Originally, the United States Department of Justice existed in name only, consisting of the Attorney General without a fully developed institutional structure.
The role of the Attorney General was limited to providing legal advice to the President and cabinet members, so there had been little need to establish it as a formal department.
However, as social instability increased and public order began to waver, the need for a powerful enforcement body grew.
Andrew Johnson strongly urged Abraham Lincoln to elevate the Department of Justice into a full institution.
It was also granted significant authority to supervise federal prosecutors.
To avoid suspicion that he was pursuing power, Johnson even declared in advance that he would not take the position of Attorney General.
But his true target lay elsewhere.
"The United States faces an unprecedented crisis. If we remain idle, agents sent by the South will infiltrate our society and corrode it from within. Our current legal system differs by state, making it difficult to punish such threats consistently. The enemy knows this weakness well.
Therefore, we need a federal-level enforcement body with strong judicial authority."
It sounded convincing.
With public fear of Southern agents already widespread, citizens strongly supported his proposal.
"I pledged before the election to root out traitors within our society. I will temporarily oversee the investigative bureau under the Department of Justice to ensure the safety of our citizens."
The United States traditionally valued state autonomy, but after the war, public opinion favored stronger federal control.
Even Johnson had not originally intended to go this far.
But the political climate had become extreme.
The more aggressively he targeted opponents, the more support he gained.
By the time he realized the danger, it was too late to stop.
"Vice President, the authority granted to this new Federal Bureau seems excessive."
"Your Excellency, this is what the people demand. They want traitors eliminated."
"…But how do we identify these traitors? Do we have any concrete method?"
There was none.
Lincoln sighed.
Johnson had pushed for the creation of this bureau despite breaking precedent.
Now, results were expected.
But the supposed traitors did not exist.
"So this is what happens when fear is pushed too far…"
Lincoln rubbed his temples.
"If you begin targeting opposition politicians without evidence, this country will lose its freedom. Do not cross that line."
"…Understood."
Yet Johnson could not abandon the idea entirely.
"If there are traitors, we must find them."
Even if none existed,
they had to be found.
Investigations began.
Agents were dispatched.
Reports came back.
Nothing.
After months of searching, Johnson felt despair.
Lincoln, too, felt the burden of leading a divided nation.
The North blamed the South.
The South blamed the North.
Both used each other as justification for control.
Even the President could not easily stop it.
Had he lost the election, perhaps things would have been easier.
But if someone else had taken power, the situation might have been worse.
At least he could still prevent the worst excesses.
Still, the situation was precarious.
If the accusations proved baseless, the backlash would destroy not only him, but the entire Republican Party.
"…And now, at a time like this, we have a visitor."
As if matters were not already complicated, a foreign dignitary arrived.
Killian Gore.
A figure difficult to judge.
Neither clearly friend nor enemy.
Compared to France or Prussia, he seemed relatively favorable.
Yet his true intentions remained unclear.
Lincoln prepared carefully.
The meeting, however, proceeded smoothly.
Even productively.
"Regarding the Panama Canal, there will be no discrimination against the United States."
"That assurance is appreciated."
"Of course. The United States will be one of its primary users."
Killian emphasized cooperation.
His stance appeared more favorable to the North than the South.
Lincoln listened carefully.
Then Killian spoke again.
"I understand you have concerns."
Lincoln paused.
A foreign guest addressing internal matters.
Unusual.
"I have something important to show you."
Killian handed over a sealed letter.
Marked with the royal seal.
Lincoln read it.
His expression changed.
"…This is…"
"Difficult to say aloud. Please remember it."
Lincoln looked up.
For the first time, he understood.
Killian was not merely a royal.
He was a politician.
And a dangerous one.
"What is your intention in showing me this?"
"A gesture of goodwill. Compensation for the difficulties we caused during the war."
The contents were clear.
Communists would soon rise in the South.
And spread north.
They could be labeled as enemies of society.
A perfect justification.
Lincoln felt something shift within him.
Fear disappeared.
Replaced by certainty.
The invisible traitors now had a face.
Communists.
The solution had been handed to him.
And with it,
a weapon.
***
"…I would like to hear more details."
He had maintained his composure well, but the moment the most urgent issue came up, it showed plainly on his face.
In another time, Abraham Lincoln might have been remembered as a symbol of unity and reconciliation. Instead, born into this era, he was forced into endless hardship.
Had he been a man of the British Empire rather than the United States, perhaps we could have maintained a far better relationship.
Still, I had shown him consideration.
According to my advice, in this world as well, Lincoln would be remembered as the hero who saved the North from the tide of communism.
He would not be assassinated, and would live a long life, honored for his achievements.
In that sense, it was almost something he should thank me for.
"Your Highness, could you explain how you arrived at this conclusion?"
"Which part concerns you?"
"How does it follow that communists will rise in the South?"
"I wrote it in the letter."
"That is precisely what I do not understand. How did you obtain such information?"
It was a reasonable question.
No president would blindly accept intelligence without verification.
"I mentioned it. The group planning to bring communists to the American continent is the NBA."
"The leader of the NBA, King James, is connected to the British Empire… are you suggesting…"
"Not directly. But the NBA seeks black liberation, and many of its members have ties to Canada. Among them are individuals who do not favor communism. Information flows naturally through such channels."
"I see. I had been too preoccupied to notice."
The explanation was prepared in advance, and it worked well.
At the same time, it allowed me to present myself as a concerned ally.
"You may not feel it yet, but communism will become a serious threat to all capitalist nations. Canada and the United States must build mutual trust and act together to contain it."
"I have heard that its influence in Europe is growing rapidly."
"Rapid is an understatement. You will understand once you see it yourself."
People rarely grasp the severity of a problem until they experience it firsthand.
Even now, aside from Paris, most of Europe still treated it as a distant issue.
Some even used the situation to tighten control further.
Russia, for example, had passed measures allowing wages to be cut drastically for minor infractions, and refused to ease conditions even for women after childbirth.
Such a system could not endure.
Eventually, something would break.
"When communism erupts in the South, will it not affect Canada as well?"
"I have considered that. It will not be a major problem."
If anything, those fleeing the chaos would only strengthen us.
"I appreciate your guidance. This may resolve both our present crisis and future concerns."
"I am glad it was helpful."
"Are you certain you want nothing in return?"
"I have already told you. Consider it a gesture of goodwill, or compensation for the difficulties caused by the last war."
Lincoln remained cautious.
No one trusts a favor without cost.
But that was expected.
Once the groundwork is laid, the next words carry greater weight.
I lowered my voice slightly.
"My true intention is simple. I want the United States to stop the spread of communism before it reaches Canada."
"I see."
"Though divided, your nation remains connected. What happens in the South will affect the North. Your response will determine everything. So I ask only one thing. Act decisively. Without hesitation."
"If that is the case, then I understand. We will ensure that this wave does not reach Canada."
That was enough.
The barrier had been set.
All that remained was to wait.
In the South, fear and control intensified with each passing day.
Blaming everything on black slaves could not be sustained indefinitely.
At the same time, the South had no choice but to industrialize.
That process demanded enormous sacrifice.
"Remove limits on working hours? Traitor!"
"Six days of work is not enough! While we rest, the North prepares for war!"
"Work! Do not stop!"
This was the reality.
When Friedrich Engels arrived and witnessed it, he was stunned.
Even the harsh conditions of Europe seemed mild by comparison.
The justification was economic recovery.
But the methods were extreme.
Slaves were driven harder than ever.
Workers were pushed in the name of patriotism.
A double system of exploitation.
Leaders knew slavery could not last forever.
Eventually, it would end.
And when it did, the economy would collapse unless industry replaced it.
But the South lacked the resources and technology to compete with the North.
So they compensated with labor.
Cheap.
Endless.
Exhausted.
To them, it was temporary.
To Engels, it was madness.
"This is not just a slave state. Workers are treated no differently."
Beside him, Mikhail Bakunin spoke with intensity.
"There is no better place for revolution."
Engels did not disagree.
"James, you said you had a plan."
"Of course. If you agree, we can begin immediately."
Before arriving, Engels had hesitated.
Now, after seeing it with his own eyes, there was no doubt.
A fleeing slave was caught.
Beaten.
Nearly to death.
"Kill him!"
"Wait, is that not destruction of property?"
"Runaway slaves can be killed."
The scene was unbearable.
Hatred grew.
Not toward the slaves,
but toward the system.
"Please… reduce working hours…"
"Spy!"
"Get out if you do not want to work!"
The madness was complete.
If they turned away now, they had no right to call themselves representatives of workers.
"James, what is your plan?"
"The South uses large detective agencies, similar to Pinkerton. They employ veterans and function like private armies. We will use them."
"…They will help us?"
"They already are."
Influence.
Money.
Preparation.
Everything had been arranged.
"The International will organize workers. Once they gather, the movement will spread."
Workers.
Citizens.
All united by resentment.
Revolution would no longer be a dream.
"Then let us begin."
Engels' voice was firm.
"We will overthrow this nation and build a socialist republic."
The decision had been made.
The fire had been lit.
And soon,
it would spread.
***
There is a saying that the human brain is not structured to process negation.
When skiing, if you stare at a tree and think, "I must not hit that tree," then all you end up seeing is the tree.
That is why people say you should focus on the path rather than the obstacles when going downhill, though I cannot confirm it myself since I am not particularly good at skiing.
Regardless of whether that is true, it is certain that negative and unpleasant news tends to lodge itself more deeply in people's minds.
On top of that, the human brain is remarkably deceitful. It does not store information as it is, but instead reconstructs it however it pleases and remembers only what suits it.
Simply put, people only see what they want to see.
This holds true regardless of country or era. Human nature has never changed.
Canada was no different.
Warm and uplifting stories were always overshadowed by negative and sensational news.
What was currently setting Canada ablaze was discrimination against it compared to the mainland.
In truth, I had expected this topic to begin surfacing sooner or later.
When Canada had been far poorer than the mainland, people had simply accepted it. But now, Canada was developing at an alarming pace.
The western regions, where immigrants were still pouring in and settling, were one thing, but cities like Montreal and Toronto were already comparable to major European metropolises.
Even so, a colony was still a colony.
Canada, as a territory of the British Empire, clearly had its rights restricted compared to those of the mainland, and dissatisfaction with this was steadily growing.
In particular, unlike other colonies, Canada had developed the peculiar notion that it was, in name, my personal domain and thus a direct royal territory. This perception only made the issue more pronounced.
Furthermore, it was the place where the royal heir and his sister had been born and raised, and they continued to visit regularly. It would not be unreasonable for people to think of it as no different from the mainland.
With industrial development accelerating after the last war, major cities were now prosperous. Naturally, people would not be pleased to continue bearing the label of a colony.
When I visited Canada, not only members of the Canadian Parliament but also representatives of the citizens had voiced these grievances.
Naturally, I intended to resolve this issue as well, all at once.
"Recently, there has been increasing talk about integration with the mainland. Do your subordinates say the same?"
"That is what they say. In truth, although legal rights are somewhat restricted, working here is far more comfortable than in the mainland, so it may sound like a complaint born of abundance. Still, it is not incomprehensible."
If such complaints were openly circulating even within the James Group, then it could soon escalate into a social issue.
"But are you certain of that? I hear you hardly involve yourself in company affairs these days."
"Your Highness, at my age, do you think I still concern myself with practical matters? Even if I remain still, all important information within the group reaches me."
"Is that other you, the one moving about in the South with socialist activists, part of that arrangement as well?"
At my joking remark, James, who had been leaning back in his chair sipping tea, let the corner of his mouth twitch.
"He performs his role very well. I hired him because his demeanor resembles mine, but he acts convincingly, never misses communication or reports, and is excellent at improvisation. He is the most satisfactory double I have had so far."
"As long as he handles the work well, I have no objections. The fact that he managed to win over Engels and bring him to the South already proves his capability, so make sure to take good care of him."
Whether they knew it or not, the James currently with Engels was, of course, not the real James.
To begin with, too many people knew the face of James, one of the richest men in the world. There was no way he could disguise himself as a socialist and operate openly.
Moreover, James was no longer young. If I sent him to play such a role, he might very well abandon everything and disappear.
At his age, he deserved to be treated accordingly.
"If the South erupts, the North will inevitably be stirred as well, and Canada will be affected. The best way to bury negative issues is with even greater negative issues."
"Could that not cause a wave of communism to spread to Canada as well?"
"With me here, what wave of communism could possibly take hold? Of course, we must still create a sense of crisis. That will make it easier to achieve my objective."
James, who already knew what I intended to do, gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
"Your Highness, I can say with certainty that no one else would handle a colonial issue in such a manner. I find myself wondering what you must eat on a daily basis to come up with such plans."
"I wonder about that myself sometimes."
"I have heard that in the East, there is a belief that if one accumulates enough virtue in a previous life, one is reborn with great wisdom and high status. From that perspective, perhaps Your Highness has accumulated much virtue. Though, of course, that is not a very Christian way of thinking."
"Hmm… perhaps I did accumulate quite a bit of virtue."
Come to think of it, could being sent from the future to the past be called a previous life?
It was certainly a past life, though the point in time had been the future. In any case, it was still a previous life.
Back then, I had dealt with countless fraudsters.
Considering how many scoundrels I had eliminated, perhaps that could be considered a form of merit.
Setting aside the fact that my methods had been fraud as well.
"Even so, Your Highness, it may be best for you to refrain from stepping forward too often from now on. It would ease the pressure on His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Edward? He seems to have steadied himself lately. Now that you mention it, what is your assessment of Edward? No matter how I try, I cannot evaluate him objectively since he is my son."
No matter what, a father could not help but view his children favorably.
Even when I asked Victoria, she said Edward was more than sufficient, but a mother's evaluation of her son was perhaps the least reliable thing in the world.
"Our son is intelligent, he just does not study."
Anyone from the modern era would have heard that at least once.
Disraeli? Wellesley? They were no help either.
They had cared for Edward like their own child since he was young, so to them, the Crown Prince was always the best.
Thinking about it, perhaps Adelaide's standards for men had risen endlessly because of such excessive praise from those around her.
If my daughter ended up unable to marry and became a spinster, I would have to hold those men responsible and make them find her a suitable husband.
In that regard, James was someone who only saw Edward occasionally and was known for his cold, objective evaluations, even toward his own family. His judgment could be trusted.
"My evaluation of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince… shall I speak objectively, without any personal bias?"
"That is exactly what I want. Even if he is utterly hopeless, I will not be angry, so speak honestly."
"He is certainly not that. Objectively speaking, His Royal Highness is intelligent and possesses strong intuition. When I saw him recently, he had improved significantly compared to before. As for inheriting the throne of the British Empire… or should I say the Imperial throne now, it will pose no problem at all. If one were to ask whether there is any royal in Europe as qualified as him, I would say there is none."
Hmm, is that so?
Indeed, it seemed I had raised my children well.
"Ahem, is that so? Well, it is not merely because he is my son, but even when I look around, there are few children as capable as he is. If I had to name one, perhaps Alfred, my second son."
Who am I?
I am the consort of the greatest empire, with an heir acknowledged as the most brilliant in Europe by the greatest businessman in the world.
Even if I tried not to show it, I could feel the corners of my mouth lifting.
It made me understand why, regardless of era, even the wealthiest individuals were affected by their children's achievements.
No matter how successful one was, if one failed in raising children, the shadow never left their face.
Even Victoria's conversations with her acquaintances had changed.
In the past, they spoke of politics and culture, but recently, the main topic was their children.
Duchesses and countesses alike constantly worried about their sons' marriages or elections. When someone's son was elected at a young age through his own efforts, admiration and envy poured in, and that mother would hold her head high with pride.
Such was the importance of children to their parents.
I was no exception, and I was in an excellent mood, but James added with a bitter smile.
"Your Highness, I have not finished speaking."
"Hmm? If he is clearly excellent, then is that not enough?"
"That is only in absolute terms. The problem is that everything in this world is relative. You are measuring His Royal Highness against yourself. That is his misfortune."
"…That is why I have been personally training him recently."
"There is no doubt about his talent, but having observed both of you since youth, His Royal Highness does not reach the level of Your Highness. That is unfortunate, but undeniable."
That could not be helped.
It was not merely a matter of talent. Compared to me, who possessed knowledge from the future, anyone would inevitably seem lacking.
It was not that I was truly the greatest man in the world, but that others could not help but see me that way.
"Even so, that is more than sufficient. It means he can serve as the bridge to integrate Canada into the mainland."
"Will you use His Royal Highness as the symbol of integration this time as well?"
"Of course. There is no one within the empire who carries as much symbolic weight as he does. Not even myself, nor any of my other children."
Aside from Edward and Adelaide, the other children had been born in Britain and had no childhood memories of Canada.
Moreover, Edward was not merely a prince. He was the future king of this nation and the heir to my titles.
There could be no more suitable figure to serve as the symbol of integration.
James studied me carefully, then let out a quiet sigh and shook his head.
"I wondered how long you would remain at ease, but if His Royal Highness Edward is involved, then I must take action as well."
"Of course. Not only Edward, but other members of Parliament will also be coming to Canada this time, so I would appreciate it if you could manage the timing carefully."
"Other members? Will Disraeli be coming as well?"
"No, not him, but there will be quite a range. From the opposition, John Russell, and from the government, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, who has been designated as the next Secretary of State for India."
"Robert? Ah, the Marquess of Salisbury's…"
"Yes. Though he is only in his early thirties, he has already been appointed to such a position. One could say his abilities have more than been proven."
Disraeli and Gladstone would, in any case, align with me, so persuading other members would make it easier to advance the plan.
Robert, too, was effectively one of my followers, so he would not oppose me. Moreover, as a central figure among younger politicians, there could be no better person to set the tone.
"I will send instructions to accelerate matters in the South. When are they expected to arrive?"
"At the earliest, early to mid next year. Robert will need time to assume his new office."
"That is tight, but not impossible if we proceed diligently."
A parliamentary inspection of Canada to discuss integration.
If, at that exact moment, a great revolution were to erupt in the South, and the members were to witness its aftermath, what would happen?
James, who had been quietly smiling with me, slowly rose to his feet.
"This will likely be the last time I move personally on the ground, so I will make it as spectacular as possible. Ah, by the way, have you heard?"
"…Hmm? Is there something else I should know?"
"It is news from a scholarship foundation in California. Since Your Highness has not heard of it, it may simply be an unfounded rumor."
California was a gateway for Asians. Had something happened there?
"There has been no report from the embassies of Joseon or Japan."
"I only heard it three days ago. You are aware that many students there are the children of high-ranking Asian officials. It is said that, while drinking, they spoke of Japan and Joseon advancing together onto the continent."
I almost dismissed it as drunken nonsense from idle dreamers.
With how busy things already were, I had no time to take such talk seriously.
I let out a faint scoff and was about to stand when an inexplicable sense of unease rose within me, causing me to pause.
Nonsense from dreamers… surely that was all it was.
***
The citizens of the South.
And the leaders who guided them.
At the beginning, none of them had imagined things would turn out this way.
"Independence! Independence!"
"Long live the Confederate States of America!"
Most people do not possess particularly complex ways of thinking.
In an age where higher education was not the norm, the majority viewed the world in simple terms.
The reason they had gone to war in the first place was equally simple.
To protect their homeland, their families, and their property.
Talk of states' rights held little real interest for most, and few people seriously discussed such matters.
Southern politicians understood this well, so when they rallied the people, they did not rely on political theory.
Drive out the wicked and greedy Northern Yankees.
If we expel them, we can protect our homeland and enjoy our independence.
In truth, recognizing slavery did not mean that every Southern citizen lived like a wealthy aristocrat commanding slaves.
A significant portion of the Southern population was poor, and those poor citizens found only vicarious comfort in watching the small number of wealthy individuals who owned slaves.
Someday, I too want to live like those successful white men who command slaves.
That aspiration was the driving force sustaining Southern society.
But…
"Damn it… how long do we have to live like this?"
"Didn't we win the war? Didn't they say everything would be better once we gained independence?"
"They said we didn't win it on our own."
"Still, isn't it strange? They said everything would work out once we became independent, but life feels even harder than before. Doesn't it?"
For years, the citizens of the South had fought and bled on the battlefield with the single-minded determination to protect their homeland.
Compared to the North, which had a vastly larger population, the South had waged a total war to the extent that almost every young man capable of bearing arms had seen combat.
That brutal and desperate war had finally come to an end, and the people believed they would now be able to rest and live in peace.
But reality was cold.
[If we do not increase production, the North will swallow our nation!]
[If we do not achieve industrial development, we will be absorbed by the North!]
[If we show even the slightest weakness, the Blacks will escape and attempt to destroy the system of slavery!]
[The Blacks are growing increasingly dissatisfied with their condition and are working less diligently!]
[Patriots! Labor is the path to defending the nation!]
Why had life become so difficult?
When would they finally enjoy the sweetness of the independence they had been promised?
Anger surged within them.
They had lost fathers, sons, and friends.
They had sacrificed countless loved ones to gain independence, and this was all they had to show for it?
That could not be right. It could not be.
The anger built, but there was no outlet.
They needed someone to direct that anger toward.
[It is because Yankee invaders are inciting the Blacks and stirring social unrest!]
The government continued to insist as much.
[Have we not improved the treatment of slaves in recent times? We even enacted absurd laws stating that masters who fail to act as proper masters would lose ownership of their slaves, all to improve their conditions. And what has been the result?]
"So the North is inciting the Blacks now?"
"Are they saying the country could fall again if we let our guard down?"
"No more war. Absolutely not."
The fear of war, which had shattered their once peaceful lives, had been etched into every citizen of the South like a trauma.
And that fear was used to spread a kind of madness across the nation.
If society grew unstable, the North would invade, and the Blacks who dreamed of freedom would rise up.
The entire world was an enemy, along with those who sided with them.
The citizens were left with only two choices.
To remain silent and obedient, enduring exploitation in factories.
Or to root out supposed Northern spies among those who voiced dissatisfaction.
But such a life could not be sustained forever.
Moreover, they could not understand why complaining about hardship after being worked endlessly would make them Northern agents.
If one said the work was hard because it was hard, did that make them a Northern operative?
A growing sense of desperation spread among them, yet there was no way to express it.
The moment someone shouted, "Life is too hard. You politicians and capitalists, try living like this for a day," they would be branded a subversive.
But then, at that very moment.
[Unite. Unite, workers of the nation.]
[You are being deceived. The ones you should direct your anger toward are neither the North nor the Blacks. The true enemies are the capitalists who exploit us.]
A clear answer appeared.
Young men who seemed educated began appearing throughout towns, explaining exactly why people were living such miserable lives.
"Dear citizens, comrades. You have been looking in the wrong direction. But that is not your fault. Wicked forces have blinded your eyes and closed your ears, deceiving you."
"Hey, you will get arrested if you say things like that."
"Then let them arrest me. Someone must speak the truth. Someone must raise their voice and tell you what is really happening."
Agents stationed everywhere with government support, for some reason, did not arrest these young men.
Even when they were arrested, they somehow escaped and returned to spread their message again.
A new organization, the American Workers' Union, was established, and the scattered workers of the South gradually began to unite.
"That's right. We were being deceived."
"They say if we don't work fourteen hours a day, the North will invade? Who even started that nonsense?"
No matter how unreasonable the Northern Yankees might be, would they truly attack simply because working hours were reduced?
If that were the case, would they refrain from invading when people worked fourteen hours, only to suddenly think, "They only work ten hours now. This is our chance," and attack?
If anything, seeing people exhausted from working fourteen hours would make them more likely to invade, believing there would be no strength left to resist.
As the American Workers' Union grew in influence, the renowned European socialist Friedrich Engels personally appeared and urged workers and citizens to awaken and unite.
"Think carefully about who has oppressed and exploited you. Who dragged you into factories and forced you to labor? Was it the Northern Yankees? Or the Black slaves?"
"No."
"Exactly. It was neither. Yet we have been misled by those who exploit us, directing our anger toward entirely different targets. Why? Because they feared we might realize who our true enemy is. Open your eyes. There are no agents trying to overthrow this country. The Blacks are not your enemies."
"Then are you saying slavery should be abolished?"
"If slavery is abolished, how many of you will be affected? If there is anyone here who owns a large plantation and commands slaves, raise your hand."
No one did.
After all, maintaining slaves required resources, and only a small privileged class of plantation owners could afford it.
"Look around. Not a single person. Then why must you shed blood and sweat to uphold a system that benefits you not at all? Those above you live comfortably, commanding slaves without lifting a finger. Why are you the ones wearing chains on your necks, serving as their guards?"
"But most people here believe that one day they too will live like those successful men who command slaves."
"That is the illusion. Open your eyes. Look at your lives. You wake at dawn and go to the factory, working fourteen, sixteen hours. When the day ends, you are too exhausted to return home and sleep at the factory or collapse into bed. Then you wake and repeat the same routine. Every day, until your body breaks and no longer obeys you.
Now tell me, aside from status, what difference is there between you and those Black slaves? You are given the sweet illusion that you too may succeed one day, while being continuously exploited. That is their design."
When they thought about it, it was true.
They believed they were different, that one day they would command slaves, but in reality, what difference was there?
The only difference was that the Blacks were slaves of plantation owners, while they themselves were slaves of factory owners.
"Open your eyes. You are not living such harsh lives because you are lacking or because you are at fault."
It was the one thing people most wanted to hear.
Everything up to this point had been a carefully constructed scheme by the bourgeoisie to monopolize the nation's wealth.
The citizens were merely innocent victims, manipulated by their schemes.
"President Jefferson must explain himself."
"We do not want to live in chains."
"Provide proof that the North will invade."
"Stop making excuses and give us at least one day of rest per week. Let us breathe."
Cracks began to form in the dam that had been holding everything back, and a massive red wave began to swallow the South.
Once ignited, the cries of the workers did not stop.
If the government had not been burdened by debts owed to Europe after the war.
If it had not pushed rapid industrialization while suppressing workers in the name of preparing for the future.
If a unifying force for their grievances had not suddenly appeared.
If even one of these factors had been absent, events would not have escalated so quickly.
But all of them combined into a snowball that grew at tremendous speed, leaving the government with no time to respond.
Even so, the government did not remain idle.
"They say European Communists have crossed into America."
"They say their goal is to overthrow the nation and seize it for themselves."
"Citizens, do not be deceived by their cunning tongues. Even the North could not defeat us. Let us protect the proud nation we won with our own hands."
The government labeled figures like Engels and Bakunin as subversive radicals and attempted to arrest them.
However, they moved with uncanny elusiveness, evading surveillance, and the voices condemning the government only grew louder.
Of course, not all workers immediately called for the overthrow of the president or the dissolution of the government.
"Guarantee us rest days."
"Stop demanding sacrifice in the name of patriotism."
"Provide fair compensation for labor."
"Stop using Black slaves as shields."
Some demands were entirely reasonable, while others seemed radical, yet many would have been satisfied with even these concessions.
However, many politicians of the time believed that compromise with citizens was equivalent to defeat.
Moreover, there was a fear that conceding to these demands would destroy both industrialization and slavery in the South.
Could they allow the South's unique system, which even the North had failed to dismantle, to collapse from within?
Thus, President Jefferson had no choice but to make a decision that would forever change the history of the South.
"As of this moment, the use of force is authorized. Disperse them all."
Revolutions feed on blood and violence.
It was none other than the politicians leading the South who provided the final piece that allowed protest to grow into revolution.
***
May 14, 1865.
Workers across the South entered a general strike.
Countless people began gathering toward the capital, Richmond.
Textile mills and metal factories across the nation shut down, and even female workers joined, causing the scale to grow without end.
Their main slogans were "bread," "taxes," and "rest time."
May 15. The strike spread to the capital, Richmond. Nearly two hundred thousand people flooded the city.
When soldiers opened fire in an attempt to forcibly disperse the demonstrators, the situation ceased to be merely a workers' issue.
Students joined, and the slogans rapidly escalated to "down with the regime."
As the situation spiraled, embassies of various nations went on alert, and detailed information spread in all directions via telegraph.
May 16. The scale of the strike expanded to every city, and the American Workers' Union declared a general strike.
All factories ceased operation, universities even refused to hold classes, and President Jefferson finally mobilized the army in full force, intensifying the clashes.
But what kind of place was America?
A country where anyone could easily handle firearms under the pretext of self-defense.
Moreover, for reasons unknown, the demonstrators began carrying weapons that seemed fit for soldiers, attacking police stations and military depots.
As the army and the demonstrators began firing upon each other, the atmosphere spiraled out of control.
No one now chanted soft demands for taxes or rest time.
Those shouting "overthrow the regime" and "dissolve the government" ran rampant, and every police station in Richmond was destroyed while officers scattered.
"Have some conscience and lay down your weapons. Are you not citizens of this country as well?"
"Do not live as the government's dogs. Join us."
May 17.
Militia units and private mercenaries from government-affiliated detective agencies refused orders, killed their officers, and joined the mobs.
All administrative institutions in the city were paralyzed, prisons and detention centers were opened, and even armories were seized.
By May 18, even cavalry units sided with the citizens, and suppression forces began openly disobeying orders in real time. The government could do nothing but admit it had lost control.
The Southern government, which had endured against two million Northern troops, collapsed completely in just five days.
But Engels, who had led this great upheaval, had no intention of stopping there.
"Citizens, we are but one step away from completing the revolution. But if we fail to bring it to completion, it will meet the same fate as the French Revolution and collapse midway. To ensure that no one corrupts the purity of this revolution, we must establish an organization capable of building a nation that satisfies all citizens. I, Engels, will serve as secretary and devote myself fully to ensuring that no one dares harbor the ambition of becoming an American Napoleon."
"Engels. Engels. Engels."
"Long live Secretary Engels."
The masses fervently desired a new organization to replace the government, and under the banner of the International, the American Workers' Council was established.
The council formally sent envoys to President Jefferson, demanding that the administration be dissolved and power transferred to the council.
Three days later, when no satisfactory response came, Engels, acting as secretary of the council, forcibly detained government officials and dismantled the government.
Jefferson Davis, once praised as the hero who saved the South from the North and as the guardian of tradition and victor of war, was recorded as the first and last president of the South.
The Confederate States of America, which had boldly declared independence from the North, vanished into history in just one year.
News of the Confederacy's collapse reached the North and Canada first.
Even the members of Parliament from the British Empire, who had just crossed the Atlantic and set foot in the port of Toronto, immediately sensed the unrest in the atmosphere.
"Russell, does something not feel off?"
"Indeed. Even those who came to greet us seem unsettled. And where is His Highness?"
"Exactly. I came all this way to see him."
"You can see him in London, can you not?"
"It is not the same. Canada is a historic land where His Highness's will and vision live and breathe. To meet him here is to trace his footsteps…"
Here we go again.
As Robert launched into his praise of Killian, Russell quietly averted his gaze and looked around.
He had spoken endlessly during the voyage across the Atlantic, and yet he still had more to say. Perhaps this was why people spoke so fondly of youth.
"When His Highness developed Canada, he identified the most suitable process for industrialization. His insight in recognizing that the Great Lakes region was ideal for industry…"
On the ship it had been a full recounting of the Crimean War. Now it was the history of Canada's development.
He looked no different from a devoted follower of Killian, and surprisingly, there were many young members like him.
At the center of them stood Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the man designated as the next Secretary of State for India.
If such a figure, the future Marquess of Salisbury and a central pillar of the Conservative Party, was so devoted to Killian, then it was obvious that the party would maintain a pro-royal stance even after Prime Minister Wellesley.
From the perspective of the Liberal Party, this was not particularly welcome, yet there were rumors that similar young figures existed within their ranks as well.
It was not a bad thing for Parliament to be close to the royal family, but should it really take the form of outright reverence?
Even when such concerns were raised indirectly, they had no effect on devotees like Robert.
Any such advice was interpreted as jealousy or inferiority, leaving no room for persuasion.
In such cases, changing the subject was the best strategy.
"We can hear more about His Highness's achievements later. For now, let us assess the situation. When is His Highness expected to arrive?"
The aide, having received Russell's question, asked those nearby and returned with wide eyes.
"Sir, this is serious."
"I expected as much, given the confusion despite our arrival. What exactly has happened?"
"There has been a communist uprising in the South. The government has been overturned, and a council established by radicals is now controlling the country. The entire nation is in chaos."
"…A large-scale uprising?"
"Not merely an uprising. The government has collapsed, and the country itself has effectively ceased to function."
What was this supposed to mean?
Russell turned, stunned, and Robert wore a similar expression, blinking in disbelief.
The nation had fallen because of a workers' strike?
Was such a thing even possible?
"Wait. When we left London, there was no mention of any such uprising."
"It all happened within the past few days."
"In such a short time… damn it. What on earth is happening?"
Russell and Robert had come to Canada to hear opinions on the growing calls for integration with the mainland.
The general stance in Parliament, however, was to reject such demands under plausible pretexts.
Many in the mainland still viewed the colonies as unworthy of becoming part of the nation.
"Perhaps we have arrived at an unfortunate time… what is the local sentiment?"
"The colonial assembly is in an unprecedented state of tension. Workers have not only overthrown the government but are attempting to establish a new one. There is no precedent for this."
"Indeed. Let us hope the consequences do not spread here. Is that why His Highness has not appeared?"
With Killian present, it was unlikely that Canada would erupt like the South, but the situation still required careful attention.
He was likely moving about tirelessly, too occupied to attend to this.
"Russell, given the circumstances, we should join His Highness immediately."
"I apologize, but His Highness is no longer in Toronto. He departed for the West by train several days ago. By now, he should be in California."
"California? Has unrest broken out there as well?"
This was truly becoming serious.
At their urgent questions, the local aide shook his head.
"That is not the case. The matter concerns immigrants."
"…Immigrants?"
Given the chaos caused by the uprising, it was only natural that immigrant communities would be unsettled.
Even if no uprising had occurred, Killian might have gone to manage public sentiment in advance.
"Whatever the case, His Highness must have his reasons. Russell, let us assess the situation here."
"…Very well."
They still could not fully grasp what was happening, but they had no choice but to act.
Setting aside party divisions, Robert and Russell moved together in response to this unprecedented crisis.
The South had been shattered by a socialist revolution.
Up to this point, everything had gone according to plan, but such delicate plans could be easily distorted by even minor variables.
At first, I had dismissed it as nonsense, but I could not ignore what had been said about Japanese and Joseon students.
Japan and Joseon advancing onto the continent by attacking Qing?
Ninety-nine out of a hundred Europeans would dismiss it outright, but I was the one exception.
If any nation could carry out the unimaginable, it was Japan.
If they were purely rational, would they have attacked Pearl Harbor?
I was uncertain about Joseon, but from what I had seen, it did not seem particularly stable either.
Moreover, when acting together, Asians often became bold and fearless.
The possibility of them striking Qing together was not zero.
It had been said in drunken conversation, so its credibility was questionable, but there was no harm in verifying it.
At most, I estimated the likelihood at under three percent.
If there had been any real sign, the embassies would have reported it immediately.
And yet.
"Haha… Your Highness, that is…"
"Why are you unable to speak?"
The Japanese students who had spoken carelessly now stood before me, drenched in sweat and unable to lift their heads.
Most of them were the sons of Japanese upper house members, fearless among their peers, yet before me, they were no more than meek lambs.
"Your Highness, that was merely…"
"If it is later revealed that you have lied, not only you but your parents will be deeply distressed. Keep that in mind."
Even a member of the Japanese upper house could be removed if I so wished.
Fully aware of this, the students exchanged glances before offering awkward excuses in English.
"We were just… discussing. It was an accident."
"So such conversations are indeed taking place?"
"Uh… well…"
"I am not trying to press you. I only wish to confirm the facts. Speak freely. I assure you there will be no disadvantage to you."
After invoking the name of the royal family, they cautiously spoke.
"If Your Highness truly promises…"
"I give you my word. Not only will you suffer no disadvantage, I can even ensure you secure a position here."
"In that case… next time, I will gather more detailed information and report it. Your Highness's word is… trustworthy."
If they did not wish to become corpses, they would do well to bring back something substantial.
Ōkubo, Kim Jwa-geun… what on earth had those men been doing after being left alone?
It seemed I would have to impose discipline soon.