Chapter 113 – Renewed Determination

Money goes around the world.
But when money is spun around recklessly and runs wild, the result is the greatest stock market crash in history.

And what awaits after that is the greatest depression in history, brought about because America hoarded money and stopped circulating it.
From within that depression, the prelude to the next world war begins.

There were many times when I wondered if, even if it couldn’t be stopped, at least the flow could be eased before it came to this. But seeing it firsthand engraved deep into my soul that there’s truly nothing I can do.
I had declared from the beginning that I would “witness history” and came to be there, and in the end it was the right decision. Because I came to understand deeply that there are things in this world one cannot resist.

And with that deep understanding, I once again swore to do everything I could— to prevent my own ruin, my family’s ruin, my conglomerate’s ruin, and if possible, Japan’s ruin.

That last challenge is already at the level where a miracle is needed. But it’s said that sixty percent of those who fought in the Russo-Japanese War called it a human miracle. That’s a concrete number expressing the idea of “Do all you can, then leave the rest to fate.”

I should do the same.
If I prepare sixty percent of the miracle myself, perhaps the goddess of fate, or something like her, will turn her gaze toward me.

And then I found myself standing in a position where I might actually be able to prepare a portion of that sixty percent miracle.

And in a world where no cheats exist, instead of relying entirely on miracles, I only need to bend history to my will with my own strength—gathering together the power of those who lend me their strength, and even those who may not but are still walking in the same direction.

Of course, it took about a week after witnessing the bottom fall out of the world economy before I could think this through and make my resolve. I spent most of that time in a hollowed-out state, like a patient with depression.

Thinking I might need another shock therapy, I set out once more for the heart of New York. But when I stopped by Trinity Church, suddenly feeling the urge to pray, I turned back right then.
After all, the place was already packed with people far more desperate than me. Seeing that only sank me deeper into depression.

I had a feeling I might end up like this, which is why I cut loose so much on the West Coast. I even let off steam in Texas. For morale’s sake, I even struck a massive oil field or two. Outside of New York, I tried to live without thinking about the stock market as much as possible.

The reason I brought Kouryuu-sensei along was because he was someone I could talk to without reservation.

But it seems that wasn’t enough. Though over the course of several days I managed to think things through and renew my resolve, I couldn’t quite grasp the trigger to take action.
That’s why, instead of returning to Japan right away, I vaguely began to think that I should recharge myself first before going home. That thought came to me after the month turned, once November began.

Right now, this period also doubles as preparation time for that recharging.

And in the midst of that, in early November, the day after the Meiji Festival, I received a visitor.
It was Robert Smith.

“Please forgive me for my disgraceful behavior the other day. Today, I have come seeking the advice of the Count’s daughter.”

For the time being, at least, it seemed his spirit had recovered enough to cover things up with a decent facade. However, he had addressed me not as “Princess” but as “Count’s daughter.” It must have been quite a serious matter.

“No, Mr. Smith. In such a disastrous situation, no one could possibly remain calm. I myself have been unable to do anything for the past few days.”

“I see. And yet, I am grateful that you agreed to meet me.”

“I could hardly turn Mr. Smith away. But, even if you say advice, I doubt there is anything I could answer to help you.”

“No. You predicted this matter precisely. I thought perhaps you might also foresee what lies ahead. Even if that were not the case, I wish to hear words from an outside perspective. Of course, I am prepared to pay the proper price for it.”

Being told that much, and even having him bow his head, I couldn’t just say I had nothing to share.
I pretended to think for a moment, but in truth, I already “knew” quite a lot. And since everything so far had unfolded exactly as I “knew,” it would likely continue in the same way. That much had already crossed my mind many times this past week.

“I don’t know if this will be of any help, but I do have a pessimistic outlook for the future and some ideas for countermeasures.”

“As I thought, you had already anticipated this. We would like to use it as reference for our own considerations, so please share it with us.”

How demanding—wanting me to lay out everything. Still, it was something I had been thinking I should tell someone in some form, so in that sense, this was a perfect opportunity.

With that thought, I opened my mouth.

“First, just to confirm. Since the market had kept surging for five years straight, even with this crash, it would be natural for prices to decline gradually over three to four years.”

“A rebound, then. But you say three to four years? That would mean continuing to fall to around 100 dollars, like in ’25?”

“There will probably be temporary rebounds, or even periods of increase. It is the stock market, after all. But if things stay as they are now, I don’t see any factor that could stop a long-term overall decline.”

“That matches our own conclusion. And then?”

(It’s not quite the same though. After all, it’s going to fall to around 40 dollars.)

While thinking something else deep down, I spoke different words aloud.

“It’s not much of a strategy, but I believe I know what ought to be done. However, none of it suits America. Especially under the current Republican administration, I see the chances of it being implemented as very slim.”

“You mean, they should do the opposite of laissez-faire?”

Just as he said, Mr. Smith—no, the American business world and government—already knew what needed to be done.

So I gave a firm nod of agreement.

“That’s right. Immediate and unlimited monetary policy, or else unlimited proactive fiscal policy by the government through public investment, is what’s required. But even government measures alone won’t be enough.”

“Even if they’re unlimited?”

“Yes. I’ve been convinced by your actions over this past week. You’ve all been desperately gathering dollars, haven’t you?”

“Of course. Isn’t that obvious?”

His tone and expression said, “What on earth are you talking about?”

That’s why I had to say it. I felt this was the only chance I’d ever have to convey it.

“Gentlemen, I am well aware that saying this now to you—the very darlings of capitalism in America—may sound unnecessary, but money is not something to be hoarded. It is something to be used. It only has meaning when it is spent.

Of course, if you don’t choose wisely where to use it, you’ll just be throwing it into the gutter. But if all you do is feel secure by locking it away in vaults, then the American economy—no, the entire world economy—will fall as far as it can fall. If the blood flow stops, isn’t it natural for the afflicted part to become necrotic?”

That was about all I wanted to say. But I couldn’t provide proper, detailed advice beyond that. By the 21st century, there would be more advanced financial systems and economic frameworks that could overcome this to some degree, but I didn’t know the specifics.
And even if I did, building such a system in theory and putting it into practice would require enormous effort and time. And I didn’t believe there was that much time.

So all I could do was issue warnings in broad, vague terms, words that could be taken however one wished—like the utterances of a prophet.

And as I spoke those words, I already knew.
A drowning man clinging to a straw called the dollar would never willingly let go of it.

Mr. Smith’s expression showed some degree of understanding, but at the same time, I thought I caught a faint trace of disappointment. He was probably thinking, “So that’s all?”
Or perhaps he was thinking that someone like me, sitting on a massive pile of dollars, wasn’t exactly in a position to lecture others about not hoarding.

“Your words carry quite a lot of weight. I shall most certainly convey them to my master.”

“Please do. But I ask for your understanding—right now, the situation has far exceeded anything we could have predicted. There truly isn’t much more I can say.”

“That is indeed true. You called us the darlings of capitalism, but unlike you, Countess, not a single one of us could even point toward which direction we ought to face.”

(Well, of course. If anyone could, history in my past life wouldn’t have sunk to rock bottom. If there’s an answer, I’d rather have someone tell me.)

While grumbling to myself in the corner of my mind, I switched gears, bringing this conversation to a close.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of any real help. But since I was the one who said money should be used, I’ll make sure to do plenty of shopping in America when the time is right.”

“Those are the finest words I could hope to hear. But for now—that will have to wait, I take it?”

With my words, Mr. Smith too managed to shift his mindset.

And since he already grasped the situation, the conversation moved quickly.

“I must first return to my homeland and assess the domestic situation. And besides, there’s no guarantee that things will unfold exactly as in my ramblings just now. So I ask your pardon that I cannot give you an immediate answer as to when business negotiations can take place.”

“Not at all. But once you’ve reconsidered what we should prepare, would you be willing to inform us—within whatever means you can?”

“Of course. However, I personally don’t believe there will be any major changes to the shopping list I have already presented.”

“Is that so? Even though we’re about to enter a large-scale depression?”

“My homeland Japan is a developing, or at best an emerging, nation. It is not an advanced country like America or Britain. Therefore, the things we want will inevitably be necessary, though there may be some shifts in timing due to this situation. I could practically guarantee it here and now, but at the very least, 70% of the dollars we have deposited in America will certainly be spent.”

“I will most certainly convey those words to everyone. Even so, to hear such resolute words in the midst of this crisis—just that alone makes meeting you, Countess, worthwhile. It is embarrassing to admit, but I truly feel as though my heart has been saved.”

“I make it a principle to always carry out what I say. So I would be very pleased if we can continue to maintain a good relationship from here on.”

“Of course. I look forward from the bottom of my heart to the day we meet again. Now, this is just small talk, but what are your plans for the immediate future?”

He called it small talk, but this must have been something he really wanted to ask.
And from my side as well, I wanted him to take whatever measures were necessary.

“Originally, I had planned to move on to full-fledged business negotiations, but that has become impossible. So I am thinking of using the free time to travel around Europe a bit, and then return to my country.”

“I see. We, too, feel regret, but perhaps that is for the best. Then I wish you a pleasant journey—and a safe return home.”

“Thank you very much, Mister Smith. May God’s blessing be upon you all.”

Saying that, I stood up and extended my right hand. Mister Smith’s large hand clasped my childlike hand.
In America, greetings are a handshake.

That marks the farewell to America.

Trinity Church:
Located at the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in downtown Manhattan.

Laissez-faire:
In this context, it refers to the idea that the government must not interfere in the economic activities of companies or individuals. The capitalist belief is that things go better if the government does not interfere.
Meanwhile, most of the world powers rushed headlong into the opposite—state socialism.

Even America’s “New Deal” was socialist in nature. At that time, there was no other choice.

Characters — Regarding named figures:
In the part that could be called the “America Arc,” I tried as much as possible not to introduce named figures (historical people) from America. If any do appear, they are either indispensable to the main story, or conversely, people with no real impact. Mister Smith was included for that reason.
If anyone was expecting appearances from various historical figures, I apologize.