Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1147

1147. A Killer Gift (12)

Leeche’s letter was delivered to the French royal palace via the fastest ship.

Initially, delivery via land was considered, but Spain posed a problem.

-Although we are working together, we cannot fully trust them.

-To continue the blockade of Gibraltar, the cooperation of the Spanish Navy is necessary. If things go wrong, we may have to make more concessions than expected. This political judgment led to the letter being delivered by sea rather than by land.

“Hmm…. Summon Duke Orléans.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Charles VIII, after reviewing Leeche’s letter, summoned Louis XII, the next in line to the throne.

* * *

Unlike in the history before Hyang intervened, Charles VIII continued to live, and Louis XII remained the heir. Fortunately, Charles VIII had no sons. According to the Salic law [a historical law excluding women from royal succession], a customary law throughout Europe at the time, the throne could not be passed to women, and Louis XII, the closest male relative, was the next heir to the throne.

Because the heir, Louis XII, was eight years older than the monarch, Charles VIII, several political rumors circulated, but Charles VIII and Louis XII maintained a good relationship. Charles VIII had yielded considerable power, starting with handing over all diplomatic affairs, and Louis XII showed no impatience in succeeding to the throne, which also played a part.

Incidentally, there was a rumor that the Empire was the reason why Louis XII did not covet the throne.

The Empire was like a symbol of centralization.

-The reason the Empire was able to grow so strong was because of its strong centralization.

Based on this judgment, many monarchs of European powers began to promote centralization.

However, the word ‘centralization’ literally meant that the amount of work the monarch had to handle ‘exploded’.

In fact, Charles VIII was so overwhelmed with work that he didn’t even have time to play or watch *jeu de paume* [an early form of tennis], which he loved so much.

Thanks to this, he was able to survive unlike in the history before Hyang’s intervention. Therefore, there were rumors that the reason he shared so much power with Louis XII was also due to this excessive workload.

The full story and truth were unknown to anyone but the parties involved, but Louis XII, who had seen Charles VIII’s overwork up close, often said this to his acquaintances.

“I heard rumors that the crown princes of the Empire grumbled about not wanting to be crown princes, and I understand why.”

It was rumored that Louis XII did not covet the throne because of this terrifying workload.

* * *

Louis XII, who had rushed to Charles VIII’s summons, paid his respects politely.

Charles VIII, after receiving Louis XII’s greetings, handed over the letter in question.

“The commander-in-chief of the Imperial Army guarding Gibraltar sent me this letter. But the content is a bit, no, very presumptuous.”

Louis XII, listening to Charles VIII’s words, examined the contents of the letter.

-Until now, the Empire has done its best to maintain peace in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

-Also, the Empire has never arbitrarily used force to oppress other countries.

-However, France has provoked this Empire with force.

-The Empire will never overlook this and will not forgive it.

-We declare that France and the King of France are responsible for everything that will happen in the future.

“It’s quite strong.”

“Do you think it makes sense for a mere duke to send such a letter to the monarch of a country?”

At Charles VIII’s criticism, Louis XII thought for a moment and then replied.

“It is presumptuous, but it seems possible for the commander of Gibraltar. He is not just a simple duke, but the brother of the former Emperor. The fact that such a person was placed in Gibraltar means that he was given that much power.”

“Is that so? Then, is it safe to say that this is the Empire’s decision?”

“I think it’s safe to say that.”

At Louis XII’s answer, Charles VIII’s face became serious.

“The blockade of Gibraltar failed, and now we have to deal with the Empire’s true intentions? This is getting annoying.”

At Charles VIII’s grumbling, Louis XII smiled slightly and replied.

“Think positively. The blockade of Gibraltar was an operation that was difficult to succeed at once. It just needs to succeed before the Empire starts to move in earnest. Rather, haven’t we achieved the biggest goal?”

“The biggest goal?”

“Didn’t we draw the Empire’s attention at once?”

At Louis XII’s words, Charles VIII’s complexion brightened and then darkened.

“Hoo〜. So, from now on, we just have to endure while minimizing the damage?”

“Just endure until negotiations begin. Just keep the Empire’s eyes and ears occupied until then.”

“The Duke will have to work hard.”

At Charles VIII’s words, Louis XII’s expression turned very bad.

‘Damn it!’

“By the way, I wonder what Seoul’s expression will be when he hears the news from Gibraltar.”

“It won’t be good.”

* * *

It wasn’t just Seoul whose expression worsened at the news from Gibraltar.

Starting with the Imperial Army base stationed at Prince Henry’s port, the alert status was raised to Class A at all Imperial Army bases along the messenger’s route.

In particular, the reaction of the Imperial Army port in Suez, the railway management group, and the canal construction site was much faster than that of France.

Since the Suez Railway was built, the Empire and related countries had stationed troops. As the period of stationing lengthened, the armies of each country maintained very deep friendships.

Thanks to this, it became a daily routine for soldiers on leave to bring alcohol and food and visit the garrisons of other countries to share a seat.

However, the situation after the messenger arrived and informed them of the incident in Gibraltar became the worst.

Not long after the messenger and escort who delivered the message departed for their next destination, the alarm bell began to ring loudly at the Imperial Army garrison.

Soldiers from other countries approached the Imperial Army garrison due to the abnormality of the Imperial Army garrison. At that moment, Imperial Army soldiers pulled the trigger into the air.

Tatatatatang!

The soldiers who were approaching stopped at the loud gunfire, and an Imperial Army interpreter put a megaphone to his mouth and shouted.

“France has started a fight with the Empire! No further access is allowed, regardless of who it is! The good times are over!”

At the interpreter’s declaration, the soldiers from other countries who had stopped simultaneously looked towards the French army. The French soldiers in question looked as bewildered as they were.

“We started a fight with the Empire? Where?”

“Are you crazy?”

The French forces stationed in Suez knew the firepower of the Imperial Army better than anyone else in France.

The foreign troops who received the Imperial Army’s warning immediately returned to their garrisons and reported to their superiors. The officers who received the reports immediately went into a meeting.

However, the reactions of officers from countries other than France were similar.

“How long will it take for those French bastards to surrender?”

French commanders looked at the Imperial Army garrison with troubled expressions.

“Why did it have to be the Empire…..”

An emergency was declared at all Imperial Army bases along the route of the communication ship carrying the urgent message from Gibraltar, through Suez, to Seoul. It was the first time a foreign country had attacked Imperial territory since the Yellow Sea Battle in the early days of the Empire.

And this brought about a fairly large chain reaction.

As all the Imperial Army bases located on the ‘Eastern Route’ became heavily poisoned [agitated and ready for war], all the surrounding countries became nervous.

First of all, the Ming and Japan immediately began to investigate the cause.

-France attacked Gibraltar.

“Was this the cause?”

The Ming and Japan, who learned why this happened, immediately focused their attention on Seoul. The urgent message that arrived with a huge aftershock was immediately placed on Woo’s desk.

“Hoo.”

Woo sighed deeply and looked at the Prime Minister.

“It seems we have no choice but to inform Suganggung [Hyang’s residence] as well.”

“That is correct.”

The Prime Minister also nodded with a worried face.

After confirming the Prime Minister’s agreement, Woo suddenly became very angry and cursed.

“Those damn bastards! Why now of all times!”

* * *

After the Imperial Army Communications Management Bureau informed him of ‘France’s provocation plan’ last time, Woo immediately issued an order.

“Do not report to Tae Tae Sang Hwang [Hyang’s title, meaning Grand Supreme Emperor] under any circumstances until you have my permission!”

After issuing the order, Woo secretly sought out Wan and made a request that was more of a plea.

“Considering Tae Tae Sang Hwang’s age, I think it’s best to keep quiet for the time being.”

Wan nodded at Woo’s suggestion.

“I agree. Let’s keep quiet until something happens.”

Hyang had become much more frail as he reached the age of 99. He showed vigorous energy when he was doing what he wanted, but otherwise, he was always resting.

Therefore, Wan and Woo decided to remain silent.

Woo personally visited Suganggung and reported the incident in Gibraltar to Hyang.

“….Therefore, the Empire is facing war. This is due to my incompetence. I am sorry for causing concern to Tae Tae Sang Hwang.”

At Woo’s words of apology, Hyang, who was sitting in a chair, smiled and replied.

“How can this be due to the Emperor’s incompetence? It is due to the greed of those who have intervened in this matter, including France. It is not the Emperor’s fault.”

“Thank you.”

“Regardless of the order of events, the fact remains that the Imperial territory guarded by our Imperial Army has been attacked. You must repel them.”

“I will do so.”

“By the way…..”

Hyang, who hesitated slightly, put strength into the cane he was holding and stood up.

“I am turning 100 years old this year, and I have received a truly killer gift. I must return the favor myself.”

At Hyang’s words, Woo and Wan hurriedly tried to stop him.

“Please restrain yourself!”

“Please calm down!”

However, Hyang was adamant.

“What kind of country is this that you want me to stay still! Don’t stop me! Bring me my uniform!”

“Oh dear…..”

With the help of the hastily arrived eunuchs, Hyang put on his black Imperial Army uniform and stepped outside, leaning on his cane.

“I have a request for the Emperor. Spread the news widely that the Empire has been attacked and that I have personally stepped forward!”

“Yes, yes!”

* * *

Even without Hyang’s request, the relevant facts quickly spread throughout the Empire through *jobo* [official gazettes] and various other channels. And the reaction of the Imperial people who heard this news could be expressed in one sentence.

-All Imperial people were pissed.

Similar reactions were seen not only in the mainland but also in Bukji, Daeseol, and Shinji, as well as throughout the Empire.

There was a reason for this.

It was because Hyang’s age was ‘100 years old’ this year.

As he reached the age of ‘Gijiisu’ or ‘Sangsu’ [auspicious ages signifying longevity], not just a simple longevity, the entire Empire had been in a festive mood since the beginning of the year.

All sorts of tributes poured into Suganggung from all over the Empire, and even more people were looking forward to the special event at the Jeonmae Office [likely a government agency dealing with special goods or events].

At this time, the news from Gibraltar poured cold water on it.