Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1152

1152. Who Pays the Price? Your Share (4)

The Imperial forces defending the highlands south of Algeciras weren’t relying solely on geographical advantages.

* * *

“Relying only on geographical advantages will lead to being breached. It’s not something we’ve only experienced once or twice.”

“If you push 200 enemies into a place that can stop 100, it becomes dangerous, and if you push 300, it will be breached. If you push 1000, it becomes ‘Welcome.'”

“It’s not just about numbers. If you push with 100 cannons, it can be breached even with only 10 defenders.”

“However, unconditionally投入ing [investing] all available resources isn’t a good strategy either. Otherwise, the Ministry of Economy and Finance will try to 박아 넣으려 [screw] us instead of rebar.”

While constructing the defense facilities in that area, the Imperial Army commanders repeatedly 고민에 고민을 거듭했다 [agonized over their decisions].

This was due to the lessons learned from the past battles against the Ming Dynasty, the ‘Battle of the Yalu River’ and the ‘Battle of Liaodong Fortress.’

-Even with natural obstacles like the Yalu River and barbed wire, they were 밀리더라 [pushed back] when pushed with sheer numbers.

-Even the famously strong Liaodong Fortress was 뚫리더라 [breached] when 죽어라 두들기니 [hammered relentlessly] with cannons.

“Then the answer is…”

“Still, the answer is…”

The Imperial Army, tasked with defending Algeciras and Gibraltar, had no choice but to conclude that ‘the 정석 [textbook approach] is the answer.’

* * *

Accordingly, the Imperial Army constructed a defensive line by connecting the mountainous ridges surrounding Algeciras and Gibraltar.

“If 200 or 300 people rush in when we can only stop 100? We just need to make it so that only 100 people can push in at a time, even if they rush in, right?”

Accordingly, the Imperial Army installed all sorts of obstacles along the 예상 [expected] attack routes of the Spanish army. It started with laying barbed wire in three layers, and then laying another three layers of barbed wire about 10장 [a traditional Korean unit of length, approximately 30 meters] away, creating a barbed wire zone of three to five layers.

In addition, they lined up sacks filled with stones along the paths leading up to the Imperial Army’s highland defense line. Although they were called sacks, they were items made by roughly weaving large and small stones into bags made of thick wire.

A characteristic feature was that there was space inside the sacks containing the stones to insert 지통폭 (paper tube bombs) – dynamite.

If the Spanish army showed any unusual signs, the Imperial Army soldiers would insert 지통폭 into this space and connect a long fuse. If the Spanish army crossed the line and pushed up to the 경계 [boundary] zone, the Imperial Army soldiers were instructed to light this fuse and immediately retreat.

The long fuse served two purposes. One was to give the Imperial Army time to escape safely, and the other was to make the sacks explode when the Spanish army was densely packed.

The stones scattered in all directions as the sacks exploded would inflict fatal damage on the Spanish army nearby. However, the biggest advantage of these sacks was that they were easy to manufacture and maintain at a low cost.

“The problem is that the Spanish army has never 올라온 적이 있는 곳까지 [even reached the location] to where those sacks are…”

“Because they’re all 쓸려나가기 전에 올라오기 [getting wiped out before they can even get there]. They made it so visible.”

The Imperial Army had 사계 (field of fire) 청소ed [cleared] not only the slopes leading up to the highlands but also up to 200장 (approximately 600m) ahead of the highlands’ entrance. Thanks to creating a perfect open space with not a single tree visible, the Spanish army that entered it immediately became targets.

“Thinking about the 고생한 [suffering] that went into that 빌어먹을 [cursed] 사계 청소 [field of fire clearing]…”

“Why do those 망할놈의 [damned] weeds grow so well?”

And the problematic open space became a place of 애증 [love-hate] for the Imperial Army soldiers.

* * *

The Spanish army was also aware of the Imperial Army’s defense facilities in the area.

This was because there were records written with the blood shed by Spanish soldiers and mercenaries.

“It’s a 악랄하고 비겁한 [vicious and cowardly] method that makes you see as much blood as possible.”

“What else would you expect from 이교도들 [heathens]?”

“Even saints and saintesses would 욕을 할 것들 [curse them].”

“Even devils would be 착할 거다 [kinder] than those guys.”

While cursing as much as they could, the Spanish Army commanders 고민했다 [agonized] about how to break through.

“No matter how much you 고민 [agonize], the conclusion is 정석 [the standard approach]. Pound the highlands with cannons and send soldiers up.”

“The problem is that we’ve done that until now, but we’ve never 성공한 적이 있다는 것이 [succeeded].”

“Let’s do it the Imperial way this time.”

“The Imperial way?”

“Let’s use ‘many cannons, even more cannons, and 아주 many cannons’ too.”

“Is that 가능할까 [possible]?”

“We have to ask France to 내놓으라고 [hand them over].”

Having heard Spain’s request, France soon handed over a large number of cannons and shells to the Spanish Army.

“What about just giving us this? Shouldn’t you send people too?”

“That’s what training is for…”

“Do you think we have 시간이 남아도나 [time to spare]?”

France had no choice but to give up its precious artillerymen to Spain.

* * *

The Spanish Army, having finished its preparations, soon moved to 공략 [attack] the area requested by the navy.

Because the Imperial Navy still held 제해권 (control of the sea) [sea control], the Spanish Army had to move troops and supplies using narrower mountain roads and side paths further inland.

“Let’s secure El Pelayo as a 교두보 (foothold) [beachhead].”

Following the orders of 부대 사령관 (unit commander) [unit commander] Marquis of Alba, the Spanish Army mobilized its forces to 공략 [attack] El Pelayo.

The Duke of Iche, a general in the Spanish Army who had secured information in advance through Bigu, responded with a 멍군 [counter-strategy], ordering the Imperial Army stationed at El Pelayo to retreat early and construct a defensive line.

“I’d love it if they pushed in this way.”

By retreating from El Pelayo, the Imperial Army formed a 항아리 모양의 포진 (jar-shaped formation) [amphora-shaped formation] when viewed from above. If the Spanish Army followed the retreating Imperial Army and entered inside, they would be 뒤집어 쓰게 되는 것이었다 [bombarded] by the Imperial Army from three sides.

“Hmm… Are they telling us to come in?”

The Marquis of Alba, having received the scout’s report, examined the map and 파악했다 [grasped] Duke Iche’s intentions.

“Considering the troops we have now, it’s tempting, but those 송곳니들이 늘어선 좌우로 [fangs lined up on the left and right] won’t stay still.”

The Marquis of Alba soon ordered his staff and subordinate commanders.

“공략 [Attack] the ridges on the right as planned and head to the coastal battery.”

“옛! [Yes, sir!]”

“Make sure to 단단히 방어 [firmly defend] the road leading from Algeciras to El Pelayo! If that’s 뚫리면 [breached], our 옆구리가 당한다 [flank will be exposed]!”

“옛! [Yes, sir!]”

Following the Marquis of Alba’s orders, the Spanish Army constructed a defensive line on the road leading from Algeciras to El Pelayo.

Meanwhile, Duke Iche, having confirmed the Spanish Army’s movements through Bigu, was deeply 고민이 깊어졌다 [deep in thought].

“They’re constructing a defensive line? They’re not planning to come in? What are they thinking? It’s too 거창해 [grandiose] for a 시선 돌리기 목적 [diversionary tactic]…”

To 알아채기 [discern] the Spanish Army’s objective, Duke Iche began to 살피기 시작했다 [examine] the map here and there.

“Could it be here?”

Duke Iche’s eyes stopped at the coastal battery located at the left entrance of the Bay of Gibraltar.

The central battery, which had been 뚫고 들어간 [dug into] the bedrock, housed four large cannons, and the surrounding auxiliary batteries housed about 20 medium-sized cannons.

“They’d want to 손에 넣고 싶겠지 [get their hands on] these cannons.”

The main force of the battery, the large cannons, had the power to inflict fatal damage even on 돌격귀선 [turtle ships] if they hit properly.

It wasn’t just the power of the 화탄 [cannonballs] that was strong.

The 사정거리 (range) [range] was also a 괴물 [monster], boasting 30리 (approximately 12km) [30 li].

Considering that the maximum range of the main guns of the latest 살수급 전함 (Salsoo-class battleship) [Salsoo-class battleship], the rumored battleship, was 20리 (approximately 8km) [20 li], it was truly the ‘world’s strongest cannon.’

“If we 손에 넣는다면 [acquire] this battery and these cannons, we’d have no choice but to 항복하거나 도망치거나 [surrender or flee].”

If the problematic cannons were 넘어간 [taken], Gibraltar would be 봉쇄되어 버리게 되는 것이었다 [blockaded].

“Hmm…”

Duke Iche, having 어렴풋이 알게 된 [vaguely realized] what the Spanish Army was 노림수 [aiming for], immediately 명했다 [ordered] his staff.

“전달 [Relay] to the 2nd Coastal Battery. ‘The Spanish Army is 노리고 있다 [targeting you]. If you need anything, 당장 요청할 것 [request it immediately].'”

“옛! [Yes, sir!]”

As time passed, the answer that came back through the messenger was this.

“다다익선 (The more, the better) [The more, the better]?”

“Yes.”

“쩝 [Tsk]. Let’s 지원하도록 아낌없이 [provide support generously] within the 가용한 범위 [available range] and send 배들 [ships] to Enrico Prince Harbor and Livorno to 털어 와 [scrounge up supplies].”

“알겠습니다 [Understood].”

After issuing the orders and 살피던 지도를 [examining the map], Duke Iche soon 중얼거렸다 작게 혼잣말 [muttered to himself].

“Come to think of it… When those cannons were first made, 태태상황 (His Majesty) [His Majesty] said ‘나바론 [Navarone],’ but what does 나바론 [Navarone] mean?”

At the time, when 향 (Hyang) [Hyang] saw the prototypes of the problematic cannons for the first time, he 중얼거렸었다 자신도 모르게 [muttered unconsciously].

“역시 거포는 나바론…. 헙! [Indeed, big cannons are Navarone… Heup!]”

향 (Hyang) [Hyang] 다급히 입을 다물었지만 [quickly shut his mouth], the 주변인들은 들은 이 말을 대를 이어 의문을 품어야 했다 [people around him had to wonder about this phrase for generations].

“What does 나바론 [Navarone] mean?”

It was the most famous war movie related to cannons, but people of this time had no way of knowing.

* * *

The Spanish Army, having finished constructing the defensive line and taking a short rest, 나섰다 [set out] to 공략 [attack] the ridge leading to the problematic coastal battery.

“Start 공략ing [attacking] ‘악마의 대머리 (Devil’s Bald Head)’ [Devil’s Bald Head]!”

The ridges that had become 민동산 (bare mountains) [bare mountains] due to the Imperial Army’s 꼼꼼한 사계청소 [thorough field of fire clearing] had 어느새인가 붙어있었다 [somehow acquired] the nickname ‘악마의 대머리 (Devil’s Bald Head) [Devil’s Bald Head]’.

This was because 한둘이 아니었기 때문이었다 희생당한 이들이 걸려 [there were more than a few victims] to the Imperial Army guarding that ridge. Because of this, the 병사들의 발걸음은 무거웠다 [soldiers’ steps were heavy] moving their feet at the commanders’ orders.

The commanders, 알아챈 [noticing] the soldiers’ 저조한 사기 [low morale], 외쳤다 [shouted] to the soldiers.

“Look around!”

“Can you see those cannons! The Empire isn’t the only one with cannons!”

At the commanders’ 외침 [shout], the soldiers 고개를 돌렸다 좌우로 [turned their heads left and right].

“우와~ (Wow~) [Wow~].”

The Spanish soldiers, 본 대포들을 늘어선 길게 좌우로 [seeing the cannons lined up on the left and right], 자신도 모르게 내뱉었다 감탄사를 [unconsciously exclaimed].

“I’ve never 본 적이 없어 [seen] so many cannons!”

“Did they 끌고 온 [bring] all the cannons in Spain?”

While the Spanish soldiers, 본 엄청난 수의 대포들을 [seeing the enormous number of cannons], 거듭하고 있을 때 감탄을 [repeatedly exclaiming], the 기준포 (reference cannon) [reference cannon] 불을 뿜었다 [fired].

펑! [Bang!]

The 기준포 [reference cannon], 보며 전해지는 신호를 [seeing the signal being relayed] from the 망루 (watchtower) [watchtower] 세워진 한쪽에 늘어선 대포들이 [erected on one side of the lined-up cannons], 포각을 조정했고 [adjusted its elevation], the 다른 포들도 포각을 조정했다 [other cannons also adjusted their elevation].

After several rounds of shelling, all the 대포들이 방열한 [cannons in the battery] 일제히 불을 뿜기 시작했다 [began to fire simultaneously].

펑! 퍼퍼펑! [Bang! Bang bang bang!]

Amidst the 요란한 폭음 [deafening explosions] and the 장관을 이루는 대포들이 불을 뿜는 [spectacle of the cannons firing], the commanders 외쳤다 [shouted] to the soldiers.

“전진 (Advance) [Advance]! Let’s 꽂자 [plant] the flag on that 빌어먹을 대머리 (cursed bald head) [cursed bald head]!”

“와아아 (Waaaa) [Waaaa]!”

When the Spanish soldiers, 업은 등에 집중 포격을 [with concentrated artillery fire on their backs] of the Spanish and French artillery, 오르기 시작할 때 능선을 타고 [began to climb the ridge], the Imperial Army soldiers 피하고 있었다 몸을 [were taking cover] in the 참호 (trenches) [trenches] 씌운 두꺼운 지붕을 [covered with thick roofs].

전달되는 가운데 둔중한 땅울림이 포탄들이 떨어질 때마다 [As the heavy tremors were transmitted each time the shells fell], the 제국군 병사들의 얼굴에는 가득했다 긴장감이 [the faces of the Imperial soldiers were filled with tension] 숨긴 채 몸을 참호에 [while hiding their bodies in the trenches].

This was the first time they had experienced such 지독한 포격 [intense shelling].

Of course, the 경험이 많은 병사들은 자랑했다 입담을 [the experienced soldiers boasted their wit] in the 와중에도 이 [midst of it].

“Those guys are 내고 있네 흉내를 우리 [imitating us]?”

“그러게나 말여 (That’s what I’m saying) [That’s what I’m saying]. Will this also be a 지식재산권 소송 (intellectual property lawsuit) [intellectual property lawsuit]?”

삐이 익! [Pee-eek!]

While 농담을 늘어놓으며 그렇게 [joking around like that] and 나름대로 긴장을 풀고 있을 때 [trying to relieve the tension in their own way], 요란한 호각 소리가 울렸다 사방에서 [a loud whistle sounded from all directions].

울리자 호각소리가 [As the whistle sounded], the 제국군 병사들은 움켜쥐고 자신들의 장총을 [the Imperial soldiers gripped their rifles] 빠져나갔다 참호를 [exited the trenches]. 이어지고 있었지만 적의 포격이 아직 [Even though the enemy’s shelling was still continuing], the 제국군들은 내달렸다 따라 교통호를 숙인 채 잔뜩 몸을 [the Imperial soldiers ran along the communication trenches, crouching low].

The 방금의 호각 소리는 의미였다 다가왔다는 육군이 시작한 진격을 에스파냐 첫 번째 저지선까지 [The whistle just now meant that the army had begun its advance to the Spanish first line of defense]. 때문에 [Therefore], 수행해야 했다 임무를 도착해 자신들이 맡은 자리에 [they had to carry out their mission by arriving at their assigned positions].

While the 제국군 능선 위의 준비하고 있을 때 본격적인 방어를 뒤집어쓰면서 포격을 [Imperial soldiers on the ridge were preparing for a full-scale defense while being shelled], the 선두 집단이 에스파냐 군의 도착하고 있었다 방어선에 첫 번째 [the leading group of the Spanish army was arriving at the first line of defense].

“끊어 (Cut) [Cut]! 부숴 (Break) [Break]!”

At the 지휘관의 명령 [commander’s order], the 병사들이 든 도끼와 절단기를 끊고 철사를 철조망의 찍어내기 시작했다 지주목을 [the soldiers wielding axes and wire cutters began to cut the barbed wire and chop down the support posts]. 그리고 [And], 그때까지 기다리고 있던 조용히 제국군의 화차들이 불을 뿜기 시작했다 일제히 [the Imperial Army’s Hwachas, which had been quietly waiting until then, began to fire all at once].

타타타타타탕! [Ta-ta-ta-ta-tang!]