Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1028

Alsace-Lorraine. [A region historically contested between France and Germany.] (6)

The day after delivering their response to the Habsburg [Austrian] envoy, the Empire immediately dispatched a messenger to Italy. The Imperial ambassador to Italy, upon receiving the situation report in Florence, visited the Unified Italian Government accompanied by the messenger. The Italian government promptly convened the members of the Unified Assembly.

“…Given the situation, the Empire has decided to sell assault vehicles to Habsburg.”

“That’s absurd!”

The parliament hall erupted with the assembly members’ outrage at the Imperial ambassador’s statement.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The chairman, restoring order with his gavel, addressed the Imperial ambassador.

“Why has the Empire made such a decision? Surely you are aware of the relationship between Italy and Habsburg.”

The Imperial ambassador responded frankly.

“The Empire has no choice. It’s due to France. Are you not aware of the shifting power dynamics between France and the Holy Roman Empire [A complex political entity in central Europe] these days?”

“Hmm…”

The chairman and assembly members nodded uncomfortably at the ambassador’s explanation. France’s occupation of the bishoprics of Lorraine [Territories ruled by a bishop, strategically important] had complicated the balance of power in Europe. The wars leading up to this point, particularly the Italian unification war, had established a fragile equilibrium. However, France’s control of Lorraine shifted the center of gravity.

-There won’t be a major change immediately, but the issue arises once France fully integrates the bishoprics of Lorraine. All of Europe will be forced to carefully monitor France’s every action.

This was the consensus among intellectuals and politicians across Europe, including in France. French intellectuals and politicians were filled with pride, while their counterparts in other countries spent sleepless nights worrying.

“The Empire selling naval emergency lines to France and assault vehicles to Habsburg is not an act of aggression, but a measure to maintain balance.”

The chairman stepped forward, highlighting the core issue.

“I understand the Empire’s intentions. However, considering the geopolitical position and historical relationship between Italy and Habsburg, it is a deeply regrettable decision.”

The Imperial ambassador responded immediately.

“I reiterate, the Empire does not desire war. To that end, we are striving for balance. You haven’t forgotten when our Empire sold naval emergency lines to France, have you?”

The chairman and assembly members’ expressions shifted at the ambassador’s words. As most were commercial aristocrats from the city-states, they immediately grasped the implication.

“Hmm… So, the Empire is suggesting that it will also sell assault vehicles to Italy?”

“Precisely.”

“Is the Empire planning to conduct business with both Habsburg and Italy?”

“Certainly not in the same manner. The Empire has always valued its relationship with Italy. Therefore, unlike the case of Habsburg, we will offer preferential treatment. Because we are allies.”

“Allies… So, you’re offering a price discount?”

“Perhaps a discount, or something else, such as technical support.”

“Can’t you provide us with everything possible?”

“Wouldn’t that be a bit difficult?”

Thus began a fierce negotiation between the Empire and Italy.

* * *

The negotiation between the Empire and Italy was intense. The Italian assembly members, primarily commercial aristocrats, sought to gain as much as possible, while the Empire insisted on a ‘reasonable line’. The Empire held the initiative.

“Don’t you think Italy might try to overturn the situation?”

At his subordinate manager’s concern, the ambassador shook his head.

“As long as assault vehicles are delivered to Habsburg, we maintain the advantage.”

“But that’s because the Empire has conceded very few of Italy’s demands.”

“Isn’t that why I kept emphasizing ‘balance’? If we provide technical support to the level Italy desires, the balance could be disrupted. Therefore, our Empire cannot agree.”

‘Of course, I can’t prevent them from attempting to reverse engineer the assault vehicle after disassembling it. But Habsburg will do the same, and the Empire bears no responsibility for the ensuing competition.’

The ambassador continued, lost in thought.

“The Empire should merely feign generosity and ultimately hand over an appropriate amount.”

In the end, the negotiation concluded as the Empire intended.

-30% discount compared to the Habsburg sales price.

-Technology transfer regarding maintenance and repair.

From Italy’s perspective, it was a highly insufficient contract, but they had no choice. Florence, which had benefited from assault vehicles, and Milan, which had experienced their destructive power, naturally desired them. Venice, harboring resentment towards Habsburg, strongly advocated for their acquisition.

The Italian government had to yield to the strong demands of the ‘Northern Italian Alliance’, which formed the core of the Italian economy. Consequently, the Empire achieved its desired outcome more easily.

“With this, the Ministry of Finance will be pleased. It’s more profitable than melting them down in a blast furnace.”

* * *

Meanwhile, in Seoul, a debate raged over the sale of weapons. It began with the submission of numerous petitions.

“Many petitions regarding the sale of weapons are being submitted.”

“Are there still those who criticize His Majesty the Emperor and the court for engaging in lowly commerce, selling weapons of destruction? Even after all these years, the stubborn ones persist.”

The Vice Head Eunuch responded with a troubled expression to the Head Eunuch’s words.

“There are some with such sentiments, but most express different concerns.”

“Different concerns?”

“The primary concern is that selling weapons used by the Imperial Army endangers the Imperial Army itself, and therefore should be prohibited.”

“Huh?”

News of the Empire’s sale of powerful weapons, such as naval emergency lines, to European powers and other countries had spread throughout the Empire via Royal Decree. This triggered a flood of opposing petitions.

-The weapons the Empire is currently selling to other countries are unparalleled in their power.

-Considering the capabilities of these weapons, many could pose a threat to our Imperial Army.

-The problem is that relations between countries are not always amicable. If a country that purchased the Empire’s weapons becomes hostile, the Imperial Army will be in danger.

-Conclusion: The sale of weapons used by the Imperial Army to other countries must be prohibited. Those who sell weapons to other countries for a few pennies should be immediately imprisoned in the Archives!

“Heo…”

Hyeon and the ministers, after reviewing the petitions submitted through the Seungjeongwon [Royal Secretariat], wore troubled expressions.

“The problem is, they’re not wrong.”

Hyeon nodded at Han Myung-hoe’s assessment.

“That’s what makes it so troublesome. Hmm… By the way, ‘Those who sell weapons to other countries for a few pennies should be thrown into the Archives immediately!’… Should I go to the Archives first?”

As soon as Hyeon finished speaking, the ministers, starting with Han Myung-hoe, raised their voices in unison.

“I will immediately arrest these people!”

“I will interrogate them to determine if they harbor any disloyal intentions!”

Hyeon waved his hand at the ministers’ outburst.

“That’s enough. They simply hold different opinions; there’s no need to blame them. Of course, these people may not know that I approved it…”

The ministers all muttered inwardly at Hyeon’s subtly contradictory statement.

‘What do you want us to do!’

‘Which way are we supposed to jump!’

While the ministers grumbled internally, Hyeon spoke.

“It is self-evident that the Imperial Army’s weapons could be fatal to the Imperial Army. I am aware of that. However, there are already numerous Mara [referring to enemies or threats] who have created weapons that could be fatal to the Imperial Army. Providing the Imperial Army’s weapons to neighboring countries threatened by such individuals can be considered a matter of course.”

Hyeon paused to quench his thirst before continuing.

“Head Eunuch, listen.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“If you fear being stabbed by a sword you yourself provided and cannot give the sword, how can you call yourself an Empire? I believe the Imperial Army is strong enough to handle this. Therefore, let the people of the Empire trust me and the Imperial Army. This is my sincere belief, so let the Head Eunuch include this in the Royal Decree and inform the entire Empire.”

“I will obey your command.”

As soon as the Head Eunuch finished his response, Han Myung-hoe stepped forward and bowed his head.

“The officers and soldiers of the Imperial Army will be greatly honored by Your Majesty’s trust in them.”

“That is correct.”

“The officers and soldiers will do their utmost to repay Your Majesty’s trust.”

Following Han Myung-hoe, Jang Hang-seon and the Minister of National Defense bowed their heads and echoed his sentiments. However, their inner thoughts differed slightly.

‘I’ll be so busy I’ll be gasping for air for a while.’

Later, whether through rumors or the Royal Decree, the Imperial Army, regardless of rank, all shared the same expression and cursed.

“What a damn thing to happen!”

“Since His Majesty has spoken, we’ll have to work ourselves to death to repay it! There will be wailing for a while!”

“Who the hell submitted that kind of petition!”

* * *

While the Imperial Army soldiers lamented, Hyeon sought out Hyang for a conversation.

“I wanted to reveal everything, but I forcibly restrained myself.”

Hyang smiled brightly at Hyeon’s words.

“Because all our schemes would be exposed if we did that?”

“That’s right. It’s tempting, but increasing unnecessary variables is worse.”

The weapons the Empire sells, starting with naval emergency lines, are primarily weapons being phased out. In other words, they are dangerous, but the Empire possesses the means to counter them. Hyang and Hyeon were more concerned with minimizing the emergence of ‘variables’.

-From the moment they receive the weapons from the Empire, they will thoroughly analyze and attempt to replicate them.

-They will experience all sorts of trial and error in the process of replication, and this will become valuable experience.

-And they will create their own weapons based on that experience.

-Most of the experience they accumulate will mirror the path the Empire has already taken. Therefore, even if they create something new, the Empire can devise countermeasures more easily.

-However, if the Empire conceals everything, they will forge their own path from the beginning. In this case, there is a higher possibility they will discover unexpected paths the Empire could not have foreseen.

-If such an unexpected path emerges, the Empire will have to expend significantly more effort to develop countermeasures.

-Therefore, we leak strategically.

The ministers concurred with Hyeon and Hyang’s decisions, and they leaked appropriate bait based on the evolving European situation.

“By the way, if France discovers that we handed over assault vehicles, I don’t think they will remain passive.”

Hyang replied cynically to Hyeon’s words.

“Even if we hadn’t handed them over, they would have developed something similar. They already experienced a bitter defeat in Italy. Isn’t it human nature to want others to share the same unpleasant experience?”

“That’s true. By the way… What France is doing in Lorraine seems very familiar.”

“It is familiar, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”