Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 494

494. Alliance (3)

For Genoa, Florence could be considered the benefactor that allowed them to achieve sovereignty.

Genoa had broken away from Milan as a result of the four ‘Lombardy Wars’.

However, in the competition for economic interests in the Mediterranean region, including the Levant [historical region encompassing parts of the Middle East], and the African continent, there was no room for repaying favors or making concessions.

In such a competition, Spain—more precisely, the united kingdom of Leon-Castile—was the most appealing target for Genoa.

* * *

During the Reconquista [the historical period of the Iberian Peninsula’s Christian kingdoms reclaiming territory from the Moors], the nobles of the Kingdom of Leon-Castile expelled the Islamic and Jewish populations, who had previously dominated commerce on the peninsula.

As a result, the economy suffered, and Genoese merchants stepped in to fill the void.

Later, as the united kingdoms of Leon-Castile and Aragon moved toward political unification, Genoa became even more deeply involved. Although the Kingdom of Aragon possessed considerable maritime commercial power, Genoa, which controlled the finances and economy of the Kingdom of Leon-Castile, gained the upper hand.

* * *

In this environment, Genoa closely monitored the movements of Portugal, Spain’s main competitor, and Florence—specifically, Cosimo de Medici—Portugal’s most powerful ally.

Therefore, no matter how discreetly Cosimo acted, he couldn’t completely escape Genoa’s surveillance.

“Cosimo de Medici went to Morea [peninsula in Southern Greece]?”

“Didn’t he also visit Edirne [city in Turkey, formerly Adrianople] recently?”

“He did. Suspicious. Find out more details.”

Genoese merchants and politicians, sensing something unusual in Cosimo’s activities, contacted their connections.

Just as Cosimo had an information network spanning nations and religions, so did Genoa.

The power brokers of Genoa began to analyze the information gathered by their contacts and spies.

“A 10-year truce?”

“What does the Ottoman Empire lack that they’re pushing for a truce?”

Although Morea was a notable region, it was far weaker than the Ottoman Empire.

Morea boasted a large fortress called the ‘Hexamilion Wall (Εξαμίλιον τείχος, 6-mile wall)’, but everyone understood the Ottoman Empire’s overwhelming superiority.

In this context, a truce was being proposed, and Genoa’s leaders quickly identified the orchestrator.

“Of course! It’s Cosimo de Medici’s scheme!”

“Why would he do that? Has he suddenly had a change of heart?”

“That guy repent? If that were the case, Judas Iscariot wouldn’t have betrayed Jesus!”

Genoa’s power holders all reached the same conclusion:

-Cosimo de Medici’s promotion of peace is a deceptive tactic aimed at achieving even greater gains!

“If so, what is he aiming for?”

Genoa’s leaders, trying to decipher Cosimo’s scheme, finally arrived at an answer.

“Portugal is currently benefiting from the Joseon [ancient Korean kingdom] route! But Africa is an obstacle in the middle!”

“Alexandria!”

“Cosimo is targeting Egypt!”

Having grasped Cosimo de Medici’s intentions, Genoa began to anticipate his next move.

“Portugal will definitely act as well.”

“If Portugal and the Ottoman Empire unite, even the Mamluks [ruling dynasty of Egypt and Syria] will be forced to relinquish Egypt!”

“No! The Mamluks themselves might collapse! The current Mamluks are not what they once were!”

After this discussion, Genoa’s leaders predicted Cosimo’s objective:

-The alliance between Portugal and the Ottoman Empire aims to control Egypt. Or rather, not all of Egypt. They only need to secure the area including the shortest route connecting Suez and the Mediterranean.

-The reason is that Suez is the starting point for cargo coming from Joseon. Therefore, Alexandria is likely to be of little value to Portugal and the Ottoman Empire.

Having deduced this much, Genoa’s leaders felt a sense of unease.

“Is the great Cosimo satisfied with just this?”

“It’s significant, but something feels incomplete?”

“It’s not like Cosimo de Medici.”

While the Genoese power holders were troubled by a nagging feeling, breaking news arrived from France.

It was the fall of 1443.

-Cosimo de Medici contacted Charles VII of France.

“This is it!”

The power holders of Genoa realized the source of their unease and added a final piece to the puzzle.

“Cosimo is aiming for the downfall of Spain! No, he’s trying to control the entire Mediterranean and dominate it!”

* * *

The relationship between Spain—more precisely, the Kingdom of Aragon—and France was strained.

They clashed with France over the Catalonia region and even fought a war over the Provence region.

Even after that, there were continuous clashes over the Occitania region, and they had to recognize French rule due to the defeat in the Battle of Muret in 1213.

Because of this, France, eyeing the southern French region, would definitely join forces with Cosimo.

Although weakened by the Hundred Years’ War, France remained a major power in Europe. Its vast territory provided abundant agricultural products and a large population, unmatched by other countries.

Ironically, France possessed an army trained through the Hundred Years’ War. Although the protracted war had diminished its strength, Cosimo had the means to restore it.

While a complete recovery was impossible, Cosimo was capable of restoring it to a functional level.

Genoa’s leaders, having gathered all the news from France, finally reached a conclusion.

-Cosimo de Medici is aiming for the isolation of Spain!

-Isolate Spain to death and then seize economic control of the Mediterranean!

* * *

Having realized Cosimo de Medici’s intentions, Genoa moved swiftly.

“First of all, we need to contact the Spanish royal court, right?”

When one of the ‘Consuls’ who governed Genoa mentioned the King of Spain, the other consuls sighed in unison.

“Hoo~. I wonder if that idiot can even grasp the situation?”

* * *

The current King of the united kingdoms of Leon-Castile, Juan II, was an incompetent ruler.

In fact, he was not only incompetent but also uninterested in state affairs. Therefore, Chancellor Álvaro de Luna managed the government.

Since the king had abdicated his responsibilities, state affairs were poorly managed. A noble alliance centered on Juan II’s cousins and Beatriz de Luna from the Kingdom of Aragon constantly created disputes, claiming that Luna was manipulating state affairs.

Ironically, this situation allowed Genoa to easily dominate the economy.

* * *

“Although he is incompetent, he is nominally the king and the royal family, so we must contact him, right?”

“They are only focused on fighting over their positions, but they will realize the seriousness of the situation. They will realize that if they make a mistake, even their precious positions will be lost.”

“We must not forget Aragon either.”

“Perhaps Aragon is better suited for this matter.”

When the ‘Kingdom of Aragon’ was mentioned, the consuls of Genoa’s eyes lit up, but their faces soon clouded with worry.

“The problem is the merchants of Aragon. We know how cunning those guys are, don’t we?”

“That’s the problem.”

As history showed, the Kingdom of Aragon was a separate kingdom from the Kingdom of Leon-Castile, but they were closely linked, almost as one kingdom. They were bound by hereditary marriage relations, and even the regent of Juan II was King Ferdinand I of Aragon.

Therefore, the consuls of Genoa mentioned Aragon as a second-best option. However, Aragon had powerful competitors: the maritime merchants of Aragon.

They controlled Sicily, southern Italy, and the Levant region, making them the biggest rivals of the Genoese forces.

They were concerned about these powerful rivals, but the consuls had no choice but to reach a conclusion.

“We have no choice but to inform Aragon as well. Those guys know very well that if they are pushed back here, they will have no choice but to starve to death.”

Having reached that conclusion, the consuls of Genoa immediately sent messengers.

* * *

February 1444.

The influential figures of Leon-Castile and Aragon, who received the urgent report sent by Genoa, immediately dispatched messengers and soon convened a meeting with the consuls of Genoa.

“Is this true?”

At the question from the messenger sent by Chancellor Luna, the consuls of Genoa nodded. Then, the messengers sent from Aragon spoke up.

“We have also investigated it independently, and the probability of it being true is very high.”

As Aragon confirmed Genoa’s report, Luna’s messenger muttered with a pale face.

“Then it’s a serious matter! Is there any countermeasure?”

The consul of Genoa immediately answered.

“We have no choice but to form an alliance.”

“Alliance? With whom?”

“First of all, the Mamluks.”

“That’s ridiculous!”

When the consul of Genoa mentioned the Mamluks, Luna’s messenger shouted as if he was having a seizure.

“Are you suggesting we join forces with those damned Islamic bastards? Do you think that makes sense?”

“Otherwise, we will perish.”

“Huh….”

At the consul’s blunt answer, Luna’s messenger slumped into the chair, looking defeated.

Seeing this, Aragon’s messenger spoke.

“Even if it’s because of Portugal and the Ottoman Empire, there will be strong opposition if we simply form an alliance. We need to offer them a suitable incentive.”

“Is there anything suitable?”

At the consul’s question, Aragon’s messenger answered succinctly.

“Jerusalem.”

When the word ‘Jerusalem’ was uttered, the conference room became tense.

“Will the Mamluks hand over Jerusalem? They are already persecuting Jews and Christians in Jerusalem?”

At the consul’s objection, Aragon’s messenger smiled slyly and replied.

“Will the Islamic guys give it up easily? We are only guaranteed safe passage.”

“Hmm….”

The consul nodded at Aragon’s messenger’s words. After a moment of contemplation, the consul spoke.

“That’s acceptable. That alone is a significant gain, and it can serve as another justification later.”

“That’s right.”

Before they knew it, Aragon’s messenger and Genoa’s consul were leading the discussion, and Luna’s messenger was merely observing.

“Isn’t the Mamluks a bit insufficient on their own?”

“Of course. So I was thinking of bringing in the Habsburgs and England. Those two would be perfect for containing France.”

“Very good!”

* * *

While a complex power structure was forming in Europe, Joseon was also actively preparing.

March 1444.

Finally, Sejong was about to depart for Shinji [location name].

Standing in front of the newly launched large Gi Beomseon (機帆船) [a type of Korean sailing ship], Sejong looked back at Hyang.

“Are you truly not attached to the throne?”

“Yes, I am not. Shouldn’t I keep the promise I made with you, Father? I will dress you in the most magnificent Hwangnyongpo [royal robe] in the world.”

At Hyang’s answer, Sejong lightly patted Hyang’s shoulder but reminded him.

“I trust you. But don’t initiate anything rashly. Justification is paramount.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“You will do well.”

Sejong, expressing strong faith in Hyang, boarded the ship.

As the ship carrying Sejong disappeared into the distance under escort, Hyang turned around.

Hyang approached the four people waiting a short distance away, smiled, and said:

“Okay, let’s get to work! We’re going to be very busy from now on.”

The four people inwardly groaned at Hyang’s words.

‘We’re already incredibly busy, and you’re saying we’ll be even busier? Just kill us now!’