority by attacking the weaker Ottoman Empire."
"That is not all. Pan Slavic ideas are spreading. Russia likely intends to establish Slavic states and position itself as their leader. That would strengthen its authority more than ruling alone."
Bismarck quickly grasped the intentions of Alexander II.
If Russia simply intended to wage war and seize territory, it would not proceed in this manner.
"What should we do?"
"There is no justification to restrain Russia at the moment. They are handling this cleverly. If they limit themselves to protecting Orthodox believers, we have little grounds to intervene."
"Then we must observe for now."
"Yes. And we should watch how the British Empire responds. No nation is more committed to containing Russia."
Although Bismarck appeared calm, his thoughts were anything but.
This is troublesome. If pan Slavic nationalism spreads across the Balkans, it could influence Germany as well.
Even now, voices calling for a unified Germany were increasing.
As a pragmatic supporter of a smaller Germany led by Prussia, Bismarck found such developments unwelcome.
Excessive nationalism could destroy diplomacy.
A moderate level might unite Germany, but too much would become poison.
"If only Russia would suffer a crushing defeat against the Ottomans."
But that was unlikely.
Russia's victory was almost certain.
The question was what would follow.
"Should we consult Austria if new states emerge in the Balkans?"
"Yes, we should consult Austria… wait."
The outcome of the London Agreement resurfaced in his mind.
If the Balkans became unstable, Austria would inevitably be affected.
And the British Empire currently held significant influence over Austria.
Perhaps they would maneuver behind the scenes once again.
Moreover, Austria had sent a princess to London whom Killian himself had praised for her intelligence.
Even if she was young, it would be dangerous to underestimate her.
"Inform our embassy in London to monitor the British Empire closely, and keep watch on the Austrian princess as well."
"Yes, sir."
"Good. Let us see how they move."
Bismarck decided that rather than taking the lead, it would be better to follow the actions of Britain or Austria and share in the benefits.
For him, long term strategy mattered more than immediate gains.
The British Empire was already preparing its next generation of leadership.
Perhaps it was time for Prussia to do the same.
"Your Majesty, do not be deceived. Russia's claim of protecting the Orthodox Church is merely a pretext for invasion. They seek control of the Black Sea."
"You should discuss such matters with Parliament and the ministers."
"If Russia controls the Black Sea, access to the Mediterranean will follow, threatening the Suez directly."
"Parliament is already considering the matter. Please wait."
The Ottoman ambassador left after pleading desperately for support.
No sooner had we secured Greenland and Iceland than another crisis emerged.
War between Russia and the Ottoman Empire was not unusual, but the scale of the independence movements in the Balkans was unexpected.
Events were accelerating beyond the original timeline.
Scientific and economic progress had sped up, and with it, conflict.
If one misstep occurred, a world war could unfold within my lifetime.
After the ambassador left, a note was handed to me.
Rudolf and Gisela are under observation.
"As expected. They have already drawn attention."
"Shall we capture the agents?"
"No. That would only create tension without evidence. We are doing the same elsewhere."
Spying was universal.
There was no point reacting excessively.
"Should we warn them?"
"No. It would only make them nervous."
They were still guests.
Better to let things proceed naturally.
"How has Gisela been adapting?"
"She spends time with Edward several days a week, and also with Rudolf. Many noblewomen are eager to invite her to tea."
"Edward visits her that often? Perhaps he is more interested than he lets on."
A harmonious relationship between the Crown Prince and his future wife was a blessing.
And with tensions rising in the Balkans, their importance only increased.
Few understood how crucial Austria would be in preventing future disaster.
But I did.
And that was where I intended to act.
"How do you find life in London?"
"I like it very much. Everyone has been kind to us."
That evening, after meeting the Ottoman ambassador, I spoke with Gisela over tea.
"I am glad you have adapted so well."
"It is all thanks to you… Father. I am truly grateful. I wish I could repay you, but I do not know how."
"You have done nothing wrong. There is no need to feel that way."
"Still, I feel I am only receiving…"
"The best way to repay us is to support Edward. That is enough. But if you still wish to do something, I have one request."
"Yes. Please tell me."
"Meet as many people as possible and attend many events."
"…Is that enough?"
"Yes. Showing that you have adapted well to life here benefits the royal family greatly."
She did not fully understand, but nodded earnestly.
"Yes. I will do my best."
"Does that include invitations from noblewomen?"
"Of course."
Unknowingly, she was already at the center of attention.
Many eyes were watching her.
She only needed to meet people and let them see her.
That alone would strengthen her position.
And I would ensure it happened.