With the collapse of the Confederate States of America, a new government was established, but a nation formed in mere days could not possibly function properly.
Most of the key figures of the former government had been driven out, so an entirely new group had to be assembled to lead the country.
Engels would have preferred to place members of the International in key positions, but he understood well that doing so would worsen public opinion.
Although they had led the revolution, they were still outsiders who had come from abroad.
There were already those who resented Engels serving as interim secretary representing the council, so if he attempted to favor his comrades as well, it would inevitably provoke criticism that outsiders had come to seize everything. That would immediately lead to internal division.
Engels believed that the most urgent task was to give the nation, born of revolution, a proper structure.
According to his theory, however, for this country to advance into a true communist society, a transitional stage in the form of a dictatorship of the proletariat was essential.
He expected the newly established council to fulfill that role.
"In a book written by Thomas More, there is an island called Utopia. It is described as the most ideal society imaginable. To build a true paradise on earth, one that surpasses even Utopia, overwhelming support for the council is essential."
"But Comrade Engels, there are still many who doubt that the council can fulfill such a role."
"That is only natural. Many will feel unease toward such an unfamiliar system. That is precisely why we must first ensure that everyone in this land accepts the council without doubt."
Engels began systematically removing forces that opposed the council's rise to power.
At the same time, he actively sought meetings with intellectuals and representatives of labor organizations, constantly appealing for support.
"If we were to define the entirety of human history in a single phrase, it would be domination and coercion. Those who possess wealth oppress those who do not, and those with power subjugate those without it. Has conforming to such a distorted society improved your lives? Have you truly lived better lives, or have you merely found comfort in knowing you are not as wretched as the slaves beneath you?"
"Engels. Engels. Engels."
"Exactly. We have been deceived by their wicked words. But does it not seem strange? We produce the food that sustains society. We operate the factories. When war comes, we are the ones who fight and die. Then why must we worry about surviving tomorrow and live without even the most basic freedoms?"
Engels directed the anger of farmers and workers entirely toward capitalists and those in power.
Although slavery could not exist in a communist society, he did not approach it as a matter of human rights.
Instead, he understood that inciting hatred toward capitalists and naturally exposing the meaninglessness of slavery would be more effective.
"Those slaves were nothing more than a vile trick by capitalists to blind you. Who benefited from maintaining slavery? Was it you? No. It was the bourgeoisie who owned slaves. They waged war and secured independence under the guise of tradition, but who enjoyed the fruits of that victory? Was it you? No. It was the very bourgeoisie who exploited you like slaves."
"Death to the bourgeoisie."
"Kill them."
"Comrades, we stand here to eliminate all injustice and build a true paradise. It may take years to rebuild this nation that the capitalists have ruined.
But I promise you this. Your lives will be better than before. The capitalists who monopolized food and wealth are gone. We are not like those corrupt capitalists. We will devote ourselves entirely to building this nation into a paradise for the people."
Engels raised his hand and roared.
"All power to the council."
A thunderous roar erupted.
"Long live the council."
"All power to the council."
"Engels, lead us."
With overwhelming support and near fanatical fervor, Engels and the council created conditions where opposition could not exist and began the process of transforming society into a communist system.
First, under the principle that the economy directly affected people's lives, they established the "People's Economic Organization" and completely denied the legitimacy of land ownership by landlords.
Naturally, in this process, slavery was abolished, and all people in the South were unified under the identity of "the people."
Food supply was prioritized for workers, and large houses previously owned by bourgeoisie and landlords were redistributed to them.
Although multiple families were often grouped together, even this was considered a blessing, and reforms such as improved working conditions and insurance systems continued to follow.
Amid this atmosphere of fervent support, Engels's council adopted the
The key points of the declaration were as follows.
The new American Confederation is a free socialist union of all people, including workers and farmers.
The American Council will realize the aspirations of the free people.
The fundamental task of the council is the complete abolition of all social inequalities that exploit the people.
There were voices criticizing the council's seizure of power, but they were easily silenced by its supporters.
Some individuals even disappeared from society without a trace and could no longer speak at all.
Contrary to the expectations of neighboring nations that such power, born of revolt, would be temporary, Engels's council monopolized all authority and rose as the supreme governing body.
The threat of a Socialist Union of America was becoming an undeniable reality.
The ones most shocked by the collapse of the Confederacy were, without question, those in the North who shared its border.
"How did the South collapse like this all of a sudden?"
"Communism? What is that?"
"They said the South was sending spies to undermine us, so why did they collapse first?"
"Then what were those spies?"
Voices discussing the situation erupted from all directions.
Some were curious about communism, while others feared that the same could happen to the North.
Others questioned what had become of the supposed Southern spies the government had warned about.
The government's response, however, was unusually swift.
As if it had anticipated such a development, the Lincoln administration acted with remarkable speed.
"The unrest in the South was led by subversive socialist forces known as the International. Their objective was to overthrow the government and control the nation. They have established a grotesque organization called the council, privatizing the state and monopolizing all power as though they were kings."
What did Americans hate most?
Monarchy.
Since independence, it had been ingrained in them that monarchy was something inherently wrong.
In contrast, their republic, governed by the will of the people, was a far more advanced system.
"Communism is an illusion. Shared production and shared distribution? Consider it carefully. If what you earn must be shared with others regardless, who would be motivated to work hard? Communism is a flawed theory that fails to understand even the most basic human desires."
In truth, this criticism showed little understanding of communist economics, but that was not the point.
What mattered was presenting a simple and intuitive narrative that the public could easily grasp.
"Only fools believe in communism. Or those with hidden agendas."
And what those agendas might be was easy enough to infer.
"The traitors in the South have been confirmed as communists who had long been operating under orders. They had already infiltrated our society and were preparing to bring down our Union as well."
Acting Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Vice President Andrew Johnson, declared that he would root out all communists.
Having narrowly avoided being dismissed as a fraud, Andrew seized the opportunity and launched a relentless campaign against communists.
Mobilizing the full authority of the Bureau, he began arresting intellectuals who spoke of communism and placing them on trial.
While the supposed Southern agents did not truly exist, it was easy enough to identify those who viewed communism favorably.
Whether or not they were actually agents did not matter.
Once labeled as threats aligned with the South, few objected.
Except the accused.
"I am not a Southern spy."
"The suspect has been confirmed to attend meetings discussing communism at least twice a week and has participated in demonstrations calling for worker strikes."
"That was simply a social movement…"
"As you can see, subversive elements seeking to turn this nation communist are everywhere. But do not worry. Our Bureau will identify them all and ensure they face the full force of the law."
Communist spies seeking to destabilize society had, in effect, become real.
Whether they truly were or not no longer mattered.
With the South already overturned, it had become an accepted truth.
The fading narrative of Southern traitors found new life in the form of anti-communist purges.
Moreover, Lincoln had already made his agreement with Killian, and he could not afford to appear weak.
Communism had to be eradicated from the North.
It must not be allowed to spread into Canada under any circumstances.
Fortunately, the president's decisive stance earned overwhelming support from capitalists.
"To be honest, I was worried before, but things seem stable now."
"The president acted swiftly and decisively. That is a relief."
"This is why the Republicans handle major crises. The Democrats seem far too slow."
"Indeed. The country could have collapsed, yet they remain complacent. Perhaps communists have infiltrated their ranks as well."
"That suspicion alone will be effective pressure."
If they wished to avoid being labeled communists, they would have to prove their loyalty to capitalism.
Newspapers, industrialists, and landowners united in support of Lincoln.
Under Andrew Johnson, the Federal Bureau of Investigation hunted communists with relentless ferocity.
Faster than anyone.
More violently than anyone.
As if they had been waiting for this moment, they uprooted communists without restraint.
From that point onward, Lincoln acquired a new nickname.
Spoken with a mixture of fear and admiration.
The hunter of communists.
Red Hunter Lincoln.
***
In the nineteenth century, the highest priority of newspapers was speed.
Accuracy? Fairness? Those were secondary in the harsh reality of capitalism.
If a breaking story was not published immediately, circulation would drop. If a newspaper lost profit while verifying whether something was true or false, would their ancestors compensate for the loss?
Competition was ruthless.
This was not limited to countries in the Americas such as Canada or the United States.
The British Empire, despite being the most powerful nation in the world, was no different.
If anything, as the country with the greatest concentration of capital, newspapers were even more numerous and competed more fiercely, resulting in increasingly sensational reports.
Since there were no established standards or self-regulation in journalism, this tendency was even stronger.
Naturally, they did not miss the revolution in the South. Newspapers churned out breaking news day after day, and the contents shocked and terrified the public.
[Collapse of the Confederate States of America. Establishment of the Socialist Union of America.]
[The communists are coming.]
While not as severe as in the North or other European nations, the political and economic circles of the British Empire were deeply shaken.
When reports from Russell and Robert in Canada arrived, Parliament immediately convened an emergency session.
"As expected, the agitation of the communists appears to be negatively affecting the Canadian colony."
"What do you mean by negative effects? Are you suggesting communists are active in Canada?"
"Not exactly. However, those socialists do not only advocate communization. Many also call for the abolition of inequality and oppose colonial rule. The problem is that such arguments are gaining strong support in Canada. Both Russell and Robert have expressed concern over this."
"…At a time when debates over integration with the mainland are already occurring in Canada, this incident breaks out. What does His Highness say?"
Most members of Parliament believed that as long as Killian was present, public sentiment in Canada would remain stable.
However, a minority who understood the situation felt that this time was different.
"As long as His Highness remains, there will be no issue. But if stability depends entirely on him, then he will have no choice but to remain in Canada indefinitely. Surely that is not what we want."
"If His Highness remains in Canada, Her Majesty will follow him. That would mean the royal family must reside in Canada. That would be putting the cart before the horse."
"What matters is Canada's potential. At its current pace of development, within a few generations, its level of industrialization could match that of the mainland. We must seriously consider how long it should remain a colony."
"From a practical standpoint, integration is the best option. The issue is how to accomplish it."
Unlike other colonies, which were primarily sources of resources or markets for goods, Canada was an indispensable land for the future of the British Empire.
At this point, no one in Parliament was ignorant of that fact.
The Great Lakes region, ideal for industrialization with abundant resources.
Alaska, where valuable resources seemed to emerge simply by digging.
A strategic position spanning both the Atlantic and the Pacific.
Though much of the northern land was harsh for settlement, such regions were often rich in resources.
Meanwhile, California offered ideal conditions for settlement, and its population was poised to grow rapidly.
If the Panama Canal were constructed, trade between the Atlantic and Pacific would flourish even further, increasing Canada's importance.
Prime Minister Wellesley.
Benjamin Disraeli of the Conservatives and William Gladstone of the Liberals.
All of them, regardless of personal ties to Killian, agreed that Canada must be incorporated into the British Empire for practical reasons.
The most important factor, however, was justification.
A justification strong enough to silence those who objected to treating colonial subjects as equals to citizens of the mainland.
Whether by coincidence or not, such a justification fell into their hands at the perfect moment.
"As it happens, His Highness has sent me his views regarding this situation. Though he is not usually so decisive, he has stated that Canada should be elevated to a kingdom and incorporated as part of a united kingdom."
"Prime Minister, the issue is the method."
"That has been addressed as well. He states that the Canadian issue must not be handled in isolation, but within a broader framework encompassing the future direction of the empire and the response to the newly emerged communism. I agree with this assessment."
"So rather than addressing Canada alone, we bundle it together with a larger issue."
It was a strategy no one had previously considered, yet upon reflection, it seemed the most effective.
The problem posed by the socialist state that had emerged in the South was one that all European nations would have to confront.
If Canada's integration were handled together with that issue, resistance could be minimized.
"…Then how shall we proceed with the integration? His Highness's proposal does seem reasonable."
"In that case, why not entrust it to His Highness?"
"If we do that, it will appear that Parliament has surrendered its authority. The newspapers will seize upon it immediately."
"Laws are enacted by us, and execution belongs to the administration. His Highness can simply act as the Duke overseeing Canada, providing appropriate counsel. What issue could there be in consulting the person responsible for Canada? Any newspaper that criticizes that would be absurd."
A simple and effective strategy. Delegate the difficult work to someone capable while claiming the credit.
Since the logic was not unreasonable, Parliament agreed to respect the opinions of those on the ground.
Hearing all of this from across the Atlantic, I muttered,
"As expected, it turned out this way. Once Wellesley set things in motion, this was inevitable."
"Truly remarkable, Your Highness."
"Robert, I apologize for not greeting you personally. I had urgent matters in California and could not return in time."
"Not at all. I was able to hear valuable local perspectives. Now that Parliament has accepted your proposal, will Canada become part of the united kingdom?"
"It must. There are still several matters to handle along the way."
This had been planned from the beginning, so I felt little excitement.
With Parliament convinced, the remaining issue was managing public sentiment, and that could easily be handled by invoking Engels.
His influence had been far greater than expected. If anyone opposed integration in the face of such a threat, they could simply be labeled a traitor and dealt with accordingly.
Even with meticulous planning, however, not everything went as intended.
One issue was the strange signs of alliance and unrest emerging in Asia.
The other was the unexpectedly intense devotion of the Canadian people.
The former could be set aside for now, but the latter could not.
"Your Highness. Is it true that Canada will be elevated to a kingdom?"
"…Where did you hear such a rumor?"
"At last. Canada will become a kingdom. Everyone, His Highness will rule as king and lead Canada. A great absolute monarch…"
"Wait, that is not…"
"Long live King Killian of Canada."
"Long live Empress Victoria. Long live King Killian."
Crowds gathered outside the governor's residence and royal villa, shouting in celebration over exaggerated rumors.
For the first time in a while, I found myself clutching the back of my neck.
[At last, a rightful king for Canada.]
[No longer a duke, but a king. When will His Majesty Killian be crowned?]
[King or Grand Duke. Farewell to colonial status.]
Strictly speaking, I already wielded authority in Canada comparable to that of a king.
However, as long as Canada remained a colony of the British Empire, there were clear limitations to my power.
The formal authority still lay with the representative assembly of the people.
Yet it seemed that the idea of Canada becoming a kingdom had been interpreted as the establishment of an absolute monarchy like those of France or Prussia.
Who had spread such nonsense?
"If this rumor spreads further, Parliament will be troubled. We must clarify the facts first. Russell, what is Parliament's stance?"
"They have decided to entrust the matter entirely to Your Highness."
So they intended to sit back and watch me handle everything.
If I were to take advantage of this and actually declare myself king, would they approve that as well?
It was tempting, but openly wielding power was not my style.
To possess power without appearing to use it, while controlling everything from behind.
That was my governing philosophy.
Yet Robert, a member of Parliament, seemed to be subtly encouraging the idea.
"Her Majesty already holds the title of Empress in Asia. Perhaps this is an opportunity to elevate the united kingdom into a true empire and properly organize the royal and imperial titles."
"That is not the priority right now."
"While the South is turning toward communism, Canada is moving in the opposite direction and welcoming monarchy. It truly shows the extent of your influence among the people."
Now of all times, he chooses to praise me.
Under normal circumstances, I would have appreciated it, but not now.
And yet, his words sparked an interesting thought.
The socialist state in the South was advocating the abolition of class and hierarchy.
The best way to counter that was not through force, but through an entirely different system.
Rather than uprooting weeds, one could change the soil so that stronger plants would grow instead.
There was no system more opposed to communism than capitalism led by the monarchy.
If Canada were elevated from a colony and integrated into the empire, while strengthening my influence and pouring in capital, the spread of communism could be naturally suppressed.
It was a solution with multiple benefits.
I made my decision.
Canada needs a strong king.
Why?
Because this land must become the strongest bulwark protecting Europe from communism.
***
[British Empire Canada to be elevated to a kingdom? Only approval from the mainland remains.]
[Make Duke Killian king. Internal poll shows 97.3% approval.]
The fervor surrounding vast Canada showed no signs of cooling.
The communist revolution in the South no longer drew attention in Canada.
People said one issue could bury another, but no one expected such a massive event to be overshadowed so completely.
"Your Highness, it seems Canada has already reached its own conclusion. Should we begin coordinating with the mainland?"
"That would be best. Russell, what is the atmosphere in the mainland?"
"Parliament has entrusted the matter to Your Highness, so they cannot easily change their stance now. However, the scale of events has exceeded expectations, and they are clearly unsettled. Bringing Canada into the united kingdom is no small matter. They must also consider the impact on other colonies."
"The impact on other colonies?"
I asked casually, but it was an issue that should have been obvious.
Colonies gaining independence was common, and though rare, there were cases of full integration into the mainland.
However, the British Empire was unique in that it functioned as a united kingdom.
For a colony like Canada to be elevated to a kingdom, gain its own monarch, and be incorporated as part of the mainland was unprecedented.
"Other colonies may be influenced by Canada's example. Of course, Canada has always been different from the others."
"The core of Canada consists of royalists and British capitalists. Irish immigrants are already British subjects. Its economic scale is also on an entirely different level from other colonies, so it makes no sense to compare them directly. Of course, human psychology does not follow logic, so we will prepare appropriate measures."
I already had a plan.
This would be framed as a superior colonial policy, one that developed colonies to the point of integration into the mainland.
"Rather than causing unrest, we will make Canada an exemplary case. If other colonies come to believe that they too may one day be integrated like Canada, would that not become a powerful incentive?"
"That may be true, but is it truly possible?"
"Why not? If they reach Canada's level of economic strength, become as important to the mainland, and achieve the same level of cultural integration, why would they be excluded?"
"So the British Empire will truly become an empire. From a practical standpoint, that is reasonable."
In reality, most colonies would never be integrated.
Only those with sufficient value would be considered, which meant the rest would eventually be left to pursue independence.
There was no need to hold on to colonies that did not contribute.
It was better to cultivate valuable territories and fully integrate them.
Canada would be the first model case.
Robert, as always, supported my decision without question, and Russell, having witnessed the situation in Canada, raised no objections.
The real issue was public opinion in the mainland.
No matter how rational the argument, it could easily be crushed by those who simply said they did not like it.
"I believe I should attend Parliament in person and deliver a speech. Russell, I would appreciate it if you accompanied me. Testimony from those who witnessed the situation firsthand will carry more weight."
Robert needed no prompting.
With the support of younger members, Disraeli, and Wellesley, the Conservative Party would move in near unanimity.
In the House of Lords, the Duke of Wellington would respect the Commons' decision.
With Russell to testify on Canada's condition, there would be no variables.
The time had come for the British Empire to become a true empire in more than name.
[The approaching threat of communism. What if it crosses into Europe?]
[Unrest among workers. Will there be a general strike at home?]
[A wavering government. Is there a plan?]
"I am certain you have all been shocked by the events unfolding in the Americas. Fortunately, I was in Canada and received detailed reports. Russell and Robert also witnessed the situation firsthand, and we have returned to discuss solutions with you."
As I arrived, all attention in the British Empire turned toward me.
Canada clamoring to be elevated to a kingdom.
The South collapsing and forming a new socialist state.
The North suppressing communists with ruthless force.
Amid this chaotic situation, I was the one expected to provide clarity.
Even the embassies of France and Prussia had urgently requested to meet me.
A nation larger than Mexico, one that had withstood two million Northern troops, had collapsed overnight.
France, where the International had its base, was particularly anxious.
If those revolutionaries returned across the sea, Paris would be their first target.
For that reason, French officials were already waiting in Parliament to hear every word.
"Gentlemen, the Americas are in turmoil. If we wish to avoid the same fate, the British Empire must act swiftly."
"You have stated that this situation must be addressed within a single framework, including Canada's integration into the united kingdom. Please explain."
"It is simple. Elevate Canada to a kingdom and combine my authority as Duke and High Commissioner into the position of king."
"And that king would be you?"
"Of course."
A silence fell over Parliament.
There was no point in speaking cautiously.
It was better to be direct.
"If Canada were unrelated to the Empire, it would not matter. But if it becomes part of the mainland, granting such power to a monarch may be…"
"I understand. Authority must ultimately derive from Parliament. Canada should be no exception. However, Canada's distance makes direct governance impractical. It must have its own parliament and a degree of autonomy."
"Then we must determine the extent of that autonomy."
"We can look to the United States. Each state holds significant autonomy, but key matters remain under central control. We can adopt a similar structure. And my intention is not driven by personal ambition. It is not that I wished to be king."
I spoke lightly, and a few members chuckled, easing the tension.
"There are several purposes behind this. First, we must consider how Canada views the Crown. I initially intended to transfer most authority to a new parliament. However, the moment the idea of a kingdom was raised, the people overwhelmingly wanted me to rule as king. A simple poll showed over 97% support."
Even the most contrarian minority rarely exceeded a few percent.
Ninety-seven percent was effectively unanimous.
"And yet, even if the people desire it…"
"I will not remain in Canada year-round. In practice, little will change. The Canadian parliament and government will handle governance, and I will only approve major decisions."
In truth, nothing substantial would change.
I had always determined the direction, while the colonial assembly and governor handled administration.
The titles would change, but the structure would remain.
What would change was the label.
From colonial subjects to citizens of the British Empire.
That alone would have enormous impact.
Nothing becomes everything.
I would remember that for future speeches.
"One of the reasons for integrating Canada is to counter the spread of communism in the South. Communism rejects all hierarchical structures. They have already proven their intent by overthrowing a nation. Canada, being close, is at risk of influence."
"So this is a preemptive measure."
"There is more. Europe fears that communism will spread. I have observed its rise firsthand. Suppression alone will not work. The solution is simple. Make people view it as nonsense."
"And how would that be achieved?"
"We must approach this in two ways. In the short term, elevate Canada and integrate it. Once they gain the satisfaction of being full citizens, they will ignore calls for revolution."
Members nodded.
"In the long term, we must improve conditions. Not entirely, but enough for workers to breathe. This is not merely for them, but for the survival of the system itself. France and the South have already shown what happens otherwise."
"That is true. Even capitalists will be willing to compromise now."
"And if workers' conditions improve, no one will object to Canada's integration."
If working hours decreased and rest was guaranteed, few would care about colonial status.
"Managing domestic discontent while suppressing communism… it is a sound strategy."
"Yes. Canada will serve as the final bulwark preventing communism from reaching Europe. This is ultimately a contest of systems. If Canada proves inferior, communism will spread. If it proves superior, no one will follow that path."
Canada would stand at the forefront against communism.
A nation with such a role could not remain a colony.
It had to be part of the Empire.
Victory must belong to Britain.
"Your explanation has clarified everything."
"Thank you. I will continue to work with Parliament to navigate this crisis."
There was one thing I had not mentioned.
Money.
To surpass the South, Canada would need massive investment.
Factories, population, infrastructure.
All would require funding.
But no one would refuse.
After all, it would all serve a greater cause.
From this point on, I would act more directly.
For myself.
And for the British Empire.
***
Late at night, on the day the session concluded.
As Disraeli reviewed the measures that had been passed, he naturally took out his meerschaum pipe and placed it between his lips.
"Robert, will you have one as well?"
"No, I am fine."
"Ah, not a pipe then. Do you prefer cigars?"
"No. I do not smoke at all."
"What a curious man. A gentleman who does not smoke."
Robert Gascoyne-Cecil.
When one thought about it, he was indeed an unusual individual.
A man who had rapidly risen in prominence and was already designated as the next Secretary of State for India could not be ordinary.
He could have capitalized on his service in the Crimean War and entered politics immediately, yet he had chosen to complete his studies before stepping into public life.
For a young member of the Commons with such achievements, it would not have been strange for him to grow arrogant, yet he remained humble.
Of course, his opponent was Disraeli, one of the most influential figures in the Conservative Party, so excessive pride would have been out of place. Still, his reputation among other members was excellent.
However, the fact that he refused tobacco, which was nearly essential among gentlemen, confirmed that he was indeed peculiar.
Then again, there was another such oddity.
"His Highness does not smoke, as he believes it harmful. It would not be proper for me to do so when he does not."
As expected. Among the British elite, those who abstained from tobacco were rare.
Even among members of Parliament, those who disliked smoking were often influenced by Killian.
Disraeli himself respected Killian, but this was one matter he could not concede.
That tobacco was harmful to health was surely incorrect.
If anything, the one who drank coffee with ice was the one behaving strangely.
Still, because Killian disliked smoke in his presence, Buckingham Palace had effectively become a non-smoking environment.
Young men who admired him followed suit.
Though most gentlemen still assumed he simply disliked the smell and continued smoking elsewhere.
"Putting that aside, you were in Canada. Was the atmosphere truly that severe?"
"Yes. If anything, it was understated in Westminster. In reality… there was a certain madness to it."
"I see. Enough to overshadow even the emergence of a communist state. Then tell me, if Canada continues to develop like this, what effect will it have on British politics?"
Containing communism was, of course, a valid objective.
It was an excellent justification, and the strategy of integrating Canada to counter the South was undeniably brilliant.
If such a plan had not been prepared in advance, it was remarkable that it could be conceived so quickly.
Moreover, a strengthened Canada would secure British dominance in the Americas.
Control of the Americas meant control of the Pacific.
Control of the Pacific meant influence over Asia.
Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas would all fall within Britain's sphere.
With Oceania steadily being incorporated, it would not be long before the Empire spanned the globe.
But that was the Empire's interest. The interests of the Conservative Party were another matter.
Killian himself ensured that imperial interests aligned with those of the Crown.
"Canada is absolutely loyal to the royal family. With support already at ninety-seven percent, that will not decline once His Highness becomes king."
"Indeed. Especially after declaring that Canada will serve to defeat communism."
Neither Disraeli nor Robert was a fool.
Killian's plan to outlast the socialist state in the South was clearly a long-term strategy.
How much capital would be required to sustain it?
Now that a communist state had emerged, workers would have to be treated with a minimum level of care.
Otherwise, unrest would spread.
Considering all factors, Canada would inevitably surpass the socialist state in living standards.
With the Empire's backing, its national strength would only increase.
In time, it might rival England itself.
While it was unlikely to displace England, Canada's scale could surpass it.
And with such vast land, its population would grow immensely.
Even if much of the north was inhospitable, California was not.
California alone could rival the population of all other kingdoms combined, excluding England.
In such a scenario, what influence would Canada wield in British politics?
This was a question Disraeli could not ignore.
"Still, Canada will support His Highness, and thus lean toward the Conservatives."
"That is not certain. Citizens in the mainland may think so, but will colonial citizens? Even the Liberals no longer oppose His Highness. And among Canadian politicians, would anyone dare claim not to support him?"
"That seems unlikely."
Elections would soon be held to form the Canadian Parliament.
Every candidate would proclaim themselves a loyal supporter of Killian.
Party affiliation would matter little.
Thus, the Conservatives could not rely solely on their proximity to him.
"Any politician in the Empire must belong to either our party or the Liberals. Naturally, we must secure a majority in Canada."
"Of course."
"But the Liberals will want the same. And Gladstone is not a man to overlook something so obvious."
Gladstone would already be devising strategies.
"Our party holds the majority. That should give us an advantage."
"Perhaps. But policies tailored to local conditions may be more effective."
Regardless, victory would depend on candidates, policies, and above all, demonstrating loyalty to King Killian.
Disraeli exhaled smoke and muttered,
"In the end, the Canadian Parliament will be filled with loyalists to His Highness, regardless of party."
"That sounds like a harmonious assembly."
Disraeli chuckled.
"You truly believe that."
"Members represent the people. If the people support His Highness, their representatives will as well."
That was an interesting perspective.
Perhaps that was why Robert admired Killian so deeply.
"Robert, do you truly wish to take the post in India?"
"…Was that not already decided?"
"It can be changed. Unless you insist."
"If there is another role, I am willing to hear it."
"I would have you oversee the elections for the Canadian Parliament. That would make you our representative there."
It meant relinquishing his current seat and starting anew in Canada.
Ordinarily, that would be unreasonable.
But Robert would soon inherit his title and move to the House of Lords.
"…But as a peer…"
"Canadian legislators may hold titles. It would be best to run before inheriting."
"…I will consider it."
It was a significant request.
Yet with Robert's leadership, the Conservatives could dominate Canada.
He was known as Killian's most devoted supporter.
No one could rival him in that regard.
"Consider it carefully. I would not wish to see lesser men claiming loyalty in His Highness's name."
"…Very well. I will consider it positively."
Disraeli smiled as he tapped ash from his pipe.
Such men were easy to persuade.
In a contest of loyalty, Robert would not lose.
The majority would be theirs again.
Though unexpected, the plan progressed smoothly.
The announcement that Canada would be elevated to a kingdom drew attention.
But soon after, labor reforms shifted public focus.
[Labor laws reformed. Social insurance introduced.]
[Guaranteed employment protection and rest days.]
[Studies confirm rest improves productivity.]
Workers, now the majority, cared little about Canada.
Their lives were improving.
That was what mattered.
Even capitalists accepted the reforms, relieved that unrest had been prevented.
Without fuel, no fire could spread.
The British Empire was steadily preparing for the next stage.
At the same time, a small article appeared in the corner of newspapers.
A project that would reshape the Americas.
The Panama Canal.
Construction had begun under Ferdinand de Lesseps.
His solution to malaria was… questionable.
Water placed under beds to stop ants.
An amusing notion.
As events unfolded, one truth became clear.
In 1865, British Canada ceased to be a colony.
It became the Kingdom of Canada.
A full member of the United Kingdom.
***
from i will be putting fragmented chapters into 1 single chapter
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