Humans may be the dominant species on this earth, yet at the same time, they are creatures that become helplessly weak against even the smallest of threats.
When facing something large and obviously dangerous, it is often easier to respond.
Since ancient times, what has driven countless people to their deaths has not been great beasts, but rather things so small they are difficult to even perceive.
The fact that far more people have died from mosquitoes than from tigers or lions proves this.
One does not even need to go as far as mosquitoes. Even small venomous insects that can be crushed underfoot may have killed more people than tigers.
Everyone understands that being bitten by a tiger means death, but with such tiny pests, people fail to grasp the danger.
Even malaria, which has killed so many, had an unknown transmission mechanism well into the nineteenth century.
If mosquitoes had looked as threatening as lions or tigers, people would have realized their danger long ago.
That is why humanity underestimated them.
Considering the pace of scientific advancement, the fact that even as the 1860s passed into the 1870s no proper insecticide had been developed makes little sense.
One might say the technology simply was not there, but strictly speaking, that is not quite accurate.
Invention is born of necessity.
If the need is truly recognized and pursued, some kind of result will emerge.
Even if it is not a perfect success, something will come out of it.
Alchemy itself proves this.
And so, by pouring in money and applying pressure, my theory was once again proven correct.
"As ordered, we have examined various substances with insecticidal effects and produced several prototypes suitable for mass production."
"Several prototypes?"
"Yes. More ideas emerged than expected. Once we offered a bonus of three thousand percent for successful mass production, all sorts of ingenious designs began to appear."
"As expected."
When something is blocked, money provides the answer.
A lack of technology or environmental limitations do not matter. If there is profit to be made, people will force together whatever exists and produce a result.
"So, shall we review them one by one? You understand that the most urgent requirement is something to be used during canal construction in Panama, correct?"
"Of course."
James laid out several prototypes and pointed to a spiral-shaped product that looked very familiar.
"This is based on the idea Your Majesty suggested. What was it called again? Mosquito coil? In any case, shaping it into a spiral works very well. Straight versions barely lasted a few hours, but this form lasts long enough to cover a full night's sleep."
"That makes sense."
Anyone born in the late twentieth century would immediately recognize such a mosquito repellent.
"However, our tests showed that it is less effective at actually killing mosquitoes. Once the scent spreads, they simply flee. In a sealed space it might work, but that would cause breathing difficulties. However, it is very effective as a preventative, as mosquitoes avoid the area entirely."
Naturally. This method has already been proven effective.
"Have you secured sufficient raw materials?"
"Yes. We have secured stable supply routes for pyrethrum. Importing solely from Dalmatia was too costly, so we searched for regions suitable for cultivation. Central Africa, Joseon, and Japan all showed promise. However, Brazil appears most efficient for supplying Panama."
"Good."
Pyrethrum originates from the Balkans, but diversification of supply is always beneficial.
"With sufficient payment, local authorities were eager to cooperate."
"That makes sense."
Originally, pyrethrum's effects were known locally, but there had been no need to industrialize it.
"Will you produce only this?"
"No. There is more. This oil-based product, derived from India, also repels mosquitoes effectively. It is more expensive, so it will be used selectively."
"Impressive."
"And finally, this is the most effective."
James produced a bottle of colorless liquid.
"It is a synthetic compound created through catalytic reactions. Its ability to kill insects far surpasses the others."
DDT.
It appeared far earlier than expected.
"Have you tested it?"
"Yes. It causes convulsions and kills mosquitoes quickly."
"I see."
"By combining all three methods, malaria can be dramatically reduced."
"That seems optimal."
However, I recalled that DDT would eventually be banned.
The exact reasons were unclear, but it was known to harm the environment.
"Proceed with production. But monitor its effects carefully."
"Yes."
Controlled usage would allow data to be gathered while minimizing harm.
"Then let us proceed. We will eliminate these pests and resume canal construction."
"Yes. We will release the product next month."
"And I will act upon that information."
James hesitated.
"Your Majesty, your fortune seems extraordinary."
"It does, does it not?"
From war outcomes to scientific breakthroughs, events had consistently aligned in my favor.
It was suspicious.
"Investigations have already begun."
"By whom?"
"Private agencies in the northern United States have received requests."
So it begins.
"Find out who is behind it."
"Yes."
Someone had begun to look beyond the surface.
And I intended to find them first.
***
After James left, I went through the materials he had brought.
The original focus had clearly been mass production of insecticides, yet that had almost completely faded from my mind.
Looking at it now, even the documents James brought contained far more about the investigation request that came afterward than about the insecticides themselves.
It seemed he had judged that this matter was far more important than something that would run smoothly on its own if left alone.
There had been an unexpected variable in the form of DDT, but that was not something to worry about.
If it caused environmental problems, it could simply be discontinued.
There was no need to use it beyond completing the canal.
The real issue was who exactly had the audacity to investigate me.
And even calling them a single person might be incorrect.
It could be multiple people.
Given the scale of the money involved, it was far more likely that this was not the work of just one individual.
"Let's take a look."
Just judging by the thickness of the documents, it was clear that a preliminary investigation had already been conducted before they reached me.
Even without explicit instructions, James would have mobilized people to identify the culprit.
Given how long we had worked together, it would not be surprising if he had already dealt with some of them.
This case had simply grown large enough to reach my ears.
"…The rest is mostly useless. But this part stands out."
There is a need to investigate whether Killian has any connection with communists, and whether he may have been one of the causes behind the emergence of a communist state in the South
There are signs that the British royal family is instigating global chaos from behind the scenes for its own benefit, and a request has been made to investigate this
These statements drew my attention.
They were not exact quotes, but the tone and intent of the requests made the purpose obvious.
What mattered more than who said it was why.
Everything in the world has a cause and an effect.
If someone was investigating me, there had to be a reason.
The primary cause was obvious.
As James said, I had displayed far too many instances of extraordinary luck.
That could not be denied.
But suspicion and action are entirely different.
Spending vast sums of money to investigate is not something done lightly.
Even if they used illegal channels, information could still leak and reach me.
If they were willing to take that risk, then they must have been convinced that something was there.
That was what mattered.
Had I left some weakness without realizing it?
Or worse, had someone betrayed me?
If it was the former, it could be corrected.
If it was the latter, it would be far more troublesome.
In my previous life, I had already been betrayed and killed.
I had always been cautious.
Even so, no betrayal could completely destroy me.
Even if someone like Charles Wellesley or James turned against me, there were still ways to respond.
But it would leave a bitter taste.
And more often than not, the mastermind behind such actions turned out to be someone familiar.
If it were a complete stranger, they would not have had access to enough information to develop such suspicions.
I memorized everything in the documents, then burned them.
Watching the paper turn to ash did not bring comfort.
Whoever was behind this, the outcome was unlikely to be pleasant.
The vast lands of the American continent exposed its inhabitants to threats incomparable to those of Europe.
Not only bandits, but also dangerous wildlife.
People had to arm themselves for protection.
Private armed groups naturally emerged.
With so many wielding force, problems were inevitable.
Public authority alone could not handle everything.
Thus, detective agencies in America were involved in everything from law enforcement to hunting, investigations, and more.
Some even grew powerful through illegal activities.
The Pinkerton Detective Agency was considered the largest, but it maintained ties with the government and avoided overtly illegal work.
In contrast, agencies like the McFarlane Detective Agency operated in the shadows.
They would find anything for the right price.
They did not take assassination contracts, but in gathering information, they were even more effective than Pinkerton.
They often broke the law in the process.
They had been prosecuted multiple times, yet always escaped due to lack of evidence.
Because of this, clients continued to seek them out.
Of course, those clients were unaware of one fact.
"So the authorization has been granted?"
"Yes. We are to uncover the one behind this, no matter what."
"From the chairman? Or higher?"
"Higher."
The young detective McFarlane, who controlled much of the underworld, bowed respectfully before Allan Pinkerton.
The McFarlane Agency was merely a subsidiary created by Pinkerton for handling illicit matters.
And even Pinkerton itself was only a contractor for the James Group.
Very few knew this.
Fewer still knew that James himself served someone above him.
McFarlane did not know who that person was.
Only that it must be someone of immense power.
"Why take this job? Is it because investigating the British royal family is too dangerous?"
"That is part of it."
Investigating such a figure could lead to diplomatic consequences or worse.
"But the real reason is profit. Selling this information back to the royal family will earn far more."
Betraying the client was irrelevant if the client disappeared.
"I understand. Then I will identify both the client and whoever stands behind them."
"Use any resources necessary."
McFarlane nodded.
"Of course."
He was Irish.
And for him, targeting Killian was unforgivable.
"I will find them."
McFarlane greeted the client calmly.
"Apologies for the delay."
"I did not expect acceptance."
"You chose the right place."
He spoke confidently.
The man before him was unremarkable.
Clearly just an intermediary.
"Let us discuss terms. Thirty percent upfront. The rest upon success, plus fifty percent bonus."
"That exceeds one hundred percent."
"Consider the target."
"…Agreed."
The immediate acceptance confirmed it.
Money was no object.
"Now, why do you believe the King of Canada is hiding something?"
"…We have evidence."
"What evidence?"
The man leaned closer.
"He is a communist."
McFarlane nearly cursed out loud.
This was absurd.
***
"Ah… a communist… hmm…"
McFarlane was certain that his restraint in not cursing out loud deserved praise.
He even began to seriously question whether he had just accepted a request from a madman.
He had assumed there was some grand organization behind this, but if it turned out to be nothing more than the delusions of a lunatic, there could be nothing more absurd.
"Of course, I understand that it sounds unbelievable. But…"
"Ah, wait a moment. So you are not joking right now? This is not a metaphor, not a joke, but something you are saying seriously?"
"That is correct. This is an undeniable fact."
"…."
So the power behind the British royal family, the owner of the Suez Canal, the King of Canada, and a man revered in Ireland almost as a living saint was a communist.
He could confidently say that this ranked among the most ridiculous things he had ever heard in his life.
"Do you know what I am feeling right now?"
"You want to tell me to get out immediately. But I have evidence."
"Yes, I am sure you do. Then please leave…"
"You will understand once you see this."
The client carefully took out a book from his coat and placed it forward.
Curiosity got the better of him, and McFarlane opened it.
"What is this? A diary? A memoir?"
"Yes. This is part of the old diary of the well-known British professor Marx. If you read it, you will see records of detailed discussions between Killian and Marx about communism."
"And this Professor Marx is a communist?"
McFarlane knew of Karl Marx as a famous economist and philosopher.
But he had never heard that Marx had been involved in communist activity.
If he truly were one, he should have joined the southern state.
"Marx is not currently engaged in such activity. But at the time, he was a devoted communist. This is confirmed in records. Furthermore, Engels, who is now the General Secretary of the southern state, was also present."
"…Engels?"
"Yes. In other words, the emergence of Engels as the leader of the communist state cannot be separated from Killian's influence. There are many such hidden aspects of him."
"…."
McFarlane skimmed through the contents.
The conversations between Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, and Killian were recorded in considerable detail.
The content itself was deep enough that it was not easily understood at a glance.
"Are you certain this is not fabricated?"
"Yes. This is a transcription of their original diary entries. They should still possess the originals."
"Wait. Then how did you obtain this? Could this put us in danger?"
"There is no such risk. You need not worry."
If it was not illegally obtained, then it must have been leaked internally.
But that would make Marx or Engels the source.
That seemed too obvious.
It was unlikely that the client would reveal his source so easily.
Further investigation was necessary.
"…Very well. It contradicts my common sense, but I will proceed under the assumption that it is true. Still, even if the King of Canada once held such views, concluding that he is currently orchestrating some grand conspiracy seems like a leap."
"Perhaps, if taken alone. But there have been too many questionable events surrounding him. If you investigate, something will certainly emerge."
"…Understood. I will proceed. However, given the nature of this case, it may take time."
"Of course. Just keep us informed."
"That will not be a problem. We never disappoint our clients."
Even for McFarlane, who had investigated countless individuals, this case was beyond comprehension.
Killian, a communist.
The thought alone was enough to drive him mad.
He decided to report this immediately and await instructions.
He wondered how Allan Pinkerton or James would react to such an absurd claim.
Recently, I found myself thinking more than usual, as if returning to earlier days.
"Pinkerton has sent an update. There was an interesting remark."
"So it has come to this."
"A communist. That is quite an unexpected accusation."
"We should find out where that came from. It is difficult to believe that Karl Marx or Friedrich Engels alone are responsible. The client spoke far too freely."
"Pinkerton shares that view."
It had been years since I had engaged in this level of analysis.
There were many possibilities, but speculation without sufficient information was meaningless.
The most efficient approach was to question those directly involved.
"Karl Marx?"
"I have already summoned him."
"Good. Very efficient."
James excused himself before Karl Marx arrived, as Karl Marx was unaware of his connection to me.
Left alone, I had nothing to do.
It would have been convenient to keep James at my side, but at his age, it was better to allow him rest.
This time was an exception due to the seriousness of the matter.
Soon after, Karl Marx arrived in haste.
"Your Majesty, what is going on?"
"Your old writings are about to be exposed."
"…Who would do such a thing? More importantly, how were they even obtained?"
"I do not know. It was not you, was it?"
"There is no way. Why would I expose such embarrassing material? If anything, I would prefer to destroy it entirely."
"That is what I expected. Then do you still possess the original?"
"Yes. It has been locked away since I became a professor. No one else knows of it except Friedrich Engels."
"Then Friedrich Engels becomes the most likely source."
"…That is strange."
It was too convenient.
"Or perhaps Friedrich Engels leaked it, but someone else is using it to investigate you."
"That is possible."
But there was little reason for Friedrich Engels to leak it.
It raised more questions.
"Is Friedrich Engels the type to speak carelessly?"
"He does enjoy speaking and teaching. He may have shared parts of it."
"Would he gain anything from doing so?"
"Unlikely. It would harm his position more than help it."
"Exactly."
The origin of the information pointed to Friedrich Engels, but the motive remained unclear.
If it had been intentional, it must have occurred before the southern state was established.
Otherwise, it could have been accidental.
Beyond that, speculation would be meaningless without further information.
"Do you suspect anyone?"
"No one in particular."
There were simply too many possibilities.
"Then I will assist in the investigation."
"That is unexpected."
"I would prefer that my past remains buried."
Naturally.
No one wished for their past to resurface.
"Once this matter is resolved, perhaps it is time to act."
"…Act?"
"The southern state has grown strong. It may be time to suppress it. This situation could serve as an opportunity."
The existence of the southern state had already served its purpose.
Whether or not it was involved in this matter, there was no reason to leave it unchecked.
Karl Marx considered this carefully.
"…Then I will confront Friedrich Engels."
"Can you do that?"
"I must. In a way, this situation began with me."
A confrontation between the originator and the successor.
But first, this matter had to be resolved.
No one had ever directly targeted me like this before.
Whoever was responsible would be exposed completely.
From beginning to end.
And perhaps, it was fortunate that this had happened now.
Better to uncover any weaknesses before they could be exploited further.
"Karl Marx, you are familiar with the doctrines of the southern state?"
"Of course. They are based on what I created."
"Then are there theories you developed that are not part of their current ideology?"
"Yes."
"Compile them into a book."
To draw out those hiding in the shadows, bait was needed.
Not something rotten, but something irresistible.
If the right information was released, they would be forced to reveal themselves.
Let us see how they react.
If it is revealed that Killian was not merely a communist, but the one who shaped Friedrich Engels and the southern state itself.
Even Friedrich Engels would deny it.
Yet it was, in fact, true.
***
There are many phrases in this world that are used differently from their original meaning, and one of them is the expression "strike the grass to startle the snake."
Originally, it meant disturbing the grass where a snake is hiding, drawing it out, and then confirming its condition before capturing or killing it.
It is often used as a strategy of making an example of one party in order to warn another, yet strangely, it is also used to describe acting rashly and ruining matters.
In truth, both interpretations have merit.
If what emerges from the grass is a small snake, it can simply be killed.
But if a dragon bursts out instead, then the one who dies will be the one who struck the grass.
In a way, it perfectly fits the current situation.
Perhaps the other side is also testing us, provoking a reaction to see how we respond.
And I too intend to provoke them and observe their reaction before striking.
So which side is the snake, and which is the dragon?
That will only be revealed once everything is over.
"Then as you instructed, we will leak this information. But will it really be alright? To release something like this."
"Why? Are you worried?"
"Was this not top-level confidential information? The fact that Your Majesty manipulated Friedrich Engels and sent him to the South was something known only to you and me."
"That is correct."
"This is tied to the unification of Canada, Your Majesty's accession as king, and the transformation of Europe. If it becomes known that Your Majesty directly intervened, the consequences will be enormous."
The rise of the communist state had a profound impact on European society.
Until then, capitalists had treated workers as expendable tools, but the emergence of the southern socialist state forced them to recognize the danger.
When the South transformed into a socialist nation, many capitalists and landowners were killed by enraged mobs.
Some fortunate individuals managed to escape to the North, but that was limited to those living near the border.
Those in the deeper regions were hanged or beaten to death by workers, and those who survived lost all their wealth.
The shock of this forced Europe to reform labor laws and ease tensions, resulting in benefits for all sides.
But if it became known that this entire process had been orchestrated according to my intentions, the repercussions would be beyond measure.
Of course, that is only if it were ever proven.
"James, you only think that way because you know the truth."
"…Pardon?"
"If you told Pinkerton this, would he believe it?"
"…No. He would think it nonsense."
Most would assume James had lost his mind.
Or that I was spreading misinformation to confuse the enemy.
"When something lies far beyond common sense, people cannot accept it. Even Friedrich Engels himself does not realize he was guided. If someone told him he had been a puppet, would he accept it? He would react more strongly than anyone."
"That is true. Even if it is real, no one would believe it. But then, would not the client dismiss it as nonsense as well?"
"That is why it matters how much truth we reveal."
Those with some understanding might believe it, while others would dismiss it as rumor.
Either way, the risk remained low.
Now, what would emerge from the grass?
A snake, a worm, or something greater?
At the very least, it would be disappointing if it were something insignificant.
After laying such an elaborate trap, it would be anticlimactic if nothing of value appeared.
As expected, McFarlane was utterly confused when he received the instructions.
"…So His Majesty is not merely a communist, but the hidden leader behind communism? And I am supposed to tell them this?"
"Yes. That is the chairman's order."
"…I cannot understand this at all. Will they even believe it?"
"That is why we have prepared supporting evidence."
"…This is madness. Understood."
Even calling Killian a communist had been absurd.
Now he was to claim that Killian was the true mastermind behind Engels and the southern state.
For McFarlane, who was Irish, this bordered on sacrilege.
Yet this was part of cleansing those who sought to defame Killian.
After rehearsing his expression repeatedly, he summoned the client and presented the materials.
"This investigation was difficult. Even we found the conclusion unbelievable. But it is all true."
"I did not expect such a quick result. As expected of your agency. So what is this shocking conclusion?"
"The King of Canada is not merely a communist."
"Of course. If he associated with Marx and Engels in their youth, that would be expected."
"It goes far beyond that. Would you believe that Engels was in fact acting under Killian's direction?"
The client's expression mirrored McFarlane's earlier reaction.
"Unbelievable, is it not? I also verified it multiple times."
"Wait. Engels? The General Secretary?"
"Yes."
"And you are saying Killian influenced the very creation of the southern state?"
"That is correct."
Contrary to expectations, the client did not dismiss it outright.
Perhaps he saw an opportunity.
McFarlane calmly presented the evidence.
"This alone is not conclusive. But combined with the diary you provided, the conclusion becomes clear."
"…Engels shifted from Paris to the South due to the influence of a certain activist. And that activist was connected to Killian?"
"Yes. Funding traced back to organizations linked to the British royal family."
"Is that true? How was this discovered so quickly?"
Because it was fabricated.
The evidence had been carefully constructed to ensure credibility.
Even if exposed, the royal family would suffer no damage.
Instead, those spreading it would be condemned.
"Your information allowed us to investigate further. The results were… beyond expectation."
"This could shake the world. A communist revolution orchestrated by the very heart of capitalism."
Something felt off.
Not just shock, but a deeper conflict.
"Shall we continue investigating?"
"Yes… please do."
"What direction should we pursue?"
"I need time to think."
The client gathered the documents and left hurriedly.
As soon as the door closed, McFarlane spoke.
"Follow him."
A hidden door opened, and agents silently moved out.
With such information, the client would inevitably report to someone higher.
Tracking him would reveal the next target.
McFarlane reached for a cigarette, then stopped.
"Not allowed. His Majesty does not smoke."
Among the Irish, it had become customary not to smoke out of respect for Killian.
The reasoning was absurd, yet widely accepted.
McFarlane instead took a piece of candy and smiled.
The bait had been taken.
Now it was only a matter of waiting.
He was not driven by money, but by loyalty.
"Should I report this immediately… or verify it first… no, there is no time."
Kevin hurried forward, clutching the documents.
Even in his panic, he checked for anyone following him.
He could not afford to be careless.
What he carried could shake the world.
If discovered, he could be killed.
He reached the meeting point and sent a message.
"This is Alpha. Immediate review required. Awaiting further instructions."
The message passed through multiple relays.
Many were involved in this plan, but for now, the fastest response would come from the South.
He decided to wait for the reply of Mikhail Bakunin.