The emergence of the newly established Kingdom of Canada, the accession of a new king, and the holding of a general election.
Each of these events alone was immense in scale, and their actual implementation created a massive social impact.
Canada joining the United Kingdom was not simply a matter of increasing the number of kingdoms from four to five.
Most citizens, focused on their livelihoods, simply accepted the government's decision, but the upper class did not.
Questions were immediately raised in Parliament regarding the Union Jack.
The British Empire currently used a flag combining the symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
If Canada were to join the United Kingdom, should its symbol not also be included?
Opinions were divided.
"Canada intends to adopt the maple leaf as its symbol. Should that not be reflected in the Union Jack?"
"It is not necessary for every member of the United Kingdom to have its symbol on the flag. Wales is not represented either."
"That is because Wales was a principality, not a kingdom."
"Canada was also a colony and a duchy. We should follow precedent and leave the flag unchanged."
Since altering the flag was a sensitive issue, neither side pressed too strongly.
The matter was postponed.
There were more important concerns.
"Her Majesty already reigns as sovereign. If Canada also gains a king, confusion will arise."
"Her Majesty is formally an empress, not merely a queen. There is no issue."
"But the titles have not been clearly defined. Other nations still refer to her as Queen of Britain and Empress of Asia."
"Then let us settle it properly. The British Empire holds influence over five continents and five oceans. What empire in history has achieved such a feat?"
"Indeed. The royal house should become an imperial house, and Her Majesty should be styled Emperor. This will prevent future confusion."
This was the late nineteenth century.
Titles still mattered.
A great power required appropriate dignity.
Unlike nations that forced recognition, Britain was already treated as an empire by Asian states.
Even Canada alone was growing to rival European nations in scale.
Its territory, population growth, fertile lands, and industrial output supported by vast resources.
It was only natural for the ruler of such a realm to bear the title of emperor.
"Long live Empress Victoria."
"God bless the Empress of the British Empire."
Though little changed in substance, the symbolic shift had immense impact.
It inspired pride among the people.
At the same time, labor reforms and social welfare policies were introduced, amplifying public enthusiasm.
Though unrelated, people connected the two.
It was no coincidence.
I had encouraged such narratives through the press.
"Life has been good lately, thanks to Her Majesty."
"Indeed. I am spending time with my family this weekend. They say His Majesty pushed through the labor reforms."
"That is right. Other nations will follow our example. We benefit first, all thanks to Her Imperial Majesty and His Majesty."
Even events funded by the royal family were praised.
Though in truth, there was no direct connection.
Still, the narrative was effective.
The government allowed it to continue.
Only one person was not entirely pleased.
"My dear husband, would you care to explain?"
"…I do apologize."
"Do not joke. You never told me it would become this large."
"I did mention it after returning…"
The integration of Canada had always been planned.
But I had not mentioned elevating myself to king and formally making Victoria an emperor.
It had been decided after observing local conditions.
"At least I am now a proper empress, not merely an 'Asian empress,' is that not so?"
"Look at this. Economic growth, improved lives, even reduced crime, all credited to me. Soon they will say good weather is my doing. This is your work, is it not?"
"…It is part of making the monarchy beloved."
"This is not the ancient world. It is embarrassing."
"People are simply excited. It will pass."
I had underestimated its effectiveness.
Public approval had already been at its peak.
There was nowhere higher to go.
And yet, they pushed it further.
"And what troubles me most is you becoming King of Canada. You do not intend to remain there, do you?"
"Of course not. I would not leave you and the children."
"…That is reassuring. Somewhat."
At least that part was true.
I would travel more frequently, but I would not remain there permanently.
There was no need.
After all, governance should be… democratic.
Which meant it was time.
Time to place my people within Canada's parliament and administration.
"I studied at Eton with His Majesty."
"I attended the same college."
"I…"
As expected, once preparations for elections began, countless candidates sought Benjamin Disraeli.
Each claimed some connection to Killian.
Few were genuine.
Most were forced associations.
The Liberals were no different.
Candidates had to be carefully selected.
Logically, local figures would be needed.
But few from central politics wished to relocate.
London remained the center of the world.
Canada was still considered distant.
In that regard, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil accepting leadership of the election effort was invaluable.
True to his reputation, Robert applied strict standards.
"Studied with His Majesty?"
"Yes, we engaged in scholarly discussions…"
"Then you must know the title of his thesis."
"…I…"
"Rejected."
Not a single exception.
Superficial admirers stood no chance.
"I deeply respect His Majesty and have studied his achievements…"
"Then you have read Killian Roars Toward the Continent. Who first negotiated with Qing officials?"
"…I…"
"Lin Zexu. Rejected."
Robert intended to fill the Canadian Parliament with true loyalists.
Disraeli did not object.
Reports from Canada confirmed overwhelming support for Killian.
Ireland had already shown the pattern.
Elections were contests of loyalty.
Canada would be no different.
"Robert, are the candidates satisfactory?"
"None are perfect, but all exceed seventy points."
By his standards, even Disraeli doubted he would pass.
Yet the candidates were capable.
"Remarkable. Such capable men, all devoted?"
"Because they are capable, they recognize greater brilliance."
"…Very well."
Disraeli sighed.
Everywhere he looked, there was only Killian.
Discussions, admiration, imitation.
It was overwhelming.
"Excellent. Almost too excellent. Robert, entrusting this to you was the right choice."
"It has been rewarding. You need only wait for our victory."
"Indeed."
Even before the elections began, the outcome was clear.
The Canadian Parliament would be filled with supporters.
Not merely Conservatives.
But followers of Killian.
Disraeli briefly wondered if this had all been planned from the beginning.
He chose not to ask.
The answer would be obvious.
"Was that not His Majesty's design?"
There was no need to hear it spoken aloud.
***
Whenever two sides clash, there will always be a winner and a loser.
And it is a universal truth that standing as the victor is far more enjoyable.
The idea of enjoying something regardless of victory or defeat sounds nice, but it lacks realism.
There was once a famous professional player who said that when he tried playing without caring about winning or losing before retiring, it became astonishingly dull.
Politics is no different.
Elections are ruthless arenas where winners and losers are decided, and the victor claims all the glory.
Having crushed the Liberals in the debates and been recognized as the foremost sword of His Majesty King Killian, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil was now in his element.
"Politics is like a game of chess. And people love chess, do they not?"
"Mr. Robert, politics is supposed to be solemn and sacred…"
"Is chess frivolous then? Just because people enjoy something does not make it lowly. Suffrage is expanding, and in the distant future, we may even see universal suffrage as the socialists advocate. We must find more effective ways to appeal to voters."
As expected of a young man, even as a noble, his thinking was flexible.
Despite the absence of radio or television, Robert's approach proved highly effective.
While the reach was smaller than modern media, the number of voters was also far smaller.
Moreover, every voter possessed a certain level of wealth and paid close attention to politics through newspapers.
Turning election coverage into something resembling a competitive game naturally became a major topic of interest.
Of course, the Liberals did not remain idle.
Though William Gladstone could not personally come to Canada, a rising young politician of the Liberal Party, Henry Campbell, struggled desperately to turn the tide.
"I do not believe His Majesty desires a parliament composed merely of followers. Everyone who enters politics in Canada respects His Majesty. The difference lies only in degree. What matters more is competence."
The election was near, but if they could frame the Conservatives as incompetent at the last moment, they could still secure seats.
With that in mind, the Liberals attempted to shift the focus toward ability.
"What Canada needs most right now is economic growth. The Conservatives are turning this into a competition of admiration. What do you think?"
"That is an excellent point. However, economic growth is precisely our party's motto. Since Prime Minister Charles Wellesley took office, the British Empire's economic growth is evident in the statistics. Shall we compare it with the time when your predecessors, the Whigs, were in power?"
"But what matters is Canada…"
"Many of our candidates have studied economics, and others have practical experience in the Treasury. Citizens, you need not worry. The Conservative Party has governed for over twenty years due to proven economic success.
We will use that capability to develop Canada into a true economic power."
The Liberal strategy collapsed completely.
Robert responded instantly, and the Liberals were branded as inferior not only in loyalty but also in economic competence.
Attempts to form alliances with minor parties also failed, as most of them aligned with the Conservatives.
With no chance of reversal, the result was inevitable.
December 1865.
The historic general election of the Canadian Parliament began.
[As expected. An overwhelming victory.]
[Does the British Empire always return to the Conservatives?]
[Liberals barely save face.]
[Stronger integration between Canada and the mainland anticipated.]
Exactly as everyone had predicted.
"We, the Conservative Party, solemnly pledge to serve with utmost devotion as the parliament of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Victoria and His Majesty King Killian."
"The nation is guided by the will of its people. As their representatives, you bear great responsibility. Always prioritize the interests of the nation and its citizens."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Robert nearly knelt as he pledged loyalty, and I addressed the newly formed parliament.
For a moment, I felt like an idol surrounded by a fan club, but overall, it concluded smoothly.
Newspapers emphasized the Conservative victory.
Winner and loser.
That was how elections were framed.
But was the Conservative Party truly the victor?
Unlike the mainland, both parties had selected candidates who would be absolutely loyal to me.
Which mattered more, party policy or my will?
The answer was obvious.
The true victor was clear.
Victory, after all, always tasted sweet.
After the parliament was established, I remained in Canada briefly and met with Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, now leader of the majority.
"You look well, now that you lead the Canadian Conservatives."
"Thank you. It is all thanks to… no, to Your Majesty."
"My doing? I did nothing."
"If Your Majesty had not been here, I would not have come. That alone makes it your doing."
He had abandoned the position of Secretary of State for India without hesitation.
At first, he had seemed like a passionate supporter, but now it bordered on something else entirely.
Still, his competence was undeniable.
"Continue your efforts. I will secure support from the mainland. You will have much more to manage."
"Industrial development, infrastructure, immigration, land expansion, resource extraction… it is already overwhelming."
"There is one more thing. This is confidential. Prepare quietly."
"A secret order from Your Majesty… I will carry it out even at the cost of my life."
"No need for that. You know about the Panama Canal?"
Robert blinked in surprise before nodding.
"Yes. Once completed, it will transform trade. Canada will benefit greatly."
"Unfortunately, it will fail."
"…What?"
"In a few years, the company will collapse. I intend to acquire it. Canada should take a twenty percent stake."
Holding a majority would suffice.
The rest could be distributed.
"Such a project would elevate your standing as well."
"I understand… but on what basis do you predict failure?"
"Malaria. Panama is not Suez. The environment is different, and they are unprepared."
"I thought malaria was transmitted by ants."
"Ants? Observe carefully. The truth will emerge soon. My medical team will arrive shortly. You will also see someone familiar. Have you met Florence Nightingale recently?"
At the mention of Florence Nightingale, Robert froze.
No man could remain calm when reminded of such a figure.
"I… have met her occasionally."
"Good. Assist the medical team when they arrive."
"I will go personally."
He hurriedly left.
Interesting.
Even after all this time.
I glanced at the mirror and saw myself smiling.
There was nothing more entertaining than watching someone else's romance.
The Pacific was becoming increasingly important.
And the canal that would open access to it drew global attention.
France, which had secured nearby territories, was particularly invested.
While the British Empire would hold the largest share, France had also secured a significant stake.
The man in charge, Ferdinand de Lesseps, was determined to complete the canal quickly.
"Move faster!"
"Our goal is completion within seven years!"
Mosquitoes swarmed everywhere.
"Sir, the workers are exhausted from the mosquitoes."
"They must endure it. We must prevent ants from spreading malaria."
"Sir, suspected malaria cases are increasing."
"What?"
Lesseps's face darkened.
"Bring more water. Place buckets under every bed. Keep ants away."
Though costly, it was necessary.
He had to stop the spread of malaria.
As sweat poured down his back, the project had already begun to falter.
***
The first new year of the newly established kingdom under a new king.
Canada's beginning was, fortunately, full of hope.
Its long-desired integration into the mainland had been achieved, and its idol, myself, had ascended as king.
At the same time, the British Empire had shifted its strategy and was now fully committed to developing Canada in order to counter the South.
Since Canada had become part of the mainland, its growth was effectively the Empire's growth.
There was no reason to hold back.
Unlike the mainland, which had already reached a certain level of development, Canada still had vast potential, making it highly efficient for job creation.
Of course, all of this was part of a broader strategy to suppress communism, but no one spoke of it openly.
It was not only industrial development.
The agricultural productivity of California, previously acquired by the British Empire, was becoming increasingly important.
As industrialization accelerated, agriculture tended to be neglected in the mainland.
But the Americas were different.
While the Great Plains were famous for their agricultural output, California itself was no less significant.
Considering that much of the mainland's food supply was still imported from Russia and northern regions, the development of such fertile land was an enormous advantage.
Thus, regardless of the underlying reasons, Canada's development continued without obstruction, and naturally, internal sentiment improved.
It was not merely prosperity.
It was the expectation that things would become even better.
As a result, the communist revolution in the South became little more than distant news within Canada.
Of course, that was only Canada.
The North remained in constant uproar over suppressing communists and responding to the Southern threat.
The South, meanwhile, was too occupied establishing its internal structure to focus outward.
This was the moment to reshape the global order.
Prime Minister Charles Wellesley carefully reviewed my proposal and, after consultation, announced the creation of the
Like the OECD in original history, it was not purely economic.
In an era dominated by imperialism, there was no talk of uplifting other nations.
Its purpose could be summarized simply.
Unite, prosper, and suppress the spread of communism.
Of course, no one stated it so directly.
But no one in international politics would fail to understand.
The moment the British Empire announced it, Europe responded.
France was first.
"Congratulations on your accession, Your Majesty."
"Thank you. I hear socialist activity in France has declined recently. How is the situation?"
"Much improved. The Prime Minister is at ease. Though, of course, many socialists have simply moved south."
"All the more reason to prevent their return."
France, home to the International, was particularly sensitive.
The sudden emergence of a communist state had shocked them deeply.
"France is also reforming labor laws. We must not repeat the mistakes of the Revolution."
"A wise decision."
It was, of course, political justification.
But justification was always necessary.
"Prussia has also expressed interest."
"And Russia?"
"They show little interest."
I could not help but laugh.
Even after witnessing the collapse of a massive nation, they remained indifferent.
It seemed Russia believed improving worker conditions would reduce competitiveness.
Instead, they intended to exploit labor further.
At this rate, they might become the next target.
"Another revolution in Russia would not be surprising."
"For now, they remain stable."
Further discussion would have crossed diplomatic lines.
Still, I was not overly concerned.
Even if revolution came, it would take time.
And by then, my plans would already bear fruit.
"As long as it is not a Soviet regime, it does not matter."
"For now, we proceed step by step."
Preparations advanced smoothly.
Medical teams for the Panama Canal had already departed from London.
But another report had yet to arrive.
Even accounting for distance, it should have reached me by now.
Were they truly considering something reckless?
After the French ambassador departed, I issued orders.
"Send a telegram to the embassy in Japan. I want a report."
Ōkubo Toshimichi, Prime Minister of the Empire of Japan and effectively its most powerful figure, had been closely following developments.
The collapse of a major American power due to communism had shocked him.
Upon learning what communism truly was, he found it absurd.
Such an ideology would destroy everything.
The imperial house, the daimyo, even himself.
It had to be kept out at all costs.
At the same time, internal debates such as the Seikanron were intensifying.
[The pride of Asia. The pride of Japan. His Majesty King Killian ascends the throne of Canada.]
"Long live His Majesty King Killian."
"Long live Her Imperial Majesty Empress Victoria."
"Long live the Emperor of Japan."
News from the South was suppressed.
Only positive news from Canada was allowed.
The people saw Killian as connected to the Tokugawa lineage and celebrated his success as their own.
Amid growing inferiority toward the West, this provided pride.
Some even hoped he would visit Asia.
"Ōkubo, now is the time. This unity will not last forever."
"Saigō, your proposal is unreasonable."
Saigō Takamori continued advocating for war.
"To sustain modernization, we must act. War is the only solution."
Ōkubo sighed.
The logic was not entirely wrong.
Japan was burdened with debt.
Discontent was rising.
But war was not a true solution.
Thus, he had made a calculated excuse.
If Joseon agreed, they would consider it.
He believed Joseon would refuse.
But—
"Joseon has responded positively."
"That… makes no sense."
Kim Jwa-geun, who led Joseon's reforms, was supposed to be rational.
Yet this response suggested otherwise.
Had something gone wrong?
Then came worse news.
The students had spoken carelessly.
"In a drinking gathering… we mentioned it."
"You fools."
Before countermeasures could be arranged, the British ambassador arrived with a telegram.
Provide a detailed explanation of the Seikanron.
Confess while you still can.
Ōkubo's lips trembled.