Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1015

1015. The Name of the Tinder is Arms Race (8)

The relationship between Italy and Switzerland deepened. Most of the overland transportation routes connecting Northern Europe, Italy, and the Mediterranean passed through Switzerland. Consequently, the railway connecting Italy and Switzerland brought enormous economic benefits to Switzerland. Italian officials signed an agreement with Switzerland regarding railway management.

The agreement aimed to reduce costs by jointly managing the railways and trains operated by both Switzerland and Italy. This allowed Italy to achieve economies of scale, while Switzerland significantly reduced its maintenance costs. Having confirmed that railways were a lucrative source of income, Switzerland became even more dedicated to their management.

This dedication was not just a figure of speech. The Alps in winter were prone to heavy snow and avalanches, leading to frequent casualties during the process of clearing blocked railways. Lacking significant natural resources or industries, Switzerland had no choice but to rely heavily on the railway, which was a major source of revenue. Much like their ancestors who risked their lives as mercenaries to provide for their families, the Swiss now risked their lives to maintain the railway.

* * *

The region most affected by this railway was Northern Europe, home to the Hanseatic League [a medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds]. The route from Italy through Switzerland offered a fast and safe passage, especially during winter, which had previously been a difficult time to travel. While travel slowed considerably once they crossed the Swiss border northward, and travelers still had to contend with unsanitary inns and bandits, the route offered reduced tariffs and a slight time saving compared to routes through France or elsewhere.

It wasn’t just goods from the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, the Ottoman Empire, and India that moved along this route. The culture of the Empire, and the cultures of Italy and Switzerland (which were strongly influenced by it), also spread. Gradually, the monarchs and intellectuals of Northern European principalities, the personal union of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (countries sharing the same monarch), Poland, and the Grand Duchy of Moscow began to be ‘imperialized’ – influenced by the culture and ideas of the Empire.

“Even those country bumpkins in Switzerland seem to live better than us. We must change, too.”

This sentiment fueled a movement of intellectuals calling for ‘change and reform,’ which soon evolved into a political movement. As always, this created conflict with established interests. Secularly, aristocrats and royalists clashed, and religiously, the seeds of the Reformation slowly began to sprout.

Amidst this turmoil, the shockwave caused by the Imperial ironclad warships began to spread throughout Europe.

-War is profitable.

The mantra chanted by Japanese merchants from Naniwa [modern-day Osaka] began to be echoed by Imperial officials.

* * *

Rumors and information about the ironclads being introduced by Portugal and Italy reached the monarchs of Northern Europe. After verifying this information, they convened with their ministers to discuss their options.

“Should we also acquire ironclads?”

“I believe we should.”

“No! The problem is the budget.”

“Even with budget constraints, we must buy what is necessary! Have you forgotten about England and Scotland?”

At this time, England and Scotland were still separate countries. The merchants of the Hanseatic League were making considerable profits in Scotland. However, England was gradually breaking free from the Hanseatic League’s influence and asserting its independence, which in turn affected Scotland. Ultimately, the ‘Kalmar Union’ of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden took the first step.

“England is a problem, but the Hanseatic League is also a problem! Let’s push out the Hanseatic League this time!”

Consequently, a delegation departed from the far North Sea towards Seoul.

* * *

The envoys who arrived in Seoul immediately entered into consultations.

“How much research have you done before coming here?”

This question perfectly encapsulated the attitude of the Imperial Ministry of Finance officials in charge of the negotiations. They were polite, but not particularly friendly. The Ministry of Finance officials were known for their brusque manner.

“We’re busy enough as it is. If you want to buy, buy; if not, leave!”

This reputation reached Hyang’s ears, and he clicked his tongue in disapproval.

‘Tsk, does this remind me of bad memories from my past life? That snobby attitude from the luxury store.’

During his time as a civil servant, Hyang had visited a luxury goods section in a department store to purchase gifts for his parents. However, the employee who assisted him was exceptionally rude. Ultimately, Hyang bought his parents’ gifts from a different luxury store. When he later revisited the first store, the rude employee was nowhere to be found.

Hyang offered a subtle but pointed recommendation to Hyeon.

“Still, we should treat them well, considering they came all the way here to buy our goods.”

Even after a reshuffle, the ‘How much research have you done?’ attitude persisted. After finishing their consultations with the Imperial Ministry of Finance officials, the envoys from the Kalmar Union looked grim.

“This seems much more expensive than expected.”

“I agree. I had hoped we could buy five ships, but two is the best we can manage…”

* * *

The Imperial Ministry of Finance officials, having confirmed the amount the Kalmar Union could afford, wore troubled expressions.

“You want the same ironclads that the Portuguese and Italian navies use, correct?”

“That’s right.”

“With the amount the Union can currently pay, two ships are the most you can acquire.”

“Huh? According to the information we received from Portugal and Italy…”

“Of course, if you only consider the base price of the ironclads, five ships would be possible. Arithmetically speaking, that is.”

“Arithmetically?”

“Have you ever operated a steam-powered ship? Or breech-loading cannons?”

“Ah…”

“Considering the training costs for the crew to operate the ironclads and other associated expenses, two ships are the most you can realistically afford with your current budget. However, there will be some change left over.”

“How much change?”

“Enough to build one and a half ironclads, purely in terms of construction costs.”

“Hmm…”

The envoys were deeply disappointed with the outcome, which fell far short of their expectations.

“We need at least five ships to deter France and England from acting recklessly…”

“Should we recalculate from the beginning…?”

“Or abandon the idea of steamships…?”

“Giving up is not an option!”

“But consider the maintenance costs! The Imperial officials wouldn’t have spoken carelessly!”

While the envoys of the Kalmar Union considered starting over, the Imperial officials had no intention of letting them leave empty-handed.

“The ironclad ordered by Japan has been completed. Would you like to take a look?”

“Japan?”

“It’s the same ship that Portugal and Italy ordered.”

“Then we’ll go!”

“Let’s see it!”

* * *

The envoys who saw the new ironclad undergoing test runs at the Wonsan shipyard found themselves in a dilemma.

“Judging by its performance, we have to buy it…”

“But two ships are too few.”

To find the best solution, the envoys looked out at the sea to clear their heads. As if on cue, two Haeung-class battleships [a type of warship] glided past them.

“Fast.”

“Fast… wait!”

One of the envoys squinted and looked at his colleagues.

“What if we buy Haeung-class ships with the remaining funds?”

“Huh?”

-Haeung-class ships are sailing ships. This would significantly reduce training costs.

-Haeung-class ships are renowned for their speed and firepower. Their defense is also considerable.

-Unless England and France change their fleet composition to ironclads, they will suffice.

-Looking at Portugal and Italy, they are retiring older battleships as ironclads are commissioned. The Empire will likely do the same.

-We could acquire a considerable number of moderately old Haeung-class battleships at a reasonable price.

“It sounds good, but isn’t the cannon to be mounted a problem?”

“We have to negotiate that part! What is our purpose as envoys? No, what is the reason for buying ironclads?”

“Let’s go back to Seoul and discuss this further.”

The next day, after returning to Seoul, the envoys of the Kalmar Union began negotiations again, focusing on adding Haeung-class ships to the two ironclads. Hyeon, upon receiving the report, shook his head slightly.

“Indeed, ‘descendants of the money-grubbing Kim Jeom’ [a historical figure known for his financial acumen].”

The Ministry of Finance officials, upon hearing Hyeon’s assessment, couldn’t hide their resentment.

“The one who orchestrated this was the Emperor Emeritus!”

* * *

Im Sun-wook and Jang Hang-seon, who overheard the officials’ complaints, sighed.

“Hoo~. Is it just the Emperor Emeritus? The Founding Emperor was also a great man. He had a knack for creating situations and using people. Think of Minister Hwang Hee [a famous Joseon dynasty prime minister].”

“I agree. By the way, I used to feel sorry for Minister Hwang Hee, whose resignation was rejected every time, but now we are in that situation… It seems the saying ‘you can’t steal the seed’ is true.”

“Wouldn’t it be more accurate to say ‘we learned from watching’? Come to think of it, was Minister Jang’s 8th time?”

“It’s the 11th time as of yesterday. How about Minister Im?”

The two, discussing the number of times their resignations had been submitted and rejected, shook their heads.

“His Majesty is something, but Minister Han and Minister Seong are also truly tenacious people. They haven’t submitted their resignations even once yet.”

“It’s not just the two of them; none of the Four Musketeers have submitted their resignations.”

“They are truly tenacious people. They should think about the people waiting below.”

The Four Musketeers, who had to work under Hyang in the old days, were still active on the front lines. Their continued persistence was a matter of pride and competition, fueled by their diverse personalities and shared competence.

“I will never submit my resignation before those guys!”

“I will not resign until I die!”

“I don’t know about dismissal, but there will be no resignation!”

* * *

Regardless of the behind-the-scenes stories, the negotiations between the Empire and the Kalmar Union envoys proceeded smoothly. As a result, two ironclads and three Haeung-class battleships were agreed upon.

“The three Haeung-class ships will be handed over as soon as the Union’s sailors arrive. The two ironclads will be handed over in the Azores after they are built in Shinji. Would you like to change the location?”

“No, we’ll receive them in the Azores.”

After confirming minor details such as the timing of the takeover and the means of payment, the agreement was finalized. As the envoys of the Kalmar Union began their return journey, the Empire subtly spread rumors.

-The Kalmar Union purchased Haeung-class battleships in addition to ironclads.

“Huh? Haeung-class?”

“Ah!”

The naval officials of various countries who heard the rumors slapped their knees in realization.

“This is an opportunity!”

Among the battleships of the Imperial Navy, the Haeung-class battleship was the most coveted.

-Charge Turtle Ship [a type of armored Korean warship]? The Empire would rather melt it down than sell it.

-Challenger-class? Damn thug. Powerful and sturdy, but the maintenance costs are too high.

-Haeung-class? The best! Fast, moderate firepower, and decent defense. There is a problem with cruising range, but it is the most useful in many ways!

-Conclusion: A combination of a small number of ironclads and Haeung-class ships supporting them will ensure peace of mind for the time being!

Soon, envoys flocked to Seoul once again from nearby Japan, Ryukyu [Okinawa], Dai Viet [Vietnam], and Siam [Thailand], and even from as far away as France.