Washington D.C., capital of the United States.
War Command.
President Abraham Lincoln found himself doubting his ears as he listened to the latest reports.
There were no longer any fools in this command who dismissed the Southern army as nothing more than ignorant farmers in rebellion. The South had prepared for this war in a systematic and deliberate manner, and they were executing a strategy that steadily inflicted damage on the Union.
At this point, their objective had become clear. No matter how much damage they suffered, they intended to inflict a similar level of damage on the Union and prolong the war.
Even so, Lincoln never doubted the Union's victory. This was not blind confidence. Based on objective indicators alone, there was no reason for the Union to lose.
From the generals in the command to veteran officers and even the Secretary of War, all concluded through cold and rational analysis that the South could not achieve its goals. Their resistance might seem powerful now, but eventually it would reach its limits.
Lincoln believed that once the Anaconda Plan devised by Winfield Scott was fully implemented, the Union's true counteroffensive would begin. Of course, this did not mean the Union forces were idle. Their initial strategy was to slowly pressure the enemy using their overwhelming superiority in manpower and resources.
However, as time passed, reports began to diverge from expectations.
"The South's resistance is extremely strong. In the recent West Virginia campaign, General McClellan failed to completely drive them out. Their level of armament was far superior to what we had anticipated."
"That makes no sense. Are we saying our intelligence is that poor? Those regions were part of the Union just last year. How could we misjudge their equipment like this?"
"Sir… it is not confirmed yet, but it appears they may be receiving weapons from elsewhere."
"…Receiving weapons?"
General-in-Chief Winfield Scott let out a sigh as he ran a hand through his white hair.
"General McClellan brought back several rifles used by Southern troops. Some of them differ from the weapons we use."
"Could the South have produced inferior weapons out of necessity?"
"If that were the case, I would not be this concerned. These weapons are not inferior to ours. In fact, they may be superior. The reason McClellan brought them is because the South should not possess the capability to produce such weapons, yet some units are clearly using them."
"…You are saying they are using weapons that are not from the Union?"
It was well known that most of the United States' manufacturing capacity was concentrated in the North. While the South might have managed limited production through desperate effort, producing weapons superior to Union arms was impossible.
"Our current standard weapon is the Enfield rifled musket imported from Britain."
"I have heard that the Springfield Armory is producing excellent rifles as well."
"That is true, but production capacity has not yet caught up. That is why we import Enfields in large quantities. The South did the same. However, the rifles they used recently were different."
At first, it seemed like a trivial difference. But the explanation proved otherwise.
"The modification is not something improvised. It is a practical, scientifically grounded improvement. Simply put, the loading method has been changed. The result is that loading speed has increased by roughly three times."
"…Three times?"
"Yes. Our troops suffered heavy losses because they were facing weapons they had never encountered before. West Virginia was a front we had to win. Failing to secure it is a major strategic setback."
Virginia, divided into East and West, had become a key battleground. The Union failed to drive out the South, and while the result was technically inconclusive, given the scale of resources committed, it was effectively a defeat.
"If the South did not develop this themselves, then where…"
"If they did not produce it, then they imported it. And only a few nations can produce such weapons."
"Britain, France… perhaps Russia or Prussia."
"Russia can be excluded. They do not have the capacity right now. France and Prussia lack the means to supply the South at scale."
That left only one answer.
Britain.
"…So it is the British Empire again."
The Secretary of State explained further.
"Britain has declared neutrality. They have even rejected the South's request for recognition. France has not yet decided."
"Then could France be behind this?"
"It is possible, but there is no evidence of large-scale shipments. Meanwhile, Britain has major facilities in Canada, and transport ships have been active there."
"…So Britain betrayed us…"
But the next report complicated matters.
"All weapons produced in Canada have been shipped to Spain. There is no direct evidence of transfer to the South."
"…Spain."
Lincoln and Scott both frowned.
Scott spoke with open anger.
"Sir, the answer is clear. Spain is doing exactly what it did in the Mexican War."
"Spain is buying weapons from Canada and reselling them to the South?"
"It is a reasonable conclusion. Spain has signed massive arms contracts with Canada, far beyond what Cuba could require."
"Mexico is also importing weapons. That should be investigated."
The mood shifted instantly from blaming Britain to condemning Spain. Some generals even called for immediate demands and, if refused, war.
"Those bastards are provoking us."
"This cannot be tolerated. Our real enemy may not be Britain or the South, but Spain."
Lincoln sighed.
"Send a telegram to our ambassador in Britain and investigate thoroughly. Dispatch agents to Canada as well. We will protest to Spain, but we cannot open another front right now."
Fighting the South was already difficult enough. Declaring war on Spain was impossible.
Still, if these new weapons became standard for the South, the consequences would be severe.
The Union command grew increasingly troubled.
The Union moved immediately.
"What does Ambassador Adams report?"
"He says Britain claims no knowledge and has begun an investigation."
"Fools. They did not notice their weapons being diverted?"
"We cannot demand they stop exports. There is no such clause in the contract."
"…Britain would not make such a mistake."
These were not old Enfields but newly modified weapons. There was no way Britain sold them carelessly, nor could Spain divert them without permission.
"…Then Britain is allowing this."
"Yes, that is our conclusion."
"What about Canada?"
"They gave the same response."
The conclusion was obvious.
Feign ignorance.
Blame others.
Lincoln made a decisive move.
He sent William H. Seward to London.
"Welcome. It has been some time since a U.S. official visited personally."
"I had no choice. The situation demanded it."
Killian welcomed him calmly and prepared coffee, even serving it over ice in consideration of American tastes.
"Please."
"Thank you."
After a sip, Seward spoke.
"The Southern rebels are strengthening using British weapons. This cannot be ignored."
"We have investigated. Britain has not directly supplied them. Only Spain received these weapons."
"Then Spain is diverting them. Can Britain intervene?"
"Unfortunately, no."
Killian shook his head calmly.
"The contract lacks such provisions. We did not expect Spain to act this way."
"…I see. Then I must confirm. Britain did not intend for these weapons to reach the South?"
"Of course not."
"Then any action we take will not involve Britain."
"Once the weapons were transferred to Spain, they ceased to be our responsibility."
That was the answer Seward needed.
If American forces destroyed Spanish ships carrying those weapons, Britain could not protest.
Satisfied, Seward finished his drink and rose.
Killian watched him quietly, finishing his own coffee and dessert without a word.
***
"The North must be feeling the pressure."
"Indeed. I did not expect the Secretary of State himself to come."
"They thought it would be an easy victory, but the opponent is stronger than expected, and now they have new weapons. It would be strange if they did not panic."
The South had always had higher morale. Giving them better weapons only made it inevitable that they would fight well. The early completion of the improved Enfield rifle was a stroke of luck for the South and a misfortune for the North.
"By the way, I heard that new rifle was improved by Your Highness. They are calling it the Killian Enfield in Canada. How did you even come up with that? First a machine gun, now a rifle improvement. Did you know Disraeli once seriously wondered if you receive divine revelations?"
"Divine revelation? If God were truly giving knowledge, would it be about weapons that kill people? He would give something that allows everyone to live peacefully. Something like a perpetual motion machine that ignores the laws of physics."
"…That does make sense."
Charles Wellesley looked at me as if trying to figure out what I really was, but what I had done was not that extraordinary. To be honest, I had no knowledge of how to build a machine gun or even a musket. The actual work was done by scientists who continued their research and development on site.
I simply gave suggestions. Even though I was exempted from full military service in my previous life, I had still gone through training and learned the basics. I knew how a firearm was loaded and fired, so I could offer guidance. Since everything I suggested was within the technological limits of the time, creating a machine gun or improving the Enfield was not particularly difficult.
Of course, from their perspective, it would seem like an unusual leap of imagination. But that could be explained away as talent. Anything beyond the reach of current technology, however, was impossible no matter what.
If I could figure out nitrogen fixation and produce artificial fertilizer, the impact would far surpass any firearm improvement. Humanity had not escaped the Malthusian trap until the late 19th century. Unfortunately, I only knew the term, not the method. Still, I continued searching for a solution. Perhaps before I die, it would bear fruit.
For now, it was enough that we could stably produce the improved rifle known as the Killian Enfield.
"As per your advice, we are maintaining neutrality for now. But if the North begins openly pressuring Spain, could the situation not change?"
"No. Spain does not see anything else right now."
"…I did meet the Spanish ambassador before. He seemed like a man dragged straight out of the 17th century. Just how much did you influence him?"
"I did not do much. I simply mentioned that this might be an opportunity to restore the glory of the old Spanish Empire."
"That is exactly what influence means."
Spain's internal struggles were an open secret across Europe. When a once-great nation declines, it tends to cling to past glory and shift blame outward. From the Mexican War to this Civil War, this was a chance Spain could not ignore. It offered a path to restore influence in South America while redirecting internal unrest outward.
The Spanish leadership had already made it clear they would ignore Northern pressure completely. As for me, I could simply watch from the sidelines.
"I heard the Liberal Party say Spain wants to purchase warships. Their demands seem even higher than before."
"That only benefits us. Give them whatever they ask. We provide the goods and collect payment."
"And if they fail to pay?"
"Even better. We take concessions and assets instead."
Spain had secured enormous promises from the South. However, there was a problem. These were not immediately convertible into cash. The South could not afford to pay for everything directly, especially not warships.
The newly named Killian Enfield rifles were priced high, and since the South was purchasing through Spain, the costs doubled. It was inevitable that payment would come in the form of rights and concessions instead of cash.
Spain understood this. The deal only existed because both sides saw value in it. If the South won, the profit would be astronomical.
But I had no intention of letting Spain take everything.
"…So you are suggesting we strike our ally from behind?"
"If you put it that way, it sounds terrible. We are not betraying them. We are simply adjusting the balance."
"It sounds the same to me."
"It is different. Betrayal would mean breaking contracts or deliberately sabotaging them. I am fulfilling Spain's wishes. If they fail afterward, that is their responsibility."
"That is true. And personally, I prefer this approach. Spain's peak ended long ago under Queen Elizabeth. I do not understand why they cling to the past."
As expected, the Prime Minister was not someone who would speak of loyalty to allies. If anything, he would exploit them even more enthusiastically.
In that sense, Spain and France should be grateful to me. I was merely adjusting the balance, not exploiting them outright.
"Then I will leave the next steps to you, Prime Minister. You know what to do. Use the Foreign Office and pass the information to France. That will be enough."
"Would it not be more effective if you handled it?"
"I would like to, but after the incident with Edward, Victoria scolded me thoroughly. I need to behave for a while."
"You have a harmonious marriage. Another addition to the royal family will be a blessing for the Empire."
"…A blessing, is it."
I was nearing forty, and my stamina was not what it used to be, but saying that aloud would only invite ridicule. Listening to Wellesley's quiet complaints, I nodded and stood up.
Among European nations, the ones paying closest attention to the American Civil War were three.
The British Empire, Spain, and France.
Unlike Britain, which at least maintained the appearance of supporting the North for the sake of international reputation, France openly showed signs of leaning toward the South. While Britain had refused to recognize the Confederacy, France continued to give vague responses.
Initially, French opinion leaned against intervention unless Britain joined. However, everything changed once intelligence arrived that Spain planned to use the war to expand into South America.
If Spain could gain influence there, France had no reason to stand aside. It would be better to seize the opportunity themselves.
With Britain already dominating the most valuable colonies, France needed new territories to compete, especially against rising powers like Prussia. South America, with its population and resources, became an obvious target.
Most importantly, Spain's actions suggested that conditions were favorable for re-entry into the region.
The king and the prime minister were already leaning toward intervention, discussing timing.
Then urgent news arrived from London.
"Spain is planning to sell British warships to the South."
"…Are you certain?"
"Yes. The information is reliable."
"That means Spain has no intention of coexisting with the North."
Supplying warships was effectively a declaration of hostility.
"If that happens, the North's naval advantage will be weakened."
"Exactly. Even if it does not allow the South to blockade ports, it will balance the situation."
"…We intended to intervene when the South was cornered, but this complicates things."
"Yes. With Spain continuously supplying arms, the war may remain balanced."
Their original strategy was no longer viable.
Delay would only strengthen Spain's position.
"Prime Minister, what is your view?"
"The South is performing better than expected. That is not entirely bad. If they preserve their strength, our losses will be reduced when we intervene."
"So the reward decreases, but so does the risk."
"As long as we establish competition with Spain, we will not lose."
The key was gaining entry into the American continent.
That alone justified action.
"The Southern envoy is still here?"
"Yes. He is awaiting our answer."
"Then we should give them what they want most."
Recognition.
France would recognize the Confederacy as a sovereign state.
The consequences would be immense.
But the decision had already been made.
The die had been cast.