Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 836

836. Europe’s Pursuit (3)

With the establishment of ‘Seoul Security Services,’ most of the field agents from Milwi [a secret intelligence agency] transitioned to the new organization.

It wasn’t merely a change of location.

The relationship with Giru [a traditional Korean entertainment establishment], where the field agents were primarily stationed, also underwent a complete transformation.

Previously, their situation was akin to ‘living under Giru’s roof,’ implying dependence and obligation. However, after the launch of the security service, it evolved into a ‘business contract between the security service and Giru,’ signifying a more professional and independent arrangement.

This shift significantly broadened the scope of activities for Milwi agents.

Before, they were almost permanently stationed at Giru, and any departure for undercover operations required elaborate excuses and fabrications. They also had to endure suspicious glances from the courtesans and guests who were unaware of Milwi’s true purpose.

However, the contract format resolved this issue.

“I’m attending to contract matters elsewhere.”

“I’m on a business trip for an important request.”

Statements like these were met with nods and no further questions.

While this alleviated the agents’ psychological burden, it wasn’t a complete solution.

“If you had applied such dedication to the military, you would have been recognized as a general! How could you join a band of thugs! Alas! You are a disgrace to the family! I will disown you!”

Agents from prestigious noble families, whether legitimate or illegitimate offspring, faced expulsion from their families.

And it wasn’t just family.

“Hey! Have you forgotten the lofty ambitions we shared while studying together at the military academy and enduring hardships together in the military! How could you become a thug!”

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist my restless spirit.”

“Restless spirit, my foot! From now on, you are no longer my friend!”

They were also abandoned by colleagues who had shared thick and thin with them at the military academy or in the military.

Whenever they faced such adversity, the Milwi agents drowned their sorrows with drink and dedicated themselves even more diligently to their missions.

Bound by mutual sympathy, the Milwi agents were exceptionally united and fiercely loyal to the Emperor.

“Only His Majesty recognizes us! Isn’t receiving the monarch’s recognition the ultimate dream of a true gentleman!”

* * *

With the launch of ‘Seoul Security Services,’ Hyang granted one special privilege.

It was the authorization to possess both handguns and rifles. Of course, there was a condition.

-Possession and use are prohibited within the Empire.

Even with this stipulation, there was considerable opposition to allowing firearm possession.

In response, Hyang explained the rationale behind the permission.

-It is widely known that security is precarious in countries outside the Empire.

-Furthermore, there are consistent reports of bandits armed with firearms.

-Escorting merchants traveling to these regions for trade with the Imperial Army every time is diplomatically and financially unsustainable.

-Therefore, it is reasonable to permit those responsible for their security to carry and use firearms.

-However, we cannot allow indiscriminate arming, so it is sensible to grant special privileges only to those with security service permits.

Hyang’s reasoning was compelling, and the ministers withdrew their objections.

Consequently, firearm management became much simpler for Milwi.

While covert weapons like silenced handguns remained concealed, other weapons could be openly supplied, and ammunition supply, in particular, became more accessible.

* * *

As Hyang predicted, merchants venturing overseas, especially to Europe, immediately sought out Seoul Security Services as bodyguards.

Most large merchant groups employed their own bodyguards, but firearms posed a challenge.

Even matchlock guns rendered swordsmen bodyguards ineffective against bandits wielding guns.

And Imperial Army escorts were not always feasible.

Hiring armed escorts solved everything.

Even countries that restricted Imperial Army soldiers allowed entry to non-military bodyguards.

As merchants eager to trade overseas, particularly in Europe, flocked to contract with Seoul Security Services, unintended consequences arose.

The existing bodyguards became victims.

As merchant groups signed contracts with the security service, they terminated their bodyguards. While these suddenly unemployed individuals were reeling from the shock, Milwi approached them.

It was ‘Songdo Security Services,’ another Milwi front company.

And Hyang granted them the same privileges as Seoul Security Services.

* * *

By accompanying the merchants, Milwi advanced into Europe.

The merchants who hired them expanded beyond traditional trading posts like Alexandria and Suez, establishing bases in cities such as Florence, Paris, London, and Vienna.

The popularity of French lace in the Empire was also a result of these merchants’ efforts.

These adventurous Imperial merchants soon cultivated friendships with the upper classes of various European countries.

This was due to the immense amount of money they circulated.

Consequently, banquets hosted by nobles inviting Imperial merchants, or merchants inviting nobles, became frequent.

And the Milwi agents responsible for security at these banquets gathered the information that was being shared.

Interestingly, these banquets often took place in Imperial-style Giru.

* * *

Many foreigners stayed in the Empire for trade and learning. Unlike visitors from Ming [a Chinese dynasty], Japan, and other Asian countries, Europeans found Giru particularly impressive.

Europeans, especially merchants, deeply impressed by Giru and the courtesans, attempted to replicate it in their home countries, but those who had experienced Giru in the Empire were invariably disappointed.

“This isn’t it!”

“That’s a courtesan? Just a prostitute wearing Imperial clothes!”

Here, the Imperial merchants and Milwi agents saw an opportunity.

“If we use it well, we can have eyes and ears in Europe!”

The Milwi front merchants, experienced in running Giru in Bukji [Northern territory], acted swiftly.

They immediately obtained permission from the Imperial government and rushed to Europe to secure establishment permits in Paris, London, Vienna, and Florence.

The Giru established in this manner soon gained popularity among nobles and wealthy merchants.

The primary reason for the success of Giru in Europe was the courtesans.

They were not prostitutes in Imperial clothing, but blue-eyed beauties who had received proper training.

* * *

The slave girls that Kim Jong-seo [a historical Korean general and politician] brought back in the past had become renowned courtesans in the Empire over time.

Witnessing the girls’ fame, performing songs and dances at banquets hosted by the Emperor, many traveled to Alexandria to find promising young girls and train them as courtesans.

The Giru run by Milwi followed the same model, recruiting many courtesans from Europe and bringing them back to Europe.

And these blue-eyed courtesans soon became regulars in European high society.

Milwi didn’t stop there.

They scoured orphanages throughout Europe, seeking promising girls to train as future courtesans.

Naturally, the clergymen who ran the orphanages were horrified, and the Milwi agents worked hard to persuade them.

“It’s fortunate if they grow up and live well, but seven or eight out of ten girls become prostitutes, and seven or eight out of ten boys become mercenaries or bandits, right? A courtesan is not a prostitute!”

And the courtesans raised in this way unknowingly became the ears of Milwi.

* * *

The Imperial-style Giru ‘Red Moon (lune rouge)’ created in Montmartre, Paris.

Various banquets were being held in the rooms and annexes of Giru.

Servants and maids were busy carrying wine and food, and the entertainers went back and forth between the rooms and annexes, performing dances and songs or sitting next to the guests, pouring wine and enlivening the atmosphere.

“It’s especially busy today… Geez, there’s no time to rest. No time to rest.”

The head courtesan in charge of the operation of Giru was constantly grumbling, but her face was full of smiles.

“They’re asking for more wine and snacks in the Eul room. They’re asking for a new table setting altogether?”

“Again?”

“Yes.”

At the servant’s answer, the head courtesan frowned.

There were four guests in the Eul room right now.

One was a merchant who had already come two or three times, and the other three were people who appeared to be the merchant’s guests.

The problem was the price of the alcohol. The price of alcohol at ‘Red Moon’ was famous for being expensive. But now, the third table setting was going in.

He was a merchant who had never had an outstanding bill before, but he wasn’t rich enough to pay such a high price for alcohol.

The three people who came with him were even more so. Their rustic appearance made it clear at first glance that they were not people who would come to such a Giru.

“Haa~. We don’t accept IOUs… Haa~.”

The head courtesan, sighing, ordered the servant.

“Go and bring Manager Kim.”

“Yes.”

* * *

After a while, the head courtesan entered the Eul room with Manager Kim, who was sent by the security service.

The head courtesan, who entered the Eul room, smiled brightly and spoke to the merchant.

“Oh! Mr. Martin! I heard you asked for another table setting? You seem to be quite drunk already, shouldn’t you stop?”

At the head courtesan’s words, the merchant waved his hand.

“It’s okay! It’s okay! Bring a new table setting! Bring more alcohol too!”

“The children are also very drunk… and the price of the alcohol is quite high…”

“Then bring in new courtesans too! Don’t worry about the price of the alcohol!”

“Still…”

As the head courtesan trailed off, the merchant pointed to the three people who were sitting with him and raised his voice.

“Don’t worry about the money! Do you know who these people are! They’re alchemists! What’s even more amazing is that these people created Pookeun [a powerful explosive substance]!”

“Pookeun?”

At the word ‘Pookeun,’ the head courtesan tilted her head, and Manager Kim’s face hardened slightly.

Whether he knew it or not, the merchant continued to speak confidently.

“Yes, Pookeun! We’ve already received a patent! And we’ve even finished a contract to work with me! Now all that’s left is to make money!”

“Is that so… Haa… I understand.”

* * *

The group in question continued to drink after that, and they were taken back in a carriage, completely drunk.

Fortunately, there were no outstanding bills, so the head courtesan was satisfied, but Manager Kim’s face became serious.

Returning to his room, Manager Kim sighed.

“Hoo~. Pookeun, huh…”

Manager Kim, who had a serious face, counted his fingers.

“The liquor carriage comes in two days, right? Then I’ll have to dig a little deeper…”

* * *

The report written by Manager Kim entered Seoul through the fastest route.

-France, completed the development of a substance similar to Pookeun.

-Estimated to have a level of stability and explosive power similar to that of Pookeun used by the Empire.

-Estimated to be capable of mass production.

Wan, who confirmed the urgent report through the Naegeumwi [Royal Secret Guard] chief, sighed deeply.

“Hoo~. Pookeun, huh… Pookeun…”

Wan repeatedly pondered the word ‘Pookeun’ and recalled Hyang’s words.

-If Europeans create Pookeun, then from that moment on, Europeans will chase the Empire like crazy.

-From that moment on, the Empire, the Emperor, must be very careful.

“But why does it have to be now! Damn it…”

Wan grumbled that the incident had happened when he was the Emperor.