Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 1141

1141. A Killer Gift (6)

While the Portuguese leadership was carefully weighing their options, trying to figure out the best course of action.

The Imperial forces stationed in Gibraltar were also gradually increasing their level of alert.

This was partly due to the orders of Yi Che, the supreme commander of the Imperial forces in Gibraltar, but even before that, the Imperial soldiers had sensed that something was amiss.

The reason was Spain.

The number of provocations by Spanish forces against the Imperial defense lines in the mountainous areas and transportation routes surrounding Algeciras and Gibraltar had suddenly increased.

“Well, they’re the kind of guys who cause trouble when you least expect it, but this is happening way too often, isn’t it?”

“I should probably report this to the higher-ups.”

Veteran soldiers who had dealt with the Spanish forces for a long time sensed something suspicious and immediately reported it to their superiors.

The superiors’ expressions also darkened upon hearing the veterans’ reports.

‘These aren’t newly deployed recruits who are making a fuss for no reason. There’s already talk among my peers…’

“Hmm…”

After a moment of contemplation, the officers quickly came to a decision.

“It’s possible that we’re just jumping to conclusions and making a fuss, but it’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard and suffer a major blow.”

Having made up their minds, the officers used their discretion to strengthen the defenses of their units and facilities, and at the same time, reported to their superiors.

As similar reports came in one after another, the expressions of the commanders also became serious.

“Are these guys trying to cause trouble again…”

“The movements of the Spanish are suspicious. I think we should report this to the higher-ups.”

“Let’s do that.”

The commanders in charge of the land defense lines began to write reports.

Just then, an order arrived from Yi Che.

-It has been discovered that France and Spain are colluding to plot against Gibraltar.

-All units are to raise their alert level to Class B Upper and prepare their defenses.

Upon confirming the order, the Imperial commanders, both in the army and navy, uttered similar curses.

“Are these guys obsessed with war? They’re always starting wars at every opportunity!”

* * *

As the alert level rose, even the reports submitted by small units deployed at the front lines were all sent to Yi Che’s headquarters.

“This isn’t what I came here for… More mountains of paperwork here too…”

Yi Che put his hand on his forehead as he looked at the mountain of reports.

“Just go on a little excursion? I was so naive…”

Yi Che, who had been caught by Sangso like Jang Hang-sun [a historical figure known for being tricked], began to constantly repeat ‘I was so naive,’ which had become a common saying among Imperial officials.

* * *

Those born as brothers of the Emperor had three choices.

-Go through the Military Academy and enter the military.

-Go through the Engineering Academy and then work at a research institute or in Areas 51 and 52 [references to highly secretive research facilities, real and fictional].

-Or go through other higher education institutions, pass the exams, and become administrators or lawmakers.

“What about commerce?”

“There are those who have gone into commerce, but it didn’t end well for them. They were all caught for corruption, their assets were confiscated, they were removed from the Seonwonrok (Imperial Family Registry) [a record of the Imperial Family], and ended up in the Records Office.”

“Then what about the arts? There’s the example of Duke Anpyeong, isn’t there?”

“We don’t discourage that either, but should I put it this way? Duke Anpyeong was born for it.”

“But if you try hard…”

“Yes, if you try hard, you might succeed. But that field is full of women, especially those with outstanding beauty. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up ruined like Yi Yung—Yeonsangun in the pre-intervention history [a historical Korean king known for his tyrannical rule and scandalous behavior].”

Yi Yung, who was known for his excellence in music and painting, was as famous for his complicated personal life as he was for his talents. Starting with women from noble families, he had relationships with all kinds of women, and it was even revealed that he had forcibly engaged in relationships with women using his position. As a result, Yi Yung was stripped of his title and he and his family were removed from the Seonwonrok (Imperial Family Registry).

But that wasn’t the end of it.

Due to the crime of forcibly engaging in relationships with women using his position, he was sentenced to lifelong hard labor in a mine.

“…In the end, are there really no other paths besides those three?”

“Ah, there is one more.”

“What is it?”

“Want to be the Crown Prince instead of me?”

“Hey!”

“How dare you call your older brother ‘Hey’! That’s disrespectful! It’s insubordination! You scoundrel!”

“Bullshit!”

Yi Che was also someone who had entered the military in this way. Of course, he was also suited to being a soldier, and his desire to go to sea also played a part. But his wish was difficult to fulfill.

Like other members of the Imperial Family who became soldiers, he was immediately assigned to the budget-related department.

“This isn’t fair!”

“It’s easier if you just give up.”

However, Yi Che constantly appealed for a transfer, and finally, he was able to board a ship.

But the path to going to sea was by no means smooth. It was because he was more capable than expected.

He was excellent not only in ship command and tactics but also in rear-area administration, such as budget planning and management. Therefore, there was a constant tug-of-war between him, who wanted to go to sea, and the higher-ups, who wanted to keep him tied to his desk.

“Ah, damn it! I can’t do this! I’m going to resign!”

“Over my dead body? I, the Emperor, reject it.”

“Please, someone save me!”

Hyun, who was the Emperor at the time, consulted Hyang about Yi Che’s condition, which showed signs of health problems.

‘I’m reminded of my past self.’

Hyang, who had suffered from depression due to similar problems in the 21st century, put his head together with Hyun and looked for a solution. The solution that came out of it was ‘Gibraltar.’

The commanders who were appointed to Gibraltar had something in common.

-They were from the Imperial Family. And of direct lineage.

In Yi Che’s case, there was no problem with this, and he had sufficient experience and achievements. And Hyun informed Yi Che of this.

“The Mediterranean is famous for its beautiful scenery, so go there and think of it as a vacation.”

“…Isn’t Spain there?”

“They’ve been quiet lately.”

Thus, Yi Che’s appointment as the commander of Gibraltar was decided, and as soon as he started working, he let out a long sigh.

“I knew it… I was so naive.”

And as time passed, Yi Che came to understand why only members of the Imperial Family, especially those of direct lineage, were appointed to this position, regardless of whether they were from the army or the navy.

The Imperial forces stationed in Gibraltar were not only the navy, but also a considerable number of army troops were stationed there as well. Therefore, there was a subtle rivalry between the army and the navy. In particular, whenever the army and the navy had to work together, there was always a debate over who would have command.

The easiest and most reliable way to prevent this rivalry from accumulating and causing even bigger problems was to suppress it with very strong authority.

‘Not just a simple commander, but a member of the Imperial Family, and the Emperor’s brother at that.’

There were no officers who would dare to show such disgraceful behavior in front of a commander with such a background.

Nevertheless, the commander’s job was difficult.

He had to suppress and appease the army and navy officers who were still fighting small and large battles, keep the base running smoothly, keep an eye on Spain’s movements, which were still annoying, and ensure the safety of the Mediterranean and nearby Atlantic sea lanes.

“They said the scenery is famous for being beautiful, so go there and take a break? Bullshit… Haa~.”

Yi Che, who let out a long sigh, muttered with a gloomy expression.

“I was so naive…”

* * *

Whatever the situation had been, as the situation became urgent, Yi Che seriously reviewed the reports and analyzed the situation.

Yi Che called the army and navy commanders together and held a meeting to discuss the summarized information.

“According to the reports, the movements of the Spanish forces are not just simple provocations, but more like reconnaissance in force [military term for a limited probing attack]?”

“That’s right. It seems they are trying to more accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of the defense lines established by our forces.”

In response to the army commanders’ reports, Yi Che looked at the map and pondered.

‘According to intelligence, France is in charge of the sea, and Spain is in charge of the land.’

“Blockade and attrition, was it…”

Yi Che, who muttered the basic concept of the operation planned by France and Spain, tried to predict the Spanish forces’ attack route.

‘First of all, the south is the least likely. If France fails to blockade, the supply route will be the first to be attacked by our navy. That leaves two options, the northwest and the northeast. Of these, the more likely option is the northeast, which has more flat land?’

After calculating this and that, Yi Che asked the army commanders.

“If Spain were to launch a serious attack, where would they come from?”

In response to Yi Che’s question, the army commanders immediately answered.

“The northeast is the most likely entry point.”

Yi Che nodded at the army commanders’ answer and continued his questioning.

“But that area is where provocations have been most frequent, so we have heavily fortified it. Spain must know that, right?”

“Even so, it’s in better shape than attacking through the mountainous area or the southern attack route, where our navy could attack their supply lines.”

“I see. Then what about the preparations?”

“First of all, we have completed the readiness of the key defense facilities. We are constantly reminding the soldiers to be vigilant, and we are also strengthening reconnaissance.”

Satisfied with the army commanders’ answers, Yi Che turned his gaze to the navy commanders.

“What about the navy’s preparations?”

“We have strengthened reconnaissance by airships and reconnaissance ships.”

“What is the status of the liaison ships?”

“We have finished preparing them. If an attack by France is confirmed, we have arranged for them to head to Prince Henrique Harbor and the Azores immediately.”

“Good job. What is the status of the warships?”

“They have also finished maintenance and are on standby. However, taking into account the morale of the sailors, we are allowing them to go ashore in shifts.”

Yi Che did not point out any problems with the navy commanders’ answers.

It was still a Class B Upper alert situation. Excessive tension could lead to negative consequences, so adequate rest was essential.

“Still, if you find any shortcomings, report them immediately and take action. A small hole can lead to the worst results.”

“We will keep that in mind.”

“Then, do you have any questions?”

At Yi Che’s question, one of the navy commanders cautiously opened his mouth.

“Can we trust the airship unit that arrived recently?”

Yi Che, who received the question, could not easily open his mouth.

* * *

Three days ago, a supply convoy arrived from Shinji.

In addition to the usual supplies, such as ammunition and shells consumed during training, and personnel for rotation, new items were unloaded at the pier, attracting people’s attention.

They were military airships that only those in the know had been aware of.

The airships, with their fuselages and wings separated and securely packaged, were transported to the airfield where the airships were stationed as soon as they were unloaded at the pier. Following this, the personnel of the unit that would operate the airships disembarked.

The army and navy officers who saw the commanders and officers of the airship unit forming a line at the pier did not look pleased.

“Something… doesn’t seem right with them?”

“They don’t have the spirit of soldiers at all…”

“They have a more deranged look in their eyes than the airship pilots?”

It was almost impossible to attach the word ‘trustworthy’ to them. This was also the case for Yi Che, who received the airship unit’s arrival report.

‘Their morale is high, and they are courteous to their superiors… But why do they all seem half-crazy?’