The world's first workers' paradise.
Mikhail Bakunin, a member of the Supreme Council of the United Socialist States of the South, had been driven into an extreme crisis.
When the initial revelations about Killian first broke out, he had confidently begun preparing to seize power in the South.
Once Killian was cornered, he would reveal the shocking truth that Friedrich Engels had been his subordinate, then formally initiate impeachment proceedings against the General Secretary in the council.
If it became known that the leader of the workers, followed by proletarians across the world, was in fact tied to the head of the capitalist British imperial family, what chaos would follow?
In fact, many of the revelations about Killian had hinted at exactly this.
The scale of the material was so vast that different parts of the world focused on different aspects.
In North America, the North was shocked by the claim that the British imperial family had been the hidden force behind the Civil War, while the South was stunned by the idea that the theoretical foundation of communism itself had been shaped by Britain.
Once the British imperial family acknowledged these claims, or was forced into a position where it had no choice but to acknowledge them, that would be the decisive moment.
Bakunin had prepared everything and was simply waiting.
However.
Shock! Emperor Alexander II of Russia effectively admits he was behind the conspiracy
Countries involved include Russia and the United Socialist States of the South
Was ideology meaningless before national interest? Even communists used to check Britain
Everything he had prepared to bring down Friedrich Engels was rendered meaningless in an instant.
Friedrich was a traitor?
If James had betrayed him, he could at least blame himself for being deceived.
But Friedrich?
Nothing made sense.
His thoughts spun wildly.
Yet information spread too quickly.
The truth he wished would arrive slowly spread rapidly through the South.
The man behind this with Alexander II is Mikhail Bakunin
This is a communist attack! Europe unites
With Russia crushed by the European powers led by Britain, attention naturally shifted to the American continent.
"Comrade Bakunin! Explain yourself!"
"Is all of this true?"
"This is all lies! How can comrades doubt me!"
"Then what about the evidence? Why did you hire detectives to investigate the British imperial family?"
"That was only precautionary information gathering. Is it wrong to collect intelligence on another nation? I acted out of patriotism!"
Naturally, Bakunin refused to admit his involvement with Alexander II.
To do so would mean his destruction.
It was ironic.
A man who once denounced power now clung to it desperately.
People might call him a hypocrite.
But who would willingly give up such power?
No one.
Retirement was one thing.
This would be expulsion.
Perhaps even death.
He could not admit it.
"So you claim Europe is framing you?"
"Yes! I admit I ordered the investigation. But I never conspired with Alexander II!"
"Then how did Friedrich know?"
"By chance, I used the same detective agency as them. When they were exposed, I was implicated."
A weak excuse.
Even a child would not believe it.
After hearing everything, Friedrich Engels remained unconvinced.
"Comrade Bakunin, what about the claims linking us?"
"All coincidence. I swear it."
"We will investigate."
It was clear Engels did not trust him.
And he had reason.
The conspiracy had mentioned Engels's connection to Killian.
While others dismissed it as false, Bakunin and Engels knew it was true.
Someone in the South had leaked it.
And Bakunin was the most likely suspect.
'I may not be able to keep this position.'
Engels had changed.
He would not forgive this.
If Bakunin wanted to survive, he had to escape.
If he could.
"Investigate Bakunin thoroughly. He is the culprit."
"Yes, Comrade General Secretary."
"Once evidence is secured, charge him with treason. Strip him of all authority and send him to forced labor for life."
"…Treason?"
This was severe.
Even for such a failure.
But Engels was resolute.
"This is not just about national reputation. He spread rumors about me to destabilize the state."
"…The conspiracy involving you?"
"Yes. He likely provided that information to Russia."
"Then he targeted both you and Britain?"
"Most likely."
That justified treason.
"Purge all involved. Investigate his associates as well."
"Yes!"
"And inform Britain that we will punish those responsible and issue a formal apology."
"Understood."
Engels sighed.
"It is unfortunate. But power cannot be shared."
Even old comrades were expendable.
The state must endure.
And so must his authority.
He began considering a secret police organization.
One that would report directly to him.
To prevent future threats.
His eyes burned with a different kind of ambition.
While the South began its purge, London moved as well.
"The South claims this was the act of a single council member. They will provide evidence and punish him."
I tapped the table.
"You know why I summoned you."
"To fulfill your earlier promise."
"Are you ready?"
"Yes."
Karl Marx looked at me calmly.
The original founder of Engels's ideology.
"When should I act?"
"Do not worry. I have prepared bait that Engels cannot ignore."
I handed him a newspaper draft.
[Is Engels a plagiarist?]
[Engelsism is stolen theory]
[The true creator of communist doctrine revealed]
The headlines were absurdly provocative.
But effective.
Soon, across the ocean, Engels would rage.
And I would simply watch.
After all, nothing is more entertaining than watching others fight.
***
If one were to name the most famous thinker in the world, who would it be?
Just a few years ago, such a question would have sparked endless debate, but at the present moment, the answer was already decided.
Friedrich Engels.
The extraordinary thinker who elevated communism from mere speculation into the realm of academic theory, founded the International upon it, and then ignited a communist revolution in the South.
In capitalist nations, his name was practically synonymous with the greatest enemy of the reds, yet no one could deny his influence.
To the capitalists of Europe, Engels might well have resembled what Muhammad had been to the rulers of medieval Europe.
But just as the powerful and the wealthy feared him, those devoted to communism regarded Engels as a living idol.
This was only natural.
When Marxism spread in the original timeline, what was Karl Marx's status?
To communist intellectuals, Marx was akin to Moses, the one who delivered their scripture.
Of course, Marx himself had limitations, and as he remained a scholar, his influence never reached such overwhelming levels during his lifetime.
The doctrinal absolutism of Marxism only intensified after his death.
It is not uncommon in history for individuals to be elevated to absolute status after death.
In reality, it was not Marx but Lenin who carried out a successful revolution and established a socialist state.
And Lenin's influence was at least as great as Marx's, if not greater.
He had achieved what no one else had, and the impact of that success was immense.
Countless communists who followed took Lenin as their model and praised him as a great revolutionary.
But it could be stated with certainty that the current Engels surpassed both of them in reputation.
If Marx had created the theory and Lenin had carried out the revolution, Engels had done both alone.
If in the original timeline there had been someone who accomplished both roles, that person would have been worshipped as an unquestionable god of communism until the end of the Cold War.
That was precisely why it was necessary to act now.
If left unchecked, his influence would only continue to grow.
However, as Karl Marx himself pointed out, Engels had already built an unassailable position as General Secretary of the South.
He was not someone who could be shaken by a few articles or rumors.
Even if damaging information were spread, he could simply ignore it.
Such was the power of a supreme ruler.
Moreover, the South was the only communist state in the world.
In other words, no matter how much external criticism arose, it could be dismissed as capitalist propaganda.
"Your Majesty, does that not mean these articles will ultimately have no effect?"
"That is not the case. Did I not say that external attacks would cause them to unite internally?"
"Is that not the same thing?"
As expected of a scholar, Marx struggled to grasp political maneuvering.
"Engels cannot be brought down directly. That would lead to war. So what must be done?"
"…You intend to destabilize from within?"
"Exactly. These articles are merely the bait."
Marx remained uncertain but did not question further.
As promised, the next day new reports spread across Europe.
[Revolutionary or thief? The truth about Engels!]
[Engelsism exposed as plagiarism!]
[How a thief was recast as a revolutionary!]
Thus, the first shot of the communist civil war was fired.
[The true nature of Engelsism revealed!]
"Any newspaper that allows even a single line of this nonsense to enter the country will see its staff and their families sent to labor camps. Make that clear."
"Yes, Comrade General Secretary!"
"All publications must be reviewed before release. Do not forget your responsibility."
"Yes!"
Engels tore the newspaper apart and burned it.
"Damn it!"
He crushed the ashes underfoot, unable to suppress his anger.
Who had leaked this?
Bakunin?
But the content included details that only Marx could know.
"Why would he do this now…?"
Understanding motive was essential.
Without it, there was no way to respond.
Revenge?
Unlikely.
If that were the case, Marx would have acted earlier.
Money?
Also unlikely.
Marx was already wealthy from Killian's support.
Then what?
Jealousy?
Perhaps.
Marx had always been selfish.
A genius, but one who cared only for himself.
Yet even so, removing Engels would not place Marx in power.
He was no longer a revolutionary, but a scholar supported by capital.
"…Wait."
He realized something.
'Could this be Killian's doing?'
Marx alone could not achieve this.
But Killian could.
"So this is your plan… to destabilize us from within."
Engels felt no personal hatred toward Killian.
But now it was clear.
"This changes nothing."
If Britain was behind it, he could use it to strengthen unity.
A foreign attack would rally the state.
Yet he failed to notice something crucial.
Bakunin had contacted an agent of the James Group.
A traitor faces death.
Bakunin knew this well.
For now, Engels was distracted by Europe.
That gave him time.
But only briefly.
Eventually, the purge would resume.
He could not escape.
Then, unexpectedly, help arrived.
"…James sent this?"
"Yes."
"No one else has seen it?"
"No."
Bakunin opened the letter.
His expression changed instantly.
"What did he say I would do after reading this?"
"That you would cooperate."
Arrogant.
Yet correct.
Bakunin understood immediately.
This was his only chance to survive.
"Tell him I accept."
He now realized who stood behind everything.
It had been impossible from the beginning.
Now, he would simply choose survival.
Not the strongest, but the one who survives.
That was all that mattered.
***
"It has been a while, Your Majesty."
"I am glad to meet you again as well."
Remaining in London would not allow proper execution of operations targeting the American continent.
For that reason, I stayed in Canada for the time being, and under an appropriate pretext, I also held discussions with the North.
The meeting with Abraham Lincoln, who had now transitioned from a vampire hunter to a hunter of reds, was arranged immediately upon my return to America.
"First of all, I must apologize for thanking you late. Without the information you provided previously, we would have suffered considerable losses. Thanks to Your Majesty, we were able to minimize the damage."
"That is good to hear. We are allies, are we not? Allies must help each other. And thanks to your efforts in suppressing the reds, Canada has been able to integrate into the United Kingdom far more smoothly. I should be the one expressing gratitude."
"I am glad it has benefited us both."
To be honest, I had done a few questionable things to the United States, but had I not compensated Lincoln sufficiently?
Without me, he would have been assassinated shortly after his re-election, yet now he continued to serve his term in safety and with widespread praise.
"How is the atmosphere in the North these days? Has communism spread further?"
"There are occasional agitators, but agents of the Federal Bureau are working diligently to arrest them. How is Canada?"
"Canada is peaceful. Perhaps because even if the South conducts operations, they prioritize the North rather than targeting us. In that sense, your capabilities are truly remarkable. It cannot have been easy to withstand their various schemes."
"It is all thanks to the information you provided."
As they exchanged polite compliments, a smile gradually formed on Lincoln's face.
"You have also endured much hardship. Recently, there were those absurd rumors, were there not? Even in the United States, they nearly caused great turmoil."
"Yes. Russia truly has no answer for its behavior."
"I did not believe it at all. To claim that the British Empire was behind the last war… even fiction should have limits."
"Exactly. It was so absurd I was at a loss for words."
I was not the mastermind of the war.
I merely added a bit of seasoning to a conflict that would have occurred anyway.
If I had been born American, I likely could not have prevented the Civil War either.
At best, I would have made the South act more rashly and crushed them more efficiently.
"So when those rumors first spread, what was the reaction in Congress and among the people?"
"It was chaotic. Neither Republicans nor Democrats knew how to respond. Some argued we should prepare in case it turned out to be true, while others insisted even discussing it was a diplomatic insult. It was complete confusion."
"I can imagine. Europe was much the same."
"But to be honest, no one cares about that anymore. New developments from Europe have taken center stage. I assume that is why Your Majesty has come as well?"
The reason for this meeting.
A sitting president had hurriedly arranged this visit the moment he heard I was in America.
Naturally, it was because of the news regarding Engels.
"It seems this is a major issue in the United States as well."
"At present, many are eager for an opportunity to strike at communists. With rumors circulating that could bury the General Secretary's authority entirely, how could they not be interested?"
"I see."
"I assume the British Empire is investigating as well. Would it be possible to share information?"
"You ask quite boldly."
Lincoln tapped the table lightly.
"It is beneficial for both of us."
"For the United States and Britain alike? Why?"
"You already know. When we suppressed the communists, Canada benefited as well. The same will happen again. If we attack the South and weaken their authority, all capitalist nations, including Britain, will gain indirectly. In a sense, we would be acting as the vanguard."
"That is true. No nation is more committed to opposing communism than the United States."
Europe could afford distance.
The United States could not.
The South was not merely ideological enemies, but traitors who had broken away.
"How can we not oppose them?"
"Our ultimate goal is the complete annexation of the South. A united America is the desire of all citizens."
"I understand. Since we are allies, I will share information. But first, I have questions."
"An exchange, then. Please proceed."
"This is an opportunity. But your term is ending soon. Can we trust the next administration to honor any agreement?"
Lincoln hesitated.
"My party will likely retain power…"
"But the president will change."
"…That cannot be avoided."
"You will not seek a third term?"
Lincoln stiffened.
"Are you suggesting I should?"
A third term.
A violation of established precedent.
George Washington had stepped down after two terms, creating an unwritten rule.
Breaking it would invite severe criticism.
"You must consider it. This is a critical moment. Changing leadership now would harm all capitalist nations."
"…If I refuse, will you withhold information?"
"I cannot say definitively. But I would need to reconsider."
Information was power.
Without it, Lincoln could not act.
With it, he could destroy Engels.
"The first president to serve three terms…"
Lincoln's eyes trembled.
A poisoned chalice.
Power or principle.
History would judge him either way.
Yet from my perspective, this was necessary.
If Lincoln stepped down, Andrew Johnson would likely take power.
A far more aggressive figure.
If he became president and Engels fell, the North might immediately devour the South.
That could not be allowed.
The South must survive for now.
"Consider it carefully. For your nation."
Lincoln fell silent.
Perhaps history would remember him as the man who pursued a third term not for power, but to destroy communism.
The hunter of reds.
And this time, that title might not be a joke.
***
The affairs of the world are truly complex and strange.
Everything is intricately connected, so even the slightest push can send events in a completely different direction from where they were meant to go.
Abraham Lincoln, who in the original course of history would have unified the North and South and then been tragically assassinated, leaving behind an eternal legacy as a great hero of the United States.
A man who might have become the symbol of unity had now transformed into a hardline ruler who suppressed communists more effectively than anyone else.
Of course, his fundamental nature had not changed. He still valued unity and wished to avoid unnecessary sacrifice.
But when one's position changes, so too does one's perspective and the actions one must take.
For the North to absorb the South and rebuild a single United States, it was inevitable that the communism of the South had to be destroyed.
And at the center of that South stood Friedrich Engels.
If a clear opportunity to bring him down appeared, Lincoln would never step down from the presidency.
Not out of mere ambition, but out of duty and guilt.
As President of the North, he had failed to achieve victory in the Civil War, leaving the United States divided.
For a man who believed in unity, this must have weighed heavily on him.
Suppressing communism had become, in a sense, his way of atoning.
That was why he tolerated Andrew Johnson's aggressive actions in establishing the Federal Bureau.
Though he restrained him just enough to prevent excess.
I looked at the headline printed prominently in the newspapers with satisfaction.
Abraham Lincoln declares a bid for a third term
Reform or destruction of tradition?
Lincoln: "This is not about breaking tradition, but about protecting the nation."
Since George Washington, no one had dared to break this unwritten rule.
Now it had been openly challenged.
Lincoln justified his decision with conviction.
[We stand at a critical crossroads. The South is collapsing under contradictions it has long concealed. We must not miss this opportunity. This is not about individual capability, but continuity. I have spent four years fighting for unity, and another four rebuilding. Now I will dedicate a final four years to complete the unification of the United States.]
His speech moved the public.
Criticism faded.
With the Republican advantage, his victory was almost certain.
"Remarkable, is it not? A third-term president appearing so suddenly."
"Is this also your doing, Your Majesty?"
"What are you implying?"
"Lincoln changed his position right after meeting you."
James had seen through it immediately.
"Of course, no one else would think that."
"How is Marx?"
"He will arrive in about ten days."
"Good. That is enough time."
"And Bakunin?"
"He has agreed to cooperate. He asks to become the next General Secretary."
"Grant it. And promise to erase his past actions."
With Europe and the North in turmoil, Engels' attention would be drawn outward.
That was when Bakunin would strike internally.
Engels could not ignore both external and internal threats.
"Everything is ready. Now we only wait."
"Would you like to meet the candidates you selected earlier?"
"…Carnegie and Rockefeller?"
"Yes."
Names that symbolized American wealth.
It would be worth meeting them.
"They do not know who I am, correct?"
"Of course not."
"Good. Bring them."
I would judge whether they could be used.
For now, I would remain and observe.
The news of Lincoln's third-term bid quickly reached the South.
"Has he lost his mind?"
Engels frowned.
Something felt wrong.
Europe was attacking him.
Lincoln was becoming aggressive.
And all of it began after Killian arrived in America.
"Damn it… is it you again?"
But logically, that made no sense.
No one could influence a foreign leader to that extent.
It must be coincidence.
Or perhaps Lincoln simply desired power.
"Gather intelligence on the North immediately."
"Yes!"
The council was already in turmoil.
"Why now?"
"They act as if they have leverage."
Bakunin spoke.
"Comrades, I have information."
"You should remain silent…"
"Judge after hearing me."
He revealed the evidence.
That Engelsism was merely a copy of Marxism.
"This is why Europe and the North are acting."
"This is absurd…"
"Then examine it."
He continued.
"If we deny this truth, our ideology itself will be discredited."
The council hesitated.
Seeds had been planted.
Bakunin would continue feeding them.
Even he believed in the ideology.
But he did not yet realize.
Something far greater was coming.
***
As autumn passed and winter approached, people once again prepared to send off the year and welcome a new one.
A young man who had taken the earliest train stepped onto the streets of Washington, D.C., pulling his coat tighter against the chill.
Looking back, 1868 was a year that would be remembered throughout world history.
Spain's defeat in its war against the United States was a signal that the old great powers, unable to adapt to the times, were being cast aside as a new generation rose.
Not only that, but in Asia, the Qing Empire was being battered by the smaller nations of Joseon and Japan, losing face in the process.
It was not unusual for once-great nations to decline, as all things that rise must eventually fall, but Spain's defeat carried a different meaning.
A nation that had once been the strongest in the world had been decisively crushed by a rising country that had not even existed for a century.
The turmoil in Asia carried a similar implication.
Although few paid close attention to Asian affairs, the fact that the Qing Empire was being pushed back by Japan and Joseon marked a clear turning point in history.
And beyond global events, 1868 was also a pivotal year for the young man himself.
He had boldly started a business, convinced that steel would define the future of industry, only for it to catch the attention of the James Group and be acquired entirely.
At first, he believed that men backed by immense capital were trying to crush him.
But instead, they paid him an enormous sum, acquired his company, and even appointed him as head of the steel division.
From a promising young entrepreneur, he had risen overnight to the position of a division head within the greatest conglomerate in the world.
Though technically a temporary role, such an opportunity might never come again in his lifetime.
The young man, Andrew Carnegie, devoted himself completely to proving his worth.
Naturally, it was all to earn the recognition of Chairman James.
Even so, he had never imagined a day like this would come.
"To think that I would one day be granted an audience with His Majesty the King of Canada… I cannot tell whether this is a dream or reality."
The James Group was not limited to the United States, but had vast influence across the British Empire and Canada.
For someone like Chairman James, having connections with the royal family would not be strange.
But even so, he had never imagined that someone like himself would be given the chance to meet His Majesty.
"…Damn, I am nervous. What if I say something wrong?"
"If you do, then I will take your place."
"Do not get your hopes up."
The only dissatisfaction in this otherwise perfect situation was that he was not the only one invited.
John Davison Rockefeller.
The man who constantly spoke of oil and refining as the future of the world, and the head of the energy division within the James Group.
Close in age and recruited around the same time, they could not help but see each other as rivals.
If Carnegie was aware of Rockefeller, then Rockefeller was surely aware of Carnegie.
'Why would the chairman invite an oil man like him… Though I admit he does have talent.'
The James Group had already declared that all positions would be assigned strictly based on ability.
Even someone young could rise to become second-in-command of a global empire.
To hold such a position would rival the power of kings.
And considering James's age, whoever became second-in-command would effectively control the empire.
Carnegie had already assessed his competitors.
And reached a conclusion.
If he could surpass Rockefeller, the position would be his.
"So, Rockefeller, have you ever met His Majesty before?"
"Me? I am just an ordinary man from New York."
"I see. You are from New York."
"Yes."
Carnegie felt a strange sense of pride.
He had grown up in the British Empire.
Meeting Killian felt personal.
'Mother, Father… I have truly succeeded.'
Taking a deep breath, he followed the attendants inside.
"It is an honor to meet His Majesty, King of Canada and consort of the British Empire! My name is Andrew Carnegie!"
"No need to die of excitement. Calm yourself."
Killian smiled.
"I have heard of both of you from Chairman James."
This could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Your Majesty, I wish to contribute to both the British Empire and the United States."
"A fine ambition."
Killian then asked questions.
Not simple ones, but sharp and precise.
Questions about future industries.
Carnegie and Rockefeller struggled to respond.
The atmosphere felt like an examination.
Neither realized the truth.
They were being evaluated by the true master of the group.
"How were they?"
"As expected. Though Carnegie surprised me."
"They have talent."
"They do. The question is how to control them."
Ambition would grow.
They would need to be managed carefully.
"For now, we wait."
The real focus was elsewhere.
Friedrich Engels exposed as a fraud
Engelsism proven to be plagiarism
Karl Marx revealed as the true creator
The articles spread rapidly.
And at last, Karl Marx arrived in New York.
Reporters surrounded him immediately.
This was no ordinary event.
It was the beginning of a fracture.
Southern Council demands explanation
Engels denies everything
Two former friends were about to meet again.