As Lincoln's election became more likely, the situation in the United States grew increasingly tense.
Edward did not waver.
He moved busily to accomplish the purpose of his visit.
After meeting each candidate once, he adjusted his schedule.
He mainly attended cultural events.
Interest in him gradually faded.
In truth, it was close to a disguise.
But while meeting scholars and inventors, he was surprised.
Europe still did not highly regard the United States.
Even if it was a white nation, it had broken away from the British Empire.
A country without roots.
It sounded meaningless.
But Europeans still valued such things.
There had been some reassessment.
But after the poor showing against Mexico, opinions turned again.
If asked which was stronger, the United States or Spain,
most would choose Spain.
That was why Edward never understood Killian's warning.
Most people said the United States still had far to go.
But now, after seeing it himself, he understood.
When opinions differed, Killian was usually right.
" So this telephone… if it works, people can speak freely over distance?"
"Yes. But Your Highness, I am not a doctor. I only run a candle factory."
"Anyone who created this deserves to be called one."
"Thank you… but how did you know about my invention?"
Edward looked at Antonio Meucci.
He was equally confused.
Why did Europe underestimate this country?
He had seen Paris.
Berlin.
Vienna.
Madrid.
But New York did not fall behind any of them.
It might even surpass some.
Not only in scale.
But in substance.
The North's industry rivaled France and Prussia.
Its scholars and scientists were also comparable.
Even this candle factory owner had created something remarkable.
What he could not understand was this.
How did his father know?
"Do you know who my father is?"
"Of course. The Duke of Canada."
"Have you met him?"
"No."
That was expected.
Killian had not left for years.
Then how?
Perhaps through James.
If so, it meant a vast intelligence network.
He kept that thought to himself.
"My father values talent above all."
"But reality limits inventors."
"That is why I came personally."
"I understand you lack funds for a permanent patent."
"…Yes."
"It will not be easy."
"Once the principle is known, copies will appear."
"Even in Britain, others may try to steal it."
"Can you handle that?"
Meucci hesitated.
"…It would be difficult."
"Then I have a proposal."
"We will support you under the British royal name."
"The ownership remains yours."
"We will secure a permanent patent."
Meucci was stunned.
"That is too favorable…"
"We only ask for operating rights."
"We will handle the business."
"You will receive a share."
"You will earn unimaginable wealth."
It was true.
Even with a patent, he could not expand alone.
But with Britain, it would become global.
A win for both sides.
Meucci thought briefly.
"Can we discuss the profit share further?"
"Of course."
The negotiation moved quickly.
No one would suspect a prince of deceit.
Money was universal.
Edward made his decision.
If his father could not act directly,
then he would.
"Do you have any concerns these days?"
The next day.
After sending a letter to Edward.
I arranged a family dinner.
Before managing others, one must manage one's own house.
At the head sat Victoria and I.
The children sat before us.
The setting was magnificent.
Silver.
Porcelain.
Crystal.
Soft light from candles and gas lamps.
Formal attire.
Adelaide wore a jeweled gown.
As the first course arrived,
Queen Victoria spoke.
"What concerns could they have? Perhaps I do."
"…They are not children anymore."
Adelaide sighed.
"My concern is simple. Mother never listens seriously."
"I have listened more than anyone."
"Show me someone who allows their daughter to remain unmarried."
"Bring such a person, and I will listen."
"I never said I would remain single."
"I want a good marriage."
"You promised to find one."
Her eyes welled with tears.
I felt uneasy.
"Perhaps do not push too hard…"
"Do you still not understand her?"
"That is all acting."
"Father is right…"
Victoria sighed deeply.
"I have shown over a hundred candidates."
"From Britain, France, Prussia, even Russia."
"Did I choose carelessly?"
"They were not suitable."
"Should I marry unhappily?"
Every word was measured.
Adelaide pushed back without raising her voice.
Victoria's patience was fading.
I stayed neutral.
"Let us calm down…"
"No. This ends today."
"Adelaide, choose."
"Marriage, or meet the next candidate."
"Father, look. She is forcing me."
A tear fell.
Victoria held her forehead.
Then Alfred spoke.
"As members of the royal family, we have duties."
"I never said I would not."
"When did you become like this?"
"You are still immature."
"Father, they are fighting."
"Why is sister always scolded?"
Chaos.
Absolute chaos.
This must never be shown to the public.
If this continues,
the illusion of the royal family may collapse.
I sighed quietly.
This needed to be resolved.
Before it was too late.
***
"So, Adelaide, you are saying you do not like any of the people your mother recommends?"
"That is what I have been saying."
"But before, you kept saying you wanted to go to balls. Lately, you do not go anymore."
"At that time, I thought there would be many wonderful men there. But no one meets my standards."
Beside her, Queen Victoria clicked her tongue and muttered that her standards were too high, but I pretended not to hear.
"Alright, alright. But no one is perfect. If you look at strengths instead of flaws, it may be easier to open your heart."
"I do not think I am asking for much."
Victoria could not hold back any longer.
"Not asking for much? You rejected dozens just because you did not like their faces!"
"But they really were not good. I asked for photos because paintings can lie. Photos cannot. And most of them looked worse than Father, who is nearly forty. How could I meet them? I am only seventeen. I am not in a hurry."
"I am not telling you to marry now. But you will marry eventually. You should at least meet suitable candidates."
So that was why she insisted on photos.
As the conversation continued, her preferences became clear.
Someone similar in age to me.
Kind.
Capable.
Not relying on family status.
With at least one personal achievement.
There were more conditions.
It was understandable why Victoria was frustrated.
It almost sounded like she simply did not want to marry.
She even said she wanted to start a business.
Every word irritated Victoria.
On the other hand, Alfred was unusually mature.
He constantly lectured his sister.
So they argued often.
When Beatrice and William grow up, what will happen then?
The eldest is burdened by the throne.
The eldest daughter refuses marriage without perfection.
The second son criticizes her constantly.
The youngest children enjoy the chaos.
Managing the family may be harder than expected.
If I die,
will the dignity of the royal family remain?
Honestly,
my confidence weakened.
No matter how much noise there is, the carriage moves forward.
Whether the royal family argues,
or American politicians shout,
the election continued.
As expected,
the result came.
"Greetings, Ambassador Córdoba. How have you been?"
"Thanks to Your Highness, very well. Why have you called me today?"
"It is about the matter we discussed before. It is time to speak more seriously."
Even if the children cause trouble, work cannot be ignored.
With approval from Charles Wellesley, I no longer needed to hesitate.
I served him coffee.
I spoke directly.
"If I invited you, you already know the topic."
"Ah, so this concerns Canada, not Britain. The United States, correct?"
"Yes. What is Spain's view?"
"We sent a telegram. They believe escalation is unlikely."
Foolish.
Even with clear hints, they still misjudge.
That is why Spain declined.
"No. Let me be clear. As of today, it is no longer a possibility. It is reality."
I handed him the report.
The South had seized gold from a federal mint.
Before Lincoln even took office.
His eyes widened.
"The South is more aggressive than expected…"
"Not only that. Pro-federal politicians are being expelled."
"They are serious."
"War…"
"If it happens, it will be far larger than Mexico."
"What is your position?"
"Britain remains neutral."
"But Canada cannot support the South openly."
"If the North wins easily, the United States will become stronger."
"Dominance in North America will be permanent."
Spain would not like that.
His expression stiffened.
"But Spain cannot intervene directly."
"Only Britain or France can."
"We do not want direct intervention."
"Europe must remain neutral."
"But we should all gain something."
"Like last time."
His expression changed.
Now he understood.
"Is the South lacking industry?"
"Yes. Most weapons come from the North."
"They will need supplies."
"I see."
"Then you need an intermediary."
"Exactly."
"We cooperate."
"But there are risks."
"If the North blockades the ports…"
"Do not worry."
"If weapons reach Cuba, we will handle the rest."
"You can bypass the blockade?"
"No need."
"At first, ports remain open."
"Later, we use Mexico."
"Mexico…"
Spain already had influence there.
Weapons could move by land.
The North could not control it.
Complicated.
But effective.
"And if questioned?"
"We say Mexico requested weapons."
"And Mexico?"
"They will cooperate."
"They fear the United States."
"That is enough."
"Good. We understand each other."
"Indeed."
Spain would act as intermediary.
Canada would supply weapons.
The war would last longer.
Perhaps even divide the United States.
The ambassador left.
I called the American ambassador.
I expressed concern.
He insisted unity would remain.
He believed it.
He was wrong.
[Lincoln declares rebellion will be suppressed]
[Government refuses to interfere with slavery]
[Jefferson Davis rejects compromise]
Tension reached its limit.
Then,
it broke.
[Fort Sumter bombarded]
[South Carolina secedes]
War began.