I Became The Crown Prince Of The Mexican Empire - Chapter 160



Only Noblemtl

“It’s beautiful every time I see it here.”

I toured the cathedral where the coronation was to take place. I came to check that preparations for the upcoming coronation were going well and to talk to my father.

“It’s beautiful. I’ve seen it so many times that I’ve lost interest. You miss church a lot, so I guess that’s not something you’ll do.”

“ha ha ha···.”

Given the Catholic Church’s place in Mexican society, attending Mass every weekend is considered almost essential, but I was so busy that I often missed it.

My father and mother were also devout Christians, so they said something about it, but they didn’t scold me because they knew I was really busy.

The official name of this building is the incredibly long Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mexico City (La Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María a los Cielos de la Ciudad de México), but it is often simply referred to as the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral or simply the Cathedral.

The already beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral underwent renovations throughout the year for the event, and both the interior and exterior of the building were thoroughly cleaned, making it look like a brand new building.

This building, which is also very important in Mexican architectural history, is where the father, King Agustin I, was crowned and is also the cathedral that the royal family attends every weekend.

‘It is a masterpiece that took a total of 240 years to complete, from 1573 to 1813.’

Of course, the main reason it took so long was due to a combination of factors, including finances, politics, mid-design changes, and weak ground issues, rather than construction, but there were also gains.

Because it took a long time to build, 240 years, it was able to incorporate a variety of architectural styles that were popular at the time, including Gothic, Baroque, Churrigueresque (a Spanish artistic period and architectural style that arose during the Baroque period), and Neoclassicism.

Not only architects, but also various artists such as painters and sculptors were the same. The paintings, sculptures, furniture, and various ornaments inside were made in various styles from various periods, showing off a unique atmosphere.

My father, who was touring the cathedral with me, seemed lost in his emotions and began telling stories from the past.

“When I was crowned here, I didn’t have money to buy jewels, so I had to borrow them.”

“That was 25 years ago.”

It was just before I entered this body.

“Yes. Since then, things have changed very quickly. Even I, the Emperor, could not have imagined that our Mexican Empire would grow so quickly.”

After saying that, the father paused for a moment and then said:

“Thank you, son.”

The strength of the hand on my shoulder wasn’t what it used to be, but the feeling was definitely conveyed.

“···It was all possible because my father believed in me and supported me. Honestly, it’s not easy even for rich people.”

“Hahaha, it wasn’t that hard to believe. You were transparent in what you said and did. It was harder to get rid of your uncles and maternal uncles who were being greedy.”

“···Relatives?”

It was the first time I heard of it.

“Yes. I too came from a landowning family, but it was hard to compare it to your mother’s family. Your mother’s family was one of the most prestigious in all of Mexico.”

To summarize my father’s story, he was a young lieutenant who graduated from the military academy, and he was able to rise through the ranks thanks to the help of his wealthy wife’s family.

Even during the war of independence, and even before that, when he was a Spanish officer fighting against independence fighters, there was very little support from above, and he had no choice because he spent a lot of his own money on the military.

It is common for a wealthy family with a daughter to take a capable young man as their son-in-law, regardless of time and place. It was not uncommon for George Washington in the United States or in the Republic of Korea in his previous life.

If you’ve invested in something, it’s only natural to expect something in return when it succeeds.

“So, wouldn’t it be natural to want to submit a bill after I become emperor?”

“Well, that’s right.”

“If that’s the case with my wife’s family, what about our family? They think that since an emperor came from their family, they too have become kings.”

“···I see. I didn’t know.”

“I took care of it, but you will have to be careful from now on.”

I was a little embarrassed that something like that had happened behind my back without me knowing. But when I thought about it carefully, it was only natural.

Even Napoleon, who was influenced by his family and did foolish things like dividing the throne among his constituents, faced a huge backlash.

‘Compared to them, our mother and father are wise.’

It is said that although some money was spent to appease and coax him, he was not allowed to touch the power.

“Yes, I will take care of it.”

“okay.”

“But father, what do you plan to do after your abdication?”

The day of my coronation is the day my father abdicates. On that day, he will publicly hand over to me the crown and scepter, symbols of imperial authority.

I wondered what my father, who was a capable soldier and emperor, would do if he stepped down from the throne. Perhaps because he was born with great physical strength, he did not have any serious illnesses.

“Well… I’m not sure yet. I’m just thinking that it would be nice to spend more time with your mom, and to play with your grandchildren more. I don’t really have any hobbies.”

My father has been preparing for the coronation for a year, but it seems he has not yet decided what to do after his abdication.

‘Well, you’ve been so busy lately.’

Although it was the last year, I was busier than usual as I prepared for the handover of my original work and the coronation ceremony.

The decision to abdicate itself was made because he felt his physical strength was reaching its limits after handling such a huge amount of work, so the future may feel bleak.

‘It wouldn’t be easy for someone like my father to just play around after retirement…’

I walked through the cathedral and thought for a moment, then something appropriate came to mind.

“Father, do you remember the last time you watched the Army vs. Navy soccer game with Carlos?”

“Yeah. It was fun.”

Carlos was completely absorbed in the fierce soccer match that was the pride of the Army and Naval Academies, but surprisingly, his father also watched it with sweaty palms and had fun.

Unlike my stance of beating anyone, my father cheered for the Army Academy team, and they won a hard-fought victory.

“We are thinking of creating a professional soccer league in Mexico in the future. How about running a team?”

“Professional soccer league?”

It was a time when the modern concept of professional sports had not yet been born. It was a time when the concept of paying to watch sports and professional athletes making money by only playing sports without any other productive activities was also rare.

However, there are horse racing events that have been held since ancient times, and recently in England, professional cricket and boxing events have emerged.

First of all, in the history of the game, the modern rules of football were established in 1863 and the English Football League was launched in 1888, so it was not an unreasonable idea.

I have described in detail the professional football league. On the surface, it seems like a completely unproductive pastime, but in fact, professional sports have many advantages for the rulers.

“Hmm… It might be fun, but will the people really pay to watch the game?”

“There’s no need to insist on paid viewing from the beginning. I’ll put up the prize money…”

After that, my father and I walked around the cathedral and talked a lot.

***

December 1847.

As the coronation approaches, dignitaries from many countries around the world have arrived.

There were over a hundred envoys sent by European countries such as the British Empire, the French Republic, the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, the Austrian Empire, the Kingdom of Spain, the Dutch Republic, and the Kingdom of Portugal, as well as several countries in South America, the United States, the Ottoman Empire, Korea, the Qing, and Japan.

Most countries had already established formal diplomatic relations and had embassies, and there were already diplomats within the Mexican Empire, but because it was a coronation, high-ranking officials such as the royal family and the Minister of Foreign Affairs attended in person.

“Even if the Southern Alliance came, they would have refused, so let’s say that, and they didn’t come from New Granada either?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The central government of New Granada is also trying to regain control of the provinces, but it has little actual force, and in reality, it is destined to become a confrontation between the local elite and the citizens.”

“I see. I’m ordering you to intervene more actively. It would be a problem if multiple independent countries were to emerge.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

There were many distinguished guests from many countries, but I did not have to meet them in person. Of course, I had to show my face to some great powers, such as the British Empire and the Russian Empire, but there were people who were more important and whom I had to meet.

Wilhelm I.

He is my brother-in-law and the future Emperor of the German Empire. He is the younger brother of the current King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, and he visited the Mexican Empire with his wife and daughter.

“welcome.”

“Congratulations.”

My first meeting with Wilhelm I was somewhat awkward. But fortunately, the main characters in this meeting were not me and him.

My son Carlos and Princess Luise Marie Elisabeth were the main characters of this event.

‘This feels like a meeting between parents. And from the parents’ perspective.’

It’s a complicated feeling.

Although they were only 11 and 9 years old, the children seemed to have noticed each other already.

When I was about to tell him to say hello first, Carlos opened his mouth.

“Hello! It’s really nice to meet you!”

As the interpreter translated Carlos’ greeting, which sounded stiff and slightly nervous, Princess Luise also spoke.

“Oh, hello!”

When I saw Princess Louis hiding behind her as if embarrassed while saying that, I burst out in a delighted laugh.

“Hehehe, you’re really cute.”

“ha ha ha.”

As I watched the children, the awkwardness eased a bit and the conversation continued in a friendly manner.

After the first meeting with his brother-in-law, December passed quickly, and while fierce fighting raged in the United States and New Granada, all the attention of the Mexican people was focused on the coronation.

By the end of December, guests from almost all countries had arrived safely, as had the Archbishop of Perugia, Gioacchino Pecci, who had been sent by the Vatican.

It was natural for the Vatican to send people. The Mexican Empire had become the most powerful nation among the countries that adopted Roman Catholicism as their state religion. From the perspective of the Vatican, which was losing authority day by day, it was natural for it to send people to show its relationship with the Mexican Empire.

The archbishop came to me and offered to crown me at his coronation, but I flatly refused.

“As I have already told the Archbishop of Mexico, I appreciate the offer, but I will decline. The person who will take that role has already been decided.”

“···I regret it, but in accordance with God’s will, I respect His Majesty’s decision. However, if you change your mind, please let me know at any time, as this could be a precious opportunity to share God’s blessings with many faithful believers in the Mexican Empire. We can all draw a sacred moment of unity.”

It used to be quite common for a priest to crown someone, but times have changed.

At the coronation of his father, Augustin I, a priest was present, but it was the President of the Council who assumed that role.

‘I have to receive it directly from my father.’

The previous emperor was still alive and was peacefully abdicating to his son. There was no need to receive the crown from someone else.

Besides, Roman Catholicism cannot be my friendly force, because it is the target of reform.

Of the many problems that remain in the Mexican Empire, the biggest one is the church.

‘The church is the greatest corrupt force in Mexico.’

The problem of the great landowners who own the huge haciendas and the implicit law system of peonage they exercise is of secondary importance to the Church, which enjoys all these things combined, plus many religious privileges.

In the history of the original, there were two rebellions when the Mexican government tried to implement secularization policies, but this world will not allow that to happen.