The day after I roughly aligned things with Adelaide.
I was given the heavy task of running straight back to Victoria to persuade her again.
It would have been possible to proceed without telling Victoria, but no matter what, she was one of the direct parties involved, so I could not hide the truth from her.
If I did and she later found out everything, I had no confidence I could deal with the aftermath.
Of course, from the perspective of a mother who was trying in every possible way to marry off her daughter, my proposal was hardly welcome.
"Well done. I sent you to persuade our daughter, and instead you conspired to hold a fake engagement? Are you playing games with me right now?"
"Ahem, my dear. Just look at what the Crown Prince of Prussia is doing. He is plotting a malicious scheme to target our royal family. If we are going to turn that around and expand the situation, we need something with this level of impact. Instead of simply saying 'got you,' if we let this situation grow and then explode it, think about how much we can gain."
"When you call me 'my dear' or speak in such a polite tone, it usually means you feel guilty about something. This is no different. Your reasoning sounds nice, but the method involves our daughter's engagement."
Using Adelaide's engagement as bait to trap Prussia was not simply about respecting her wishes.
It was about creating bait that Prussia could never refuse, and creating a situation where even the citizens of both nations would rise up and criticize their Crown Prince.
That would yield far greater gains than simply catching them attempting to investigate me.
At the same time, it would also allow me to drag out those who were suspected of observing from behind Friedrich.
"Still, I asked Adelaide as well. She agreed."
"Of course she agreed. She has been saying she does not want to marry. Are you really planning to let our eldest daughter grow old unmarried?"
"Of course not. Do not worry. That will never happen."
Victoria narrowed her eyes.
"…Do you have something in mind?"
"She plans to expand her business further. She truly has talent."
Victoria clicked her tongue.
"That talent is unnecessary for a princess."
"You underestimate it. This will become a global luxury empire."
He explained.
Adelaide would inherit that business.
Her wealth would grow.
Eventually, she would consider who would inherit it.
"…Then if she does not marry, her wealth goes to her nephews."
"Exactly."
Inheritance would motivate her.
Victoria understood.
"Very well. I will agree. But do not harm the children."
"Of course."
With Victoria's approval, there was nothing left to stop me.
I immediately summoned the Prussian ambassador Bernstorff to Buckingham Palace.
A marriage between the British imperial family and the Prussian royal house.
For Prussia, whose Crown Prince remained unmarried, there was no reason to refuse.
As expected, Bernstorff was delighted.
"Has the imperial family already agreed?"
"Of course. Her Imperial Majesty has approved."
"Then we will proceed immediately."
The Prussian Crown Prince Friedrich was already in his mid-thirties.
This was a serious concern for Prussia.
Previous negotiations had failed repeatedly.
Now, this was an opportunity.
"Bismarck will support this."
"I trust he will."
From the outside, it was a perfect match.
Bernstorff promised swift action.
"If all goes well, we will have good news within the week."
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
And Prussia had no idea what awaited them.
***
Just as Ambassador Bernstorff had confidently predicted, the Prussian royal court was almost in a celebratory mood upon receiving the proposal from the British Empire.
They had already been worried about marrying off the Crown Prince, who was now in his mid-thirties, as soon as possible, and now the British Empire had taken the initiative to propose first.
In truth, even King Wilhelm had married for the first time at the age of thirty-three, so he had not pressured his son excessively.
Even so, as a king, it was only natural that he would wish for his son, the Crown Prince, to produce an heir as soon as possible.
If he himself were still young, it would be different, but Wilhelm was now over seventy and beginning to feel the limits of his patience.
That was why he could not understand his son's lukewarm response to such a golden opportunity.
"What did you say? So you are rejecting this proposal?"
"I am not rejecting it. I simply wish to consider it more carefully."
"What nonsense. If you keep being careful like this, you will have your first marriage at fifty, you fool!"
As the king raised his voice, Otto von Bismarck, who stood beside him, spoke calmly.
"Your Majesty, perhaps it would be better to temper your words slightly."
"Temper them? You listen as well. This fool still does not understand his position. If you miss this opportunity, do you think you will ever have another marriage as blessed as this? What exactly is the problem? Do you think the woman is too old? I hear she is nearly twelve years younger than you."
"That is not the issue. That difference in age is not a problem…"
"Then is it her appearance? Even from photographs she is beautiful, and diplomats who have visited London say all the princes and princesses of the British Empire are handsome and beautiful. What exactly is the issue?"
"I simply mean… marriage is about choosing someone to spend a lifetime with. I do not wish to be pushed into it like this."
In truth, Friedrich was in utter confusion at this moment.
He had been in the midst of exposing the immorality of the British imperial family, pushing out the incompetent prime minister who had been deceived by them, and strengthening royal authority.
That grand plan was just about to bear fruit.
And now, suddenly, marriage?
Friedrich had never intended to completely break with the British Empire.
He simply wished to rebalance power, not remain in a diplomatic position where Prussia was constantly led by Britain.
But he could not delay the marriage negotiations for such reasons, so he struggled to find an excuse.
"I understand that you want time, but neither you nor they are in a position to delay this. At the very least, you must give an answer quickly."
"…I…"
"The king is correct, Your Highness. This marriage will greatly benefit the state, and it is not disadvantageous for you either. The prestige of the British imperial family is rising day by day, and it is well known that the Emperor and Empress deeply cherish their children."
As Otto von Bismarck expressed his opinion, Friedrich struggled to suppress his anger.
Look at that.
This kingdom should belong to the king, yet the prime minister dares to interfere in royal marriage.
Offering an opinion was acceptable, but to Friedrich, who disliked Otto von Bismarck, everything he did was irritating.
If this marriage were concluded, would it benefit only the royal family?
The prime minister, who already had strong ties with Britain, would also gain enormously.
It was obvious that Otto von Bismarck intended to strengthen his own position through this marriage.
Yet his father either failed to see this or chose to ignore it, siding with the prime minister.
Still, with the king, the prime minister, and even the royal advisors aligned, it was impossible to continue refusing.
Without a clear reason, he might invite suspicion.
So he decided to pretend to agree and buy time.
"I am not refusing marriage altogether. I simply wish to at least meet and speak with the woman who may become my bride."
"That is reasonable. Then how should we arrange the meeting? We cannot ask her to come to Berlin…"
"Your Majesty, since the agreements regarding the Philippines and Qing are not yet fully concluded, I will go personally to finalize them. If His Highness accompanies me, it would present a favorable image."
"That is a good idea. Friedrich, go and speak with her. If you truly feel it is not suitable, I will listen. But at least have a conversation."
"Understood."
Friedrich clenched his teeth at Otto von Bismarck's subtle attempt to elevate himself, but those days would not last much longer.
Soon, the British Empire would be forced to apologize and plead.
At that time, he would dismiss Otto von Bismarck himself and restore Prussia's distorted power structure.
'In that case, James should be summoned to London instead of Berlin.'
Although he would now be going to London, it was not a bad development.
If the meeting took place in the British capital, no one would find it strange that he met Chairman James.
He could simply say he wished to meet the richest man in the world and discuss economic matters.
This visit to London would decide everything.
He felt a brief sense of guilt toward the woman he had not yet met, but it could not be helped.
For the greater cause, she would have to make some sacrifice.
October, 1868.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl."
In the luxurious reception hall of Buckingham Palace.
Normally, such matters would begin with letters, followed by gradual meetings at royal events or banquets.
But this meeting proceeded quickly, skipping several steps.
Friedrich maintained a gentlemanly smile and demeanor, while Adelaide remained elegant and composed.
To outsiders, they appeared to be a perfectly matched pair.
"How do you find London? I hear Berlin is also a great city, though its atmosphere must differ somewhat."
"Berlin is not as large as London, but it is a fine place to live. If you visit, I will ensure you are comfortable."
"How reassuring."
A polite conversation between two people with no intention of marrying each other.
Yet to observers, it looked ideal.
"What hobbies do you enjoy?"
"I enjoy wine tasting, jewelry, and studying people."
"Studying people?"
"Yes. For example, what led you to choose your watch?"
An unexpected topic.
Friedrich smiled awkwardly.
Adelaide had already analyzed him completely.
"That is an excellent watch. A. Lange & Söhne."
"You are knowledgeable."
They spoke further.
Friedrich grew curious.
Adelaide was not only beautiful but intelligent.
"Would you like to visit Prussia?"
"Of course."
He misinterpreted her answer as affection.
He began to consider marriage.
Meanwhile, Adelaide thought differently.
'So this is Prussian taste. Practical yet elegant.'
She smiled.
This meeting was more valuable than expected.
She glanced at her father in the garden.
Everything was going according to plan.
And yet, somehow, it felt like he would be the one who gained the most.
Still, she had nothing to lose.
She lifted her teacup gracefully, her smile deepening.
***
I have always considered myself someone without much prejudice.
That is only natural, since I have lived in the modern era and also in the nineteenth century, lived in Asia, then in Europe, and even spent time in America.
From those accumulated experiences, most places where people live are fundamentally similar.
However, each country has a culture that governs its society, and that culture clearly shapes the larger framework.
People are greatly influenced by the environment they grow up in and the ideas they are exposed to.
For example, in a culture where unless there is a heavy downpour, using an umbrella is considered something only weak men do, people behave differently from those raised in a culture where one simply uses an umbrella whenever it rains.
Under the same weather, their actions differ.
In that sense, the people of Prussia were certainly quite different from those of the British Empire.
This has nothing to do with whether they are good or bad, or kind or lacking in character.
"It has been a while since I last visited. London has changed tremendously."
"Has it? I do not notice much difference. The air is still bad, and it is as crowded as ever."
"Is that not proof of a developing city? When I visited before, the underground railway had just opened ambitiously, and now it already runs to Westminster right here. It is remarkable."
"That is certainly something that would amaze people from other countries. In another ten years, it will extend beyond central London into the outskirts. Eventually, there will be nowhere in London that cannot be reached by that railway."
"Truly innovative. Unlike railways above ground, it is quieter, and more importantly, it runs far more frequently. It will greatly expand the range of people's movement."
Otto von Bismarck gazed at the expanding London underground map with clear envy.
When the Metropolitan Railway opened as the world's first underground system years ago, Britain had realized its enormous potential.
At first, it was neither complex nor long, yet nearly thirty thousand people used it daily.
With the addition of the District line, an inner and outer loop had been formed.
Both companies were now under the influence of the James Group and had already merged smoothly.
As a result, usage had grown far beyond initial levels.
"Improved transportation does not simply make life easier. It allows workers to reach factories more efficiently and enables movement across greater distances. It transforms urban design itself."
"Indeed. You understand it well. Then why not build one in Prussia?"
"If it were that simple, we would have already begun. At least twenty years are needed. For now, we will focus on above-ground railways."
As expected of a prime minister devoted to practicality, even after a long time, his conversation remained focused on such matters.
"By the way, what is your impression of Ambassador Bernstorff?"
"He has adapted well. No complaints."
"And this marriage was arranged through him."
"That required only ears to hear and a mouth to convey."
Then Bismarck asked directly.
"I was surprised. I thought Your Majesty had no intention of marrying Princess Adelaide."
"If that were true, I would already be dead at Victoria's hands."
Rumors truly travel far.
But such an image could be useful.
I adopted the expression of a worried father.
"Now that we are alone, let us speak frankly. How does the Crown Prince feel about this marriage?"
"He fully supports…"
"Let us not pretend. Speak honestly."
"…There is no guarantee Your Majesty will do the same."
"I have never lied."
"You have withheld the truth many times."
That was true.
"I swear I have no intention of harming you in this matter. Let us cooperate honestly."
"Very well."
Bismarck nodded.
"This is a serious matter involving Princess Adelaide. I will speak frankly. The Crown Prince was cautious. He did not seem particularly eager, but that may have been before meeting her."
"Or perhaps he resists because you are leading the marriage?"
"…That may also be a factor."
"I see. Then speak with him and learn his true feelings. I will grant you a favor in return."
"I will do so."
As expected, Friedrich would try to delay or reject the marriage.
He would not wish to marry while plotting against me.
It was better to observe through a third party.
Even if not everything could be uncovered, coming to London made it easier to reveal what he was hiding.
I bowed slightly.
A father's concern justified such behavior.
It would be foolish to refuse marriage with the British imperial family.
Bismarck believed this firmly as he returned to meet Friedrich.
The only concern was the Crown Prince's dislike of him, but surely a man in his thirties would not jeopardize state affairs for such a reason.
He sat carefully.
"How was your meeting?"
"…."
"I have just spoken with His Majesty Killian. He hopes this marriage proceeds well."
"Does he approve of me?"
"Of course. He recommended you strongly."
Friedrich stroked his beard.
"She is beautiful and intelligent. Suitable as Queen of Prussia."
"Then shall we proceed?"
"There is no need to rush. If we appear too eager, we lose advantage."
"…I see."
His confidence was overwhelming.
Bismarck nodded unconsciously.
"Still, the atmosphere between you seemed favorable."
"Yes. She clearly has interest in me."
"…Interest?"
"Yes. Those experienced with women can tell immediately."
Bismarck blinked.
This was not delusion.
Adelaide had carefully analyzed everything about him.
From Friedrich's experience, such behavior indicated interest.
"To him, it could only appear as affection."
"Then it is settled."
"Not too quickly. We must maintain leverage."
Bismarck agreed reluctantly.
But one question remained.
Was she truly that interested?
Relationships between men and women were always difficult to understand.
***
About three days after my secret meeting with Otto von Bismarck.
"Instead of making that pretty face of yours frown, why not smile a little? You said you are meeting him again tomorrow."
"How much more do you expect me to smile? Can you not see this blooming smile like a flower?"
At the evening banquet in Buckingham Palace.
Normally, the family would gather together and converse, but tonight Adelaide and I sat apart, speaking alone.
Victoria was attending to Alfred and the other children. She did not nag Adelaide, yet Adelaide's expression remained sullen.
In truth, she had not been like this at first.
Even though this was a meeting destined to fail, she seemed to have found her own enjoyment in it.
Victoria, unable to contain her curiosity, had asked for her impressions in advance, and Adelaide had shown a clearly positive reaction.
Beyond Victoria, countless people in London were curious about the result.
Especially those who did not know the truth were deeply invested, including her own siblings.
Even Alfred, who kept glancing over while speaking with Victoria, was proof enough.
He had been excitedly asking whether his unruly older sister would finally marry, his eyes shining.
Until just moments ago, Adelaide had maintained her composure even in response to such teasing.
Until just moments ago.
"Today's meal is particularly delicious, is it not? The chef who prepared this steak trained for seven years in both France and Italy and has been pursued by countless gourmets. Shall I send him to the banquet you will attend next?"
"Is that really necessary? Would that not make the Crown Prince misunderstand even more? He might think I asked you to bring a skilled chef because I wanted to impress him."
"Well… that is possible."
"…Sigh. Even so, there should be limits to misunderstanding."
As expected, my daughter reacted just as I had thought.
To be honest, when Otto von Bismarck returned and said that Adelaide seemed to have fallen for Friedrich, I wondered whether he had lost his senses.
When she was young, she wanted someone like her father.
As she grew, she wanted someone as impressive as her father.
Even recently, she had said she would settle for someone comparable to me.
And now she had fallen for him?
I had almost asked whether the Crown Prince suffered from delusions, but restrained myself.
Instead, I asked why he thought so, pretending to be pleased, and his answer left me bewildered.
"Well, if you think about it, perhaps it could be misunderstood that way. One could even say he is innocent, like a child."
"A man in his mid-thirties being like a child is not a positive trait. Do not worry, I will handle it. I am not so immature as to show displeasure over something like this. Unlike certain people, I am an adult."
"Of course. My daughter is not shaken by such trivial matters."
"Even if I endure it, that does not mean I am not bewildered. What did I do to make him think I have fallen for him…"
She had analyzed him in detail during their first meeting, so perhaps he mistook it for interest.
Men with confidence often assume women are interested in them.
And as the Crown Prince of Prussia, he would be surrounded by women eager to attract his attention.
Moreover, this proposal had come from Britain.
"Adelaide, when someone like you treats a man kindly, he is bound to feel something. He may simply be disguising his own feelings by claiming you fell for him first."
"But you said he was not serious about this marriage either, Father."
"That was my expectation, but things are not proceeding as planned."
According to Otto von Bismarck, if Adelaide showed more interest, Friedrich might respond.
That made no sense.
What was he thinking?
Perhaps he had another hidden plan.
A slight tension returned.
"What if this leads to an actual marriage? I cannot go to Prussia."
"Do not worry. That will not happen."
"…Then what should I do?"
"Continue as you have. If he misunderstands, we can use that."
He was not useless.
If properly handled, Friedrich could be useful.
His military talent was reportedly strong.
And his goal of strengthening royal authority made him predictable.
At that moment, I realized I had rarely spoken with my children about such matters.
"Adelaide, Edward seeks to protect and expand what we have built. What about you?"
"I am the same. I will expand what you gave me even further."
"Do you not want a comfortable life?"
"My happiness is seeing my business grow. How could ordinary happiness compare?"
Edward, Alfred, and Adelaide all shared the same drive.
Perhaps it was my influence.
Even in my previous life, I had been similar.
Even with everything provided, they sought more.
That ambition made them undeniably my children.
Two hours after the banquet.
A mansion in London.
"It is time."
"Yes, Chairman. Everything is ready."
James wore a heavy coat and hat, placing documents into his bag.
"Any surveillance?"
"None confirmed."
"That is fine."
He left through a hidden passage and emerged two blocks away.
He boarded a carriage and entered Buckingham Palace discreetly.
Security was tight.
No one noticed.
He entered the reception room.
"…."
"…."
It was awkward.
He removed his hat.
"It has not been long."
"Indeed."
The tea was prepared exactly as before.
"…This is embarrassing."
"You said you would not return."
"I crossed the Atlantic for you."
"And returned like a salmon."
"Someday, you will regret mocking me."
"I am glad to see you."
James sat.
"…."
"…."
Silence.
"This matter has grown interesting."
"It has."
I asked.
"What have you learned?"
"The true mastermind is not Friedrich. He is only an intermediary."
"And the funding?"
"Not from him."
"So Russia or France."
"Russia, most likely."
"Tomorrow will confirm it."
"Perhaps sooner than you expect."
James understood.
Killian had found something new.
Someone had provoked him.
And they did not yet realize what they had done.
James felt a brief moment of pity.
The prey did not even know it was already caught in the web.
***
When my body was in its twenties, I could handle ten tasks at once and my mind would still spin sharply, but recently I often feel that my physical condition has declined compared to before.
It is not that I am already complaining, but there are times when I feel a certain melancholy because the difference in stamina is impossible not to notice.
In the past, if work piled up, I could stay awake for two nights and recover after a single full day of sleep, but now if I stay up for two nights, it feels like I need three full days of rest to return to normal.
Recently has been no different.
On the surface, I have to pay attention to Adelaide's marriage talks, review the constant reports coming up from Canada, manage imperial events, oversee the children's education, and even keep track of Edward in Asia, so my head feels as if it is spinning.
Friedrich has begun to move in unexpected ways, so I also need to probe that further, which means I must issue additional instructions to James…
"…Hey, hey! Are you already asleep?"
"Hm? What did you say?"
"This guy really has nerves of steel. You are dozing off even while handling something like this. Damn it, my heart is pounding and I am checking my phone every thirty seconds."
What nonsense is this? What phone?
I reflexively tried to pull a smartphone from my pocket, then froze.
A smartphone? Why would I have something like that now…? What is this sense of dissonance?
"Why do you look so dazed? Does it not feel real? Well, it is a hundred billion at stake. If this works, we will never have to worry about money again. Even just my commission, do you know how much that is?"
"It is not like this is the end after just one job."
The man grinning beside me was not exactly a partner, but more of an associate who handled money laundering and various small tasks.
Still, I must say, I have quite the nerve.
Was I really sleeping so calmly before a scam worth a hundred billion?
People say great talent shows itself early. Perhaps I am destined to become the king of this field.
King. The word feels strangely familiar on my tongue.
A hundred billion is the same.
For most people, it is an unimaginable sum, yet it feels oddly insignificant to me.
Perhaps because it will soon be mine.
Even with that amount, I feel like I cannot accomplish anything grand.
With a hundred billion, at best I could construct a decent building with loans, but to dig a canal it would not even be close.
Why am I suddenly thinking about digging a canal while planning a scam?
It seems my mind is still unsettled from waking.
"Hey! Look at this! It really came in! Those idiots transferred it! Split into one hundred accounts, one billion each!"
"They probably thought it was safe since transfers leave records. Idiots."
"Then I will start moving it immediately and take my commission. What about the next job?"
"I have not decided yet. As always, we target those who can be exploited without drawing attention."
"But there is no such thing as never being noticed. The more prey we consume, the more we expose ourselves to danger."
Is there anyone foolish enough not to know that?
Victims will investigate.
And if we keep operating like this, trouble will inevitably follow.
"We must be careful. Even if I target A, B or C nearby might be affected and come to resent me."
"That is true. But what if that really happens?"
"We must consider all possibilities. Most importantly, never let our guard down. Always remember that we could become prey instead of predator…"
I stopped speaking.
This strange sense of familiarity would not leave my mind.
Have I experienced this before?
I turned to the man beside me.
"Come to think of it, if you had not leaked my information, I would not have died like that…"
My former associate, who had betrayed me, turned his head like something from a horror film.
"Seems you remember well, since you died once."
With a grotesque sound, his mouth twisted open, and he suddenly transformed into a zombie and lunged at me.
"Damn it! Get away! Ah!"
"Your Majesty! Are you alright?"
"What kind of ridiculous nightmare was that…"
I had not had such dreams since leaving Joseon.
To dream of someone turning into a zombie and attacking me…
I rubbed my eyes, looking at the scattered tea set, whiskey, and wine glasses.
After drinking some water, I regained my senses.
It seems I fell asleep while speaking with James last night.
Such a vivid nightmare…
Perhaps this too is a sign of aging.
"Your Majesty, I have never seen you have a nightmare."
"It was the most absurd one I have ever had."
"What was it about?"
"You would not understand."
How could I explain a dream from my previous life?
Still, I understood its meaning.
I died in my previous life because of betrayal.
And now I am dealing with hidden enemies again.
The dream simply reflected that.
This time, I will not let it pass.
I will expose everything.
Even if it means tearing everything apart.
Perhaps this is an opportunity to finally overcome that trauma.
Still… I do miss smartphones.
James left Buckingham Palace secretly and went to the meeting.
As expected, Friedrich awaited him.
"You do not seem surprised."
"Anyone would expect this after the location changed to London."
"You are perceptive."
"I brought everything you requested. But if we are partners, I should know how things will proceed."
The documents were fabricated carefully.
Friedrich smiled as he read them.
"Impressive. You truly are capable."
"You said you oppose the royal family because of anti-monopoly laws?"
"Yes. And I would appreciate support for expanding into Prussia."
"I will consider it. Do you have more information?"
"Perhaps. But I also have questions. Are you the leader? And what is your ultimate goal?"
Friedrich hesitated.
"Everyone has their reasons. That is enough."
"I will communicate only with you and Bakunin for now."
"Of course."
James began probing.
"What about the marriage? You plan to cancel it?"
"At first. But now I see no need."
"That makes no sense."
"Even so, marriage could benefit us."
James was stunned.
Was he serious?
"…Understood."
"Do you have connections with Russia?"
"Why?"
"I need verification. There are signs that Your Majesty was involved in the Crimean War. And Russia's Emperor Alexander II was influenced as well."
Friedrich tapped the table.
"I can arrange that."
"…This is dangerous information."
"I understand. Proceed."
James smiled inwardly.
Even alliances built on mutual interest could fracture easily.
And now, doubt had been planted.
Exactly as intended.