From the very beginning, I already knew what answer Gennady would give.
That was precisely why I considered Korea's achievement in capturing him to be far from insignificant.
If he had fallen into the hands of the British Empire, there might have been some way out for him.But after making such a disgraceful display by being captured by a minor nation like Korea, there was no escape left.
In fact, there was no need to wait two days.
It took only one.
"Your Highness… if I follow your instructions, my life will truly be guaranteed… correct?"
"I've told you already. We'll even give you a proper English name and let you live comfortably in Canada.You might be recognized, so change your hairstyle, shave your beard, and put on about twenty kilos—you'll be fine."
"…But I don't have that much wealth saved up…"
"If you do your job well, I'll make sure you can live the rest of your life without working. Is that enough?"
At this point, the answer was already decided.
Gennady glanced around nervously, as if afraid someone might overhear, then gave a faint nod.
"But… if this leaks, I'll be assassinated before I can even fake my death. What then?"
"I'll take care of that. Don't worry.All you need to do is gather the journalists and read what I prepared convincingly. Repeat after me:
'Tsar Nicholas is a tyrant who drove hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths for his own ambition.'"
"Tsar Nicholas is a tyrant who drove hundreds of thousands of soldiers to their deaths for his own ambition!"
Good. That delivery should be more than enough.
Now the only question left was how to ensure this reached the ears of the Russian army.
If this were the 20th century, widespread radio would've made things easier.But in this era, the speed of information was a real limitation.
There was no point holding a grand press conference if the Russians never heard about it.
The high-ranking officers would eventually learn of it, of course—but if they tried to suppress it, morale wouldn't collapse entirely.
I needed to prepare in advance—while they still had no idea what was coming.
Asia alone wasn't enough. I'd take him to Europe and make the stage as large as possible.
But before that, it was best to clean up matters here first.
Meeting each faction separately would be tedious, so I summoned both Korea's commander, Yi Beom-gyu, and the shogunate's commander, Toyama, together.
"First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to both of you for demonstrating such loyalty as our allies.I only requested logistical support for the fleet, yet you sent troops and fought alongside us."
"It was only our duty as allies."
"The Shogun will be deeply moved by Your Highness's consideration."
"I will soon depart for Europe. The final peace negotiations will likely take place there, which may limit your ability to present your interests directly.However, given your contributions, the British Empire cannot afford to neglect your claims.So I would like to hear them in advance."
No one in the world disliked being promised benefits.
Naturally, both sides eagerly began listing their demands.
"The Shogun wishes to secure undisputed control over Karafuto, which the Russians have long claimed."
"That won't be difficult."
"…And what of this region? If it is to be divided, we would like our share as well."
Even Sakhalin alone should have been enough—eyeing Primorye too was rather greedy.
But realistically, neither Korea nor Japan had the capacity to hold that land.
"Does Korea wish to claim part of Primorye as well?"
"No. While any nation desires more land, holding that territory would only invite further conflict with Russia, with little real benefit."
"A reasonable conclusion. We plan to occupy it for now, then return it to Russia in exchange for compensation.The distribution will be handled appropriately."
"In that case, we have no further claims."
Japan was settled. Now it was Korea's turn.
"Your Highness seeks to completely sever relations with Qing."
"You are already no longer considered a tributary state."
"Not just that. Considering recent events, the court believes cutting ties entirely aligns better with our identity."
"You mean ending the tributary relationship altogether?"
That would make Qing foam at the mouth.
But it also meant Korea was asking for backing.
"Understood. Then is there anything you wish to demand from Russia?"
"We prefer material aid and compensation over territory."
A practical choice.
"I will ensure your interests are reflected in the negotiations."
"…Then what of Gennady?"
"We will take him with us when we leave. He is… uncomfortable staying here."
"Ah… I see."
Naturally, his betrayal had to remain secret.
After finalizing arrangements, we prepared to leave Primorye.
Qing attempted to insert themselves into the process, but were immediately silenced—reminded that they had attacked Britain's allies.
And once Korea formally renounced its tributary status…
Well.
Things in Asia were about to become very interesting.
* * *
News that Korea had captured the Russian commander and effectively ended the campaign soon reached the court.
What began as a reluctant participation had turned into a major achievement.
The entire court brightened.
"With this, we should receive substantial compensation."
"Certainly. Several times our expenditures."
"Minister Kim was right—supporting Britain was the correct choice. Russia is no match for them."
King Yi Hwan listened quietly.
"Has my intent to fully separate from Qing been conveyed?"
"Yes. Girian has acknowledged it."
"Good. Then we must now secure justification."
"The Qing have lost all claim to moral authority," one minister declared."Their conduct in war was disgraceful."
Indeed, their actions had handed Joseon the perfect justification.
The court debated two paths:
Either declare Joseon the new center of civilization…Or claim Heaven's mandate had shifted elsewhere.
The latter was safer—for now.
"Then… what of Girian's movements?"
"He will return to Europe immediately."
"…Immediately?"
Yi Hwan tapped his throne.
Then, suddenly—
"Send a dispatch to Yi Beom-gyu.Tell him I wish to meet Girian in person before he departs."