Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1024

1024. Alsace-Lorraine (2)

The French Chancellor’s confidence stemmed from the historical relationship between France and the Holy Roman Empire. The Frankish kingdom had been divided into three parts—East, Middle, and West Francia—following the inheritance divisions enacted by Louis I, known as ‘Louis the Pious.’ Subsequently, a history of repeated divisions and integrations eventually led to the establishment of France and the Holy Roman Empire as distinct entities.

This historical context formed the basis upon which France could lay claim to the Lorraine and Alsace regions. The repeated cycles of ‘division’ and ‘integration’ had resulted in immense bloodshed. Naturally, many families were eliminated or fell into ruin during this process. By examining the inheritance system, particularly the ‘Salic Law’ [a law excluding females from dynastic succession], and the complex web of kinship, it might be possible for someone else—someone amenable to France—to claim ownership instead of the lord currently in control of the area.

Recognizing the Chancellor’s intentions, Louis posed a crucial question.

“Have you identified any suitable candidates?”

“I have been observing a few individuals. However, there appears to be a simpler approach we could pursue.”

Charles VIII and Louis’s eyes lit up simultaneously at the Chancellor’s response.

‘A simpler way? How?’ they both wondered.

“Is that feasible?” Charles inquired.

The Chancellor smiled slightly before answering.

“A new religious sect is reportedly gaining popularity in the Lorraine region these days.”

At the Chancellor’s reply, Louis turned to Charles VIII.

“The Vatican will not stand idly by if we interfere with religious matters. And if that happens, neither will the Habsburgs.”

“Indeed…”

“In fact, this sect has already been declared a heresy,” Louis added.

Charles VIII nodded, listening to the Chancellor’s words following Louis’s statement, and then sighed lightly, looking around at the attendees.

“Should we also anticipate assistance from the Empire in this matter?”

* * *

During the Italian unification, the Vatican had lost its practical power. It lost the Papal States and bishoprics both inside and outside Italy, retaining only the Vatican and a small amount of land surrounding Rome. The Pope’s authority, which had been gradually diminishing, remained solely as a ‘religious symbol,’ relying entirely on the faith of devout Catholics.

As the authority of the Pope and the Church waned, the ecclesiastical world inevitably had to adapt. Firstly, many high-ranking clergy members were laicized [returned to lay status]. Most of these individuals came from influential families—often illegitimate or bastard children—of Italy and the major European powers. They had attained high-ranking positions not because of their faith but because of the power of their backing, especially their financial resources.

The more money their backers invested, the faster they could ascend to become high-ranking priests. Once they reached the position of cardinal or bishop, they could receive Papal States or bishoprics and recoup their investment. Considering the political power that the title of ‘Catholic Bishop or Cardinal’ conferred, it was a quite advantageous investment.

However, as Rome became a ‘toothless lion,’ it lost its investment appeal, and many high-ranking priests were laicized. Another factor contributing to the large-scale laicization of high-ranking priests was the increasing demands placed upon them. This coincided with the resurgence of the Reformation [a 16th-century movement for religious reform]. The corruption and extravagance of high-ranking priests provided ample ammunition for those advocating for the reform of Catholicism.

-Cardinals and bishops keeping mistresses and fathering illegitimate children—what a disgrace!

-Are they truly faithful priests?

-Repent now and set an example as priests!

Faced with accusations and demands from all sides, they abandoned their priestly duties and returned to the secular world.

* * *

Another significant shift in Rome was the rise of ‘conservatism,’ ‘fundamentalism,’ and ‘strictness.’ Many of those who advocated for the reform of Catholicism began to establish new denominations, rejecting the authority of the ‘Pope.’

-What Catholics should believe in and rely on is not the Pope but the Bible, which contains the word of God!

-Wealth accumulated through diligent work is not inherently evil!

These new denominations—collectively referred to as Protestantism—that denied the Pope and affirmed the accumulation of legitimate wealth and positive values began to expand rapidly. Rome had to respond to the growth of these new denominations, and the task fell to the newly appointed bishops and cardinals.

Unlike their predecessors, these new leaders were frugal, faithful, and deeply religious. They were also very dogmatic. They purged extravagance and corruption from the Vatican, replacing it with an atmosphere of frugality and devotion. Intellectuals of the time and later historians assessed this period as follows:

-Rome has become Sparta!

It began to resemble the ‘Jesuits’ [a Catholic religious order known for its discipline and missionary work] of the history before Hyang’s intervention. However, instead of simply serving as models for the faithful and earning respect through frugality and faithfulness, they held very fundamentalist and dogmatic religious views. Consequently, their perspective on the new denominations was extremely harsh.

-Just as Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden after succumbing to Satan’s temptation, those who believe in their words will not enter heaven!

-They are heretics!

Their firm stance was, in a way, inevitable. The fact that the new denominations denied the Pope was, in itself, a declaration that they would not coexist with Rome.

* * *

“…There are several sects spreading in Lorraine, and all have been declared heretical. If this situation escalates, the Habsburgs cannot remain indifferent.”

Charles VIII and Louis nodded at the Chancellor’s explanation. Although he had seized the internal bishoprics and Papal States when the opportunity arose, Maximilian I of Habsburg was also the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. And another title for the Holy Roman Emperor was ‘Protector of Catholics and the Pope.’

He could not simply ignore territories that rejected the Pope’s authority. Louis added to the Chancellor’s words.

“The influence of Rome presents a challenge, but it also offers a valuable opportunity that the Habsburgs cannot afford to overlook. It could reduce the number of troublesome princes within the Empire.”

“Indeed. So, how should we proceed?”

At Charles VIII’s question, the Chancellor looked at Louis. Receiving the Chancellor’s gaze, Louis smiled wryly and replied to Charles.

“I will need to travel to Lorraine myself. I will inform the lords there of Your Majesty’s benevolence and willingness to assist them.”

“Even if they agree to align with us, war is inevitable, isn’t it?”

“However, we will gain justification for our actions.”

“Indeed… By the way, I suspect our cardinal will also voice his concerns.”

The Chancellor stepped forward to address Charles VIII’s point.

“We can approach this in the Imperial style as well.”

“Imperial style?”

“If they adhere to the law, pay their taxes diligently, and refrain from imposing their beliefs on others, their religious affiliations are of little consequence.”

“Good point.”

Charles VIII nodded and finally concluded.

“Then, the Duke of Orléans should depart for Lorraine as soon as possible and persuade them to join us. The army should be prepared as well. We must enter Lorraine before Maximilian of Habsburg can react. Finally, the Chancellor, along with the relevant officials, must devise a solution to the problem of war expenses.”

At Charles VIII’s command, everyone involved responded in unison.

“As Your Majesty wishes.”

After the meeting, Louis left the conference room and arrived at his office. He was preparing for his trip when he suddenly burst out laughing.

“Hah! How amusing!”

“Yes? What is amusing, Your Highness?” an aide inquired.

“I heard that the Emperor entrusts the Crown Prince with the operation of the research institute and Area 51, saying, ‘To make him aware of the importance of learning and technology and the weight of the budget in advance.'”

“That is correct.”

“Then, perhaps we should entrust him with diplomacy,” Louis mused.

The aides and officials pondered Louis’s words for a moment before bursting into laughter. While they were making light of the fact that the likely next king would be running around as a diplomatic envoy, they were also subtly expressing another sentiment.

-I can’t suffer alone.

‘The Duke has definitely been influenced by the Imperial ways,’ one official thought.

* * *

After completing his preparations, Louis headed straight to Lorraine. Upon hearing that the Duke of France and the likely next king had arrived, lords both large and small sought him out. Interestingly, all the lords who sought Louis were those who supported the new religions. They were well aware that Rome had declared them heretical and anticipated that the Habsburgs would intervene.

Therefore, they understood the purpose of Louis’s visit.

“Thank you for the warm welcome,” Louis said.

After the welcoming banquet, Louis and the lords immediately got down to business. At the joint meeting with the lords, Louis revealed his intention to have them join France. However, the lords reacted very negatively to this proposal.

France was a highly centralized state. If they were to become part of such a France, they were certain to lose many of their privileges.

“It is certain that the Habsburgs will not stand idly by. France’s support is essential. However, we cannot be annexed by France. After all, we are lords of the Holy Roman Empire.”

“Indeed. But the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire will not abandon you. Nevertheless, you intend to remain as members of the Holy Roman Empire?”

“France’s help is welcome, but this aspect is unavoidable.”

As the meeting continued to go around in circles, Louis made a new proposal.

“Very well. I understand your position. Then, I will make another offer. In return for France supporting you, we will take control of the bishoprics in Lorraine. What are your thoughts on this?”

“Please wait a moment. Allow us some time to consider this,” one of the lords requested.

The lords who asked for time did not appear displeased.

“The area of the former bishoprics is quite extensive, but…”

“It was never truly ours to begin with.”

The bishoprics located in the Lorraine region accounted for approximately 25% of the total area of Lorraine. However, the lords held no particular attachment to these bishoprics. As they themselves admitted, they had never truly belonged to them. These were bishoprics that had become territories of the Holy Roman Empire after the Italian unification. Moreover, those who had established themselves as lords there were families loyal to the Habsburgs.

Therefore, they would not lament their loss if France seized them. In the first place, they had ceased to be theirs when they became bishoprics, and the new lords were not their allies but individuals who were even more proud of their allegiance to the Habsburgs. The lords, who had been passionately sharing their opinions, conveyed their agreement to Louis.

“We accept the proposal. In return, we request support in the form of weapons and troops.”

“I will inform His Majesty and provide support as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

While this agreement was being forged in Lorraine, Paris was abuzz with protests from the envoy sent by the Habsburgs.

“The Lorraine region is a territory of the Holy Roman Empire! Why did you enter Lorraine without notifying us! This is a grave diplomatic discourtesy!”

The Chancellor replied with an air of nonchalance.

“Ah! That? It wasn’t a diplomatic visit, but a personal one.”

“A personal visit?”

“The Duke of Orléans is currently occupied with opening a ‘small’ steel mill. He likely traveled to Lorraine for that purpose.”

“Ha!”

The envoy was rendered speechless by the Chancellor’s audacious response.