Joseon people did not always realize it, but Joseon had long been more accustomed to standing beneath the world's strongest power and benefiting from it than to becoming that power itself.
That did not mean they were simply submissive.
What Joseon truly wanted was to secure a firm position as the second power under a dominant leader that treated them well.
Because of this, there was little resistance to aligning with the leading nation of the world.
In the past, Westerners had been viewed as barbarians who did not follow Confucian principles, but those ideas had faded.
Now, the British Empire was seen as the true center of civilization, and pride grew from the fact that Killian, who carried Joseon blood, stood at its core.
Strictly speaking, Joseon had not abandoned Confucian order but adapted it to fit the late nineteenth century.
Where it had once looked to Ming and Qing, it now looked to Britain.
Concepts like rigid social hierarchy had disappeared, and aristocratic privileges were largely abolished.
Instead, elite families sought recognition similar to British nobility.
Even though Joseon declared itself an empire, its alignment with another empire was not seen as contradictory.
Japan was following a similar path.
However, agreement on direction did not mean agreement on method.
Some young officials argued that Joseon should adopt the British system completely.
A leading voice among them was Yi Wan-yong.
"Why is this so complicated? We can simply copy the British system directly."
"You speak too boldly for someone educating the Crown Prince."
"I say the same to His Highness. He became Crown Prince because he did not oppose Edward during his visit."
"That may be true, but Joseon is an independent nation. Such thinking risks reducing us to a subordinate state."
Yi Wan-yong was among the top graduates of the civil service examination.
Yet even among pro British officials, his views were considered extreme.
"Of course we are independent. But the future of Asia belongs to the nation closest to Britain."
"No one denies that."
"Then why hesitate?"
He even formed a pro British association to expand his influence.
Figures like Seo Jae-pil and Ahn Gyeong-su joined him, spreading these ideas through public speeches.
"Citizens, Joseon has the potential to become a great power like France. Our people are no less capable than Europeans. His Majesty Killian has proven this by bringing the world under British influence."
But not everyone agreed.
Among the observers was a young boy named Kim Gu.
"Father, should not Joseon be led by Joseon people?"
"Of course. But we must learn from advanced nations, not surrender to them."
"If those who study in Britain rule Joseon, would that not mean Britain governs us indirectly?"
"No. Just as we once learned from Ming, we can learn from Britain and grow stronger."
Even so, Kim Gu could not fully accept it.
Joseon should adopt foreign strengths, but retain its identity.
In the future, he and Yi Seung-man would represent opposing paths.
He watched Yi Wan-yong's speech quietly.
He resolved never to become such a man.
As the twentieth century approached, the world changed rapidly.
Among all transformations, one stood above the rest.
The explosion of food production due to chemical fertilizer.
As promised, nitrogen fertilizer transformed agriculture.
Workers who once struggled to buy bread could now eat freely.
With improved living standards, leisure expanded.
Football grew rapidly in popularity.
With Killian's support, formal organizations were established.
The Olympic Games were revived to promote unity and peace.
As people prospered, population increased, yet food supply kept pace.
All of this was attributed to Killian.
He decided to leave his mark on football as well.
Although Britain was the origin of the sport, he refused to let others dominate its institutions.
"Will football truly surpass cricket?" asked Charles Wellesley.
"Cricket requires equipment. Football is accessible to all."
Wellesley disagreed.
But public opinion shifted.
Once Killian supported football, criticism disappeared.
In Canada, it even surpassed cricket in popularity.
"The future belongs to football," Killian declared.
He envisioned a global tournament under British leadership.
As they spoke, another topic arose.
"The navy is discussing replacing coal with oil."
"Did I say that before?"
"You did. Oil has advantages in nearly every aspect."
Oil powered ships would surpass coal.
Exploration had already begun.
But supply remained limited.
Wellesley studied the map.
"So much land, yet so little oil."
Killian handed him a report.
"New reserves discovered in Adelaide Province."
"…This is enormous."
The reserves exceeded those in Ontario.
Wellesley looked at him carefully.
"Did you know this already?"
"I only suggested exploring nearby regions."
In truth, this region would become one of the largest oil producers.
Even surface deposits made extraction easier.
Until other sources were developed, it would be invaluable.
Killian poured a drink.
"A cause for celebration."
Wellesley laughed.
"At this rate, perhaps even the Middle East will be filled with oil."
Killian smiled quietly.
"Perhaps."
"Be honest. Did you see the future?"
"It is a secret, but yes. In that future, football was more popular than cricket."
"Then I cannot believe it."
They laughed together.
For now, the future remained uncertain.
But the path forward was clear.