Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 967

967. Everyone’s a Sucker But Me…. (4)

Han Myung-hoi’s summary of the ‘United Italy’s National Structure Plan’ was as follows:

– United Italy will maintain a federal system, a collection of several states.

– The qualifications for states comprising United Italy are limited to those who participated in the unification of Italy alongside Florence.

– States recognized as participants in the unification of Italy are limited to cities and kingdoms that participated before the agreement with the Roman Catholic Church.

– The monarch of United Italy will be elected.

– The qualifications to elect the monarch are limited to the monarchs of each state and the representatives elected from the states.

– The elected monarch will serve for life and be responsible for the defense, administration, and diplomacy of United Italy.

– However, taxation must be approved by the ‘Council of Representatives,’ which consists of the monarchs and representatives of each state.

“If we examine the old history of our empire, there are names such as ‘Council of Representatives,’ ‘Hwabaek Council’ [an advisory council in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla], and ‘Jeongsaam Council’ [a council during the Goryeo dynasty of Korea], but you will also have similar organizations.”

The leaders participating in the meeting nodded at Han Myung-hoi’s words.

‘Something like a parliament.’

So far, the Italian leaders showed no particular dissatisfaction with Han Myung-hoi’s explanation. They could prevent the emergence of new competitors by limiting the qualifications of the states. Moreover, the ‘elected monarch’ was not unfamiliar to them.

In the secular world, there was the Holy Roman Emperor, and religiously, the Pope was an elected monarch. Rather, the ‘elected monarch’ was the best way to ensure they could maintain their vested interests. However, as Han Myung-hoi continued, the leaders’ expressions twisted terribly.

– The composition ratio of the members of the consensus body, which consists of the monarchs and representatives of the states, is as follows:

Florence will have 40%, and the other states will appropriately distribute the remaining 60%. However, Florence may not occupy more than 40% under any circumstances.

– In addition, the chairman of the consensus body will continue to be the monarch of Florence.

“That’s absurd!”

“This is unacceptable!”

“If this happens, the consensus body will have no meaning!”

The lords of Milan, Genoa, and Venice protested vehemently. Alfonso, representing the Kingdom of Naples, also frowned deeply and questioned.

“Does this mean that our Kingdom of Naples, the master of southern Italy, is inferior to that single city of Florence!”

Voices of denunciation overflowed from all directions, but Han Myung-hoi instead smiled and responded.

“It’s just a proposal. A proposal. If you don’t like it, you can think of something yourselves, can’t you? But… but…”

Han Myung-hoi paused, and the smile disappeared from his face. With a stiff expression, Han Myung-hoi looked at the leaders.

“Everyone has been shouting ‘Unification of Italy,’ but haven’t you all been watching the foreign powers? At that time, who bravely stood up and fought covered in blood? Wasn’t it Florence? Who fought unflinchingly against the mighty France and the rising power of Spain? Florence! Isn’t it only fair to give due respect to those who fought first!”

“Even so…”

“Didn’t your ancestors, the Romans, do that? They treated those who stood shoulder to shoulder with them and shed blood the highest. In that respect, how much blood have you shed? No, were you even sincere about unification until Florence stepped forward?”

“That’s…”

“Don’t mumble, answer me!”

Han Myung-hoi’s gaze was fixed on Alfonso as he pressed. Alfonso turned his head slightly at Han Myung-hoi’s gaze.

“Ahem! Ahem!”

Han Myung-hoi cleared his throat a few times, concealing his discomfort, and continued.

“Again, this is not a decision but a proposal. And again, this is Italy’s internal affair, and our empire has no intention of interfering in other countries’ internal affairs. This is the national policy established since the founding of the empire.”

Everyone except the Florentine figures centered around Lorenzo cursed inwardly at Han Myung-hoi’s words.

‘It’s just lip service!’

However, they couldn’t say it outwardly. Also, Han Myung-hoi was saying it was a ‘proposal’ now, but it was the empire’s will. And those gathered here would have no choice but to follow it. The imperial army stationed in Italy now numbered 100,000, including the Swiss army. In terms of troop size and firepower, it was the strongest in Italy. If they wanted, it wouldn’t be impossible to create the ‘Medici Kingdom’ instead of ‘United Italy.’

In addition, they needed the empire’s help to survive the pressure from France, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire even after that. Therefore, they had to argue only about the ‘ratio.’ And Alfonso stepped forward to represent these people.

“We are aware of Florence’s courage and sacrifice, and we respect it. However, we cannot concede too much to Florence.”

Everyone else nodded at Alfonso’s words, and the expressions of the Florentines turned fierce. Han Myung-hoi smiled again at Alfonso’s remark and looked at him. Alfonso cursed inwardly at Han Myung-hoi’s appearance.

‘Ugh! How can he smile so annoyingly! I want to punch that face!’

Regardless, Han Myung-hoi answered without hesitation.

“As I said before, didn’t your ancestor, Rome, set a good example? You just have to shed that much blood, right?”

“Blood?”

“Isn’t there still Italian territory that hasn’t been recovered?”

Instantly, everyone in the conference room exclaimed.

“Ah!”

French and Spanish troops were holding out in Turin and Bra to the south.

– The ratio can be changed as much as possible depending on the performance shown in the process of expelling the French and Spanish troops in that area!

Han Myung-hoi’s following words were the final blow.

“I heard rumors that the French and Spanish troops are already packing their bags…”

– If you let them leave as they are, Florence will take everything!

At Han Myung-hoi’s words, the leaders of Milan, Genoa, Venice, and Cesare Borgia whispered to the officials next to them.

“Understood.”

The official who heard the whisper answered briefly and hurried out. Meanwhile, Alfonso’s face became troubled, and he became silent.

“Is there a problem with the Kingdom of Naples? Ah! Was there a special relationship with Spain?”

At Han Myung-hoi’s remark, the gazes of the other leaders all turned to Alfonso. The lord of Genoa, who had been looking at Alfonso for a moment, smiled strangely and trailed off.

“Come to think of it, the royal family of the Kingdom of Naples now…”

Alfonso V, the father of Ferdinand I, the current king of the Kingdom of Naples, was the king of Aragon and Sicily. And Aragon was one of the pillars of the Spanish united royal palace. The lord of Genoa blurred the end of his words, but the meaning was clear.

– You guys are of Spanish blood, right?

If they went any further, it was certain that the Kingdom of Naples would also be subject to subjugation. Therefore, Alfonso desperately made excuses.

“No matter what my roots are, I and our people are all Italians who were born and raised in Italy! We will also participate in the unification of Italy! It’s just that I’m worried that Spain will threaten my hometown of Naples!”

Han Myung-hoi immediately interjected at Alfonso’s excuse.

“So, if there is no threat from Spain, you will mobilize troops and participate in the northward march?”

“That’s right! If there is no threat from Spain, our Kingdom of Naples will mobilize troops and march north! We can’t move our troops because of Spain!”

Alfonso, who had said that far, suddenly brightened up and added.

“If the Spanish troops staying in the north are attacked, Spain will surely attack Naples! Blocking and repelling this is as great a contribution as Florence!”

Han Myung-hoi immediately retorted.

“Spain does not have enough naval power to attack Naples. Our imperial navy has already inflicted devastating damage. Of course, some damage was done to the ports of Naples in the process, but you wouldn’t know? Do you think that the Spanish fleet, which suffered such devastating damage, can break through our imperial navy and attack Naples?”

“There is a possibility! And it was serious damage, not just a little!”

“That’s what we call ‘inevitable.’ Hmm… If you’re so afraid of the Spanish navy, how about this? Our imperial navy will call at Naples. If you provide a place for the imperial navy to stay on one side of the port of Naples, the imperial navy will stay and help with the safety of Naples. How about it?”

“Give me some time…”

“Even at this moment, the French and Spanish in the north are preparing to run away.”

“Ugh…”

Alfonso groaned at Han Myung-hoi’s words and put his hand on his forehead.

‘I’m cornered. Was mentioning the Spanish navy a mistake…’

If the Spanish navy had been intact, it would have been an idea that could have taken both justification and practical benefits. However, now that the Spanish and French navies were in tatters, what was once a brilliant idea had backfired. While Alfonso was pondering, one of the staff members behind him came up and whispered.

“Excuse me, but I think it would be good to allow the imperial navy to be stationed.”

“Why?”

“Pirates don’t even come close to where the imperial navy is stationed. Thanks to that, merchant ships flock there. In addition, the imperial navy is said to spend quite a bit, boosting the local economy.”

“Hmm…”

After pondering for a moment, Alfonso asked the staff member.

“But our royal army has to go north and fight. We could suffer great losses.”

“How about asking for support from the empire for that part? And fighting the French or Spanish is less damaging than fighting the empire.”

“Less damage?”

“Overwhelmingly.”

“I see… I understand. Step back.”

“Yes.”

Alfonso, who had dismissed the staff member, began to calculate the gains and losses fiercely.

– If we allow the imperial navy to call, we may be criticized for bringing in foreign powers. No, we will be criticized.

– But, when you think about it, Spain is also a foreign power. Then the question is which one will bring greater benefits.

“Hmm…”

After pondering for a moment, Alfonso asked Han Myung-hoi.

“If we allow the imperial navy to call, will it protect the safety of the Kingdom of Naples and the nearby seas?”

“Of course.”

“However, we cannot allow interference in the internal affairs of the kingdom.”

“As I said before, ‘non-interference in internal affairs’ is the national policy of the empire.”

Alfonso, who was rather uneasy at the refreshing answer, demanded solid evidence.

“Leave it in writing. Of course, the document needs the seal of the Imperial Emperor.”

“It will take too long to get approval from His Majesty the Emperor, and the Supreme Emperor here will approve it. According to imperial law, this will also be fully effective.”

Alfonso weighed the pros and cons again at Han Myung-hoi’s answer.

‘I heard that the former emperor in Bologna has more authority than the emperor. Then…’

After pondering for a moment, Alfonso made up his mind.

‘Yes, let’s accept it! Time is running out! Milan, Genoa, Venice, and Romagna are already starting to move! If we’re late here, the kingdom’s share will be reduced!’

“Okay! I will accept the empire’s proposal. I will send those who will coordinate the agreement.”

“I am truly grateful for the Kingdom of Naples’ choice!”

Expressing gratitude for Alfonso’s decision, Han Myung-hoi cheered inwardly.

‘That’s it! With this, the empire’s influence can reach both the north and south of Italy!’