Murmurs filled the hall from all directions, a constant hum that rang in the ears.
If I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have come. Damn it.
I leaned back in my chair, maintaining a calm expression.
Across from me sat James Garfield, wearing an awkward smile as he looked at me.
"Your Majesty must be extremely busy, yet you came here so quickly. Thank you."
"It is only natural. Matters of this magnitude require both our nations to discuss them together."
Originally, my plan had been to coordinate with the President of the United States and then travel to Richmond together once the British delegation arrived.
But the moment I arrived in Washington, an absurd piece of news from the South triggered a massive scandal that turned not only the embassy but also the press upside down.
"How is former President Abraham Lincoln doing?"
"I hear he is doing very well, spending his time writing in his hometown."
"That is unfortunate. If he had been in Washington, I would have liked to greet him in person."
"He must be just as surprised by the news as we are."
Lincoln was practically the living symbol of anti communism in the United States.
During his four terms, the gap between the North and South had widened significantly, and the fear of the South rising again had nearly disappeared.
And yet, now there was a revelation that I, a leading figure of the Western world, was the father of communism.
It was no wonder the United States did not know how to react.
Garfield's ambiguous smile reflected the situation perfectly.
"I believe the current President has more questions than the former one."
"…The truth is, Congress is demanding an explanation from me. It is not even something I can explain, but the opposition continues to press the issue."
In other words, he wanted me to clarify everything.
I found the situation just as absurd.
Why had Friedrich Engels written such nonsense as his final words?
"It took time to understand the situation because the claim was so ridiculous. There have always been countless rumors about me. It is necessary to be cautious."
"So you are saying Engels fabricated that letter to slander you?"
"Let us be precise. That was not a will. It was an unfinished letter written while he was drunk. It was not truth revealed in intoxication, but the rambling of an alcoholic."
I glanced at the headline of the newspaper beside Garfield.
[Killian, the father of communism? Engels and Marx confess that he shaped their ideas.]
"So Your Majesty is saying the contents are false."
"More accurately, small truths exaggerated into something much larger."
"…Even so, if there is any truth, we would appreciate a clear statement. This is a serious matter."
"I understand."
In a nation where anti communism defined politics, such a claim could not be ignored.
Europe treated it as gossip.
But the United States was different.
"Unofficially, there are even theories that Engels was your puppet."
"So I supposedly sent him to America?"
"…Conspiracy theories tend to be like that."
The idea was dangerous.
If believed, anti British sentiment could rise sharply.
Strictly speaking, I had influenced Engels.
But he had not known that.
This was still slander.
"Do not worry. I have a plan."
Garfield relaxed slightly.
"If you cooperate, I will settle this before leaving the United States."
"Of course. What do you need?"
"Gather journalists and politicians who are reacting strongly."
Soon, I stood before a crowd of reporters.
"Your Majesty!"
"Is the letter true?"
"Please answer!"
"I will address all concerns directly. Ask your questions."
Journalists from across America and Canada filled the hall.
The story was irresistible.
The most powerful man in the world secretly behind communism.
If true, it would be the greatest scandal in history.
Yet I remained calm.
Crisis can also be opportunity.
"Is the letter genuine?"
"It is an unfinished letter written in drunkenness. Some facts exist, but most are exaggerated."
"So you deny being the father of communism?"
I sighed inwardly.
Denying everything was not wise.
"Engels exaggerated his vision. But it is true that both he and Karl Marx were influenced by me."
Silence fell.
"…What?"
"Is that true?"
Pens moved rapidly.
"I influenced their theories, but I never supported communism. I have always argued that it cannot replace capitalism and can only emerge after its full development."
I pointed to passages in the letter.
"Engels left because I did not meet his expectations. He formed his own movement and came to America. I later worked through Marx to dismantle his ideological foundation."
"So the debate was planned?"
"I created the opportunity. The outcome was Marx's work."
I paused, then spoke clearly.
"I will publish a full account of how these ideas developed and how Engels lost control."
If I could not avoid the situation, I would use it.
Being called the father of communism would not harm me.
Instead, it would highlight the contrast.
A rational leader versus a fanatic.
In the end, public perception would shift in my favor.
If Engels wished to strike at me in death, then I would answer in life.
In my world, drunkenness is not an excuse.