?


    After a meeting in the White House, Poul, and Jonathan scurried out of the hallway escorted by the guards. Outside the White House, they entered an automobile, which will then take them to the train station.


    "Where are my thousand bucks?" Jonathan asked as he extended his hand toward Poul.


    "What do you mean?" Poul asked, simply ncing at Jonathan''s hand.


    "Oi, we have a bet to which you lose," Jonathan exined.


    "I don''t know what you are talking about," Poul averted his gaze and looked out of the window.


    "So that''s how you want to y it huh? Well, I wasn''t serious about the bet anyways so even if you win, I wouldn''t give you a thousand bucks," Jonathan said, reeling his hand away from Poul and letting out a small chuckle. "Ah…so anotherpromise to be made huh? Selling wooden bines to the Japanese to ensure peace between our beloved country and the Japanese Empire."


    "I think that''s a goodpromise, but not for the Joseon Kingdom," Poul said, sighing. "We havepleted our goal in the Joseon Kingdom, disying the capabilities of our private militarypany. Now, the Joseon people are to face the consequences. Sooner orter, the Japanese Empire will dere war on the Joseon Kingdom and annexed them. Saying this out loud is making me feel guilty…like thousands are going to get killed in that war and there''s nothing we can do to stop it."


    Jonathan sighed heavily and leaned back in his seat, staring at the passing scenery outside the car window. The weight of their actions was beginning to sink in, and he couldn''t help but feel a pang of guilt as well.


    "You''re right, Poul," Jonathan said, his voice filled with remorse. "We''ve yed a dangerous game, and now innocent lives are at stake. My moralpass is spinning out of control. I''m sure, the United States will probably not interfere with the Japanese expansionist ambitions."


    Silence settled upon the car as they both grappled with the enormity of the situation. The reality of their actions weighed heavily on their hearts, overshadowing any previous aplishments or personal gains.


    Three dayster, when the Japanese Empire confirmed that the Joseon Kingdom indeed hired a private militarypany, and killed their forces stationed in Hanseong, they were fumed with anger to the point they had cut diplomatic ties with the Joseon Kingdom. Tensions escted rapidly, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Hiroshi Tanaka, took to the podium on December 19th, 892, to deliver a speech that would forever alter the course of history.


    The air was thick with anticipation as people gathered around their radios and in public squares, awaiting the Prime Minister''s address. Poul and Jonathan, still burdened by guilt, found themselves glued to a radio in their office, listening intently.


    With a solemn expression, Prime Minister Tanaka began his speech. "Fellow countrymen, today I stand before you with a heavy heart, burdened by the recent events that have transpired between the Japanese Empire and the Joseon Kingdom. The actions of the Joseon Kingdom, hiring a private militarypany and attacking our forces stationed in Hanseong, can only be seen as a direct threat to our sovereignty and the stability of our region. In light of these grave provocations, I regret to inform you all that we can no longer maintain diplomatic rtions with the Joseon Kingdom," Prime Minister Tanaka continued, his voice filled with steely resolve. "Effective immediately, I dere a state of war between the Japanese Empire and the Joseon Kingdom.


    "We havee to a point where our beloved country must defend its interests and safeguard its honor. Our military forces will be mobilized, and we will pursue all necessary measures to secure victory and ensure the safety and stability of our great nation."


    As the radio broadcast ended, the office fell into a heavy silence. "Oh my god…what have we done?" Amelia stammered.


    "The Joseon Kingdom couldn''t possibly defend itself against the Japanese forces. It will be a total annihtion," Caroline said.


    "I can''t believe we are the main cause of it," Saramented.


    "No, I don''t think we are at fault here," Morgan stepped in, trying to lighten up the mood of his friends. "The Joseon Kingdom hired our private militarypany and were fully aware of the consequences it might bring. I believe we have that written in the contract, that whatever happens after is not our responsibility. I thought that was the case right? Poul…Jonathan? So why are you looking down now?"


    "Well…Morgan, despite us convincing ourselves that it was the case, we can''t help but feel guilty," Poul exined. "But what is done is done."


    The radio flickered back to life and this time, it was from Washington. The radio broadcast from Washington carried the voice of President Grover Clevnd.


    Poul, Jonathan, and their associates turned their attention back to the radio, eager to hear the President''s response to the escting conflict between Japan and the Joseon Kingdom.


    "My fellow Avalonians," President Clevnd''s voice echoed through the room, steady andmanding. "We find ourselves in a time of great turmoil and uncertainty as war looms between the Japanese Empire and the Joseon Kingdom. As the President of the United States, it is my duty to address this critical situation and guide our nation through these challenging times. In light of the circumstances, I must emphasize that the United States remainsmitted to maintaining its neutrality in this conflict,"


    President Clevnd continued. "We stand as an impartial observer, respecting the sovereignty and independence of both nations involved. It is not our ce to interfere in the affairs of foreign powers, but rather to seek a peaceful resolution to global conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue. In this difficult time, let us remember the value of peace, the importance ofpassion, and the power of unity. I urge all Avalonians to pray for the well-being of both the Japanese and Joseon people, as they endure the trials of war. May wisdom prevail, and may the path to reconciliation and understanding be found."


    The radio fell silent once again, leaving Poul, Jonathan, and their friends in contemtive silence.


    "Jonathan, Poul, if you want to support the Joseon Kingdom in this dire situation, we have an opportunity. War brings business, and we can provide them with weapons to counter the Japanese. To maintain neutrality and bnce, we can also sell arms to the Japanese Empire. Just like we did in the Crimean War."


    Morgan was right, as a businessman, war is a huge opportunity for their arms manufacturingpany to make a profit. And the fact that their weapons are being loved by virtually any nation in the globe means that the Joseon and Japan will eagerly buy their weapons.


    "Very well," Poul nodded his head resolutely.


    ***


    At the capital city of Joseon Kingdom, two days after the Japanese dered war on their country, the United States Legation was in a state of organized chaos. The urgency in the air was palpable as diplomats hurriedly packed their belongings, knowing that time was of the essence.


    Ambassador John M. B. Sill led his team with precision. As important documents were being burned to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands, Sill focused on ensuring the safety of his staff and their swift departure.


    The legation''s staff, a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds, found themselves grappling with a range of emotions. Anxiety, fear, and determination mingled as they hurriedly gathered their personal belongings and prepared to leave behind the ce they had called home for years.


    But for the local staff, such as the Joseon interpreters, the situation was even moreplex. They were caught between their loyalty to their country and their employment at the legation. Many of them had worked closely with the Avalonian diplomats, forging strong bonds of friendship and trust over the years. Now, they faced an agonizing decision—whether to stay and risk their lives or leave their homnd behind.


    Among them was Ji-hoon, a young interpreter who had dedicated himself to fostering understanding and cooperation between the Joseon Kingdom and the United States. He had seen the tensions escting, but the outbreak of war had taken him by surprise. As he packed his belongings alongside his Avalonian colleagues, a sense of uncertainty washed over him.


    Ambassador Sill, aware of the internal struggle faced by the local staff, approached Ji-hoon with a sympathetic gaze.


    "Ji-hoon, I understand the difficult position you find yourself in," he said, his voice filled with empathy. "Your dedication and loyalty have been invaluable to our mission here. I want you to know that whatever decision you make, we will support you."


    "But...Mr. Sill, why are the United States leaving Joseon? You signed a treaty with us…that you will protect Joseon Kingdom from any military threats."


    Ji-hoon''s voice trembled as he voiced his confusion and disappointment. He had believed in the promises of support and protection made by the United States, and now it seemed as though they were abandoning the Joseon Kingdom in its time of need.


    Ambassador Sill sighed, his expression reflecting the weight of the situation. "Ji-hoon, I understand your concerns, and I share your disappointment…but the United States couldn''t do anything at this point."


    "Is it because our government hired an Avalonian private militarypany that killed the Japanese soldiers?"


    "Yes, Ji-hoon," Ambassador Sill replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "The actions of the Avalonian private militarypany hired by your government escted the tensions and provoked a strong response from the Japanese. While we understand the desperate situation your government faced, it ultimately led to severe repercussions. So, are youing with us, or are you going to stay and fight for your country."


    Ji-hoon''s heart pounded in his chest as he stood before Ambassador Sill, faced with an agonizing decision that would shape his future.


    Taking a deep breath, Ji-hoon finally spoke. "I–want….I want toe with you, Ambassador. As much as it pains me to leave my homnd behind, I believe that by joining you, I can continue to work towards peace and diplomacy in a different capacity."


    Ambassador Sill nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. "Very well."