What Joseon had intended was likely simple.
Avoid the main Russian force entrenched in Vladivostok, station troops across Primorye, and then claim the land as their own.
But events were not unfolding as expected.
Qing's sudden intervention—
And Russia, thoroughly provoked by Japan, scrambling desperately to respond.
Given their situations, neither Qing nor Russia should have been acting like this.
Qing was already overwhelmed by the Taiping Rebellion, while Russia risked having its capital threatened.
And yet, both were scraping together forces from distant regions and sending them to Primorye.
Absurd.
But then again—
Both were nations that lived and died by pride.
With the situation escalating this far, it was only natural that attention had to shift toward Asia, leaving the European theater temporarily in the hands of field commanders.
"Your Royal Highness, it seems I must join the Asian Fleet. I trust things here will proceed without me for the time being?"
Admiral Parker inclined his head.
"Your Royal Highness has already achieved more than enough to secure victory. While your presence would undoubtedly bolster morale, matters in Asia are best handled by an expert of that region."
Admiral Parker immediately issued orders to coordinate with the Asian Fleet and requested permission from the Ottoman authorities for British naval entry into the Persian Gulf.
Fortunately, the Ottomans welcomed the request without hesitation.
"His Royal Highness, the Prince Consort, intends to rendezvous with the Asian Fleet in the Persian Gulf? Of course. We shall ensure the Royal Navy encounters no inconvenience whatsoever."
Given how thoroughly they had been battered at the beginning of the war, their deference bordered on reverence.
"Then, Admiral, I leave matters here in your capable hands."
"When Your Royal Highness returns, the Union Jack will be flying over Sevastopol."
"I shall hold you to that. Still, we remain connected via telegraph—if anything arises, do not hesitate to contact me. This remains the most critical front."
"Of course, Your Royal Highness."
The uncertainty that had once filled their eyes at the war's outset was gone.
Now, there was only respect.
And it was not limited to Admiral Parker.
"It is an honor to escort Your Royal Highness!"
The Ottoman officer assigned as escort—Colonel Antoni Ilinsky—looked at Killian with undisguised admiration.
"Our Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Omar Pasha, deeply regrets that he could not meet Your Royal Highness in person."
"I share the regret. Perhaps we shall meet when the peace negotiations are concluded."
"Yes, Your Royal Highness… though—"
The colonel hesitated before speaking again.
"There are… rumors."
"Rumors?"
"That Your Royal Highness is the true architect behind this war's favorable course."
Killian listened quietly.
"They say you anticipated the war, secured alliances in advance, encircled Russia, and devised a strategy that strikes across fronts too vast for them to defend. Furthermore, that you identified the cause behind the army's rising casualties and immediately implemented solutions."
"…That is not entirely inaccurate," Killian replied lightly. "But it was not my effort alone."
"Your humility does you credit, Your Royal Highness. Some even believe your journey to the Asian Fleet signals a decisive move to deliver the final blow to Russia."
Killian suppressed a faint smile.
So this was how he was perceived.
A shadow strategist.
Not quite hidden—but not entirely visible either.
And if the Ottomans saw him this way—
Then France, and even Russia, likely did as well.
…Useful.
***
When the ultimatum sent personally by the Xianfeng Emperor arrived in Joseon, the court fell into near panic.
They had merely crossed the Tumen River and stationed troops in Primorye.
Why, then, was Qing issuing an ultimatum?
"First, we must understand the situation. Is it true that our forces attacked Qing first?"
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of War has already submitted detailed reports. General Yi Beom-gyu and his men, as well as the Japanese commanders present, all attest that the fault does not lie with us."
"Then why would Qing make such demands?"
No answer came.
Only speculation.
The King spoke again, voice strained.
"Listen carefully to my conclusion."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"No matter how one examines it, this is nothing more than a pretext. Qing seeks to reaffirm its position as the superior state over Joseon."
Murmurs of agreement spread through the court.
It made sense.
There was no other explanation.
"As matters stand, Joseon has become the focal point of this regional conflict. Our cooperation with Britain grows deeper by the day. We have even deployed troops into Primorye. From Qing's perspective—what does this look like?"
"That Joseon is drifting away from Qing and aligning with Britain."
"Precisely. This ultimatum is pressure—a demand that we declare our allegiance."
Qing was asserting dominance.
Demanding submission.
Such blunt coercion was rare.
But that only revealed the truth—
Qing's authority was weakening.
"Your Majesty! These demands are unacceptable!"
"They demand punishment of General Yi Beom-gyu! If we punish a general who fought under royal command, what soldier will ever again fight with pride?"
"We must refuse!"
There were dissenting voices.
"Are we prepared to go to war with Qing? Their Banner forces are already approaching the border."
Memories of past invasions lingered.
But times had changed.
Qing had been defeated by Britain.
Then humiliated by Russia.
And now—
Joseon and Japan were freely operating in territory once seized by Russia from Qing.
"Qing is no longer what it once was."
"And we are allied with Britain," another official added. "If our homeland is threatened, would not Britain be compelled to assist?"
It was a strange truth.
They trusted British power more than their own.
But it was enough.
The King made his decision.
"Summon the Qing envoy. We shall make our position clear."
A pause.
"Joseon recognizes Qing as the Son of Heaven of the Central Plains. However—Joseon is not a vassal state."
A bold declaration.
Perhaps even reckless.
But necessary.
The envoy's outrage was inevitable.
It did not matter.
If Qing wished to escalate—
Let them try.
The King, his life nearing its end, felt clarity unlike ever before.
As if a final flame burned brighter before extinguishing.
And so—
With what time remained,
He resolved to fulfill his duty.