Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1029

1029. Alsace-Lorraine (7)

France’s approach to the three bishoprics in Lorraine after acquiring them differed significantly from past practices. Traditionally, like other European powers, France would have granted these territories as fiefdoms to loyal nobles. Instead, France sent administrators, transforming the regions into direct possessions of the French king rather than noble-held fiefdoms.

This strategy resembled that of an empire more than a typical European state.

* * *

The Empire dispatched observers to all territories except Shinji. While large regions like the Northern and Northeastern Forest zones were divided, each with multiple observers, Shinji was unique.

Shinji’s administration involved collaboration between the governor-general and inspectors from the mainland. As Shinji’s territory expanded rapidly, changes occurred. Eventually, over fifteen observers managed Shinji, and the number of high-ranking officials from Shinji or of native origin increased substantially.

Consequently, five years before Hyang passed the governor-general position to Wan, the authority to appoint and manage observers in Shinji was transferred from the Emperor to the governor-general. Although the Emperor’s approval was still nominally required, it became a mere formality. This shift could have caused political issues, but Hyang’s respected position as governor-general prevented any objections.

* * *

The administrators and officials appointed by King Charles VIII of France and sent to the bishoprics were diligent. Stationed throughout the region, these officials visited local parish churches, collecting birth and death records to compare them. They then detained tax farmers and investigated them, though more leniently than in France.

Tax farmers who cooperated by handing over tax records could retain at least half of their assets. They were then allowed to leave the Papal States or seek other opportunities, often in investment. However, those who destroyed records or refused to cooperate faced severe consequences: complete asset confiscation, followed by hanging or beheading. Their families were then expelled beyond the borders of the Papal States.

While administrators and officials seized control of the Papal States’ administration through census and tax collection, surveyors and civil engineers also arrived to construct railways. This mirrored the Empire’s methods in the Northern Territory.

Upon receiving these reports, Hyang, Hyeon, and the ministers had similar reactions.

“If they had exclusive sales offices, it would be exactly like our system, wouldn’t it?”

“It’s slightly different. We established the exclusive sales offices first.”

“Is that right?”

* * *

France didn’t stop there. They promptly dispatched numerous mining technicians to the bishoprics. These technicians inspected existing mines and searched for new veins. Based on their findings, the French government hired many miners to begin operations.

Soon, carts loaded with iron ore and coal were heading towards Pompierre in France. The three bishoprics became hubs not only for iron ore and coal production but also as bridgeheads for establishing trade connections with nearby lords. Iron ore and coal mined from territories around the bishoprics were gathered there before being shipped to France.

The lords of the Holy Roman Empire, including those near Lorraine, and Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, observed France’s actions and understood their objective.

-France isn’t just seeking territorial expansion! They’re after Lorraine’s iron and coal!

-We must recognize that France has effectively taken control of the entire Lorraine region, not just the bishoprics!

-France’s power will only increase. What should we do?

The Holy Roman Empire’s princes and Maximilian I held differing views. Maximilian I advocated for strengthening central authority, while the princes, especially those far from Habsburg territories, began to consider independence. Recognizing this division, Maximilian I realized he faced a critical decision.

-Push for centralization, even if it risks disaster.

-Concede ground, but preserve the Empire’s structure.

After careful consideration, Maximilian I chose the latter.

* * *

At the Imperial Diet [assembly of representatives] held in Worms, Maximilian I addressed the Empire’s nobles, who were both members of the Diet and lords.

“If we continue on this path, our Empire will be torn apart and fall prey to our enemies! This cannot continue!”

Maximilian I stressed the importance of reform. This time, many Diet members agreed, having grown concerned about France’s growing influence. With the Diet’s support, the Holy Roman Empire joined the changing tides of the era.

The reforms, later known as the ‘Imperial Reform,’ introduced significant changes to the Holy Roman Empire.

-Moving away from past isolation, Imperial Circles [regional groupings for defense and taxation] were organized to promote joint defense and secure Imperial taxes.

-Railways were constructed throughout the Empire.

-Tolls and tariffs between territories within the Empire were abolished.

-The Imperial Supreme Court was established to fairly resolve disputes within the Empire.

However, the reform was incomplete. While the ‘Circle Troops’ [military units formed within the Imperial Circles] became possible, the creation of a unified ‘Holy Roman Empire Army’ was rejected. Furthermore, the territories of the Prince-Electors [the most powerful princes who elected the Emperor], the core powers of the Empire, were excluded from the Imperial Circles. The Habsburg territories were also excluded, leaving them unable to criticize others.

Despite being a partial reform, it was significant that the members of the Holy Roman Empire began to show interest in integration. Notably, princes who dreamed of independence actively supported the creation of the Imperial Circles.

-Creating an independent state alone is difficult. We need allies.

-The Imperial Circle is the best opportunity to find and unite such allies!

With these hidden intentions, they supported Maximilian I’s reforms. To further solidify the lords’ support, Maximilian I held a significant event.

The coronation of the Holy Roman Emperor was held in Worms, where the Diet convened. Traditionally, the coronation took place in Rome with the Pope officiating, but in Worms, the Archbishop performed the ceremony instead. This was to gain the support of lords who favored emerging denominations [Protestantism] and to assert his authority as a secular ruler independent from the Pope and Catholicism.

* * *

Although the half-reform concealed ulterior motives, once initiated, it gradually gained momentum. The first area to develop was, of course, the iron industry.

“The Holy Roman Empire must have iron to be worthy of being an empire!”

“Steel rules the world!”

Under these slogans, the search for iron and coal mines intensified throughout the Holy Roman Empire. Railway construction also gained momentum.

“The new Roman roads are railways!”

“Railways are the symbol of a great power!”

Despite the grand slogans and ambitions for railway construction, they soon encountered a problem: the iron horse [locomotive].

The Habsburgs and a few princes with foresight had researched steam engines and iron horses, achieving some progress. However, performance was lacking. Steam engines were reasonably effective in mines and factories, but the iron horses were not.

They were too slow and lacked the capacity to transport goods and people across the vast Holy Roman Empire.

“The ones with the capabilities we need are made in the Empire [Korean Empire], Ming [China], England, France…”

“We can’t consider the French ones, and we can’t guarantee the durability of the English and Ming ones…”

“The best option is the ones made in the Empire… Sigh.”

“Haa~.”

The working-level officials stopped talking and sighed. In some ways, the Empire was both helping and hindering the Holy Roman Empire, and they were uneasy about importing iron horses from such a powerful nation.

“Let’s report to the higher-ups and let them decide.”

“Agreed.”

* * *

Upon receiving the report, Maximilian I sighed and put his hand on his forehead.

“Hoo~. Do I have to reach out to the Empire again?”

“According to the report, it’s the best option.”

“This is from the Empire, that is from the Empire… I’m too tired to be angry. Will we ever catch up, let alone surpass them?”

“We will do our best.”

“Hoo~.”

Maximilian I sighed again and turned to the Prime Minister.

“We have no choice. Send someone to Seoul. But tell them to get as much as they can.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After resolving the issue of the iron horses, Maximilian I discussed the next agenda item with the Prime Minister.

“What is Spain’s reaction?”

“It was favorable. However, they want to modify the conditions further.”

“This is a marriage between royal families, not a business negotiation. Emphasize that.”

“Yes.”

“This marriage must succeed to contain France. Emphasize that.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Maximilian I was initiating the famous ‘marriage diplomacy of the Habsburgs.’

-Spain is allied with England. If we ally with Spain through marriage, we will naturally become allies with England as well.

-We will contain France through this three-way alliance.

This was a primary reason for pursuing a marriage with the Spanish royal family.

* * *

Meanwhile, Hyang and the ministers, having received a report on the matter through an envoy who arrived in Seoul, discussed it.

“They want a total of 120 iron horses. They want 60 finished products made in the Empire and want to build their own factories to manufacture the remaining 60… What are your thoughts?”

“Considering the size of the Holy Roman Empire, 120 is insignificant. They plan to use the technology they acquire from making 60 to produce them independently,” replied Im Soon-wook.

Hyeon nodded and asked, “Should we refuse, then?”

“No. We should sell them if possible. However, I believe it would be more profitable to sell them without allowing them to steal the technology. Imperial iron horses are already common in Europe.”

As Im Soon-wook pointed out, Imperial iron horses were common in Europe. Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland had already introduced them. France and England were attempting to develop their own iron horses and had made some progress.

Rumors suggested that Italy and Portugal were thoroughly analyzing the Imperial iron horses they had acquired to develop their own versions.

Therefore, Im Soon-wook proposed proactively selling the technology.