Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 342

342. The Invisible War (1)

Enrique returned to Sagres from Lisbon and summoned his subordinate, Jose.

“You called for me, Your Highness?”

“Have you located the missing artisans?”

Jose replied with a serious expression.

“I have. They’re in Valencia.”

*Thump!*

Enrique slammed his fist on the desk, his anger flaring.

“Damn Aragonese bastards!”

* * *

At this time, relations between Portugal and Spain—more precisely, the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon—were strained.

Beginning as the Roman province of Hispania, the Visigothic Kingdom rose to prominence after the fall of Rome. However, internal strife among the nobles weakened the kingdom, paving the way for the Islamic invasion.

Even as the Iberian Peninsula fell under Islamic control, the Visigothic nobles remained divided, constantly vying for power.

Thus, even during the Reconquista [the historical period of the Iberian Peninsula when Christian kingdoms fought to reclaim land from the Moors (Muslims)], their infighting persisted.

From the outset, cooperation between Portugal, Castile, and Aragon proved elusive.

Though sharing the Iberian Peninsula and adhering to Catholicism, even the terminology differed: Castile called it ‘Reconquista,’ while Portugal used ‘Reconquista.’

Eventually, Afonso I declared Portugal’s independence during the Reconquista, further straining relations with Castile and Aragon, who were gradually moving towards unification.

* * *

Enrique, having slammed the desk in anger, took a deep breath, attempting to regain his composure.

He rose from his seat and paced the room, trying to assess the situation rationally.

“This complicates things…”

“Indeed. The most pressing issue is the supply of sailors.”

Aragon had always possessed a formidable naval presence, producing many skilled sailors.

While relations between the countries weren’t as hostile as those with the Islamic forces, a significant number of Aragonese sailors sought employment in Portugal.

However, the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon were now showing signs of expanding their influence westward along the African coast. It was only a matter of time before the supply of sailors became a problem.

As Jose highlighted the issue, Enrique nodded and issued an order.

“Bring Jacobo to me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Shortly after, Jacobo, Enrique’s finance manager, hurried in after being summoned.

Jacobo listened to Enrique’s explanation, stroked his beard, and spoke.

“This is certainly a problem. The loss of artisans is significant, and the sailor shortage will only exacerbate the situation.”

“Is there any way to turn this situation to our advantage?”

“Hmm…”

Jacobo, still stroking his beard, looked at Enrique.

“As Your Highness knows, exploratory voyages require substantial capital. Castile and Aragon are larger and more powerful than Portugal, but they lack the necessary funds.”

Enrique’s eyes gleamed at Jacobo’s words.

“Are we talking about those Genoese bastards again?”

“Most likely. They have a knack for financial maneuvering, and Castile and Aragon are relying on them.”

“That’s right.”

Enrique nodded in agreement.

* * *

While Portugal was relatively lenient towards Jews and Muslims during the Reconquista—compared to the united kingdoms of Castile and Aragon (later known as Spain)—allowing them to reside in Portugal upon nominal conversion to Catholicism, Spain unconditionally exiled or killed them.

This resulted in the annihilation of a skilled economic class and the destruction of their economic infrastructure, forcing Spain to rely on Genoese merchants for economic management.

Consequently, Spain and Genoa were developing a mutually beneficial relationship.

* * *

“Should we strike at Genoa?”

Enrique suggested attacking Genoa, but Jacobo shook his head.

“The disadvantages outweigh the advantages. It would be better to seek alliances with other powers.”

“Alliances… with Venice?”

Jacobo nodded.

“It would be even better if we could bring Florence into the fold as well.”

“Hmm…”

Enrique hesitated briefly but soon made a decision.

“Prepare envoys to send to Venice and Florence.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

* * *

Florence. The Medici family’s manor.

“Lord, Prince Enrique has sent a messenger.”

“Let them in.”

The messenger entered the room and bowed respectfully to Cosimo [Cosimo de’ Medici, an influential Florentine banker and politician].

“It is an honor to meet the Great Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici.”

“Thank you for making the journey.”

Cosimo replied casually and cut to the chase.

“So, what message does Prince Enrique bring? I presume it concerns Spain?”

“Indeed. He wishes to discuss that matter with you in detail.”

The messenger produced a letter from Enrique and presented it.

Cosimo received the letter and carefully broke the seal, reading the contents.

The letter was filled with elaborate and flowery language, but the core message was simple:

-Invest in me!

“Hmm…”

Cosimo set down the letter, quietly weighing the potential profits and losses.

‘According to my spies, Enrique has also contacted Venice. Venice excels at shipbuilding, making them a valuable ally. Especially since everyone from the Doge [the chief magistrate of Venice] to the council members harbors resentment towards Genoa. Furthermore, he’s likely planning to send or acquire a large number of glass artisans for Joseon [Korea]. The key question is whether Enrique can successfully establish a new trade route. And whether he remains alive long enough to see it through. If he fails, the investment could be lost.’

Cosimo’s concern stemmed from the fact that Joseon goods were already arriving steadily through Alexandria.

* * *

Since the Joseon people discovered Alexandria independently, ships regularly sailed between Joseon and Alexandria.

With ships arriving every six to eight months, merchants anticipated obtaining goods made in the ‘Land of Flowers’ cheaply.

However, their expectations were dashed.

Despite the regular shipments, demand far outstripped supply.

Simply put, while Joseon goods were consistently arriving, nobles who had yet to acquire them—especially the coveted crystal products—were clamoring for them throughout the Islamic world and Europe.

Not only crystal products but also other glass and porcelain items, renowned for their exceptional quality, were emptying the nobles’ coffers. And it wasn’t just the nobles. Mid- to low-priced products were also in high demand due to their reliable quality.

Currently, even middle-class families in Italian city-states and cities belonging to the Hanseatic League possessed at least one or two Joseon products.

To be without a Joseon-made item was to be considered unsophisticated.

In particular, fashionable men sported sunshades, while women favored wearing an ayam [a Korean traditional winter hat] in winter and a jeonmo [another type of Korean hat] in other seasons.

Of course, the popularity of Joseon products led to numerous imitations. However, due to the quality assurance associated with the ‘Land of Flowers,’ those who used imitations were viewed even more unfavorably than those who had nothing at all.

To capitalize on this trend, Venetian glass artisans produced Joseon-style glassware, and some imported porcelain from Ming [China]. However, these products were generally considered inferior to Joseon products.

This was because they lacked the consistent quality assurance that accompanied Joseon goods. Venice had its own quality control system through artisan guilds, but it couldn’t compete with the nationally recognized standard of Joseon.

* * *

‘With goods steadily arriving through Alexandria, will a longer, more circuitous route be profitable?’

Cosimo, still pondering the situation, looked at the map and muttered softly.

“I see…”

‘Alexandria is a powder keg.’

Alexandria was the primary point of entry for Joseon goods. Only after goods were released in Alexandria could they be distributed to the Islamic world and Europe.

This made Alexandria a highly prosperous city. It was said that every time Joseon goods arrived, a river of gold flowed through its streets.

Such a valuable city was coveted by many. The Mamluk Sultanate, which controlled Alexandria, was aware of this and was strengthening its defenses, but the Ottomans to the east were regaining their strength.

It was obvious that the Ottomans wouldn’t simply ignore Alexandria.

‘Of course, such a conflict might not occur for another 10 to 20 years, but one can never be certain. It would be too late to find a solution after a crisis erupts.’

Cosimo, considering the situation in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, was slowly leaning towards accepting Enrique’s proposal.

After careful deliberation, Cosimo addressed the messenger.

“It is difficult to provide an immediate answer. I will send a messenger as soon as a decision is made. Convey my gratitude to the prince for his generous offer.”

“Understood.”

After dismissing the messenger, Cosimo immediately summoned the family’s merchants.

The merchants engaged in a heated debate over Enrique’s proposal. After a lengthy discussion, Cosimo reached a conclusion.

“Accept Enrique’s proposal!”

* * *

With Cosimo’s acceptance, Enrique’s efforts gained momentum.

The Venetian state-owned shipyard began constructing carracks [a three- or four-masted sailing ship] for exploring the west coast of Africa.

The carracks were manned by sailors hired from Venice and sailed to Enrique, carrying funds provided by Cosimo.

Thus, Enrique’s exploration proceeded at a faster pace than in the history before Hyang’s intervention.

* * *

If Portugal was spurred into action by Spain’s movements, the reverse was also true.

“The Portuguese are moving faster than expected!”

“We must accelerate our efforts as well!”

A shipbuilding race erupted between Portugal and Spain.

And these actions triggered a chain reaction.

“Now is not the time to waste time on negotiations!”

“It’s time to finalize the negotiations!”

England and France began to expedite negotiations to end their war.

They too had eyes and ears, and they understood the potential value of a route to Joseon.

Meanwhile, a new movement began to emerge in the Middle East.

“There’s no rule that says we have to travel by ship, is there?”

“That’s right!”

People began to dream of reviving the ‘Silk Road’ that had faded into history.

* * *

While these events unfolded in the West, far away from Joseon, there was also activity within Joseon itself.