Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 673

673. Birds of a Feather (3)

Meanwhile, a commotion was also brewing in Shinji.

The source of the excitement was the self-propelled flying vehicle.

* * *

Jang Yeong-sil, returning from his trip to Bonji, reported to Sejong.

“I have returned, Your Majesty.”

“Good work. You must be tired from such a long journey.”

“Not at all. I was doing what I love, so I felt no hardship.”

“Is that so?”

Sejong, who had been smiling and nodding, asked with a curious expression,

“So, what did you create in Bonji?”

“Yes. I created something called a ‘flying machine’.”

“Flying machine?”

Jang Yeong-sil explained the flying machine in detail. Sejong listened intently, interjecting with “Hmm?” and “Hoo!”, analyzing it. Once the explanation finished, he asked,

“So, does this flying machine seem to have great utility?”

Jang Yeong-sil shook his head.

“It is still a novelty. It can be launched with manpower, but its range is limited to about 300 *jang* [approximately 900 meters], and its altitude to about 20 *jang* [approximately 60 meters]. We need a light, small engine that produces significantly more power than manpower.”

“Then a steam engine is out of the question.”

Sejong immediately understood the problem. Jang Yeong-sil nodded.

“That is correct.”

Sejong stroked his beard and muttered,

“That fellow wouldn’t stop there… Does he have a modification plan or an alternative?”

“The development of a small, high-output engine and research into alternative fuels to replace coal are logged as challenges. And, I participated in improving the self-propelled flying vehicle that the Crown Prince developed.”

Sejong’s eyes lit up as he moved closer.

“Self-propelled flying vehicle? Tell me more!”

“I have a report prepared…”

“Bring it out immediately!”

At Sejong’s command, Jang Yeong-sil quickly rummaged through his bag, took out the report, and presented it.

Jang Yeong-sil felt a strange sense of *déjà vu* as Sejong snatched the report and began reading.

‘This scene is familiar… Ah!’

It reminded him of how Hyang had thoroughly squeezed him for information in Area 51.

Realizing the cause of the *déjà vu*, Jang Yeong-sil grumbled inwardly.

‘How can father and son be so alike!’

* * *

Sejong carefully reviewed the details of the self-propelled flying vehicle.

“Hmm…”

He nodded, checking the document several times.

“Indeed… it is superior to ordinary flying vehicles that cannot freely control their direction. Even though the speed is expected to be similar to a *panokseon* [a type of Korean warship] and the range is only about 300 to 400 *li* [approximately 118 to 157 kilometers] round trip, it is definitely an improvement.”

Jang Yeong-sil agreed.

“That is correct.”

Sejong fell silent, and as the silence stretched, Jang Yeong-sil began to sweat.

‘The air is chilling. Something feels uneasy…’

The moment Sejong finally spoke, Jang Yeong-sil’s anxiety became reality.

“Begin production in Area 52. It won’t take long, will it?”

“… I will do my best.”

* * *

Early spring, Imperial Era 4. Area 52 of Shinji.

The self-propelled flying vehicle, which had kept the artisans busy throughout the winter, was finally complete.

“Oh! It’s floating, it’s floating!”

Sejong, watching the vehicle rise into the sky and its windmill turn, turned to the Shinji commander with a satisfied expression.

“Wouldn’t this be very useful for military purposes?”

The commander nodded.

“Indeed. Shinji is so vast that even the Northeast Command’s forest area seems small in comparison. Cavalry reconnaissance is limited, but deploying a large number of these devices would be a great help.”

“It would be even more useful if we loaded a light communication device, wouldn’t it?”

“That is correct.”

Sejong looked at Jang Yeong-sil and the artisans.

“You have worked hard and done well. Your outstanding talents made this success possible.”

“You flatter us.”

“It’s not flattery. I will give you bonuses and vacations soon.”

“Your grace is boundless!”

Jang Yeong-sil and the artisans prostrated themselves, expressing their gratitude. The bonus was welcome, but the word ‘vacation’ was even more so.

‘I may not be able to go all the way to Bonji, but a vacation is a vacation!’

However, they froze at Sejong’s next words.

“Once your vacation is over, you will make many more of these self-propelled flying vehicles. Let’s start with five ships.”

“… I will obey your command.”

Jang Yeong-sil and the artisans answered with gloomy faces. As they moved the flying vehicle back inside Area 52 after its flight, they found a silver lining.

‘Still, it’s good to have a vacation!’

Meanwhile, Hyang’s proposal from Bonji was delivered to Sejong.

“… The self-propelled flying vehicle was created through this process. It is very useful for surveying wide areas from the sky. Therefore, I think it would be beneficial to manufacture and use it in Shinji as well. I am sending the blueprints.”

Sejong, having read the proposal, took a gold pen and wrote a short reply.

-Already made and mass-producing.

* * *

Around the time Area 52 was entering summer, four more self-propelled flying vehicles were completed.

Production accelerated as the artisans gained experience and the division of labor system was implemented.

The five completed vehicles were distributed to the secured areas and began reconnaissance activities.

The natives were astonished by the sight of the self-propelled flying vehicles.

Many natives living around Area 52 were curious about it.

However, their curiosity went no further.

“They make amazing things, but… wouldn’t a warrior be better?”

“To be treated well, you must be a warrior! Or a manager!”

The appearance of a self-propelled flying vehicle, unlike the ones that only floated briefly in the past, changed the natives’ perception.

“Those artisans who make such things must be blessed by the gods!”

“I want to be like those artisans!”

As natives with grand dreams volunteered to become artisans in Area 52, Sejong issued an order.

“First, learn *Jeong-eum* [Korean alphabet] and the Imperial language! Those who master *Jeong-eum* and the Imperial language will be accepted sooner!”

Even the natives who had been lukewarm flocked to the school that taught *Jeong-eum* and the Imperial language.

This accelerated the imperialization of the natives.

Native tribes who had previously refused to integrate into the Empire rushed to join.

* * *

Although the thin line-like area crossing Shinji east to west, parts of the Great Lakes, and the east coast were incorporated into the Empire, territorial expansion was slower than expected.

The monopoly office and subjugated natives were used to win over other tribes, but the results were poor.

The reasons for their refusal were:

-Caution about the Empire.

-Self-sufficiency in food, clothing, and shelter, negating the need for a monopoly office.

-Hostility between the tribe first won over and their own.

Tribes scattered throughout refused to join the Empire for these reasons.

“Wouldn’t force, like with the Jurchen, solve this?”

Some suggested strong-arm tactics, but Sejong refused.

“The Jurchen situation was different due to past grudges. The tribes of Shinji have no such grudges. Force would create unnecessary enemies. Armed conflicts during the construction of the *뚫는 회랑* [piercing corridor] have already shown the Empire’s power. Yet, they still refuse. We must remember this. Therefore, appeasement is the only answer.”

Sejong’s decision was reasonable, so the Empire continued its appeasement policies. Of course, tribes that showed aggression were pursued and annihilated, demonstrating the Empire’s power.

Against this backdrop, the self-propelled flying vehicle appeared, boosting territorial expansion.

The vehicle mainly scouted the border areas between the Empire and the un-won tribes.

Native warriors guarding the border were surprised to see it.

“What is that?”

“It’s a bird I’ve never seen before!”

“It’s not a bird!”

The chiefs and warriors of the terrified tribes sought information.

“What? The Empire made it?”

“People made it? Is that possible?”

The chiefs, warriors, and diviners gathered to share their opinions.

“A ship that flies in the sky! They must be agents of God!”

“Isn’t it borrowing the power of demons?”

“Looking at their fighting style, demons seem more likely!”

“However, they miraculously heal the injured and sick, so they must be agents of God!”

The chiefs, warriors, and shamans fiercely argued and even brawled over future countermeasures.

After these difficult and bloody exchanges, many tribes flocked to the Empire, declaring their unity.

Sejong, receiving the report, laughed in disbelief and muttered,

“Hoo! It reminds me of the old days. They called the railroad ‘the dragon’s path,’ didn’t they?”

Thanks to the unexpected butterfly effect of the self-propelled flying vehicle, the Empire’s territory in Shinji expanded faster than before, while Sejong reviewed other agendas.

“So, what are the qualities of the natives entering Area 52? Are they useful?”

Jang Yeong-sil bowed and answered,

“Their qualities are good, and their desire to learn is strong. Their enthusiasm for the self-propelled flying vehicle is like seeing the former Jinpyeong Engineer.”

“Jinpyeong?”

Sejong muttered, surprised by Jang Yeong-sil’s evaluation.

“Is it true that birds of a feather flock together? It would be interesting if Jinpyeong came to Shinji.”

* * *

Around the time a commotion was breaking out in Shinji due to the self-propelled flying vehicle, a small disturbance was also taking place in Bonji.

The protagonists were students from Europe.

The students who saw the research institute and Area 51 were awestruck.

They enthusiastically participated in advanced studies and absorbed new knowledge rapidly.

They visited Area 51 whenever possible, exclaiming in admiration at the open areas, sketching and memorizing every detail.

Hyang, receiving the report, muttered softly.

“Is Jinpyeong arriving in droves?”