The sudden announcement that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.
People were shocked, but when it became known that the one who made the announcement was none other than John Snow, the hero who eradicated cholera, the impact was immense.
On top of that, the research had been conducted together with Florence Nightingale, who had made tremendous contributions to combining medicine with statistics, so countless medical professionals and scholars around the world began to verify the findings.
Naturally, the result was that it was highly credible.
Until now, there had been many claims about identifying the cause of malaria, but never before had such a systematic and well-supported argument been presented.
The problem was that the timing of this research was far too coincidental, but even that had already been prepared in advance.
Following cholera, now malaria as well. His Majesty Killian's unwavering support for medicine.
Professor John Snow stated that he had devoted himself to research since malaria cases surged in Panama, and that he had settled in Canada because it allowed him to receive information about Panama most quickly.
Florence Nightingale said that countless people had suffered due to misguided beliefs, and that she hoped this research would become a meaningful milestone that could save many lives.
Most people spared no praise for the achievement of these two giants of medicine.
And naturally, praise also poured in for me, who had supported such medical figures consistently since long ago.
However, those directly involved had already begun to look at the situation with suspicion.
The moment Panama was transferred, the transmission route of malaria, the greatest obstacle to canal construction, was suddenly revealed.
Could this really be a coincidence?
No one was foolish enough to believe that.
Naturally, voices arose in parliament suggesting that I had known everything from the beginning and had deliberately taken Panama.
Having returned briefly to London to meet my family, I stopped by parliament and discussed the matter.
"Your Majesty, did you not already have a complete plan for canal construction when you accepted Panama?"
"What is your basis for thinking that?"
"As soon as all authority over Panama was transferred to Your Majesty, this announcement was made…"
"Then if it had been announced a month later, would you not be suspicious? What about a year later? Or three years later?"
"Your Majesty, that is unreasonable."
"In the end, you are saying that this discovery was inevitable. To speak plainly, yes, I did prepare for malaria eradication, and yes, I did think that if malaria could be controlled, it might be possible to resume canal construction. But what exactly is the problem with that?"
As I responded confidently, it was the members of parliament who became flustered.
Those who had already suffered losses at my hands remained silent and did not involve themselves in the controversy.
Russell and Palmerston had learned their lesson.
Only those eager to assert themselves began to speak up.
"Let me ask the honorable members here. Mr. Russell, even if I prove that mosquitoes transmit malaria, can canal construction immediately resume?"
"…It might be possible… No, it would be difficult."
Some members nodded in agreement, while others belatedly realized the issue.
"Understanding the cause does not mean we can eliminate it. Avoiding mosquitoes sounds simple, but is it actually possible during construction in Panama? Do mosquitoes politely ask for permission before biting?"
"That is not the case. But perhaps traditional methods…"
"These so-called methods have already failed. If you believe in them, then take back Panama and handle the construction yourselves."
Knowing that mosquitoes transmit malaria does not provide an immediate solution.
It is like saying that if bullets kill people, one simply needs to avoid being shot in war.
The reality is far more complex.
"At this moment, let us hold a vote. I will return Panama to the government."
"Your Majesty, that was not our intention…"
"I do not see it that way. If I am to be treated as someone who set a trap to seize Panama, I see no reason to continue this matter. Do as you wish."
I turned and left.
Behind me, the voices of the members rose in panic.
"How could anyone say such a thing?"
"This is absurd. Knowing mosquitoes are the cause does not allow construction to resume."
"What will we do if Her Imperial Majesty hears of this?"
Victoria's anger would be severe.
This situation could be interpreted as an insult to the royal family.
That evening, Charles Wellesley, Benjamin Disraeli, and William Gladstone came to Buckingham Palace with the members responsible.
"Your Majesty, this was not the official position of parliament."
"They do not seem particularly young."
The Prime Minister bowed deeply.
"I sincerely apologize."
Others followed.
The members stood pale and shaken.
I sighed and tapped my forehead.
"Very well. If this reaches Victoria, the consequences will be severe. I will let it pass this time. However, I cannot let this go without compensation."
"Anything you require, we will provide."
I paused, as if thinking.
In truth, I had already decided.
"There is a region near the Trucial Coast. What was it called? Bahrain?"
"Yes."
"And the Qatar Peninsula nearby?"
"Yes."
"I will take development rights there."
"Understood."
Thus, I secured additional gains.
The parliament believed they had resolved the situation.
But in truth, everything had proceeded exactly as planned.
And yet, one final element remained.
Mosquitoes.
And the insecticide currently being developed.
It would soon be revealed.
Not in Britain.
But in the northern United States.
Timing, as always, was everything.