The premodern Joseon belief that no matter how the world changed, what mattered most was setting oneself right.
Strictly speaking, that belief wasn't entirely wrong.
No matter how chaotic the surroundings became, if one simply did what needed to be done, one could stand firm like a deeply rooted tree.
The problem was that 19th-century Joseon could hardly claim—even as empty words—that it was doing its part properly.
Still, by chance, Joseon had entered into trade with the British Empire and even dispatched an envoy. In that regard, it was already walking a different path from most Asian nations, with the exception of Japan.
Communication, which once took months at best, had recently become much faster.
Thanks to the strange new invention called the telegraph.
Of course, long-distance transcontinental lines had yet to be completed, but even the partial networks already in place had revolutionized communication.
What used to take over three months could now be done in less than one.
Because of this, Joseon's court received Kim Jwa-geun's report quickly—
And promptly descended into chaos.
"Declare war on Russia? Us?"
"Have they lost their minds? Why should we—just because Britain is at war—"
"It is a demand based on the mutual defense treaty we signed. Logically speaking, their argument isn't wrong."
"So we're supposed to go to war with Russia?"
"Did we not send troops north during the past campaigns? If you think of it in that sense—"
Naturally, the ministers split into two camps—those who insisted it was impossible, and those who argued they had no choice but to comply.
"What in the world was Kim Jwa-geun thinking? To accept such an absurd demand without protest!"
"Indeed! Perhaps he bears a grudge for being sent so far away and is deliberately mishandling matters!"
"Nonsense! Kim Jwa-geun is not that kind of man. Must we always resort to baseless accusations?"
"Then why would he accept such a ridiculous demand so easily?!"
Because the message had been sent via telegraph, only a brief summary had arrived.
The detailed report Kim Jwa-geun had written was still somewhere rounding the Cape of Good Hope on its way to India.
All they had was a single line:
Britain demands Joseon's participation in the war. The embassy unanimously agrees it must be accepted.
No wonder the court was in uproar.
"We must hold Kim Jwa-geun accountable!"
"Shall we recall him at once?"
"No… that won't do. Instead, we must have him request Britain withdraw this absurd demand!"
"I'm telling you—the demand is valid under the treaty! Are we to become a nation that breaks its word?"
"Russia is a barbarian power that even subdues the Qing! And we are to wage war against such a nation?"
Left unchecked, the argument would never end.
King Yi Hwan, who had been silently observing, pressed his temple in irritation before raising his hand.
"Enough. I have heard your opinions."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"While we must await further reports before making a final decision, my judgment is this: even with British support, it is unreasonable for Joseon to wage war against Russia. However, if Russia is currently at war with Britain and France, then their main forces must be in Europe. Would the troops stationed in Primorye truly pose a significant threat to Joseon?"
At once, the Minister of Rites—who had been advocating for participation—stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, your reasoning is sound. This is a detailed map of Europe and Asia obtained from Shanghai. If you examine this area, you will clearly see the immense distance between Russia's main forces and Primorye."
King Yi Hwan studied the map.
His eyes sharpened.
"So vast… Even the lands of China pale in comparison."
"Indeed. History shows that no great empire has effectively managed a war on opposite ends of its territory. Russia will not be an exception."
"I see. However, even the forces stationed in Primorye could threaten Joseon. This is not a decision to be made lightly."
He paused, then spoke again.
"If we are to face full-scale war, we must find a pretext to withdraw. But if not… it may be best to comply with Britain's request. What say you?"
"That is a wise decision, Your Majesty."
"Russia is but another band of barbarians. There is no better justification than subduing them."
With a compromise reached, the ministers finally relented.
Yi Hwan quietly exhaled.
He did not know how things had come to this, but one thing was clear—
Events were spiraling out of control.
What karma had he accumulated to face such crises one after another upon ascending the throne?
As the ministers withdrew, he stared blankly at their backs, feeling the crushing weight of the crown more than ever before.
***
"What do you think? I don't look strange, do I?"
"You're my husband. How could you possibly look anything but perfect? You look more splendid than anyone in the entire British Empire."
"If I look too good, people might just stare at my face instead of listening."
"Stop being ridiculous. Go on—and don't forget, you promised to spend the evening with the children."
Victoria narrowed her eyes slightly as she brushed dust from my uniform.
Normally, this would be the servants' task, but today she insisted on dressing me herself.
Our twins—now able to read and write properly—brought my decorations with their small hands and placed them into mine.
"Father, come back safely."
"Please come back safe!"
I wasn't even heading to the battlefield yet.
But that didn't matter.
The sight of children sending off their uniformed father with teary eyes was a picture in itself.
Photographers snapped furiously, while reporters scribbled drafts without pause.
The Queen dressing her husband for war.
The children seeing their father off.
No explanation was needed. The image said everything.
Even the usually overzealous reporters remained subdued, waiting quietly until I finished.
Then, as I rose to leave for the square, questions came immediately.
"Your Highness! The Times! Why have you chosen to personally participate in this war?"
"There is only one reason. When countless young men of the Empire are risking their lives, I cannot remain behind in comfort. I may hold only an honorary position, but I am still an admiral of the Royal Navy. In times like these, it is my duty to set an example."
"Your Highness! The Morning Post! Some argue this war has nothing to do with Britain. Do you agree with the government's decision?"
"It may seem unrelated at first glance, but it is not. This war is necessary for the lasting peace and justice of Europe."
I paused briefly.
"When we fought Napoleon, he had not yet invaded Britain. But we knew that if he conquered Europe, his guns would eventually turn toward us. So we acted preemptively. This is no different."
The effect was immediate.
Public support surged.
Volunteers flooded recruitment offices.
Doctors led by John Snow, and nurses under Florence Nightingale, enlisted in large numbers.
Even aristocrats began joining en masse.
The entire Empire was swept into an unprecedented wave of unity.
And the first target of that rising force—
Greece.
They could have stayed quiet.
Instead, they stepped forward and invited destruction upon themselves.
As the one now responsible for unleashing that force…
I felt—just barely—a trace of sympathy.
***
Amid this spiraling chaos, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyoshi made his decision.
"We declare war on Russia. Issue mobilization orders to the daimyo."
Before their power grows any further.
"This will elevate the authority of the shogunate. We must prove that the Tokugawa are the rightful leaders of Japan."
"And faster than Joseon. Prepare supplies so the British fleet can be supported without delay."
"Yes! But what if some daimyo refuse—"
"Then we crush them. Use whatever force is necessary. Especially Satsuma and Choshu."
"With the British fleet present, they will not dare resist."
In times of chaos, new chaos is born.
War breeds more war.
In Europe—Russia against Britain and France.
In America—the United States against Mexico.
In Asia—Russia against Joseon.
And in the midst of it all—
Japan began a war against itself.