Not long after Edward departed for Asia, I crossed the Atlantic and headed to Canada to deal with accumulated work.
My son was working tirelessly in Asia, so it would not be right for me to remain in London resting comfortably.
Besides, the project I had been carefully advancing was already in progress, so it was time for me to personally inspect it.
"Long live His Majesty King Killian of the Kingdom of Canada."
"Long live. Long live."
"If this kingdom is to continue prospering, all members of this assembly must act with unity. I too pledge to devote my body and mind to ensuring that Canada becomes as strong and wealthy as any nation in Europe."
"Long live His Majesty. Long live Canada."
Upon arriving in Canada, I first attended parliament, encouraged the members, and received reports on minor matters that had occurred during my absence.
They were considered minor because all major issues had already been reported to London in real time, and anything requiring my approval had been handled immediately.
Even so, communication at a distance still had its limits in this era, and when I reviewed the documents, the sheer volume was overwhelming.
"I handled only the most trivial matters so as not to trouble Your Majesty. Matters related to the royal family could not be decided without proper review."
"Well done. Thanks to you, Robert, I will not have to stay up all night. If I push through until evening, I should be able to finish."
"If there is anything you require, I will do my utmost to assist."
Robert's eyes shone with an almost excessive enthusiasm upon seeing me again.
There were rumors that Robert was one of the founding members of the Killian Devotion Society, but I chose not to confirm it.
Not because it sounded absurd, but because it might actually be true.
"Is there anything else I should know beyond what is written here? Matters difficult to report in writing, perhaps."
"Nothing at the moment. The Canadian parliament is remarkably stable compared to the homeland. Though they belong to different parties, in reality they follow Your Majesty's direction. That is why you were able to remain in London without concern."
"Indeed. You understand well."
Whether he was part of such a group or not did not matter.
Competence and loyalty were what truly mattered.
"And the North and South?"
"They remain quiet. The North is focused on Cuba, and the South has always been occupied. Now that they have secured Puerto Rico, they are busy consolidating control. They have no room to interfere elsewhere."
"Good. Then the timing is appropriate. Let us check on that matter."
"Yes. I will guide you."
Receiving reports through telegrams or documents made my involvement too obvious, so I had not been able to confirm the extent of progress.
Now it was time to see results.
I headed to the large medical research facility established in Toronto and reviewed the overall progress.
"So it cannot yet be scientifically proven with certainty, but statistically there is no room for doubt."
"Yes. Once again, Your Majesty's hypothesis was correct. Not only in politics and economics, but even in medicine. Thinking back, you also recognized the importance of hygiene during the war with Russia."
"I would not say I am knowledgeable. I merely suggest possibilities. The real work is done by the researchers who collect data and write the papers."
"Even so, without Your Majesty's insight, this research would not have been possible."
As Robert's eyes began to shine again, I feigned drowsiness and closed my eyes.
Fortunately, he restrained himself.
Inside the research institute, there was someone capable of silencing him.
"Your Majesty, thank you for visiting."
"Thanks to you, we may be able to save countless people suffering from malaria."
"It is good to see progress. The credit belongs to all of you. It could not have been easy to relocate from London."
"Not at all. It is refreshing to take on a new challenge."
"This is all thanks to Your Majesty's support."
John Snow and Florence Nightingale had been verifying my hypothesis that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.
This differed from the prevailing belief that ants were responsible, but both accepted the request without hesitation.
They were individuals unafraid to challenge established ideas.
Just as John Snow had disproven the theory that cholera spread through air.
If malaria's transmission could also be correctly identified, countless lives could be saved.
Malaria had long been one of the deadliest diseases in history.
Smallpox had caused more deaths as a single disease, but it already had effective countermeasures.
Understanding malaria would eliminate one of humanity's greatest threats.
John Snow presented their findings.
"The theory that malaria is transmitted by ants has little basis. It originated from the observation that ants are common in affected regions. Previously, it was believed to spread through foul air, but that theory has been weakened."
"Your contribution played a major role."
"Thank you. With the decline of that theory, many alternative explanations emerged. However, most lack evidence."
"So how did you confirm mosquito transmission?"
"Through extensive epidemiological studies. Securing sufficient samples was the challenge."
Florence Nightingale glanced at Robert before speaking.
"Robert suggested focusing on workers at the Panama Canal."
Robert avoided eye contact.
"From a certain perspective, it was not entirely unreasonable."
"Your Majesty understands."
"I was not objecting to the idea itself."
Robert fell silent under Florence Nightingale's gaze.
Few could intimidate him.
Perhaps only three.
Myself, Victoria, and Florence Nightingale.
Their relationship was unclear, but Robert clearly still held feelings for her.
"Regardless, sufficient evidence has been obtained."
"Then the next step is eliminating mosquitoes."
"Indeed."
The Panama Canal project was struggling.
Despite efforts to eliminate ants, malaria continued to spread.
Workers fell ill and died.
Progress slowed.
"Another case has been reported."
"How many times has this happened?"
"Workers are refusing to continue. Casualties are too high."
"But we eliminated the ants. Why does malaria persist?"
Doubt began to spread.
If the assumption was wrong, the entire project could fail.
Pressure from the government was increasing.
"Orders have been issued. Construction is to be halted."
"What nonsense is this? What about the investment?"
The project came to a standstill.
Britain had made its decision.
The Panama Canal construction would be suspended.
***
From the very beginning, the British Empire's acquisition of Panama had been entirely for the sake of the canal.
The eastern and western regions had been handed over to France and Prussia, while only the canal zone was retained as British territory, ensuring that even after one hundred years it would never leave British hands.
Even if other regions were lost, as long as the canal zone was secured, the local population could be placed in a state of near full employment.
By providing them with high wages, dissatisfaction could be suppressed.
Calculations showed that once the Panama Canal was completed, residents of the canal zone would earn even more than citizens in mainland Britain.
Under such conditions, even if the rest of Panama were to become independent, British Panama would not be swept up in independence movements.
If independence were pursued, it would require integration with surrounding regions, yet the income gap between the canal zone and other areas was expected to range from five to ten times.
No one would willingly accept such a burden.
The plan was not limited to immediate gains, but extended a century or two into the future.
The Panama Canal would stand as proof that the British Empire held dominance over the American continent itself.
For this reason, the British government, together with parliament, had enacted special laws and committed itself fully to the project.
The original goal had been to complete it faster and more precisely than the Suez Canal, and the plan itself had appeared sound.
But disease changed everything.
"Reports are pouring in that the canal has barely progressed since construction began. Progress is said to be only three percent. What exactly is happening? Do you intend to take forty years to complete this?"
"Who selected this construction firm?"
"The team led by Ferdinand de Lesseps consists of the finest experts in the world. The selection was not wrong."
"Is he not French? Could this be interference from France?"
"France is seeking a stake in the project. Why would they sabotage it? Please speak realistically."
Parliament, which had once united to pass the special law, had now descended into mutual accusations.
Charles Wellesley sat quietly, sipping coffee, saying nothing.
"Prime Minister, the government must act. This project was led by the government and is on the verge of failure. You must provide a solution."
"A solution? From me?"
"You are the head of the government."
"That may be so, but this special law was enacted by parliament from the beginning. The argument was that the canal should belong to the government rather than the royal family. If I recall correctly, it was strongly advocated by the Liberal Party."
At the time, nearly all members had agreed.
But now the situation had changed.
Attention turned to Russell.
"You must answer for this."
"If this fails, we will bear the consequences."
"Why is this solely my responsibility? You all agreed."
"We trusted your confidence."
"Are you saying you followed blindly? That is hardly admirable."
"Those who sought to challenge the royal family and took on more than they could handle should be ashamed."
The chamber descended into chaos.
In truth, canal construction could succeed or fail.
But this project was different.
Panama had been divided specifically for this purpose.
If the canal could not be completed, there had been no reason to yield territory.
"This would not have happened if we had taken all of Panama."
"We have only enabled France and Prussia to establish a presence in the Americas."
Despite Russell's protests, criticism continued.
William Gladstone remained silent.
Benjamin Disraeli, however, spoke.
"As leader of your party, you cannot avoid responsibility."
"I do not deny responsibility."
"If this fails, the press will accuse parliament of interfering with the royal family and causing failure. How will you respond?"
The implication was clear.
Disraeli was setting a trap.
If Gladstone argued that the project would have failed regardless, it would invite further accusations.
'Is there a plan to reverse this?'
Gladstone chose caution.
"If necessary, we will issue a public apology. I trust the Conservative Party will join us."
"You would admit fault so easily?"
"Yes. Denial would only damage public support."
Even Russell was stunned.
"This was a project that no one could have succeeded in."
"That may be, but the current atmosphere suggests otherwise."
Disraeli's expression revealed disappointment.
He had failed to ensnare Gladstone.
"Very well. Then a decision must be made. Continuing will only increase losses."
"Agreed."
The situation was clear.
The project could not continue.
The government faced inevitable criticism.
After a pause, Charles Wellesley spoke.
"There is no choice. I will take responsibility and conclude this matter. Construction will be halted."
Silence filled the chamber.
"And we will attempt to transfer the project back to the royal family."
"…What?"
The reaction was immediate.
Handing a failed project to the royal family seemed absurd.
"That will require concessions, but if successful, the royal family may assume responsibility and resolve the matter."
"So you intend to negotiate."
"Yes."
If the royal family absorbed the failure, parliament could avoid blame.
The proposal was met with approval.
"Prime Minister, you always have a plan."
Charles Wellesley forced a smile.
Once again, he would have to perform a difficult negotiation.
***
The plan approved by parliament to avoid responsibility could be summarized as follows.
Suspend construction of the Panama Canal and search for another party to take over the project.
First request that the royal family assume control, and if accepted, transfer all rights to the canal to the royal family.
The government and parliament will completely withdraw from the Panama Canal, and both the responsibility for failure and the rewards of success will be borne entirely by the royal family.
Since the royal family would not accept this for free, offer reasonable compensation.
The crucial point was the fourth item, and the members believed that Charles Wellesley would be able to shift this burden with an appropriate price.
After all, Charles Wellesley was the longest-serving Prime Minister in British history and still enjoyed the highest approval ratings. He was regarded as a political genius.
Moreover, he maintained a close relationship with the royal family, so if he negotiated carefully, perhaps Killian would agree this once.
Although acquiring Panama for the canal had turned out to be a mistake, when viewed as a whole, the royal family had gained enormous profits from Canada, so the overall balance still favored them.
To ensure success in this critical negotiation, Charles Wellesley personally crossed the Atlantic by ship.
Since Killian was currently in Canada, it was only natural that he go himself.
From the perspective of parliament, this was actually reassuring.
The fact that the Prime Minister was going to such lengths would make their sincerity more convincing.
"…And that is how events unfolded, just as Your Majesty predicted."
"What did I say? I told you there was nothing to worry about, Prime Minister."
"It is all thanks to Your Majesty agreeing to take this on. I have managed to place the parliament in my debt as well. At times, I feel that Your Majesty is like a perfectly precise machine. Everything seems to align and move as if it were manufactured in a factory."
Yes, so you should always be grateful.
"Shall we proceed with the negotiations efficiently, like a machine? Since we are taking over this useless canal project and completing it, it would not be unreasonable to demand quite a lot."
"You should still keep your demands reasonable so that I may present myself well. After all, did Your Majesty not say that you have a way to complete the canal?"
"I only said it might be possible. Nothing in this world is certain. No one can predict the future with absolute confidence. Parliament could not have foreseen this outcome when they took the canal from me."
"It could not be helped. Members of parliament believe that power derived from elections should hold the greatest authority."
"I think so as well. Anyone listening might think otherwise."
If someone misunderstood, they might think I was trying to establish absolute monarchy.
Having spent half my life in the twenty-first century believing democracy to be the most perfect system, and the other half in a constitutional monarchy, I had no desire for absolute rule.
"I despise dictatorship and communism more than anything. I emphasize that repeatedly in the draft of my autobiography."
"Of course. But it is also true that you seek power comparable to parliament."
"My power exists because you support me. Without that, it would not be possible. That is why I am working hard to preserve your position as Prime Minister. Where else would you find such a cooperative partner?"
It was true that just as I benefited from Charles Wellesley, he also benefited from me.
Without him, there would have been constant criticism that I held too much power. Without me, he would have faced electoral defeats.
"You are my greatest partner. As long as I remain Prime Minister, I can continue to support you. So I ask that you support me again this time."
"Very well. I did not intend to demand excessive compensation anyway."
Parliament intended to grant concessions as compensation for the royal family assuming the burden.
However, since I planned to complete the canal regardless, this would effectively be a one-sided gain.
Taking too much would only create resentment, so moderation was necessary.
I needed something that would benefit me greatly while not imposing excessive burden on parliament.
After consideration, I found the perfect negotiation point.
"You are aware that the royal family has considerable experience in resource development."
"Of course. From the Great Lakes to Alaska, you possess vast resource-rich lands."
"I did not know from the beginning that these lands contained resources. One must dig to discover what lies beneath."
"That is true."
At this time, no one could know with certainty what lay underground without excavation.
It was seen as fortune rather than foresight.
"That is why I propose establishing a resource development company in partnership with the James Group. We will explore and develop resources within British territory. This benefits both us and the Empire."
"That is reasonable."
Resource exploration always carried risk.
There was no guarantee of success.
"But given the risks, we would like to secure appropriate returns."
"That can be arranged through long-term usage rights."
"Yes. However, since we are resolving this crisis, I would like additional benefits. I have identified a suitable region."
I pointed to the Trucial Coast.
"Why there?"
"It is underutilized. Currently, it serves only strategic purposes."
"That is correct."
The Trucial Coast was a protectorate used to secure trade routes to India.
Its value was not yet recognized.
"I propose developing its resources and securing permanent rights to certain outputs."
"In other words, ownership rights."
"Yes. This would benefit both sides."
"If resources are found, it would strengthen the Empire's position."
The region had a population of only about one hundred thousand.
With proper development, it could be fully integrated.
"Frankly, this is a risk for me. There is no guarantee of valuable resources."
"That is true. Unless gold or diamonds are discovered…"
"Then you agree."
"Yes. Parliament will likely approve."
"If so, you will gain considerable prestige."
"Perhaps they will believe I discovered valuable resources there."
"If so, it would be a triumph of intelligence."
In reality, Charles Wellesley only knew that I had a method to complete the canal.
He likely believed I was acting conservatively.
That was partly true.
The canal alone would bring immense benefits.
Once I assumed control, John Snow and Florence Nightingale would publish their findings on malaria transmission.
Before that, I would approach Ferdinand de Lesseps, whose project had collapsed, and secure his services at minimal cost.
With proper funding and scientific understanding, the canal could be completed.
With full authority transferred, no one could object.
But Panama was not my only goal.
The true objective lay in the Trucial Coast.
In the future, it would be known as the United Arab Emirates, a land of oil.
Suppressing a smile, I poured coffee for Charles Wellesley.
"I am making a significant concession for you."
"I understand, and I will repay it."
"There is no need."
"You are truly honorable."
That was not a lie.
I had already gained everything I needed.
As we shared coffee, even without sugar, it tasted unusually sweet.
Even the color seemed pleasing.
I placed the cup down with satisfaction.
Yes, this was the taste I had been waiting for.
At that moment, even plain black liquid felt sweet enough to rot one's teeth.
***
Panama.
What had been thought of as a goose that lays golden eggs turned out in reality to be a massive sinkhole that endlessly consumed money and manpower.
The Liberal Party members, who had found themselves trapped in a situation where neither advancing nor retreating was possible, waited only for Prime Minister Charles Wellesley to return from Canada.
In truth, they did not expect Charles Wellesley to achieve any meaningful result.
From their perspective, this Panama disaster was a perfect opportunity for the royal family to attack parliament.
If I were His Majesty, I would openly condemn parliament and use this to discipline those arrogant members.
Nine out of ten members thought this way and were convinced that Charles Wellesley would return empty-handed, having been turned away.
Or perhaps he would present conditions that they could never accept and claim that he had done his best.
Either way, this was a rare crisis for the Liberal Party.
The Conservative Party could argue that although they were also criticized, the initiative had come from the Liberals.
In the end, Russell and William Gladstone, who had led this effort, would inevitably suffer consequences.
However, Charles Wellesley defied all expectations and returned with a remarkably favorable agreement, throwing parliament into excitement.
"Is this true? His Majesty really agreed to take Panama under these conditions?"
"Yes. I put in considerable effort."
"…At this level, it is practically His Majesty taking on massive losses just to preserve parliament's dignity."
"Or perhaps His Majesty has obtained intelligence that gold or diamonds lie buried in the Trucial Coast."
"Even if it were Asia or the Americas, that might be possible, but how could His Majesty alone possess such secret information about the Arabian Peninsula? Has anyone here ever heard rumors of gold buried in the Trucial Coast?"
If such rumors had existed, British capitalists would have already torn the region apart searching for it.
The absence of such activity meant no one had heard anything of the sort.
This meant that only Killian knew of such information, which seemed impossible.
Even so, William Gladstone considered another possibility.
Could His Majesty be planning something in Panama?
He recalled how Benjamin Disraeli had tried to provoke him into saying that even the royal family could not complete the canal.
Yet Charles Wellesley had succeeded in transferring Panama to the royal family.
Only one conclusion followed.
His Majesty must be confident in completing the canal.
Of course, this was speculation, and he did not voice it.
There was no evidence, and the logic was incomplete.
"Is it truly limited to resource development rights in the Trucial Coast?"
"Yes. Not all resources. Only three specific items will be granted permanent ownership."
"Only three? Could it really be gold, diamonds, and silver?"
"His Majesty also stated that he does not wish parliament to suffer greatly from this matter. It is well known that he holds no strong resentment toward parliament."
"Indeed…"
If Killian had wanted to intervene in domestic politics, he had many opportunities.
Yet he had drawn a clear line.
"Looking at it this way, it almost seems as though we were the ones in the wrong for trying to limit the royal family's power."
"His Majesty also mentioned plans to establish a resource development company to explore British territories."
"That is simply normal resource development."
No one opposed the proposal.
"Then let us proceed to a vote."
The law transferring all rights and responsibilities over Panama from the government to the royal family was passed.
The previous canal construction law was abolished.
The vote was unanimous.
Panama had a new owner.
Even if that owner inherited what appeared to be nothing more than a burden.
"How did you persuade His Majesty to accept such terms?"
"It is remarkable. Even with close relations, His Majesty is known to separate public and private matters strictly."
Some even joked that Charles Wellesley must have leverage over the royal family.
Even if resources were discovered in the Trucial Coast, they had not been previously recognized, so it could not be considered a loss.
Regardless of the outcome, the British Empire would benefit.
Canada.
Toronto.
At the royal residence.
As soon as I received news that I had become the new owner of Panama, I summoned Ferdinand de Lesseps, who had been left in despair after the suspension of construction.
"Y-Your Majesty, King Killian of Canada, it is an honor…"
"We are already acquainted. You were involved in the Suez Canal, were you not?"
"Yes. It is an honor that you remember."
"You are among the finest engineers in the world. It is unfortunate that this project did not succeed."
"Your Majesty, that was not due to our shortcomings…"
"I am aware. The issue was not technical. Regardless, Panama now belongs to me. The government has abandoned the project."
Ferdinand de Lesseps's face turned pale.
Without government support, he had nothing left.
Bankruptcy was inevitable.
Even so, he still held a faint hope.
"Your Majesty, then why did you acquire Panama?"
"To place parliament in my debt. By preserving their dignity, they will return the favor."
"For that reason, you invested such a vast sum?"
"That is not all. Even without the canal, Panama is strategically valuable."
Ferdinand de Lesseps's last hope faded.
He feared the project would be abandoned permanently.
"So, regarding the canal…"
"Your Majesty, please listen. Malaria is temporary. Science will overcome it."
"Do you have a method?"
"…No."
"Then there is nothing more to discuss."
At this point, only I knew the truth about malaria.
The secrecy of the research in Canada had ensured that.
"Your Majesty, then allow us to work on other projects…"
"There is no need."
"…Without your support, we will be ruined."
"I see. Then I will offer terms."
I proposed to repay all debts and remove French involvement, in exchange for future work under my direction.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"And leave the existing construction in place."
"All rights, personnel, and resources were now under my control.
And in Canada, the decisive announcement was made.
John Snow and Florence Nightingale confirmed that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.
The result of extensive research and verification.
They also provided methods to control mosquito populations.
The moment that news spread, everything changed.
The true beginning had arrived.