Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 617

Episode 617: The Beginning of the Empire – Today is like yesterday. (5)

Kim Jeom stroked his beard and asked in response to Henry and his group’s reaction.

“why? Is there any problem?”

At Kim Jeom’s calm tone, Giovanni fired back almost as if he was going to grab him by the collar.

“Do you think 40% makes sense?”

“Why doesn’t it make sense? We will supply weapons at half the price for a war that will never end, and the payment will be received in installments after three years. Is that it? Whether it is laying a waterway or a railroad, it is certain that a huge amount of materials and equipment will be required for construction, and our shipbuilding company supplies the materials and equipment required for the construction, which is 40% more? Our officials originally said that they should ask for more than 50%, but His Majesty decided to go for 40% because he said it would be beneficial for everyone. “What on earth is the problem?”

Henry responded to Kim Jeom’s words.

“We shed blood, so does it make sense to just provide weapons and capital behind our backs and take care of it like that?”

Giovanni and Mehmet II nodded simultaneously at Henry’s point.

Joseon officials who saw the three people’s reactions came up with the same idea at the same time.

‘How is it possible that there is not a single error in what your Majesty says?’

* * *

In the discussion on the proposal for joint venture, Hyang said this to King Sejong and the ministers.

“If we make a proposal like this, they will not accept it easily. “You have to be prepared for a pretty tough war of words.”

Sejong rather expressed doubts about Hyang’s words.

“Isn’t it obvious? “Isn’t it natural to bargain when buying something at the market?”

“It’s difficult because it involves the honor and cause that they value, which is more important than bargaining.”

“Honor and cause?”

The scent was explained in more detail.

“It is an idea that has been handed down since the time when the great empire called Rome ruled. They consider only those who shed blood with them as their allies. Or should I say it’s a blood oath?”

‘Well, even in the 21st century, there are Japanese people who say that Korea is a blood ally of the United States and Japan is just an ally of the United States.’

Sejong nodded as he continued to explain scents, giving various examples, but did not forget to point out the points.

“I remember reading similar stories in their books. But how can we say that this is their unique characteristic? Isn’t it natural that the relationship between those who fought and shed blood together on the battlefield is closer than that of others? Of course, there will be a good relationship with those who have contributed financially and spiritually behind the scenes so that we can fight properly, but it does not feel like we are lacking compared to those who fought together on the battlefield.”

“That is true. But...”

Sejong continued before Hyang could retort.

“And the Emperor has forgotten something. “Isn’t the war they started because we wanted to?”

“That’s true, but I wonder if they really think that way....”

At Hyang’s words, Sejong looked at Hwang Hee and Kim Jeom and continued.

“Isn’t it the job of subjects to make people accept it even if they don’t think about it that way?”

At King Sejong’s words, the ministers gathered in the conference room, starting with Hwang Hee, lowered their heads to the floor and muttered to themselves.

‘If it weren’t for those damn bastards, I would have resigned already! ‘I can’t believe I have to suffer without even being able to resign until I die because of my damn sons!’

‘Should I resign? Should I do it? I will do it!’

* * *

When Henry argued with him about ‘blood’, Kim Jeom asked back with an expression that he did not understand.

“Was that blood shed because your country demanded it?”

Henrik became speechless at Kim Jeom’s question. Kim continued as he looked at Henry and Giovanni Mehmet II.

“From your country’s point of view, you are only suffering enormous losses due to the war you suddenly started. That’s why I wanted to stop this, but due to the distance and reputation issues, I just watched. But now that I have solved the problem with Myeong-gwa, I plan to solve the problem in the Suez region as well. ruler! In that sense, I would like to ask. “Our country is suffering serious losses due to the war waged by your country. How do you plan to resolve this?”

The three people began to sweat due to Kim Jeom’s counterattack.

There was no mistake in what that obnoxious old man named Kim Jeom said.

As he spoke, Mehmet II accepted the gold pen that Kim Jeom held out and carefully examined the contents written on the paper.

Mehmet II, who was reading the contents like that, looked embarrassed when he saw the red text at the bottom.

“I swear in the name of Allah that I will keep all these conditions... Phew~.”

“What’s the problem?”

“....”

Mehmet II did not respond and only looked down at the paper with a face full of agony.

Mehmet II, who had been staring at the paper for a while with a stone-faced posture, eventually ended up signing the paper.

Afterwards, Kim Jeom handed out gold pens to Henrik and Giovanni.

“Please sign as a notary.”

“However much!”

In response to Kim Jeom’s request, Henrique and Giovanni cheerfully signed their names. This was because it made me feel good to think that Mehmed II would be in trouble with this one document.

Kim Jeom, who took the treaty with him, spoke to Mehmed II.

“As a gift to commemorate the promise, I will send you 4,000 rifles, 5 freight cars with 50,000 first-generation bullets, and 30,000 second-generation bullets. Of course, an instructor will also come on board and teach you how to use it along the way.”

At Kim Jeom’s words, Mehmet II’s wrinkled face straightened up.

“Thank you!”

“It was nothing!”

* * *

All the envoys who visited Joseon, including Mehmet II, who was happy to receive a bundle of gifts, and Henri and his party, who were distraught upon seeing him, returned home.

Three days after all the envoys had disappeared, King Sejong, Hyang, and ministers gathered at the shooting range located in Area 51.

“I stand here today not as an emperor, but as a person in charge of development.”

Hyang, wearing Area 51’s distinctive work clothes instead of the yellow dragon robe, began his explanation with the words above.

“During the last war with the Ming, a significant number of rifles and shotgun shells fell into the hands of the Ming. Anyone would do whatever it takes to replicate those weapons in large quantities. Therefore, we must arm our soldiers with more advanced weapons.”

Everyone present nodded at Hyang’s words.

After quenching her throat for a moment, Hyang continued speaking.

“These are the double-barreled long guns and armored machine guns that the Imperial Army will use in the future.”

As soon as Hyang finished speaking, the curtain that was hiding behind Hyang was removed. And behind the badge were a new assault rifle and armored machine gun.

Hyang explained things one by one to King Sejong.

“A combined rifle fires five rounds at a time.”

After finishing the explanation, Hyang inserted the 5-round clip into the shovel hole and pushed it in.

“And to reload, simply push this handle forward.”

Hyang pushed the handle on the right side of the bolt forward.

Slam!

After finishing loading, Hyang pulled the trigger toward the target on one side.

bang!

Hyang then instantly fired the remaining four shots. Sejong’s eyes lit up when he saw that.

“It seems so simple, yet so mysterious! Loading is done by pulling and pushing the handle! “This is truly amazing!”

“thank you!”

Hyang bowed her head in response to Sejong’s praise and continued speaking in her heart.

‘Thanks to you, I did a good job! No more clichés! If it were a cliche, it would have been Mosin-Nagant, but it’s not!’

Hyang’s newly created double rifle was based on the M1896/11 used by the Swiss army.