After the turbulent year of 1868 passed, a new day in 1869 began.
Smiljan, in the Austrian Empire.
A large carriage entered the center of a small village.
Naturally, the grand carriage, completely out of place, drew the attention of the villagers.
Smiljan, despite its long history, was a modest settlement with fewer than three thousand residents.
Its elementary school had only been established about thirty years ago, and it had no particularly valuable local specialties.
The gentleman in the carriage stopped at a church to ask something, then redirected toward Gospić, near the Lika River.
Though nearly ten times larger than Smiljan, Gospić was still a small town, and the carriage once again attracted attention.
The carriage stopped at an Eastern Orthodox church, and a well-dressed gentleman stepped out.
"Greetings."
"Welcome. How may I help you?"
"I came to see Father Milutin. I heard he moved here from Smiljan. May I meet him?"
"I am Milutin."
The priest, his receding hairline revealing a broad forehead, smiled kindly.
The gentleman bowed politely and presented a card.
"My name is Horace, from the James Group. You have heard of it, I assume?"
"Of course. It is the largest company in the world. But I thought it was based in the British Empire. What brings you here?"
"That applies to business. I am part of the scholarship foundation, which operates globally, including here and in Asia. I am originally from the United States."
He had been recruited into the foundation for his background and education.
His task was to identify talented individuals worldwide and send them to institutions connected to the James Group.
Talented children received education, and many later joined the group.
A mutually beneficial arrangement.
"First, a small contribution from our foundation."
"…This is quite a large donation. Thank you. The Lord will surely bless such work."
"Sharing is one of our guiding principles."
"But you did not come all this way just to donate, did you?"
Milutin was puzzled, but soon understood.
"I hear your son is very gifted. Have you decided on his education?"
"…How did you hear that? I planned to send him to Karlovac."
He was proud, but surprised such news had spread so far.
"Then how about London? He could receive world-class education from leading scholars."
"That is a great opportunity, but the cost…"
"There is none. If he passes the interview, all expenses are covered."
"Even living expenses?"
"Yes. Even a parent may accompany him initially."
Milutin hesitated.
It seemed almost too good to be true.
"Is this common?"
"No. Only special scholars receive this."
"But my son is only twelve."
"The foundation's chief director personally recommended him."
Horace worried the name might be questioned.
Fortunately, it was not.
"Do you think he will adapt?"
"I cannot say. But every recommended student has succeeded so far."
"…I see."
"Please consider it."
Milutin returned home and discussed it with his family.
His wife supported the idea.
His son was excited.
"Will I be able to see His Majesty Killian in London?"
"Perhaps."
"Then I want to go!"
Thus, Nikola Tesla left his small village and headed for the British Empire.
At the same time, in Joseon's capital, Hanseong.
The harbor was filled with people.
Officials gathered in anticipation of a grand event.
But not everyone was pleased.
"Will bowing our heads like this change anything?"
Kim Jwa Gun spoke skeptically.
"Information suggests the Crown Prince values such gestures."
"I question that information."
"Japan is preparing even greater ceremonies."
The military officials were confident.
"If Britain supports us, we can reclaim Manchuria."
They smiled at the approaching British steamship.
"This is a historic moment."
Kim Jwa Gun remained uneasy.
"What if the Crown Prince seeks compromise instead?"
"Then we persuade him."
But how?
They had no clear answer.
Their confidence seemed misplaced.
The ship arrived.
The moment had come.
Joseon and Japan were already racing forward.
Toward an uncertain future no one fully understood.
***
There are many great inventors in the world, but not all of them ever see the light.
No matter how brilliant a genius may be, there are countless cases where their inventions fail commercially and never receive proper recognition.
People often say that good products will be recognized, but strictly speaking, that is not true.
No matter how excellent an invention is, if one fails to secure proper patents, the idea can be stolen or replaced by a more commercially viable product.
Even so, people tend to give greater recognition to those who invent something first.
No matter how society changes, admiration for those who create something original will not disappear as long as human history continues.
"Damn it, is this really how I am destined to live?"
But becoming such a person is not something one can achieve simply by wishing for it.
If becoming a historical figure were possible through effort alone, the very concept of a "great man of history" would not exist.
And today as well, a young man who once dreamed of such greatness sighed as he collided with the harsh wall of reality.
"Why does this fail? It was a perfect plan. And why does this succeed instead?"
The young man had believed that his electric vote recorder would change the world.
As democracy spread, legislatures were established in many nations, and voting became the foundation of governance.
Even monarchies now relied on parliamentary voting, so improving inefficient voting methods seemed like a guaranteed path to wealth.
With that reasoning, he created the device.
But people dismissed it, citing concerns about manipulation and tradition.
Unable to profit, he instead modified existing products.
And unexpectedly, those succeeded.
Improving stock ticker technology brought immediate income.
"…Are people simply unable to accept something too new?"
At first, he told himself that.
But eventually, he accepted reality.
The United States was in the midst of rapid change.
New inventions constantly appeared and disappeared.
The government encouraged innovation to prove superiority over the South.
Yet ironically, his original inventions rarely succeeded.
Instead, improving existing products brought far greater results.
At that point, he had to admit the truth.
The young man, Thomas Edison, possessed greater talent in refinement than invention.
From then on, he focused on improving overlooked technologies.
Within a year, he gained wealth and recognition.
Still, he could not abandon the dream of being seen as an inventor.
So he subtly presented his improvements as original inventions.
If challenged, he could correct it later.
In his mind, commercial success made him the true creator.
Naturally, his reputation reached the James Group.
And Andrew Carnegie took interest.
Edison accepted the invitation.
"I expected someone older. You are quite young."
"That is our philosophy. Talent and results determine position."
"A results-based system… I understand."
Carnegie explained further.
Industries were evolving rapidly, and new talent was needed.
Edison suspected recruitment but remained cautious.
"What exactly have you heard about me?"
"That you make unprofitable ideas profitable."
"…I see."
It was accurate, but not entirely flattering.
"I handle steel, but electricity and steel are closely linked. That is why I came."
"So you want cooperation within the group."
"Exactly. The chairman has already approved your recruitment."
"Already?"
"And interestingly, he already knows about you."
"…Me?"
Edison was stunned.
How could someone like that know him?
Carnegie continued.
"He knows your true strength. Not as an inventor, but as someone who refines and commercializes."
"…I am honored."
"You will rise quickly within the group. That is why I suggest forming alliances early."
Now Edison understood.
This was about future power within the group.
"Are there others like me?"
"One more. Rockefeller. But I do not think we will align."
Edison hesitated.
Yet he could not refuse.
With the group's resources, his ambitions could expand infinitely.
And perhaps, he could finally create something truly original.
"…Who?"
"Thomas Edison."
"Carnegie brought him?"
"Yes."
"Of course I know him."
The timing was amusing.
Nikola Tesla had just been recruited, and now Edison appeared.
Perhaps both would end up in the same organization.
That alone would be interesting.
"Edison is useful. But patent disputes may arise. Handle them carefully."
"Yes."
"How do you know him?"
Because he was famous.
Even in my previous life, his name was unavoidable.
Though his image differed from reality.
Still, his ability to refine technology was undeniable.
If guided properly, he could achieve even greater things.
"Carnegie bringing Edison is meaningful."
"Yes. They are already competing for influence."
"Let them compete."
From above, it seemed almost amusing.
Soon, they would realize who truly held power.
"For now, let them grow."
"Yes. Will you return to London?"
"Not yet."
I waved a telegram.
"A rumor is spreading in Asia. That my son may choose a Crown Princess there."
The situation was clear without direct observation.
America had stabilized.
Asia had not.
In fact, it was becoming more chaotic.
"…Surely they do not actually believe they can produce a Crown Princess?"
***
[Imperial Nation, victory upon victory!]
[The might of an empire that dominates the seas of Asia!]
[The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere is no dream!]
[The old order must fall! A new era begins!]
Extra editions flooded the streets, and slogans of victory, rise, and invincibility could now be seen everywhere in Tokyo.
Everyone was intoxicated by the atmosphere, and even those who had once been uncertain were beginning to accept it as the new reality.
But people are fickle creatures.
Once they have one thing, they want two, and once they have two, they want three.
The current cabinet officials were a perfect example.
"Hurry! Why is there no progress yet?"
"We are doing our best…"
"What matters is not effort but results!"
"We are working day and night, but how can we create something that does not exist!"
"The future of the empire is at stake! Do not make excuses!"
The chaos resembled something worse than a classroom argument.
Okubo Toshimichi simply clicked his tongue.
He was not even listening anymore.
Better to hum a folk song than watch this farce.
"Joseon is trying to make one of their princesses the Crown Princess of the British Empire. Are we just going to watch?"
"We must respond! We should also nominate someone!"
"There is no suitable princess!"
"Then adopt one into the imperial family!"
"That is reckless!"
The cabinet had descended into disorder.
Repeated victories had driven them into unchecked ambition.
Moderates had been silenced or even assassinated.
Radicals were praised.
And over time, their act became reality.
Okubo realized the topic within seconds.
Painfully so.
"Should we not first understand Joseon's intentions?"
"It is obvious. They want to marry into the British royal family."
"But the decision lies with the Crown Prince."
"Then we must make it happen!"
How?
No answer came.
But dissent was unwelcome.
"Britain already dominates Europe and America. They will want Asia as well."
"That is true."
Britain would use allied states like Joseon and Japan to influence Asia.
But both nations were overestimating themselves.
A royal marriage would be a great honor.
Yet the likelihood was extremely low.
"Let us move on to future plans."
"Plans?"
"Once Joseon declares itself an empire, morale will rise. We should push forward in war."
"A bold strategy…"
"The army and navy agree."
"Focus on the Crown Prince's visit first."
"Yes! Failure is not an option!"
Even the mention of ritual suicide remained.
Okubo felt despair.
He could only hope the Crown Prince was not foolish.
But if he was not, then these men would be devoured.
Hanseong, Joseon.
Guest Palace.
"Your Highness, how was your first day?"
"A splendid welcome. It is fascinating."
"This building was newly constructed for distinguished guests."
"May I leave a commemorative signature?"
"Of course."
Edward appeared like a carefree noble.
But it was all an act.
He had already gathered intelligence.
Power had shifted to the military.
Both Joseon and Japan continued war even during marriage negotiations.
Unpredictable and dangerous.
He had adjusted his plans accordingly.
"When is the ceremony?"
"In a few days."
Edward observed Kim Jwa Gun carefully.
He recognized him as a key political figure.
Though no longer dominant.
"…May I ask something?"
"Of course."
"You are not yet married?"
"No."
"In our culture, people often ask such questions. Please do not take offense."
A preemptive excuse.
Edward smiled.
"I understand cultural differences."
But he would judge the intent.
'Father, this is quite an interesting place.'
He looked forward to meeting the military leaders.
To him, this land felt like an amusement park filled with madness.
***
I believed I already understood Northeast Asia thoroughly in theory, but reality proved to be different.
Even after spending several days in Joseon, Edward still found it fascinating to speak with the people here.
In the past, he had once suggested that Joseon and Japan could simply be absorbed into the British Empire, much like Canada or Hong Kong.
At the time, his father explained that Canada had always been dominated by British settlers, and Hong Kong was possible only because of its small population.
Edward had thought that even with cultural differences, people were ultimately the same, and that over time their way of thinking could be shaped.
He had met some Joseon and Japanese individuals in London and never felt communication was impossible.
So he had prepared extensively before coming to Asia.
If possible, would it not be best to turn Joseon and Japan into kingdoms under British authority?
Bringing them fully into the United Kingdom was unrealistic, but something between the homeland and a colony might be possible.
His father seemed to be considering a loose union of that kind, and Edward believed he could help lay the groundwork.
However, encountering an entirely new culture firsthand was far more shocking than expected.
"Your Highness!"
"Please show mercy!"
"Long live the Crown Prince!"
When he went out to see the streets, people filled the roads, kneeling and bowing.
At first, he was genuinely stunned.
Why were they suddenly dropping to their knees and pressing their foreheads to the ground?
He had heard that Asians tended to kneel frequently, but this was different.
No one had ordered them.
Yet ordinary citizens knelt before him.
"Glory to Edward, pride of Joseon!"
"Long live the British Empire! Long live Joseon!"
"Long live His Majesty Killian! Long live Your Highness Edward!"
He appreciated the welcome, but could not understand why he was being called the pride of Joseon.
He asked Kim Jwa Gun.
Kim explained that Joseon viewed Killian as one of their own, and therefore his son as well.
"So they welcome me as if I were their own king."
"Yes."
Even in London, the royal family was popular, but not like this.
Citizens there cheered, but did not kneel.
From another perspective, however, this could be useful.
If they revered the British royal family this much, perhaps turning Joseon into a vassal state would not be difficult.
Even if cultures differed, the monarchy could bridge the gap.
"Do they react the same way to their own royal family?"
"They do for the king, but the British royal family receives even greater admiration."
Joseon and Japan had elevated Killian's image to elevate themselves.
Though the world was led by Western powers, Killian stood at the very top.
And half of his blood was Asian.
Thus, Joseon promoted the idea that they were equal or superior among Asian nations.
Naturally, Edward carried special significance.
Looking out, he saw endless crowds kneeling, raising their heads slightly just to glimpse him.
It was unsettling.
Yet he smiled, appearing pleased.
"I am honored that Joseon recognizes our authority so readily. Everything here has been most satisfying."
"…We are grateful for your kind view."
"I look forward to meeting the Crown Prince of Joseon."
"…Yes. We hope for a good relationship."
The reaction was slightly stiff.
Perhaps the Crown Prince was not particularly impressive.
Edward had found little information about him.
Neither remarkable nor incompetent.
He simply had no experience yet.
"Have the princes married?"
"Yes. They will attend tonight's banquet."
"I see. I look forward to it."
The future of Joseon depended not only on current leaders but on the next generation.
If they were useful, they could be shaped.
If not…
He would decide after meeting them.
Lee Jaehwang, second son of the king, swallowed nervously as he watched the approaching carriage.
He knew well the power of the British Empire.
Even his father's position was tied to it.
The Crown Prince was the future emperor of that empire.
Even greater than the heirs of past Chinese dynasties.
Powerful beyond imagination.
Though some claimed British monarchs held less authority than ancient emperors, that did not matter.
The emperor remained the face of the nation.
And Joseon admired the British royal family deeply.
More importantly, Edward carried Joseon blood.
That was crucial.
No nation would accept a complete outsider interfering in succession.
But Joseon did not see Britain as an outsider.
Killian was considered part of their royal family.
Thus, British influence was not seen as interference.
For Lee Jaehwang, this meeting was critical.
He recalled a conversation with his wife, Min Ja Young.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"For Joseon, yes. But is it really that significant?"
"Yes. When His Majesty ascended the throne, Killian's influence was decisive."
"That is widely rumored."
Min Ja Young was always politically sharp.
"Think carefully. The Crown Prince is not truly the rightful successor."
"That is dangerous to say."
"But true. The king once promised to select the most capable heir. Yet he quietly appointed the current Crown Prince."
"…That is true."
The promise had been broken.
Now the monarchy was stable, and no one questioned it.
But if someone with influence raised the issue…
"Are you suggesting…"
"Britain has the right. The king made that promise. And the Crown Prince has even more reason to intervene."
"Why?"
"Because he would want a ruler aligned with his interests."
"…That makes sense."
"If we win his favor, the throne could be yours."
The implication was clear.
Lee Jaehwang inhaled deeply.
If there was even a chance, he would seize it.
He stepped forward and bowed to Edward.
***
Around the time Joseon began conspiring with Japan to invade the Central Plains, the Joseon royal family had already started preparing for hereditary succession.
Competition for Crown Prince? That no longer mattered.
As the saying goes, one's mindset differs when entering and leaving the latrine. Lee Ha Eung had no intention of handing this position to anyone other than his own son.
The previous king had no suitable eldest son, so a selection process had been necessary. But now, was there any reason to repeat such a thing?
All that mattered was that the son who would inherit the throne possessed sufficient qualifications.
For that reason, Lee Ha Eung devoted great effort to educating both his eldest and second sons.
To be honest, at first he had high expectations for them.
If they could match or surpass him, there would be no issue in passing on the throne.
Unfortunately, as they grew older, both sons were increasingly judged as not particularly outstanding.
It was a painful realization that no matter how much power or wealth one possessed, raising children was not something that could be controlled.
Even so, Lee Ha Eung had no intention of abandoning hereditary succession.
This position would never be given to another branch of the royal family.
Though he never revealed it, this was also why he had quietly gone along with Japan's reckless plan to attack the Qing.
Even Kim Jwa Gun did not know his true intentions, so no one else in Joseon could have guessed.
As expected, the Qing, now a toothless tiger, could not withstand Joseon and Japan, and the people praised the royal family's achievements day after day.
Once Joseon formally declared itself an empire and elevated the Crown Prince to Imperial Crown Prince, the legitimacy of the royal family would be firmly established.
Fortunately, both sons had found suitable wives, and there was no concern about the continuation of the royal line.
However, even he did not realize that his young second daughter-in-law harbored a burning ambition.
A woman from the same clan as Queen Sunmok.
Her name was Min Ja Young.
Married to the second son who had failed to become Crown Prince, she revealed nothing of her ambitions, not even to her husband.
There was no point in acting now.
As long as the king intended to maintain primogeniture, the second son had no chance.
But how long would that last?
If she waited patiently, the opportunity would come.
And when it did, she would seize it.
Min Ja Young endured.
Three years passed.
Then, a man with the power to shake Joseon arrived.
"An honor to meet Your Highness, Crown Prince of the British Empire."
"The pleasure is mine. Everyone has been most welcoming."
Though Joseon had modernized, it was still unusual for women to appear prominently at such events.
But Min Ja Young handled this cleverly.
Since Killian was considered part of the Joseon royal family, his son could also be seen as such.
Thus, this gathering could be framed as a family meeting.
The king supported this reasoning.
After all, one never truly knows another person's intentions.
While Lee Jaehwang tried to win Edward's favor, Min Ja Young did not trust him to succeed alone.
"I will ensure your stay is comfortable."
She carefully elevated Edward while avoiding appearing submissive.
"Your visit is a great honor."
"Everyone says that."
"Because you are the future emperor."
She emphasized his status repeatedly.
And added another point.
"When His Majesty visited, it was said to be a historic moment."
"My father is extraordinary."
"And so are you."
"Why do you say that?"
She understood his psychology well.
Admiration for his father.
And a hidden inferiority.
"You came all this way without hesitation. That courage is admirable. And you treat even commoners kindly. Those are qualities of a great ruler."
She avoided directly comparing him to his father.
Instead, she highlighted similarities.
Edward smiled, pleased.
"You flatter me."
"I only speak what I see."
Lee Jaehwang nodded beside her.
"If possible, we would like to learn from you."
"That can be arranged."
She had succeeded.
She signaled loyalty and secured future meetings.
The current Crown Prince remained passive.
This made things easier.
'Yes… times have changed.'
Min Ja Young saw her path clearly.
Edward continued sending detailed reports.
Though encrypted, they revealed everything.
At first, I doubted it.
But it seemed both Joseon and Japan were truly aiming to marry into the British royal family.
An ambitious idea.
Even if I allowed it, there were practical issues.
Language alone was a problem.
Could they even communicate?
Unless they had already begun learning English.
Perhaps they had.
If so, their effort was commendable.
After reviewing the reports, I summoned Robert.
"Thank you for coming."
"It is my honor."
"Parliament is considering how to use the situation in the South?"
"Yes. Many support eliminating communism in Europe."
"That is expected."
"And… Her Imperial Majesty is displeased."
"…About Asia?"
"Yes."
So she knew.
And she was not pleased.
That was concerning.
A calm Victoria was far more frightening than an angry one.
"…I should return."
"That would be wise."
"Yes… perhaps with flowers."
And perhaps a gift as well.
Just in case.
***
Europeans firmly believed themselves to be the center of the world.
It was clearly an age of white supremacy, but strictly speaking, even within that belief there were subtle differences.
After all, not all white people across the world were considered exactly the same.
Europeans were convinced that Europe itself represented the most superior race.
Next came the whites of the American continent, and lastly, those of West Asia barely managed to be included.
From my perspective, it was absurd, but many Europeans genuinely thought this way.
The British Empire was somewhat less rigid in this regard, which was fortunate.
But this was not because it was more enlightened.
Such perceptions were largely taught, not innate.
Even British citizens were no different at their core.
The decline of pure European supremacy within the British Empire was simply because I was not a pure European.
With a royal family led by someone of mixed Asian heritage enjoying overwhelming support, no one would dare openly claim that non-Europeans were inferior.
Canada's existence also made such rigid views impractical.
Thus, a compromise emerged.
Asian royalty could possess potential equal to Europeans.
And all whites, regardless of origin, were superior.
It was a strangely "inclusive" hierarchy.
From a modern perspective, it sounded absurd, but in the nineteenth century, this was considered progressive.
At one point, I had hoped that my success would elevate perceptions of Asians.
But being of mixed heritage meant I was treated as an exception.
That expectation faded long ago.
At best, royal families like those of Joseon or Japan might benefit slightly.
Even then, only within Asia.
In Europe, they were still largely ignored.
[Once again, the British Empire is proven right! The South collapses!]
[Professor Karl Marx's victory is the Empire's victory!]
[Was Marx appointed to Oxford through royal recommendation?]
[The South descends into dictatorship. The true face of communism revealed.]
Even upon returning home, most newspapers still focused on the North-South conflict.
The South's collapse and its shift toward authoritarianism dominated headlines.
Asia barely appeared, if at all.
Separate from that, praise for me continued endlessly.
My support for Marx, my early recognition of communism's limits, and my efforts to refine capitalism had all become widely known.
My reputation now extended globally.
But no matter how much praise one receives, at home one can still be treated like a criminal.
Today was such a day.
Before entering the palace, I brought flowers and handmade sweets.
"My dear wife, your loving husband has returned."
"…You came back sooner than expected."
"I always hurry back to you…"
"Enough. Sit down."
Victoria gestured sharply.
"What are those flowers?"
"They pale beside your beauty."
"Stop talking and sit."
"Yes."
I sat and offered the bouquet.
Her expression softened slightly.
"…Did Salisbury tell you I was angry?"
"Of course not. I simply wished to see you sooner."
"Do not lie."
She sighed.
"You know what you did."
"…Perhaps you could specify?"
There were too many possibilities.
She glared.
"Edward."
Ah.
That.
"You know, do you not?"
"Yes."
"Our son is struggling abroad, yet you remain focused elsewhere."
"…That is…"
"And Adelaide's engagement was canceled."
She was right.
Much of the burden had fallen on her.
"And Edward is in Asia for your plans."
"…What?"
That was news to me.
She showed me his letter.
He believed he was carrying out my vision.
I read it carefully.
He had understood much.
Perhaps too much.
"…This is his interpretation, not my instruction."
"But it aligns with your goals."
"That is true."
Victoria sighed.
"So you are not planning an Asian marriage?"
"Only if he wishes it."
"I see."
Relief spread across her face.
The tension eased.
I took her hand.
"I will remain in London for a while."
"You should. Even you need rest."
Her words sounded gentle.
But something about them felt ominous.
A lifetime of work, she implied.
That was not my plan.
I intended to retire eventually.
But for now…
There was still much to do.
And Edward's actions in Asia might shape the future more than expected.