Although Leopold II of Belgium hastily signed the contract and rose from his seat, he had not yet lost his composure to the point of complete irrationality.
After carefully rereading the contract one last time, he asked about the clauses that still troubled him before leaving.
"Your Majesty, upon reviewing this again, there are a few parts I do not fully understand. May I ask about them?"
"Of course. Are you perhaps reconsidering the contract?"
"No, not at all. I simply wish to confirm certain phrases that I do not fully understand."
"Then you could have taken more time before signing. Even now, if you wish to withdraw, you need only say the word. I am not so heartless."
Hearing that, Leopold II felt that perhaps the other party now considered five million pounds too cheap after seeing him sign so readily.
Therefore, the price of five million pounds had to be secured at all costs.
As Killian had said, the value of the rubber industry would only continue to rise, so there was no possibility of loss.
He had no intention of ruling the Congo for just a few years and then letting it go.
It would belong to his royal house permanently, and he calculated that he could extract at least thirty million pounds during his lifetime.
Though he had pretended to hesitate, five million pounds, while painful, was still within his means.
Especially with a twenty-year installment plan, refusing would be foolish.
There was only one clause that troubled him.
"What is this penalty clause?"
"It is nothing significant. Though the probability is close to zero, there remains the possibility that I may not receive the full five million pounds."
"Do you think I would fail to honor a contract with the British Empire?"
"Of course not. But every contract must include risk mitigation. This is merely a standard clause."
"I understand the part requiring repayment through other royal assets if the amount is not paid. But this clause states that the British Empire may reclaim the rubber industry rights as well… Does that mean you would recover both the payment and the rights?"
If that happened, the British Empire would retain the rubber rights while also collecting five million pounds.
Even if it only applied in case of nonpayment, it felt one-sided.
"Your Majesty, I understand why it appears so. But such a situation would only occur if the Belgian royal family deliberately concealed profits or deceived us. You would agree?"
"So it is more like a penalty for misconduct."
From Killian's perspective, it was reasonable.
With rubber profits, failure to pay was impossible.
Even sharing profits with the natives would not change that.
Thus, failure would imply deliberate wrongdoing.
In that case, both compensation and rights would be reclaimed.
"…Very well. It is not a scenario worth worrying about."
"I trust you. That is why I made such an investment."
The smile was irritating.
As if he stood above him.
A half-blood, elevated by fortune.
"Thanks to your cooperation, this was resolved quickly. I must return soon."
"I am glad to have met you. And one more thing."
Killian added calmly.
"I have heard that harvesting rubber can be dangerous. Perhaps it would be wise to provide protective equipment for the natives."
"An excellent suggestion. I will ensure it is done."
Protective equipment?
Absurd.
Why waste money on replaceable labor?
The funds would instead be used to hire mercenaries.
Leopold II left Buckingham Palace and lit a cigarette.
Despite the effort, he was convinced he had deceived Killian completely.
Even the greatest mind in the world was nothing before him.
Satisfied, he returned home.
Once a plan is made, swift execution is key.
Leopold II immediately began preparations for full-scale exploitation.
As king, he could not create an army freely, so he approached the Minister of the Interior.
"The Congo Association will begin large-scale rubber production. Given the vast territory and potential threats, we need forces to maintain order."
"A reasonable proposal. How will you organize them?"
"Officers will be Belgian. Soldiers will be recruited locally. Funding will come from my personal wealth and Congo's revenue."
"A noble effort."
No one objected.
Especially since no public funds were required.
His true goal was control.
Approval secured, he appointed Major Roger and Henry Morton Stanley to lead operations.
They recruited soldiers from local tribes, mercenaries, and even purchased slaves.
A brutal force was formed.
"Diverse recruitment prevents internal unity," Stanley advised.
"Indeed."
Within months, the army was complete.
It would become known as the Force Publique.
Congo.
Gunfire erupted.
Screams followed.
Villages were seized.
Women and children taken hostage.
"Bring rubber. Meet the quota, and they live."
Resistance meant death.
Hands were severed for failing quotas.
Even those who complied were forced into further labor.
Collective punishment ensured endless suffering.
Division among tribes prevented unity.
Within one month, the entire region descended into chaos.
At the same time, in London.
A letter arrived.
"…This is beyond exploitation. It is slaughter…"
Even Allan Pinkerton was horrified.
James (Chairman of the James Group) had sent the report.
The evidence was undeniable.
Even photographs.
I began to read, then stopped.
There was no need to see more.
Leopold II had built a perfect facade.
But now, the truth was emerging.
He had betrayed everything.
Including me.
He likely believed he would never be caught.
Perhaps he was laughing in Brussels at his profits.
Very well.
If he chose deception on this scale,
Then he would bear the consequences.
I set the letter down.
Let us see how long he can keep smiling.
***
Even after obtaining the evidence, this was not something that could simply be released and immediately explode.
Unlike the modern era where media is highly developed, this period did not even have radio, let alone television.
The spread of information relied entirely on newspapers, and even those who could read them were limited in number.
In other words, even if the issue were raised, it was not impossible for someone to evade it with excuses.
Especially in the case of Leopold II of Belgium, he was the ruler of a nation.
Compared to the British Empire, Belgium was small, but a king recognized across Europe was not an easy figure to challenge.
No matter how small the country, monarchs shared a sense of solidarity.
If the authority of one king were undermined, it would be seen as diminishing the dignity of all kings.
At a time when royal authority was already declining, monarchies were extremely sensitive to such matters.
Therefore, if Leopold II were to be brought down directly, thorough preparation was required.
Even in original history, it had taken years after his atrocities became known before he lost control of the Congo.
At least three years.
The delay occurred because Leopold II denied everything and bribed the press.
Many newspapers were influenced by his money and continued to portray him as a benevolent ruler.
He even bribed parliaments.
This time, it had to be prevented.
There must be no room for excuses.
A simultaneous and overwhelming exposure.
I first summoned Charles Wellesley in complete secrecy and showed him all the evidence.
Naturally, he was stunned.
"…What is this?"
"What it appears to be."
He reviewed the documents and photographs.
Disgust crossed his face.
"This is… real?"
"You understand why I called you."
"…That man… was all of it a lie?"
It was shocking.
A man who had appealed to the world in the name of African welfare.
All of it deception.
"An extraordinary fraud."
"Indeed."
Even I found it difficult to comprehend.
I had seen many criminals, but nothing like this.
"Then we expose him using this."
"Look at the next page."
The so-called "treaty."
Signed by natives who could not read.
A document surrendering their rights.
Wellesley shook his head.
"This is madness."
"This prevents us from accusing him of embezzling native funds. But we can target his failure to distribute profits to investors."
Congo's production was far higher than reported.
He hid it to avoid scrutiny.
"And manipulated accounts."
"Yes."
"That alone may not be enough."
"Correct. So I prepared something."
I explained the contract.
His eyes widened.
"You set conditions on the investment?"
"Of course."
Simple conditions.
Provide safety equipment.
Improve native living standards.
Maintain trust.
All violated.
"My funds were used to build the army committing these acts."
"…That is sufficient for diplomatic action."
"Exactly. Parliament will raise the issue."
The plan was clear.
Dissolve the army.
Stop rubber exports.
Demand repayment and penalties.
Without rubber revenue, repayment would be impossible.
Wellesley laughed.
"He chose the wrong opponent."
Indeed.
"Your Majesty, Congo's revenue this month."
"Excellent!"
Profits exceeded expectations.
Rubber, ivory, copper.
An endless flow of wealth.
"At this rate, we may surpass even the Suez Canal."
Leopold II smiled.
Money was all he needed.
"Push production further."
"Yes… Your Majesty."
Stanley hesitated.
"If we continue at this rate, labor will collapse."
Leopold II dismissed it.
"There is plenty of population."
Fear would increase productivity.
Stanley remained uneasy.
This was worse than slavery.
Yet he could not withdraw.
He had signed the agreements.
As he thought of the children who had once given him a flower crown, regret surfaced briefly.
But money prevailed.
Then—
"Your Majesty! Urgent news!"
The foreign minister rushed in.
A newspaper slammed onto the desk.
Is he a devil or a man? Hell in the Congo
"This is being distributed across Britain, France, Prussia, and the United States simultaneously."
Leopold II scoffed at first.
Then his expression changed.
"Who… printed this?"
The ship that had seemed to sail smoothly had struck an unseen reef.
And now, it was beginning to tilt.
***
Leopold II of Belgium felt wronged.
Not as a joke or exaggeration, but genuinely, unbearably wronged, to the point of madness.
What was this? These malicious articles filled with slander and baseless accusations.
"Shut down the newspaper immediately and make sure not a single copy circulates in Brussels!"
"Your Majesty, then what should we tell the British embassy…"
"What do you mean what? Tell them this is completely unfounded reporting and that we have nothing to be ashamed of!"
"Understood."
"And order the immediate arrest of the newspaper's publisher and the journalist who wrote this!"
The foreign minister, who did not fully understand what was happening in the Congo, thought that Leopold II must truly be unjustly accused.
His trembling eyes and distorted face could simply be the reaction of someone facing outrageous slander.
As the minister hurried out to meet the British ambassador, Leopold II bit his lip and unfolded the newspaper again.
"Look at this! These lunatics are clearly trying to pick a fight with me!"
"It is certainly blatant."
Even in serious scandals, it was rare for newspapers to attack a king so directly.
Usually, they hinted indirectly to avoid consequences.
But this article was different.
"They mention my name explicitly. And they describe in detail how rubber is being produced in the Congo. That means they have precise information."
"Yes. That is what concerns me the most."
"Information control has been strict, correct?"
"Of course. No outsiders can approach. Security is thorough."
The Congo was deep in central Africa, difficult to access by sea.
The only route was through the western coast and the Congo River, and that path was firmly controlled.
That left only one conclusion.
"There must be a traitor within the Association."
"Or perhaps among newly recruited mercenaries or officers."
"…That seems plausible."
Most members of the Congo Association had been there from the beginning.
They had already made fortunes and stood to gain more.
Betrayal now made little sense.
Unless they had been planted from the start.
But that seemed impossible as well.
Everyone had believed Leopold II would be a benevolent ruler.
"…The local soldiers cannot be the source either. They have no contact with the outside."
"Correct."
"Then it must be among the officers. Inform Commander Roger to investigate thoroughly."
"Yes. But Your Majesty, Britain might use this as an excuse to send investigators. Should we reduce the severity of punishments temporarily?"
Stanley offered a reasonable suggestion.
Leopold II dismissed it.
"Do not be ridiculous. Halting now would disrupt everything. If inspectors come, we simply show them prepared areas. Continue production at full force."
"…Understood."
"And what can they do anyway? Do they not treat blacks poorly themselves? I am merely being efficient."
He felt no guilt.
Rubber was essential to industry.
Without him, the world would still use inferior wheels.
He believed this.
"Do you not agree?"
"…It will be fine."
Stanley could not agree, but he offered vague reassurance.
There was still no solid evidence in the article.
Deny everything, and it might pass.
Belgian public opinion would not collapse.
Arrest the journalists, find the source, and counterattack.
Leopold II planned his response.
Then—
"Your Majesty! The newspaper has vanished!"
"Vanished?"
"The office, the staff, everything. Gone."
"What? How is that possible?"
"They must have prepared in advance and fled before publication."
Leopold II began to realize.
This was not a simple betrayal.
This required organization, manpower, and funding.
Not something a single officer could do.
'Who is behind this?'
Perhaps Denmark.
Or Britain.
For now, denial was the only option.
No matter who it was,
He would not yield Congo.
Not even an inch.
While Leopold II could control Belgium, he could not control foreign opinion.
In Prussia, Otto von Bismarck reviewed reports.
"Is this true?"
"We cannot verify conditions in the Congo. But identical reports are appearing across Europe."
"If true, it is outrageous. It means he deceived all of Europe. Including me."
"Leopold II denies everything."
"Of course he does. Without evidence, no one will act."
Evidence was key.
Not rumors.
Not testimony.
Proof.
"Has any nation issued an official statement?"
"Not yet."
"As expected."
No one wanted to act prematurely.
But preparations were necessary.
"Arrange meetings with Britain and France."
"Yes."
"Especially Britain. Their royal family invested heavily."
"The investment was personal."
"…That complicates things."
Then Bismarck paused.
"If this is true… how much does the British royal family gain?"
"We do not know the details."
"But they would not make a careless agreement."
He understood.
Killian would have prepared.
"…Prepare for the scenario where this is true."
"Yes?"
"My thinking has changed. The British royal family is involved."
Bismarck had a suspicion.
If Killian was behind this,
This was only the beginning.
And as expected—
More articles appeared.
Witness testimonies.
Confessions.
Then physical evidence.
Each denial by Leopold II was followed by stronger proof.
He was being cornered deliberately.
And finally—
A statement.
The British Royal Household formally requests an explanation from Belgium
Issued under the name of Killian Gore Hanover.
The situation reached its peak.
***
In a battle of public opinion, the goal is to draw as much attention as possible.
A great power can easily pressure a smaller nation, but if it wields that power recklessly, public opinion will inevitably collapse.
If a major power goes around beating smaller nations under the justification that they must not resist, what would happen to its diplomatic relations?
One could simply bulldoze through without caring, but that is not the path I pursue.
The stronger the British Empire becomes, the more I must restrain myself from directly pressuring other nations.
Once the narrative of strong versus weak is established, it becomes impossible to escape the perception that the strong are oppressing the weak.
There is only one way to avoid that.
The strong must punish someone who has committed an undeniably outrageous wrongdoing.
However, the word "justified" is highly subjective.
No matter how valid our reasoning may be, if others do not recognize it, it is nothing more than violence.
If we are to pressure Belgium, public opinion must first be shaped so that anyone can see the British Empire has endured as much as it reasonably could.
That is why I bombarded the world with articles.
And why I did not release all evidence at once.
Suspicion, rebuttal, counter-rebuttal.
This process keeps the issue alive and intensifies it over time.
As expected, Leopold II of Belgium played his role perfectly, repeatedly denying everything and fueling the fire.
Meanwhile, through agents planted in advance, information was released step by step, deepening suspicion.
Of course, Leopold II did not remain passive.
He used his wealth and influence to mobilize friendly newspapers.
[The white man who loved Africa, Leopold II's dream]
[I am from the Congo. King Leopold II is a good man. Stop slandering Belgium!]
But witnesses began to appear.
And I could not remain silent.
As soon as my official statement was released, Parliament also began to pressure Belgium publicly.
The justification was clear.
The British royal family had invested significant funds, and those funds were allegedly being used not to improve lives, but to mutilate them.
At the same time, I revealed part of the investment contract, eliminating any claim of unjust pressure.
"Your Majesty, the Belgian government has no involvement."
The ambassador, pale, tried to explain.
"I know. But I want the royal family's explanation."
"His Majesty Leopold II insists all rumors are false."
"Then I will provide him an opportunity to prove it."
A direct confrontation.
Evidence against evidence.
The Belgian government was trapped.
If true, the consequences would be catastrophic.
If false, they must prove it.
"Submit clear documentation and resolve this."
The ambassador left to report.
But then—
Otto von Bismarck moved first.
Belgium must answer.
Other nations followed.
France, the United States, Spain, Portugal.
All who had supported Leopold II now demanded answers.
Even Belgium's own government urged him to clarify.
Cornered, Leopold II had no choice.
He would personally attend.
For the third time in a year.
When I saw him again, his expression had completely changed.
The meeting was private, out of respect for a monarch.
Not mercy.
Simply etiquette.
"Your Majesty, it is good to see you again."
I greeted him warmly.
A perfect smile.
A money bag had walked into London on its own.
"Let us settle this today."
"…Of course."
He still lied.
The debate itself was handled by Henry Morton Stanley.
And the accusers were my agents from the Pinkerton Detective Agency.
Stanley was visibly shaken.
He had not expected betrayal from within.
Still, he composed himself.
"These accusations are false."
"We carried out these orders ourselves."
"Individual misconduct."
A classic defense.
"Look at the evidence."
Photographs.
Severed hands.
Hundreds.
"This is not individual misconduct."
"Local customs."
"They celebrated it."
"Fabrication!"
Desperate.
Predictable.
They expected financial arguments.
Instead, I presented visual proof.
Then—
The final blow.
The treaty.
A document stripping natives of rights.
Signed.
Original copy.
Stanley panicked.
Leopold II lost composure.
"Impossible…"
"We prepared two copies."
Silence fell.
I turned to him.
"How should I interpret this?"
"Wait… this is not verified…"
"Then we verify it."
I cut him off.
"I will send an investigation team. If this is true, you will be held accountable."
Penalty clauses.
Repayment.
Consequences.
If cash is lacking,
We will collect in other ways.
I sighed softly.
Too kind, perhaps.
That is my greatest flaw.
***
It is common knowledge that rising to the position of a hegemon is easier than maintaining it.
From ancient Rome to the Mongol Empire, and even the British Empire in original history.
After becoming the undisputed strongest power in the world, the period during which that peak strength is maintained is surprisingly short.
Even Rome, which lasted quite long, spent much of its later years barely surviving as a state riddled with internal weaknesses.
Even the United States in original history did not remain the uncontested global hegemon for a full century.
I may have become the captain, but ensuring that my British Empire lasts at least as long as the United States did is not as easy as it sounds.
Unlike the United States, which started with an advantageous map and resources, the British Empire has clear geographical limitations.
To compensate, I expanded Canada and even secured California, building a foundation, but there is still a long way to go.
I have done everything possible, and if necessary, I am even considering creating something similar to the European Union and gradually integrating across Europe.
To achieve that, the most important factor is image.
Other nations must accept a British-led order without resistance.
For that to happen, they must perceive our actions as justified.
Not merely reasonable, but acceptable.
In a sense, it is like customer service.
It is not enough to avoid complaints. One must satisfy the customer.
This situation is no different.
Even though I have summoned another king, dismantled him piece by piece, and cornered him until his guard collapses, no one will see me as excessive.
Rather, it will appear as though I am doing everything possible to clear Leopold II of Belgium's name.
The proposal to send an investigation team to the Congo follows the same logic.
The Congo is legally his private domain, so sending investigators would normally be a clear overreach.
Even given the difference in power between Britain and Belgium, it crosses a line.
But with the situation so perfectly set, Leopold II cannot refuse.
After the debate ended in his complete defeat, I informed him of how the investigation would proceed.
"We will proceed immediately. Our forces and explorers are already in Africa."
"Ahem… of course we must accept investigators. I will inform the Congo Association…"
"No. My investigators will conduct inspections directly. The Association is under suspicion. No court allows suspects to verify their own case."
"…That is true…"
"Do not worry. I do not believe Your Majesty personally created such documents."
"…What?"
He blinked in surprise.
"A benevolent ruler like you would never do such a thing. I trust your sincerity."
"Then the investigation…"
"But organizations do not always follow their leader's intent. It is entirely possible the Congo Association acted independently for profit."
"…I…"
He could not admit the truth.
I continued reassuring him.
"You should not be too distressed. It is unfortunate, but preserving your authority is more important."
"…But earlier, you said I would be held responsible."
"Contracts must be honored."
He understood.
"Then… compensation?"
"Yes. My investment must be returned, along with penalties."
"…I see."
Relief flickered in his eyes.
He thought I would demand the rubber rights immediately.
But that would only happen if he failed to repay the five million pounds.
For now, repayment.
Then later, the real blow.
"Do not worry. If rubber production continues, you can recover your losses."
"…Yes… that is true."
I gave him a path.
Abandon the Association.
Shift the blame.
Survive.
He understood.
After a pause, he spoke quietly.
"Your Majesty… could the investigation be delayed by three days? I will double the penalty."
He wanted time.
To erase evidence.
And I nodded.
"Of course. A few days will make no difference."
"Thank you. Truly."
He rushed out immediately.
Time was everything now.
I watched his carriage disappear.
Then I called for a servant.
"Bring me Henry Morton Stanley. Quietly."
I promised time.
Not assistance.
Henry Morton Stanley was shaken.
The debate had destroyed him.
Nothing had worked.
And Leopold II had abandoned him.
As he prepared to leave, he was summoned.
"Welcome. Sit."
"I… Your Majesty…"
"I will be brief."
Killian poured iced coffee calmly.
Stanley was confused.
"Leopold II requested three days. Interesting, is it not?"
"…Yes."
"He claims the Association betrayed him. Do you know anything about that?"
Stanley froze.
The meaning was clear.
He was being sacrificed.
"…I followed his orders. Everything was his command."
"Is that so? I prefer evidence."
"I have it."
He made his decision.
Survival.
At any cost.
Stanley chose to betray his king.