While I was spending time with Victoria and easing her frustrations, an unexpected but welcome guest suddenly appeared after a long time.
"Your Majesty! It has been a while!"
"Well, if it isn't you."
When was the last time I visited Asia?
One of the reasons I felt relatively at ease sending Edward there was because Governor Parker was present.
From the time I was still a junior minister, he had been stationed in Asia, becoming one of the British Empire's foremost experts on the region.
In a way, he had spent most of his life moving back and forth between Hong Kong and Shanghai.
"Seeing you in London feels both strange and pleasant. Your term ends this year, does it not?"
"Yes. I plan to enjoy a proper noble's life in the House of Lords."
"Someone like you should at least take a ministerial post before retiring. Shall I speak to Prime Minister Charles Wellesley?"
"No, thank you. I considered it, but after decades as a governor, I have no desire to return to administration. I would rather live quietly as a lord."
Considering his long service, he could have asked for much more.
Perhaps he had already received plenty from Qing China.
After all, connections with Chinese officials were legendary even in later eras.
Still, unless he had crossed a line, I had no intention of interfering.
He had been with me since the beginning.
"Do you have any concerns returning home?"
"To be honest, London feels unfamiliar now. It has changed completely."
"That is natural. And it will change even more."
"I am also concerned about my position in the House of Lords."
"That will not be a problem. Attend the next session with me, and you will become one of its most prominent figures."
His association with me would ensure that.
"Your Majesty, that is too much…"
"Think of it as thanks for supporting Edward."
"The Crown Prince needed no help. He handled everything himself. He is remarkable."
"Objectively, how would you assess him?"
"He resembles you. Perhaps not entirely, but at least half."
That was high praise.
Parker had seen me overturn Qing China and secure Hong Kong and Shanghai, then return to marry a princess.
To say Edward was half of that was significant.
"I am not worried about Edward. But I am curious about Joseon's royal family."
"Of course. Ask anything."
"What do you know about the king's second son and his wife?"
"The second son… Lee Jaehwang. His wife is from the Min clan."
"Correct."
When I first read Edward's report, I could not help but laugh.
The same figures from history had appeared again.
Lee Ha Eung's second son.
And Min Ja Young.
Even in this timeline, they were together.
It was almost uncanny.
"Reports suggest the princes are not as capable as the current king. As for their spouses, information is limited. The Crown Prince and his wife are considered average."
"That man… he once promised to choose the most capable successor, yet now he favors hereditary succession."
"Power is like that. No one wishes to give it away."
Edward's report made their intentions clear.
They wanted to use the old promise to challenge the Crown Prince.
There were several options.
Support the current heir and gain loyalty.
Or support the second son and control him as a puppet.
The latter offered greater rewards but also greater risk.
Given what I knew of history, I preferred neither.
There were better choices.
Fortunately, Edward seemed to have his own ideas.
That was enough.
I would not interfere unnecessarily.
After hearing Parker's report, I nodded.
"Good. I can assist without hindering Edward's growth."
"Parents always worry."
"Indeed."
We shared a brief moment of understanding.
Then Parker smiled.
"At least things are calm now. You can relax and wait for good news from the Crown Prince."
…That sounded like a bad omen.
I narrowed my eyes.
Across Europe, the great powers were at their peak.
The British Empire had secured Canada and Australia.
France controlled parts of Indochina and the Philippines.
Prussia had joined colonial expansion.
But not every nation could participate.
There were rules.
Major regions like India and China were reserved for great powers.
Smaller nations turned to Africa.
But even there, opportunities were limited.
"Ah… I want a colony."
Leopold II of Belgium gazed at a map with longing.
After seeing other powers expand, he could no longer suppress his desire.
"If I wait, everything will be taken."
He searched the map carefully.
Then he found it.
A place not yet claimed.
The Congo.
His eyes fixed on it.
Filled with ambition.
And something darker.
***
Belgium is unique in that it does not refer to its monarch as the King of Belgium.
The correct title is King of the Belgians, and this distinction carries significant meaning.
Unlike other monarchies, Belgium was founded through revolution, and the king was elevated afterward, resulting in a system that incorporates elements of republicanism.
Because of this, even the coronation ceremony differs from that of typical monarchies, and the king's authority and position are somewhat distinct.
The current king, Leopold II of Belgium, had shown great interest in geography since childhood and had long argued, even during his time as a senator, that Belgium's path to development lay in acquiring colonies.
Originally, he intended to wait a few more years, but after seeing France and Prussia seize Panama and the Philippines, his patience ran out.
If he delayed any longer, there would be no land left in the world for Belgium to claim as a colony.
In that sense, discovering the untouched land of the Congo was a stroke of fortune.
He had no doubt that it was the result of his own insight, cultivated through years of studying geography.
Once a decision is made, hesitation is the enemy of success.
Leopold II immediately summoned Count Linden, his newly appointed foreign minister, and asked quietly:
"Minister, who currently understands Africa best?"
"I am familiar with the general situation, but it depends on what exactly Your Majesty wishes to know."
"I wish to establish a Belgian foothold in Africa. What do you think?"
"Realistically, it will not be easy."
The king nodded calmly.
Naturally, it would not be easy. The great powers were like wolves, unwilling to allow others to manage colonies.
"Then tell me the obstacles."
"First, the era of treating Africans purely as slaves has passed. In the past, one could simply march in with an army and suppress them by force. But now, at least outwardly, they must be treated as human beings."
"Of course. As believers in God, we have a duty to care for those less fortunate. Violence must not be used."
Such words would have been laughable not long ago, when Europeans openly treated Africans as property.
But this was now an age of appearances.
Belgium, as a mid-tier nation, had to follow the rules set by the great powers.
"As Your Majesty understands, this simplifies matters. To be clear, Belgium cannot simply take a colony in Africa by its own will. We require approval from the great powers."
"An unpleasant reality, but unavoidable. The question is how to obtain that approval."
"Europe's attention is currently focused on Asia, particularly Qing China. Interest in Africa has decreased, but allowing another nation to establish a colony is a separate matter."
In other words, taking Congo through conventional means was impossible.
But Leopold II had no intention of giving up.
"Minister, I do not seek to rule as a tyrant. I wish to accomplish something meaningful in Africa."
"…Pardon?"
"That was years ago. People change. I have traveled the world and learned much."
This was true.
Before ascending the throne, Leopold II had traveled extensively, visiting Egypt, India, Qing China, and the Americas.
And in nearly every place, he had seen the influence of the British Empire.
"In Egypt, I saw the Suez Canal. Ships from all nations passed through it, enriching the British Empire endlessly."
"That canal has made trade with Asia far easier."
"Indeed. And beyond that, they have established footholds in India and China, gathering wealth from across the world. And Canada… have you ever been there?"
"No."
"…Then you cannot understand. Many people think it is natural for Belgium to lag behind Britain or France."
The minister did not deny it.
Belgium was a young nation.
Few believed it could rival the great powers.
But Leopold II saw this as defeatism.
"A nation must strive to rise. If obstacles exist, we must overcome them."
"And how does Canada relate to this?"
"Canada was once insignificant. Yet now, its cities surpass ours. Even California will soon overtake us."
The minister struggled to believe it.
But Leopold II was certain.
The world was changing rapidly.
Latecomers were catching up.
And Belgium was falling behind.
"Your Majesty, Canada benefits from being part of the British Empire. Its size and resources are incomparable to Belgium."
"I know. But the key is ambition. And I have learned something from Britain's methods. Coexistence and mutual prosperity."
The British Empire had not merely exploited Canada but developed it alongside itself.
"Why not do the same in Africa? Spread civilization peacefully."
He pointed to the map.
The Congo.
A vast land, many times larger than Belgium.
The minister's expression changed.
"Such a plan… may be possible."
"Of course. Other powers exploit Africa, but we will act differently. Once the world understands our noble purpose, they will support us."
The plan for controlling the Congo was already complete.
The minister, unaware of the truth, left to prepare.
Leopold II organized a geographic conference in Brussels, inviting scholars, diplomats, and businessmen.
The invitation read:
"To bring the light of civilization to Africa, we invite you to join this noble cause."
Soon, people gathered from across Europe.
"I did not invite you for Belgium's benefit alone!"
Leopold II addressed the assembly.
"Belgium may not be as large as Britain or France, but we live in happiness. And I believe all people deserve that happiness, including those in Africa."
His words began to move the audience.
"Africa has long been deprived of civilization. If we guide them properly, they can achieve a better life."
Not all Europeans supported exploitation.
Humanitarians existed.
And this proposal seemed harmless.
"I will use my knowledge to explore Africa and help its people."
Applause filled the hall.
Among the attendees was a retired magnate.
Even James (Chairman of the James Group) found it intriguing.
'Interesting. Another monarch with such ideas.'
Though something felt slightly off, he dismissed it.
Surely a king would not lie so openly.
As he applauded, he began drafting a letter.
"Your Majesty, have you heard? There is a rather interesting king here…"
***
Once set in motion, the frenzied advance of Leopold II of Belgium did not stop.
After successfully hosting the geographic conference, he immediately established a peculiar organization called the International Congo Association and appointed himself as its chairman.
The stated purpose of the organization was, of course, to help the poor Africans and support their path toward independence.
He even deceived nearly everyone through what could only be described as method acting, almost to the point of deceiving himself.
A prime example was his "good deed" of searching for missing missionaries.
When the missionary David Livingstone went missing in Central Africa, Leopold II personally dispatched the explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who had only recently begun his expeditions.
Stanley successfully completed the mission, and through such actions, Leopold II gained immense favor across all of Europe.
Unlike other monarchs, he appeared not as a conqueror but as a ruler using his power for the good of the world, earning endless praise.
"The world must become more beautiful! Did not Jesus teach us to love our neighbors as ourselves? Whether wise or lacking, all must be embraced with love. Have we not, as white men, forgotten this truth?"
By the time I heard of Leopold II, he had already captivated not only Europe but even the United States with his eloquence.
Partly because my attention had been focused on Edward and America, and partly because I had deliberately taken time to rest while staying with Victoria.
When I first read the letter from James, I could not help but laugh.
"…It appears Leopold II has even secured support from the North. He has reached agreements allowing Northern citizens to freely conduct real estate transactions in the Congo with tax exemptions, and the Northern government is encouraging corporate participation. The treaties he has signed with the Congolese also appear quite moderate, so our group is considering investment."
As I read the letter aloud, Victoria widened her eyes and reread it herself.
"It seems the Belgian king is truly a virtuous man. I have never seen a monarch act so actively for Africa."
"A virtuous man…"
How should I even describe this?
Belgium. Congo.
There was no doubt.
This was that man.
A butcher so brutal that even racists of his time condemned him as a devil in human form.
If my memory was correct, Leopold II would turn the Congo into a living hell.
The timeline seemed slightly altered, perhaps due to recent changes in history.
But his nature had not changed.
Everything about his current actions felt eerily familiar.
His path to controlling the Congo was a perfect example of how far deception and propaganda could go when wielded by a king.
Even now, James and Abraham Lincoln had been deceived.
"If he has negotiated with the North, surely Britain must have received word as well?"
"I have heard of it. But it did not seem important, so Parliament and the cabinet are handling it. We had no intention of claiming the Congo anyway. If Belgium governs it moderately, it benefits everyone."
Victoria's reaction made things clear.
France and Prussia likely felt the same.
Leopold II had skillfully exploited the situation.
A land desirable but not worth conflict among great powers.
If Belgium took it while guaranteeing their interests, everyone would be satisfied.
And if Belgium also claimed humanitarian intentions, opposing it would appear unjust.
It was, from their perspective, an ideal solution.
But to me, it was nothing more than an elaborate fraud.
"You think Belgium has hidden intentions?"
"Perhaps."
"You sound certain."
"People who seem too good are often hiding something."
"Still, there are good people in the world."
She was not wrong.
But she did not know what I knew.
Even if I explained it, it would sound like baseless speculation.
And interfering without proof could be seen as tyranny.
"I should speak with the prime minister."
"You may go. When have I ever stopped you?"
I kissed her forehead lightly and headed to my office.
So much for peace.
That governor's careless words had invited trouble.
"How is the situation?"
"Quite normal. I did not expect Your Majesty to be interested in Africa."
"Did you forget who built Suez?"
Charles Wellesley handed me the agreement.
"Prussia and the North support Belgium, so we had no reason to oppose it. Leopold II has been cooperative and generous with trade concessions."
Even Otto von Bismarck had been convinced.
Impressive.
"From our perspective, letting Belgium take it is convenient. We invest, they manage, and everyone profits."
"And other nations think the same."
"Most importantly, Leopold II has not monopolized profits. A portion is allocated to the natives."
Anyone reading this would see him as a benevolent ruler.
I had to admit, the plan was meticulous.
He had appealed to both humanitarian ideals and racial prejudice.
If Congo became prosperous, it could attract African populations globally.
Even white supremacists might quietly support such an outcome.
With such broad support, Leopold II proposed an international conference to formalize his rule.
Public opinion had already tilted in his favor.
"What do you think?"
"It is convenient, certainly."
But my concern was not immediate profit.
It was what would happen when the truth emerged.
"What if he changes once he gains power?"
"Then we would simply say he was no different from others. As long as we profit, it does not matter."
At present, Congo was not considered especially valuable.
That would change.
Rubber demand would soon explode.
And then, chaos would follow.
"Where will the conference be held?"
"Not yet decided."
"Then let it be in London."
I wanted to see Leopold II myself.
After all, I could not knowingly allow such atrocities.
There is only room in this world for one famous red-haired pirate with a missing arm.
Rubber, however, was another matter entirely.
I smiled faintly.
Let us see how convincing his mask truly is.
After all, mine is not thin either.
***
The plan of Leopold II of Belgium to make the Congo his personal domain progressed steadily.
Originally, it was a plan expected to take years, but due to the alignment of interests among the great powers, discussions advanced at an astonishing pace.
"France and Prussia will certainly vote in favor. The North as well."
"And the British Empire?"
"The British cabinet has also agreed. They even proposed holding the conference in London soon, so we may achieve results this time."
"I thought it would take at least three or four more years, yet it is moving this quickly."
It was what he had hoped for, yet the speed itself was almost unsettling.
For Leopold II, the most surprising part was how cooperative the British Empire had been.
If one were to name the most greedy nation in the world, he would have chosen Britain without hesitation.
Just looking at the territories they controlled made that obvious.
India, Canada, Alaska, Egypt, and even the canals of Panama.
Some of those might have been fortunate acquisitions, but they had still seized them first.
He had expected at least some resistance.
The Congo was vast, and even if not immediately profitable, it could still be seen as too valuable to let Belgium take.
'So they only take what is clearly profitable.'
That seemed to be the logic.
The British Empire had changed.
They no longer planted flags everywhere blindly, but instead focused on regions with clear value or strategic importance.
Compared to such territories, Congo might not have seemed attractive.
"Minister, if Britain supports us in this conference, then the Congo will certainly become my possession?"
"If Britain, France, Prussia, and the United States all support you, who could oppose it?"
"Yes… I look forward to it. I will devote all my ability to ensuring that the unfortunate Africans live happier lives."
"The people of the Congo are truly fortunate to have such a benevolent ruler."
Leopold II smiled inwardly.
Strictly speaking, the Congo would not become a Belgian colony.
Belgium itself had been reluctant about colonial ventures, and this project was entirely his personal undertaking.
The Congo would become his private property.
Even the Belgian state would have no authority over it.
"Very well. I will go to London personally."
"Your Majesty? It would be more appropriate for me to go…"
"This is my personal matter. It is only right that I attend."
The minister agreed and sent a telegram to arrange the visit.
To their surprise, the British Empire responded within a day, welcoming Leopold II.
"Impressive. They are far more cooperative than expected."
It only confirmed their confidence.
To Britain, Belgium was no threat.
Leopold II felt uneasy, but satisfied.
Everything was proceeding as planned.
Normally, international conferences required months, even a year, of preparation.
But this one moved with unprecedented speed.
"London… always as crowded as ever."
As his carriage moved along the Thames, Leopold II watched the bustling city.
"Someday Brussels will rival this."
To achieve that, he needed a colony.
The welfare of the Congolese did not matter.
He would extract every possible resource and bring wealth back to Belgium.
With enough money, infrastructure could always be built using foreign expertise.
His attendants, unaware of his true intentions, reassured him.
"Everything will go well."
"No monarch has ever approached Africa with such noble purpose."
Leopold II felt no guilt.
If his plan succeeded, Congo would become an endless source of wealth.
And Belgium would benefit.
Was that not the duty of a king?
As for the Africans, he dismissed them entirely.
Even as some in Europe began to argue that they were human beings, he saw them as little more than animals.
The Bible spoke of loving one's neighbor.
But he did not consider them neighbors.
With that twisted justification, he looked toward Buckingham Palace.
There was only one unexpected element.
He would meet Killian Gore Hanover on the very day he arrived.
He had heard countless rumors about him.
A man of unmatched ability.
But rumors were just rumors.
Leopold II believed only half of what he heard.
Killian's achievements, he thought, were possible only because of Britain's power.
If Belgium had such strength, he believed he could achieve the same.
Still, this meeting was important.
Even if informal, it was a chance to exchange views before the conference.
And unless Killian could read minds, he would never uncover the truth.
Leopold II adjusted his expression carefully.
He would not let his guard down.
"It is an honor to meet you. To stand before someone admired across the world is truly moving."
"The honor is mine. Your reputation precedes you."
They exchanged formal greetings and polite praise.
Leopold II studied Killian's face.
He looked younger than expected.
Strong, composed.
It irritated him slightly.
"Frankly, I did not expect Your Majesty to support this so actively. It was… surprising."
"There are many with power, but few who use it for others. If more followed Christ's teachings, the world would be a better place."
"You give me too much credit. Your own achievements in improving workers' rights and social conditions are far greater."
Flattery filled the air.
Neither trusted the other.
Leopold II had already reviewed Killian's history.
His actions were consistent.
His reputation, globally, was impeccable.
Even Russia's attempt to discredit him had backfired.
Criticizing him now invited ridicule.
Yet Leopold II remained suspicious.
He himself was pretending to be virtuous.
Why would Killian be any different?
A man who protected even Asians and Africans?
Impossible.
There had to be another motive.
Still, Leopold II was confident.
No matter what schemes the other man had, he was the master of deception.
At least when it came to appearances, he would not lose.