Ah… this is what victory tastes like.
After the press conference ended, London was completely filled with waves of enraged citizens.
Of course, since their anger was not directed at domestic issues, there were no riots or violence.
This anger was directed entirely at Russia.
There was, however, one place that did not remain intact, and that was naturally the Russian embassy.
"Russia must apologize!"
"If you have any conscience, the Russian ambassador should come out and make a statement!"
"Kneel before His Majesty Killian and beg for forgiveness, you bastards!"
Bricks flew from every direction, and furious crowds tried to force their way in, but the Russian side could not respond properly given their position.
In truth, the Russian embassy was closer to a victim in this situation.
This had been an action carried out by the imperial family alone, and even the ambassador had not been properly informed.
They had woken up only to find themselves facing citizens of the British Empire so enraged they seemed ready to beat them to death.
"Your Majesty! We truly know nothing! Unless we wished for war with the British Empire, how could we commit such madness!"
"Is that so? I have heard that Russian diplomats have been gathering information on our side."
"That is…"
In truth, at this time, it was standard for every nation to embed spies among diplomats and gather intelligence.
Naturally, British agents were just as active in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Everyone knew it, yet as long as one was not caught, denial was the norm.
But Russia's position was far too disadvantageous.
"There are claims that Russian agents gathered information here, fabricated it, and used it to publish slander against me. What do you say to that?"
"That is absolutely not true!"
"I cannot believe that. To be honest, I can no longer trust anything your country says. Your credibility has collapsed."
"Your Majesty! We are being treated unfairly! This was merely the unilateral action of the imperial family…"
"Then may we examine all materials in your embassy? Words are not enough. There must be evidence. If you cooperate, we will guarantee the safety of your diplomats."
To examine embassy materials meant reviewing everything they had done.
Naturally, this included state secrets.
"Your Majesty! That is…"
"As expected, that is difficult. I understand. But you must also understand that we cannot trust you. I cannot restrain Parliament or the people, so I advise you to return home safely while you still can."
"W-wait! Understood! If you review everything, you will at least acknowledge that our foreign ministry is not involved, correct?"
"At the very least, we may consider it the reckless act of the imperial family or ministers."
"…Understood. If it proves our government's innocence…"
Under normal circumstances, this would justify military action.
But Britain was a nation of gentlemen.
Such crude measures were unnecessary.
Moreover, this approach was far more efficient.
"If we find any evidence of tampering, I cannot guarantee what will follow."
"…Understood. Then what of our staff?"
"Do not worry. They will be accommodated safely."
In truth, I already knew Alexander II had led this.
But there was no need to say so publicly.
It was necessary to determine how deeply the Russian government was involved.
At the same time, this allowed us to obtain all of the embassy's intelligence.
France and Prussia would likely do the same.
With evidence that Russia had investigated foreign royal families, no nation could ignore this.
Whether willingly or not, Russian embassies everywhere would be forced to submit their records.
And as those records were examined, Russia's actions would be exposed.
Their diplomacy was effectively finished.
It was deeply satisfying.
After extracting everything, I appeared before Parliament.
They offered concern, loyalty, and promises of retaliation.
With public opinion firmly behind us, I returned to Buckingham Palace.
Victoria sat beside me immediately.
"Is everything finished?"
"Russia will respond soon. Then we decide."
"The noblewomen were quite emotional. They told me to comfort you."
"Timely advice. But it seems Her Imperial Majesty has no intention of comforting her husband."
"Comfort is for the Russian Emperor. You deserve praise."
She leaned against me, smiling.
"Then what would you say to him?"
I imagined Alexander II in despair.
"Think of it as a valuable life lesson. No… that is too mild. It cannot be helped. You are facing me."
"That sounds quite unpleasant."
She laughed.
"Will this lead to war?"
"No. That will not happen."
"So he will apologize?"
"If he does not, he will not remain emperor."
Victoria understood.
Russia's nobles would not accept war for this.
If he refused to apologize, it would lead to his fall.
Apology was inevitable.
The real question was what we would gain from it.
A simple apology would not suffice.
He had gone too far.
Now, what did Alexander II value most?
The theory that the British imperial family controlled the world was now widely dismissed as a fabrication by Russia.
At first, people had been drawn in by the sensational headlines.
Now, they mocked it.
"Does that even make sense?"
"Only fools would believe that."
"No one could control the world like that."
The atmosphere shifted.
Questioning the British royal family itself became something worthy of ridicule.
And the news spread as far as Asia.
"Your Highness! Look at this!"
Edward read the report calmly.
"Russia's slander? Interesting."
The governor was furious.
But Edward smiled.
"Why are you so calm?"
"Because it is absurd. You know my father."
The idea that Killian could be harmed by such a scheme was laughable.
Others believed Russia had been caught.
Edward knew the truth.
Even if the entire world was deceived, he was certain.
This was all his father's design.
"…This theory makes no sense, does it?"
"Of course not."
Yet Edward thought differently.
He had seen everything.
The manipulation of events.
The preparation of conflicts.
"…Strategy can be learned. But this… this is something else."
"Your Highness?"
"Nothing."
He smiled.
As expected.
His father showed no mercy.
***
If someone does something wrong, they should apologize and accept punishment.
Even those without the most basic education understand this simple truth.
However, when applied at the level of nations, the situation becomes more complicated.
Many believe that great powers have the right not to apologize, no matter their wrongdoing.
This is the age of imperialism, where the strong dominate the weak.
If you are dissatisfied, become stronger yourself.
That is the prevailing mindset.
But that only applies when dealing with weaker nations.
When the victim is the British Empire, no country in the world can escape responsibility.
Even other European nations, fearing that war might break out, issued statements urging Russia to apologize immediately.
At a time when the global economy was deeply interconnected, a war between Britain and Russia would drag all of Europe into recession.
Mediation was impossible.
Russia's fault was too clear.
The only option was for Russia to bow its head and apologize.
France, Prussia, Austria, and others all issued statements in unison, pressuring Russia.
Even the Ottoman Empire, which had quietly hoped for conflict, changed its stance and condemned Russia.
No ruler could ignore such unified pressure.
Russia was no longer the dominant power it once was.
It had only just begun to recover, and now the Emperor had ruined everything.
"Your Majesty! This is entirely the fault of the imperial family. You must issue a sincere apology!"
"The council has no involvement!"
"Even the foreign ministry was not informed. Minister, how could this happen without procedure?"
Alexander II and Alexander Gorchakov became targets of universal criticism within Russia itself.
No one opposed apology.
Everyone understood that refusal meant war.
Amid overwhelming pressure, the Emperor finally spoke.
"…Dismiss Foreign Minister Gorchakov and issue a formal apology to the British Empire."
"The statement will be reviewed by the council."
"…Do as you wish."
Alexander II lowered his pride and surrendered.
"Russia has bowed its head."
Charles Wellesley spoke with a faint smile.
"As expected. They could not stand firm."
"His authority will collapse. Trust will vanish."
"Prussia and Austria will see Russia differently now."
"France is already celebrating."
Russia's recovery was now impossible.
"And the embassies?"
"All have been searched. They had no choice after we acted first."
"Then how will the Emperor apologize?"
"He requested an informal settlement. I refused."
"Informal? Even now?"
"Yes."
They still clung to pride.
"Make it official. A handwritten apology. Publish it to the world."
"Parliament will be pleased."
"They are already calling for war. This will calm them."
"Indeed."
"Of course, we will also gain practical benefits."
Wellesley smiled.
"Such as?"
"There is little to extract directly. Territory is impractical. But influence…"
"Ah."
Russia would lose all leverage in Asia.
The Pacific would fall under British control.
"They have gone too far. They must pay."
Not just punishment.
A lesson.
Russia's dream of revival would be crushed.
Other nations would understand the order of the world.
Even without war, hierarchy would be established.
At last, the moment arrived.
The Russian Emperor's handwritten apology was revealed.
"…I deeply apologize for the distress caused. I sincerely apologize to His Majesty Killian and the British imperial family. The Russian imperial family accepts full responsibility and will compensate for all damages…"
The letter continued at length.
But its meaning was simple.
We were wrong. Please forgive us.
Alexander II had effectively bowed to the ground.
This was broadcast to the world.
His authority was finished.
The nobles would no longer respect him.
Power would shift.
Russia would descend into chaos once more.
Recovery would take decades.
Perhaps longer.
Russia was no longer a threat.
I could simply watch.
Even Otto von Bismarck was stunned.
Yet satisfied.
"I suspected something, but not this. When did you begin working with the Crown Prince?"
"When do you think?"
"He claimed he was always cooperating. Is that true?"
"Did I not promise you would not be harmed?"
"That is true. But this is not exactly beneficial either. His position will only strengthen."
"Perhaps. But I have a gift for you."
Bismarck listened carefully.
"The Crown Prince was not my ally from the beginning. He was Alexander II's partner."
Bismarck fell silent.
He understood.
What needed to be done next was obvious.
It seemed that not only Russia's monarchy would suffer.
The balance of power would shift once again.
And somehow, I had ended up striking at kings once more.
***
A true man's nation that never betrays its allies.
The embodiment of loyalty that deceived the Russian Emperor, gathered information from behind the scenes, and delivered it to its ally.
Crown Prince Friedrich, now praised not only in the British Empire but across Europe as a likable prince, was considered one of the clear victors of this incident.
However, instead of enjoying his rising prestige, he stood with his head lowered before an enraged prime minister, hands clasped respectfully.
"Your Highness! Are you telling me that what I heard with my own ears is true?"
"…Well… that is…"
"Is it true or not?"
"…It is true."
"Have you lost your mind? Do you wish to destroy Prussia?"
The words hurled at a crown prince were beyond anything one could imagine, but Friedrich could not respond.
Considering what he had done, even harsher insults would not have been undeserved.
In fact, Otto von Bismarck was restraining himself.
"Your Highness, His Majesty will never let this pass. You understand that, do you not?"
"…Yes."
"And surely you do not think you did well just because the outcome was favorable?"
"Of course not."
Friedrich survived only because Killian valued Prussia as an ally.
"You should thank God that you are His Majesty's only son. If you had younger brothers, this would not have ended so easily."
This was exactly what Killian had said.
In other words, this leniency was consideration for the Prussian royal family.
"You must understand that allowing this to pass has placed Prussia in enormous debt to the British imperial family. Have you considered how great that burden will become?"
"I have no excuse."
"Of course you do not!"
Bismarck sighed heavily.
If he could, he would have struck Friedrich.
Still, there was one relief.
Friedrich did not believe he was forgiven completely.
And unlike Russia, Prussia would not collapse.
Even if Friedrich became king, he would not wield real power.
After this, King Wilhelm I would never fully trust him again.
Their long struggle over authority had ended abruptly.
"Your Highness, for now you will refrain from any action. Do you understand?"
"…I will obey."
"I will report everything to His Majesty in person. This must not leak."
In Berlin, Wilhelm I likely believed his son had achieved great success.
The truth would shatter that belief.
Yet from Bismarck's perspective, this outcome was not entirely unfavorable.
With Friedrich weakened, Prussia would unite under him.
Even when Friedrich inherited the throne, this structure would remain.
That was likely Killian's intention.
"Your Highness, remain quiet for now."
"…Understood."
Bismarck began planning his next moves.
Wilhelm was aging.
The future balance of power would soon be decided.
While London was still shaken by Russia's apology, Friedrich prepared to return to Berlin.
"You are leaving in three days?"
"…Yes. Unfortunately."
"That is a pity. I hoped you would stay longer."
Friedrich forced a smile at Adelaide.
To outsiders, they seemed nearly engaged.
In reality, it was different.
Under normal circumstances, marriage would be expected.
Friedrich had helped Britain defeat Russia.
Refusing marriage now would seem strange.
That was why Bismarck insisted on leaving quickly.
"If we marry now, we will lose all leverage."
He was right.
After this incident, the marriage would not be equal.
Adelaide was no ordinary princess.
Her image as a carefree noblewoman was misleading.
If that was deliberate, it made her even more dangerous.
"Your Highness, may I ask one question?"
"Of course."
"How much do you know about this matter?"
"Probably as much as you do."
So she knew everything.
"I thought so."
"You were quite obvious."
"…."
"You are fortunate. Otherwise, you would have been writing an apology alongside the Russian Emperor."
"…."
"And the prime minister advised against this marriage, did he not?"
"…How did you know?"
"It is obvious."
Friedrich realized Bismarck had been correct.
Adelaide revealed her true self.
More impressive than before.
And far more dangerous.
"I cannot take you to Berlin."
Adelaide smiled elegantly.
She had never intended to go.
Friedrich now felt that London itself was dangerous.
As expected, the Prussian delegation prepared to leave quickly.
Friedrich explained at length why the marriage could not proceed.
Killian accepted, but required a proper reason.
"Understood. I will arrange it."
"Very well. Let us remain allies."
"I will never forget your generosity."
Of course he would not.
"I wish to request one more thing."
"…Yes?"
"There is one more person who must write an apology."
"…Ah."
While attention focused on Russia, another culprit remained.
Mikhail Bakunin.
"There is already sufficient evidence against him. But he is not my true target."
"…You mean the General Secretary?"
At first glance, Friedrich saw no connection.
But the earlier conspiracy linking Killian to communism had already been exposed as fabricated.
However, that narrative could be reshaped.
"Not only him."
"…Then who?"
"If I tell you now, it will not be interesting."
Killian smiled.
"Provide all materials related to the South. You will understand soon enough."
Engels had been useful.
Communism had served its purpose.
Now it had become a risk.
Perhaps it was time to discard it.
And let Marx and Engels clash directly.
That would be far more entertaining.