Many today take it for granted that Okinawa belongs to Japan, but it was not originally Japanese territory.
Up until the 19th century, the Ryukyu Kingdom existed as an independent state.
Though it became a vassal of Satsuma in the early 17th century, Ryukyu also paid tribute to Qing, which prevented Japan from openly annexing it.
However, as Japan grew stronger and no longer needed to heed Qing, Ryukyu—being a weak state—was unable to resist and was gradually pushed toward destruction.
In the original timeline, Ryukyu was eventually absorbed into Japan.
But now, it still exists.
Yet with Qing weakening and Japan rising—having even emerged as a victor in a war against Russia—Ryukyu could not help but feel the noose tightening.
At this rate, its destruction was all but inevitable.
Considering that, it was easy enough to understand why they had come to me so desperately.
As expected, the Ryukyuan envoy knelt as soon as he saw me, bowing as if before an emperor, and pleaded their case in a trembling voice.
There were, of course, embellishments and excessive rhetoric—but unfortunately, I did not have the leisure to entertain a state that was not even my vassal.
"So, to put it simply—the Ryukyu Kingdom is in a position where it could be annexed by Japan at any moment. Is that correct?"
"T-that is… correct."
As the envoy, Ma Ryosa, searched for more flattering words, I continued indifferently.
"I apologize to a guest who has come from afar, but Ryukyu has no relations with our Empire. Japan, on the other hand, is a nation with which we maintain diplomatic ties. I do not see what you expect from us. You pay tribute to Qing—should you not take this matter to them?"
"Qing is struggling even to suppress the rebellions within its own lands. Even if we sought aid, they would not be able to respond."
"That is unfortunate. But surely you understand that we are in no position to intervene. Or… do you have another proposal?"
If they were asking for relations on the same level as Joseon or Japan, that would be excessive.
There was little benefit for us.
Fortunately, the envoy was not so ignorant of international realities.
Bowing even lower, he spoke with desperate resolve.
"We will accept any terms, no matter how unfavorable. Please—conclude a treaty of protection with Ryukyu."
"A treaty of protection…"
"Yes. We will accept any conditions your Empire demands."
"Interesting. You do not consider that, in avoiding the fangs of a wild dog, you may be placing your head into the jaws of a tiger?"
Did they expect me to act out of some sentimental attachment to Asia?
If so, that would be disappointing.
"If both are dangerous, then it is better to choose the one farther away."
"I see. I understand your reasoning—but I must refuse. Japan has been quite cooperative with us. I have no desire to oppose them merely to shield Ryukyu."
"Is it… because of Tokugawa Iesada?"
"…Hm? Ah, that? It makes no difference to me. As long as the current shogun remains cooperative, there is no reason for me to strike first."
"B-but…"
"Still, you have come a long way. I will at least introduce you to someone who may be of help. You are aware that a Joseon delegation will soon arrive in London?"
The envoy blinked in confusion.
"Y-yes. I have heard Joseon has already established an embassy here."
"Joseon and Ryukyu have maintained friendly relations for centuries, have they not?"
"Yes. It would not be an exaggeration to say so."
"Then go and meet the Joseon ambassador. If things go well, they may present you with a useful proposal."
"…Pardon?"
He clearly did not understand—but I had neither the time nor the obligation to explain further.
After sending him away, I wrote a brief letter to Kim Jwa-geun, who would by now be busy preparing for the Exhibition.
[If he seems useful, include him in the plan. If not, send him away.]
It was concise, but Kim Jwa-geun would understand.
The Exhibition had not even begun—
yet the prologue was already more entertaining than the main event.
The Andong Kim clan—the symbol of Joseon's most powerful aristocratic family.
Two of its leading figures now faced each other with slightly awkward expressions.
"It has been a long time. The journey must have been difficult."
"It is you who have endured more, living abroad. Have you been well?"
"My hardships are nothing compared to yours in exile. I heard you were reinstated—but I did not expect you to become Right State Councillor so quickly."
"Haha… without you, I would still be rotting in exile. I am deeply grateful."
Kim Jwa-geun and Kim Heung-geun—cousins of the same clan, close in age, yet with different paths.
Kim Heung-geun had once abused his family's power and was exiled, only to be pardoned after Kim Jwa-geun's appointment to Britain.
Now, he had risen to the highest ranks of court.
For Kim Jwa-geun, who had left his homeland, the situation should have stirred complicated emotions.
And yet—
surprisingly, it did not.
Where once he might have felt resentment, now there was nothing.
Perhaps he had come to see success within Joseon as… meaningless.
To hold power in Joseon's court, or to stand in London as an ambassador connected to the Consort—
the latter was worth a hundred million times more.
That was how he now felt.
"What do you think of this place?"
"How should I describe it… I cannot find the words."
"You see now that my reports were neither lies nor exaggerations?"
Kim Heung-geun nodded, staring at the gas lamps illuminating the room.
"Incredible… truly incredible. Even the Jo clan officials are stunned. Have you truly grown accustomed to this?"
"Human adaptability is remarkable. I was the same at first—overwhelmed by everything."
"The gap… is this great…"
"The younger officials I brought are already convinced—reform is the only path. They devote even their sleep to studying Western knowledge."
Joseon must face reality.
Kim Heung-geun understood.
And that realization brought a concern.
"With such a gap in technology, will Joseon's exhibits even be recognized at this Exhibition?"
"We must not compete on technology. We must present Joseon's traditional culture and aesthetics."
"I see… Our King has ordered us to record all exhibits from other nations. We will need guidance."
"That will be arranged. More importantly, in three days there will be a banquet. We will greet Her Majesty there—under no circumstances must we give a stiff impression. Understood?"
"…Understood."
"That means no objections to the plan?"
"…Though my feelings are complicated, I cannot deny it."
Kim Jwa-geun nodded in relief.
"Then let us prepare."
At last, the change he had long advocated was beginning.
It seemed—
people only come to their senses after a proper shock.
"I greet Her Majesty Queen Victoria, sovereign of the British Empire, ruler of the seas and center of the world."
What kind of absurd flattery is this?
Queen Victoria's face showed a strained smile as the interpreter relayed the words.
"We welcome the delegation from Joseon, who have come from afar."
"We are deeply honored!"
The intent was unmistakable.
Before an audience of international envoys, Joseon openly used imperial language in addressing her.
European diplomats watched with curiosity.
The Japanese envoys, arriving slightly late, showed visible frustration.
The Qing envoy… could barely conceal his anger.
The Joseon representative, Kim Heung-geun, remained prostrated as he spoke loudly.
"All under heaven gathers its energy here, where Your Majesty resides. It is only natural that all nations present their civilization in the capital of the British Empire!"
Was this man promoted through flattery alone?
I stepped forward and raised him to his feet.
"Thank you for your courtesy. We are grateful for your respect."
"Joseon has long upheld propriety and followed the order of heaven. Thus, before the sovereign who holds the Mandate of Heaven, we merely fulfill our duty."
Europe had its own history of competing claims to universal authority—
but never had an Eastern nation so openly prostrated itself before another.
To Qing, this must feel like a direct blow.
Their envoy glared, fists trembling—but could do nothing.
If it displeased them, what could they do?
Just as I was about to shift the atmosphere—
the Japanese envoy suddenly shouted:
"Long live His Highness Killian Gore, incarnation of Susanoo!"
"…?"
What nonsense is this?
The envoy raised both arms and shouted again—
"Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!"
"Long live Her Majesty Queen Victoria!"
The Japanese delegation joined in—
and not to be outdone, the Joseon officials began shouting as well.
No—this is not what I meant!
I had only intended to shift the Mandate subtly—not have them start chanting praises like this!
I covered my face, shaking my head.
Everywhere—
cheers echoed without end.
These people truly have no sense of restraint.