The Shogunate has opened all key coastal positions to support Britain and is demanding unconditional cooperation from the daimyo.
Upon receiving the urgent dispatch from Dongnae, the Joseon court reached its own conclusion.
"It seems the Japanese have also chosen to follow Britain's will."
"That was inevitable from the start. As an island nation surrounded on all sides, they cannot possibly defy Britain."
To Joseon, the Japanese were a people who bowed to strength and preyed upon weakness.
So it was only natural—at least in their eyes—that Japan would submit to the command of the strongest power in Europe.
Still, there was one thing that did not quite add up.
"Britain clearly instructed us to declare war on Russia to apply pressure. Did they not give the same order to the Shogunate? Does the Ministry of Rites know anything about this?"
At the king's question, the Minister and Vice Minister of Rites exchanged blank looks, clearly caught off guard.
After a moment of silence, Minister Park Won-young spoke carefully.
"…Your Majesty. We have received no report that the Shogunate has declared war on Russia."
"But we have already sent our declaration of war, have we not?"
"Yes. The Russian forces stationed in Primorye were thrown into complete chaos."
It seemed they had never expected Joseon to declare war. By all accounts, their reaction had been dramatic—almost theatrical.
Just as Kim Jwa-geun had predicted, Russia had already concentrated its main forces in the distant western front.
Primorye would have to be defended with what remained.
Yet now they had to guard not only against a British naval assault, but also along the Tumen River, where Joseon shared a border.
No wonder they were on edge.
"Didn't the Russians issue threats against us?"
"Yes. The commander in Primorye openly warned that we might regret our actions."
"As expected of barbarians. When things do not go their way, they resort to threats without hesitation."
"Beasts bare their fangs only when they sense danger. Russia's reaction is no different. There is no need to concern ourselves."
Even officials who had been hesitant about war found their attitudes shifting after hearing of Russia's bluster.
If all Russia could do was issue empty threats, then there was nothing to fear.
After all, Joseon had only declared war. The actual fighting would be handled by Britain's fleet.
They would merely watch from the sidelines.
"Still, there is no possibility that Russia might actually attack us, is there?"
"None whatsoever. Even so, we will reinforce defenses along the Tumen River as a precaution."
"Good. There is always the chance of the unexpected. Mobilize all available resources in Hamgyeong Province. If necessary, draw from Pyeongan Province as well."
"Given the current state of Qing, that should not pose any issues."
Joseon had learned the hard way that "surely not" often turned into disaster.
Even now, most believed Russia could not possibly attack Joseon—but overconfidence was dangerous.
"Deploy sufficient artillery. While we cannot station large numbers of troops, ensure that our defenses are not found lacking."
"Your Majesty, strengthening our defenses is indeed wise. However… such deployments will incur costs."
"Are we truly so lacking in funds?"
"…Regrettably, yes."
They were not preparing for total war—merely reinforcing a narrow border in the far north.
And yet even that strained their finances.
"Then withdraw troops from the Qing border."
"That is already the maximum we can manage. Raising new forces would be difficult."
"…I see."
The king paused, then asked a different question.
"If Britain defeats Russia in this war, would we be able to claim a share of the spoils? We have, after all, declared war."
A heavy silence filled the hall.
Until now, everyone had been focused on the immediate consequences of war—but this question struck at something far more important.
Though none could answer immediately, their minds began racing.
"Your Majesty… if we consider the precedent of the Nasun expedition… we aided Qing against Russia, yet gained nothing."
"But that was a series of minor engagements. This war, I am told, involves hundreds of thousands in the west. In such a great war, would the defeated not be forced to yield much to the victors?"
"That may be so. However, the main battlefield lies in the west. Here, we may see only a standoff. It may be difficult for us to claim any share without meaningful contribution."
"…A fair point. Without merit, we cannot demand rewards."
Yet even as they said so, calculations were already underway.
If—just if—Britain crushed Russian forces in Primorye…
Then perhaps Joseon could advance north at the right moment.
And afterward, claim compensation for its "contribution."
"…We will continue monitoring Britain and the Shogunate. Devise a course of action that maximizes Joseon's gains."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"National interest shall be our highest priority!"
The king steadied his breath, suppressing the weakness creeping into his body.
Lately, he had even begun coughing up blood.
But he could not afford to fall—not now.
At least not until this war was over.
***
Northern Japan – Ezo (Hokkaido)
Unlike in times of peace, a considerable number of troops now stood assembled.
"All preparations are complete."
"This is our chance to drive the Russians from our land."
"The divine wind is with us."
Though their numbers were not overwhelming, the Russian presence on Karafuto was even smaller.
"Joseon has declared war on Russia, I hear."
"As expected. They received the same proposal as we did."
"That makes things easier. Russia must now divide its defenses."
From Russia's perspective, Karafuto was a distant frontier.
With Britain at sea and Joseon on land, they could not afford to reinforce it.
"Should we not declare war as well?"
"We have. The Emperor's declaration is already on its way."
It would arrive—after their forces had already landed.
But that hardly mattered.
Storms at sea could delay anything.
"Set sail! Expel the Russians and dedicate Karafuto to His Majesty!"
Sakhalin – Russian Outpost
"Haah… peaceful as ever."
"Training call. You coming?"
"Training, my ass…"
To the Russian soldiers stationed here, the war was distant—almost irrelevant.
Somewhere far away, in a place called the Black Sea, people were fighting.
Most of them didn't even know where that was.
"Bloody hell, do they think the British would bother coming here?"
"If anything, they'll hit Vladivostok."
Sakhalin?
A worthless backwater.
Who would bother attacking this place?
Bang!
"…What was that?"
"Training fire?"
"…No. That came from outside."
The alarm bells began to ring.
"Enemy attack!"
"The Japanese are here!"
"What?! The Koreans?!"
"No! The Japanese!"
Boom!
The wall exploded inward.
Through the smoke, Japanese soldiers surged forward.
"Take positions!"
"We only have ten rounds!"
Panic spread instantly.
Much of their ammunition had already been shipped away.
Reinforcements had not yet arrived.
And now—
"Hold them back! Sto—!"
The command never finished.
Steel met flesh.
Gunfire echoed.
And within an hour, it was over.
The Russian outpost was swallowed whole by violence.
Not a single survivor remained.