In the original timeline, the Mexican–American War began in 1846.
The year was now 1842, already approaching its end. That meant the war historically lay only a little more than three years away.
And as Heinrich's Law suggests, major disasters are rarely sudden. They are preceded by countless smaller warning signs.
That war had been no exception.
The tensions, provocations, and disputes had been building for years.
So if the current incident became the trigger that caused the war to erupt earlier than expected, it would hardly be surprising.
What I had not anticipated—
Was the United States trying to drag Britain into the same cesspool with them.
The historical Mexican–American War had already been fought on a rather flimsy justification.
The present proposal was even more shameless.
"Mexico's national strength hardly compares to that of the United States," I said calmly.
"Surely you do not require our assistance to wage such a war."
"That is true," Ambassador Everett replied.
"But the British Empire was also harmed by Mexico's despicable scheme, was it not?"
He lowered his voice solemnly.
"It pains me even to imagine what might have happened if Her Majesty had suffered a severe shock during the incident."
"Considering Her Majesty's condition…"
His eyes widened slightly.
"I can scarcely imagine the fury felt by Your Royal Highness and the citizens of the British Empire."
"So you wish us to attack Mexico together."
I shook my head slowly.
"Frankly, the proposal does not persuade me."
"Even if Mexico orchestrated the scheme, the men who actually crossed the border were American slave hunters."
"The failure to control the border was also an American responsibility."
"In short—the criminals were still American citizens."
Everett bowed his head immediately.
"For that, we sincerely apologize."
"We will compensate Britain for any damages incurred."
"But surely, if a force truly orchestrated this scheme, justice demands they be punished."
"Especially for the sake of the British Empire's honor."
Since when had the United States cared about British honor?
The logic was laughable.
But I understood what they wanted.
"But Mexico lies very far from Britain," I replied.
"If we were to fight a war there, the costs to the Empire would be enormous."
"Of course," Everett said quickly.
"We would not ask Britain to deploy ground forces."
"The United States Army would handle the actual fighting."
In other words—
They would beat Mexico into submission.
And simply borrow Britain's prestige to strengthen their position.
After all, Britain could not easily seize territory in Mexico.
The most we could realistically do would be naval bombardments.
Which would conveniently make America's war easier.
A perfect arrangement for them.
The United States could avoid appearing to start a fabricated war alone—
And win more easily.
A neat little strategy.
Of course, that assumption only worked if I had been completely unprepared for such a conflict.
"Britain does not wage war in such a manner," I said calmly.
"We do not send allies to fight alone."
"When Napoleon set Europe ablaze, Britain fought harder than anyone to bring him down."
"If we truly go to war with Mexico, our policy will not change."
"Especially if Mexico truly orchestrated this insult."
"After all, they would have endangered our Queen."
Everett nodded eagerly.
"Then the Royal Navy would destroy Mexico's ports."
"That would certainly strengthen our position."
"Is that all?" I asked lightly.
"Our brave Queen's armies would advance south as well."
"We would continue pressing forward until Mexico surrendered."
Everett froze.
"…Excuse me?"
"Oh," I added casually.
"You mentioned the United States has a serious dispute with Mexico over Texas, correct?"
"Then this works out perfectly."
"You can advance from Texas."
"And we will move south from Alta California."
"That way Mexico will be attacked from two directions."
If war broke out between the United States and Mexico, the Americans would inevitably concentrate their forces around Texas.
Meanwhile, Britain could march south through Oregon and raise the Union Jack across California.
From there—
The entire Pacific coastline would fall under British control.
And I had been preparing for that exact scenario ever since arriving in Canada.
Militia units had quietly been training for months.
Mexico barely had any real military presence in California.
If we decided to take it—
It would fall with little resistance.
Unfortunately for the United States, such an outcome would be disastrous.
If events unfolded as I described, Britain might gain more territory from the war than the Americans themselves.
Everett clearly realized this.
His eye twitched slightly.
"…Canada does not have that many troops," he said carefully.
"There is no need for Britain to overextend itself."
"Not at all," I replied.
"As I said before, Britain never sends allies to fight alone."
"This concerns our honor."
"You need not worry."
"I'm not worrying," Everett muttered.
"Excellent."
"Then we shall decide everything after hearing Mexico's response."
The ambassador clearly wasn't worried about Britain.
He was worried about America.
But the President's letter was already in my possession.
They couldn't easily retract their offer now.
When one tries to manipulate others—
One must always consider the possibility of being manipulated in return.
I folded the letter slowly and slipped it into my coat.
Everett stood up with visible discomfort.
Even a seasoned diplomat had clearly not expected the conversation to go this way.
A moment ago he had probably believed everything was proceeding according to American plans.
Seeing his stiff expression was strangely satisfying.
The steak I had eaten earlier felt digested in seconds.
Of course, Everett would now have to report this to President Tyler.
That would be far less pleasant.
But that was diplomacy.
One nation's misfortune—
Was another nation's opportunity.
The Real Victim
While the United States had its dreams of victory abruptly splashed with cold water—
There was someone else who had suffered a far greater shock.
"Your Royal Highness!"
The voice thundered across the room.
"We are innocent! Completely innocent!"
Standing before me was Luis Gonzaga Cuevas, the Mexican ambassador.
Only days earlier he had visited politely.
Now his voice echoed with barely controlled fury.
Strict diplomatic decorum had clearly been forgotten.
And frankly—
I could hardly blame him.
"The United States claims to possess evidence," I said calmly.
"Surely you understand that it must be examined."
"It's fabricated!" Cuevas shouted.
"The Americans excel at lies, propaganda, and forgery!"
"You must not believe them!"
Cuevas was no inexperienced diplomat.
He had served in Prussia and Britain.
He knew better than most how terrifying the British Empire could be.
That was why he had volunteered to serve in Canada the moment he heard I would be stationed here.
"What is the situation in Mexico?" I asked.
"How is public opinion responding?"
"Our government is outraged," Cuevas said.
"This accusation is absurd!"
"It is not even worth considering!"
I understood his frustration.
But emotionally dismissing the accusation was not wise.
Once the United States had launched such a scheme, Mexico needed evidence.
Otherwise neutral observers would naturally lean toward whichever side appeared more convincing.
"The Americans want to shift responsibility onto Mexico," Cuevas continued.
"They wish to gain the upper hand in their territorial disputes."
"Ambassador," I said gently,
"I understand your anger."
"But if you present your argument this emotionally, no one will listen."
"The United States has already submitted evidence to our Parliament."
"What conclusion do you think Parliament will reach?"
Cuevas faltered.
"That evidence is fabricated…"
"Perhaps," I said.
"But we cannot prove that."
"And if public anger grows, Parliament may decide to side with the United States."
Even as plenipotentiary representative, I could not ignore Parliament.
And if matters continued this way—
Britain might very well join America in attacking Mexico.
It was simply the easiest option.
Cuevas looked increasingly pale.
"Your Royal Highness…"
"We are truly innocent."
"But because we are innocent, we cannot prove our innocence."
"You know how difficult that is."
"In court, proving innocence is often harder than proving guilt."
"I personally doubt Mexico would do such a thing," I admitted.
"But Britain is a parliamentary state."
"If Parliament demands action, we must obey."
Cuevas nodded desperately.
"Then we will gather our own evidence."
"Please review it with us."
"Of course," I said.
"But tell me something first."
"Does Mexico believe war with the United States is likely?"
Cuevas hesitated.
"This conflict could greatly affect Canada," I continued calmly.
"The situation is being watched closely in London."
That was, of course, a lie.
Britain's real concern remained Russia.
The American–Mexican dispute ranked far lower on the priority list.
But Cuevas did not need to know that.
"…We always consider the possibility of war," he said quietly.
"One must prepare for war to preserve peace."
"Indeed."
"Many people in Britain view American expansion with concern."
"I am among them."
Cuevas blinked.
"Is that so?"
"I have studied the situation carefully."
"And I concluded long ago that war between your nations would eventually occur."
"I simply did not expect it to arrive so soon."
From Mexico's perspective, the war might still seem uncertain.
But in reality—
It was already inevitable.
The United States had fabricated too much evidence to back down.
Too many people would be ruined if the truth came out.
Once they mounted the tiger, they could only dismount after victory.
Cuevas' face grew increasingly pale.
He understood now.
Good.
Let him feel the fear.
Because unless something changed—
Mexico would lose everything.
"Your Royal Highness…" he said nervously.
"If war breaks out…"
"Will Britain remain neutral?"
"I sincerely hope peace can be preserved on this continent."
"But if war occurs…"
"Britain may attempt mediation."
Cuevas' eyes widened.
"Truly?"
"Yes."
"Of course, mediation would not be free."
"Our Parliament and citizens would require compensation."
"For example…"
I tapped a region on the map.
Alta California.
Cuevas' eye twitched violently.
"If Mexico agreed to transfer Alta California to British Canada," I said calmly,
"Parliament would likely accept Britain acting as mediator."
"…That…"
"Otherwise," I said,
"Britain may have no choice but to remain neutral."
Which meant—
If Mexico refused—
Britain might simply join America instead.
Britain's name carried enormous weight.
Such influence was never free.
Whether Britain joined the war—
Or mediated it—
California would belong to us either way.
Still…
That alone would not be enough.
Our child would soon be born.
Victoria.
Myself.
To name new lands after us properly—
We needed at least three new territories.
California and Oregon alone were not sufficient.
But for Britain to seize more—
Mexico needed to fight harder against the United States.
Unfortunately, Mexico simply lacked the strength.
Which meant there was only one solution.
If Mexico could not become stronger—
Then we would have to make America weaker instead.