It is the way of the world that when the moon fills, it wanes, and when the sun rises, it must eventually set.
Ask anyone passing by and they would say the same. It is only natural. That is simply how things are.
Until recently, I was no different.
But it seems that when something becomes one's own reality, a person cannot remain so detached.
After hearing the news of James's death, I remained in my office long after Wellesley had left.
I felt a completely different weight compared to when I heard about Guizot.
It was the difference between losing an acquaintance and losing family.
No, it was not as though I had never experienced loss within my family, yet this time the shock felt particularly heavy.
When my father passed away, I was saddened, but somewhere in my mind I accepted it. His health had been failing, and he had lived a full life.
But James was different.
I had thought he would continue enjoying his retirement for many more years, and perhaps because I unconsciously saw him as someone of my own generation, the loss felt far more difficult to accept.
"You said you would enjoy your later years at ease. You should have rested at least ten more years before leaving."
He had always talked about spending the rest of his life in a warm and beautiful place, doing nothing but relaxing.
What is this supposed to be?
Now it feels as though I worked him to the bone until the very end, and that thought only makes it worse.
I feel miserable.
I went to my private collection and took out a bottle of whisky aged fifty years, made from the finest blends of Chivas Brothers.
It was something that could not be bought with money.
I had intended to bring it out proudly when James visited, to boast about the power behind it.
"Ah… the aroma is incredible."
As soon as I opened it, the rich fragrance filled the room.
I leaned back on the sofa, savoring it.
"Edward will be devastated."
Among the people he had grown close to since childhood, there were only a few like Wellesley and James.
And now James would not even see his wedding.
Instead of making his nephew's wedding brighter, he had left behind this somber mood.
"Still, I suppose it is about time for all of us."
Guizot had gone first, and James followed soon after.
There were many others waiting in line.
Even Kim Jwageun, who had planned to attend, had recently sent word that he could no longer travel due to his health.
When a person can no longer move freely, it usually means the end is not far.
He had already passed seventy.
He had lived a long life.
Victoria's mother was also growing weaker.
It seemed she too was preparing herself.
Growing old is difficult enough, but when news of death arrives one after another, it weighs heavily on the mind.
"I still wanted to share a few more drinks with you."
What had we spoken about last?
We exchanged letters afterward, but had I known that would be our last real conversation, I would have said something more meaningful.
We first met in Joseon when we were young.
Then we built everything together in the British Empire.
He was the only one who had been there with me from the very beginning.
We started together, but I suppose we were never meant to end together.
Perhaps I had always assumed we would leave this world at similar times.
That must be why this feels so unsettling.
As I poured another drink, lost in old memories—
"My dear, are you still here?"
"I plan to stay here tonight. If anything urgent comes up, postpone it until tomorrow."
"Why not postpone it for two or three days? Why only until tomorrow?"
"No. I will stop after tonight."
Victoria looked at me with concern and sat across from me, lifting her glass.
"James… he was very close to you, wasn't he?"
"He was. When I was young, he was like a father. Later, like an older brother. And by the time I met you, he was my closest friend."
Closer than most family.
They say not to mix family and business, yet we had been partners in everything.
"When I first heard the truth, I was honestly shocked."
"What truth?"
"That the real owner behind the world's greatest fortune was you."
"When did I tell you that… and what did you think?"
"First, I was surprised. Then I thought, I truly chose well. I married the right man."
She smiled playfully, and I found myself smiling as well.
"At first, I never intended to build something this large. I simply wanted enough power to overcome the limitations of my background. But things turned out this way."
"You could have stopped once you had enough."
"Stopped? That was never an option. Not when I have children to think about."
People believe the empire of wealth we built will last forever.
But I know better.
Even such wealth can fade with time.
We must continue adapting, continuing to grow.
Though with Suez, Panama, Alaska, and Middle Eastern oil, we would likely remain wealthy well into the future.
"Will you go to see him?"
"It is too far. He was in California. His children plan to bring him back, so I will see him then."
"Then give him a state funeral. He was like a brother to you."
"That might reveal too much."
"Not if we honor him as a patriot of the Empire."
"…Ah. The will."
I had forgotten.
For the first time, my thoughts had failed to move in their usual direction.
Victoria closed the whisky bottle.
"You are more shaken than I expected. Finish that glass and stop."
"I want one more…"
"Finish that one and stop. You said you will return to work tomorrow."
"…Yes."
She was right.
Grief could not last forever.
There was work to do.
When James's will was revealed, the world would be shaken far more than by his death.
He left everything to me.
The entire empire he built.
The reaction was explosive.
Some praised his patriotism.
Others suspected conspiracy.
But everything had already been prepared.
His sons supported the decision.
They were rewarded generously.
There was no resistance.
And so the greatest fortune in the world became mine.
I picked up the whisky again.
"This is a burden I never wanted, but I cannot avoid it now."
I drank it in one go.
"Burns going down."
I placed the bottle beside his photograph.
"I would have liked to drink with you again."
But not yet.
I want to live a little longer.
So rest for now.
You have done enough.
My brother.
***
After discussion, it was decided that James's state funeral would be held before Edward's wedding.
There had been concern that holding a funeral before the Crown Prince's wedding might dampen the atmosphere, but the contents of James's will changed everything.
The vast majority of the world's greatest fortune would pass to the imperial family, and the next head of that family was about to be married.
In that sense, James's funeral became something closer to a ceremonial transfer of all the wealth of the James Group to the British imperial family.
From that perspective, it was most effective to elevate the authority of the imperial family through the funeral and then immediately proceed to the wedding.
Preparations had already been made long in advance, so no legal issues arose.
His children agreed, the press was favorable, and the public was enthusiastic.
There was only one concern.
"The James Group holds immense influence within the United States. If it falls under the British imperial family, would that not mean a significant portion of American wealth becomes subject to foreign control?"
The identity of the James Group's businesses, which had spread extensively across the United States, became a major issue.
Steel and oil were already dominated by the group through figures like Carnegie and Rockefeller, forming a near monopoly across the northern states and Canada.
They had long controlled locomotive manufacturing, and their investments in resource extraction had made them the clear leader in that field as well.
After bringing in Edison, even the emerging electrical industry was expanding rapidly under their influence.
On top of that, though American politicians were unaware, the largest detective agency in the world, equipped like a military force, also belonged to the group.
At this point, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the true base of the James Group was North America rather than Britain.
Of course, the group also controlled many industries within Britain itself.
"I will appoint professional managers. Ownership does not mean direct involvement in management."
"But as the largest shareholder, Your Majesty could still exert influence. Steel and oil are critical industries. If Britain intervenes politically, it could harm American interests."
"That is a valid concern."
As I nodded, the tension on Ambassador John Lothrop Motley's face eased slightly.
In most cases, such a situation would never be tolerated.
A nation might intervene directly or force the sale of shares.
But even a recovering United States could not take such a hard stance against Britain.
Forcing the issue could provoke conflict.
And after the Civil War, another war with Britain could devastate the American economy.
That reality forced them to proceed cautiously.
"I understand that this situation is difficult for your country to accept."
"Thank you for your understanding. Then…"
"However, it is also difficult to ignore the will of a man who devoted his entire fortune to the nation. Public opinion is overwhelmingly in his favor."
James's patriotism, combined with his reputation for supporting ordinary people, had driven his popularity to extraordinary heights.
Even publishers were already planning biographies of his life.
Objectively, his achievements would be celebrated even in a later era.
"Then Your Majesty intends to maintain the current arrangement?"
"Let me finish. I propose a compromise."
In truth, it was not ideal for a monarch to directly control private enterprises.
It blurred the line between public and private.
"I do not have the time to manage such a vast enterprise. Neither will Edward. Therefore, I will establish a legal separation between ownership and management."
"I see. That would require careful review, but I understand your intention."
There was no need for me to manage the companies directly.
That role would belong to capable professionals.
However, strategic control would remain within the imperial family.
Certain sectors, such as Suez, Panama, and future oil resources, would remain under direct control.
Others could be handled more flexibly.
"I assure you, this will not be handled dishonorably. That would only damage the reputation of the imperial family."
"I understand. I will report this to my government."
The ambassador left satisfied.
That same day, James's coffin arrived in London.
"It has been a while. You were with him at the end?"
Albert, James's second son, bowed deeply and took my hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for honoring him so greatly. My elder brother will return once legal matters are concluded."
"You are now a count. You should take your place in the House of Lords."
"This is already more than enough."
"If you need anything, speak freely. I consider you family."
I turned my gaze to the coffin.
Officially, our relationship was distant.
But in truth, it was far more.
"How was he at the end?"
"He was not in good health, even when writing to you. But he wished to attend the wedding. His body could not endure."
"He never mentioned it."
"He did not want to worry you."
"Was he in pain?"
"No. He passed peacefully."
"Did he leave any message for me?"
Albert hesitated before answering.
"He said he wished he could share the whisky you prepared. He asked that the Crown Prince live happily, and that you should follow him no sooner than thirty years from now. He said he would rest and wait."
"I see."
As the coffin disappeared from view, I turned away.
Even without asking, I had already intended to live as long as possible.
At least our thoughts were the same in the end.
Everything was finished now.
Yet for some reason, my eyes grew moist.
If only it had rained, I could have blamed it on the weather.
As if answering that thought, rain suddenly began to fall.
The attendants rushed to cover me with an umbrella.
For a moment, I considered standing in the rain, but common sense won.
"Your Majesty, we should go inside."
"…Yes. It is raining heavily."
"Did you get wet?"
"…No."
I am sorry, James.
It seems I am not meant to be a man of dramatic gestures.
The dead go to Westminster Abbey.
The living return to Buckingham.
I still have much to do.
In New York, the center of the American economy, the atmosphere within the James Group could not remain unchanged.
With James gone, and an unexpected new owner in place, uncertainty spread.
The transfer of his body to Britain symbolized a major shift.
Rumors spread that he would be buried at Westminster Abbey with full honors.
Ambitious figures within the group began calculating their next moves.
"What happens to the group now?"
"Will Killian become chairman?"
"That would be absurd."
"But the will says so."
Rockefeller, who had prepared extensively for succession, found his plans useless.
Yet upheaval always brings opportunity.
"The imperial family cannot manage this directly."
"Nor would the American government allow it."
"Then they will appoint a representative."
"That means whoever gains their favor will control the group."
Both Rockefeller and Carnegie reached the same conclusion.
They must win the favor of the imperial family.
'I must move before Carnegie.'
'I cannot lose to Rockefeller.'
While London celebrated, New York burned with quiet ambition over who would control the empire of gold.
***
After sending James off completely, one small change was that I began paying closer attention to those around me.
Even if I still had some time left, it became clear that many people around me were truly nearing the end.
And I was not the only one who felt this.
"Mother, if you are not feeling well, you may rest here. The children will surely come to you."
"This mother is still quite well, so do not worry. My eldest grandson is getting married. How could his grandmother not attend?"
Victoria's mother, Duchess Marie Louise Victoria, waved her hand with a genuinely joyful smile.
There had once been a time when even sitting together with Victoria felt awkward, but it had already been decades since their relationship had improved.
And like most grandmothers, she had cherished her grandson dearly, so how could she not be happy about his wedding?
Even if her body was not as strong as before, she would not spend such a moment locked away.
With the help of attendants, she put on her dress and jewelry, then turned to me.
"Now that Edward is married, only Adelaide remains. Please take a little more care. Our granddaughter should meet a fine husband like you, should she not?"
"Yes. I will pay closer attention."
"I only have two wishes left. To attend my granddaughter's wedding and to see Edward's child. Once I have seen those, I will have no regrets in closing my eyes."
"Why speak of closing your eyes? If you are going that far, you should also see William and Beatrice married."
"That would be too much. Perhaps the Duchess of Inverness could manage it. She still seems quite healthy. Speaking of which, have you visited them?"
"Adelaide and William have gone in our place."
Alfred, who had been listening beside me, added with a smile.
"Grandmother, you must attend my wedding as well. I will bring you a fine bride soon, so please wait a little longer."
"My grandson is so kind. Very well, I will gather my strength. Just do not take too long."
After the warm exchange, I left them to speak as mother and daughter, departing with Alfred.
On the way to Westminster Abbey, I shifted the topic naturally.
"Alfred, you are aware of the current situation of the James Group?"
"Yes. I heard that you are now its true owner."
"That is correct. The United States is not comfortable with someone holding official office in Britain also controlling such a large enterprise. So we reached a compromise and decided to appoint a representative who does not hold public office."
In truth, it changed little.
The group still belonged to the imperial family.
"…Will you entrust it to my sister?"
"No. I considered it, but she is already busy with her own ventures. And despite her ability, she is still a woman in the eyes of society. That would create resistance among the executives."
It was simply the reality of the nineteenth century.
"Alfred, if you wish to try, I can give you the opportunity. You will need to learn first, but the chance is there."
"…Truly? Then I will devote everything to it."
His enthusiasm was clear.
He had long watched his siblings take on responsibility.
"Good. After the wedding, begin learning. It will be more difficult than you expect."
"If I fail, then I was not worthy."
"Also, learn from Adelaide. She excels in such matters."
After Edward and Adelaide, Alfred was next.
Only the youngest remained.
At Westminster Abbey, the most prestigious ceremonial site of the Empire, Edward's wedding was held.
It symbolized both the stability of succession and the acquisition of immense wealth.
Guests from across the world took their seats.
"Your Majesty, this must be a meaningful moment for you."
"It is. After all, even you have come to attend."
Otto von Bismarck glanced around before speaking.
"I heard about Guizot… and James as well. It feels as though the world is moving into a new era."
"That is the way of things."
"It is strange. Technology advances, yet we cannot escape death."
"That may not change even in a hundred years."
He laughed softly.
"Then I must finish my work before my time comes."
"You have at least twenty years."
"If Your Majesty says so, I feel reassured."
He wiped his eyes discreetly.
As the music began, I looked toward the entrance.
The next generation walked forward, receiving the blessings of all.
I applauded, then spoke quietly.
"Prime Minister, our work begins now."
It was both a statement to him and a reminder to myself.
Life has its beginning and its end.
And this was only the beginning of the end.
"There is still much to be done."