In response to Henry’s group’s reaction, Kim Jeom stroked his beard and asked.
“Why? Is there a problem?”
At Kim Jeom’s nonchalant tone, Giovanni nearly lunged forward as if to grab his collar.
“You think forty percent makes sense?”
“Why wouldn’t it? We’re supplying weapons at half price for a war with no end in sight, and accepting payment in installments after three years. Not only that, whether laying canals or railways, the construction will require enormous materials and equipment, which our Joseon will supply—and you say forty percent is too much? Our officials initially insisted on over fifty percent, but His Majesty decided forty percent would benefit everyone. What exactly is the problem?”
Following Kim Jeom’s words, Henry interjected.
“We’re the ones shedding blood, yet you expect to profit so much by just supplying weapons and capital from behind? Does that make sense?”
At Henry’s point, Giovanni and Mehmet II nodded simultaneously.
Seeing the three men’s reactions, all the Joseon officials thought the same thing.
How does this match His Majesty’s words without even the slightest deviation?
***
During the discussion about the joint venture proposal, Hyang had told Sejong and the ministers:
“When we make this proposal, they won’t accept it easily. We should prepare for quite a difficult verbal battle.”
At Hyang’s words, Sejong instead expressed doubt.
“Isn’t that natural? Even when buying a single item at the market, haggling is the way of commerce, isn’t it?”
“More important than haggling, this will be difficult because it involves their cherished honor and justification.”
“Honor and justification?”
Hyang explained in more detail.
“This thinking dates back to the time of the great Roman Empire. They consider only those who have shed blood alongside them as their allies. Or should I say blood allies?”
Well, even in the 21st century, there were Japanese who said that Korea was America’s blood ally while Japan was merely an ally.
As Hyang continued his explanation with various examples, Sejong nodded but didn’t forget to point out:
“I remember reading similar stories in those Western books. But how can this be unique to Westerners? Isn’t it human nature that those who fight and bleed together on the battlefield form stronger bonds than others? Of course, those who provide support from behind develop good relationships too, but they naturally feel less close than those who fought together.”
“That’s true, but…”
Before Hyang could object, Sejong continued.
“And Your Majesty has forgotten something. This war they’ve started—did we ask for it?”
“That’s true, but whether they’ll see it that way…”
At Hyang’s words, Sejong looked at Hwang Hui and Kim Jeom as he continued.
“Isn’t it the ministers’ job to make them accept it even if they don’t think that way?”
At Sejong’s words, starting with Hwang Hui, the ministers gathered in the conference room bowed their heads and muttered internally.
If it weren’t for those damn sons, I would have retired already! To think I have to work until death without being able to retire because of those damn sons!
Should I retire? Should I? I will!
***
When Henry brought up ‘blood,’ Kim Jeom countered with an expression of incomprehension.
“That blood—did our country ask you to shed it?”
At Kim Jeom’s question, Henry fell silent. Kim Jeom continued, looking at Henry, Giovanni, and Mehmet II.
“From our country’s perspective, we’re suffering massive losses due to a war you suddenly started. We wanted to prevent this but could only watch due to distance and Ming-related issues. However, now that we’ve resolved the Ming situation, we intend to address the Suez region problem as well. So in that context, let me ask you this. Our country is suffering serious losses because of your war—how do you plan to resolve this?”
Kim Jeom’s counterattack made the three men break into a cold sweat.
There was no denying what that irritating old man Kim Jeom was saying.
The war in the Suez region wasn’t one that Joseon had wanted.
Moreover, it was true that Joseon was suffering serious losses with the trade route between Suez and Alexandria blocked. Therefore, Joseon—no, the Empire—could demand compensation.
Of course, considering the distance between the Empire and the Mediterranean, some might argue they could simply ignore any compensation demands.
However, for someone like Henry who knew even a little about the Empire, this was absolutely unacceptable.
The Empire’s influence east of Suez was absolute. Particularly, the Empire’s navy practically dominated the seas east of Suez.
If the Empire became disgruntled and blocked the sea routes, everything they had accomplished so far would be wasted.
As these thoughts occurred to him, Henry’s face suddenly turned pale.
That’s not all!
If a thoroughly annoyed Empire chose Spain and the Mamluks instead and handed those weapons to them, the worst-case scenario could unfold.
Not only the Suez region, but in the worst case, mainland Portugal could fall to Spain.
Finally, Henry had to stammer and change his stance.
“Of-of course, we deeply regret causing your country serious losses through this conflict. However, we think forty percent is rather excessive.”
“Does your country have sufficient ability to pay for the weapons you need? You surely understand that the conditions I mentioned earlier only apply if you accept our country’s proposal? And do you have sufficient funds to construct future trade routes? Of course, trade routes are possible without railways or canals. But can you make a profit with goods carried by just dozens of horses or camels?”
“…”
Faced with Kim Jeom’s point-by-point observations, Henry’s group couldn’t provide a proper response.
Finally, Henry and Giovanni had to pass the responsibility to others.
“Since we cannot make decisions about your country’s proposal at our level, we’ll return home and bring back an answer.”
“Do as you wish.”
After his brief response, Kim Jeom looked at Mehmet II.
“Do you share their thoughts?”
To Kim Jeom’s question, Mehmet II offered a slightly different answer than Henry’s group.
“I also think forty percent is somewhat excessive. However, if you accept my earlier proposal, I promise to negotiate in the most positive direction possible.”
“Can we trust you?”
“As the Foreign Minister said earlier, I am one of the Sultan’s potential heirs.”
After thinking briefly at Mehmet II’s answer, Kim Jeom nodded.
“I will report this to His Majesty exactly as stated.”
“Thank you.”
Hearing the exchange between Mehmet II and Kim Jeom, Henry and Giovanni felt their chests tighten.
The Ottoman Empire already played the largest role. If the Ottoman Empire and the Empire joined hands, it was certain the Ottoman share would grow even larger.
Yet they couldn’t give a definitive answer here like Mehmet II. Regardless of what answer they gave, the moment they made a definitive statement, they would certainly face all sorts of criticism upon returning home.
How frustrating, how frustrating!
***
Two days later, Kim Jeom visited the guesthouse where Henry’s group was staying.
When told that Kim Jeom was looking for Mehmet II, Henry and Giovanni hastily rose from their seats.
Entering the room where Henry, Giovanni, and Mehmet II had gathered, Kim Jeom got straight to the point.
“His Majesty has reached a decision. He has accepted your proposal. However, on the condition that you support the establishment of the joint venture company and back our country’s forty percent stake.”
At Kim Jeom’s words, Mehmet II immediately responded.
“I accept.”
At Mehmet II’s answer, Kim Jeom gestured to his subordinate. Following Kim Jeom’s signal, the subordinate took out documents from the bag he had brought.
“Here is the related treaty. Please sign it.”
As he spoke, Kim Jeom handed over a gold pen, and Mehmet II took it and carefully examined the contents written on the paper.
As he read through the contents, Mehmet II’s expression became troubled when he saw the text written at the very bottom.
“I swear by the name of Allah to uphold all these conditions… Whew~”
“Is there a problem?”
“…”
Mehmet II didn’t answer and just stared down at the paper with an anguished expression.
After remaining frozen like a statue staring at the paper for a long while, Mehmet II finally signed it.
Then, Kim Jeom extended the gold pen to Henry and Giovanni as well.
“Please sign as witnesses.”
“Gladly!”
Henry and Giovanni signed with flourish at Kim Jeom’s request. They were in good spirits thinking about how this single document would trouble Mehmet II.
After securing the treaty, Kim Jeom continued speaking to Mehmet II.
“As a gift to commemorate our agreement, we will send 4,000 Eulshik rifles with 50,000 first-generation rounds, 5 fire carts with 30,000 second-generation rounds. Of course, instructors will also board to teach usage during the journey.”
At Kim Jeom’s words, Mehmet II’s deeply furrowed expression instantly brightened.
“Thank you!”
“Think nothing of it!”
***
Starting with Mehmet II, who was delighted with his bundle of gifts, and Henry’s troubled group, all the envoys who had visited Joseon returned to their countries.
Three days after all the envoys had departed, Sejong, Hyang, and the ministers gathered at the shooting range in Area 51.
“Today, I stand here not as Emperor, but as the development manager.”
Wearing Area 51’s distinctive work clothes instead of the imperial dragon robe, Hyang began his explanation with these words.
“During the recent war with Ming, a considerable number of Eulshik rifles, fire carts, and scatter shot cannons fell into Ming’s hands. Ming will use whatever means necessary to mass-produce these weapons. Therefore, we must arm our soldiers with even more advanced weapons.”
All participants nodded at Hyang’s words.
After moistening his throat briefly, Hyang continued.
“These are the Type B rifle and Type A machine gun that will be used by imperial forces from now on.”
As soon as Hyang finished speaking, the curtain concealing the area behind him was removed. Behind the curtain stood the new Type B rifle and Type A machine gun.
Hyang explained each to Sejong.
“The Type B rifle can be loaded with five rounds at once.”
After finishing his explanation, Hyang inserted a five-round clip into the magazine well and pushed it in.
“And to load, you just push this handle all the way forward.”
Hyang pushed forward the handle attached to the right side of the bolt.
Click!
After completing the loading, Hyang pulled the trigger while aiming at a target to the side.
Bang!
Then Hyang rapidly fired the remaining four rounds. Seeing this, Sejong’s eyes lit up.
“How marvelously simple yet ingenious! To think loading is completed just by pulling and pushing the handle! Truly remarkable!”
“Thank you!”
Bowing his head in response to Sejong’s praise, Hyang continued internally.
Thanks to my otaku knowledge! And we’ve avoided the cliché! If it were cliché, it would have been the Mosin-Nagant, but it’s not!
The Type B rifle that Hyang had newly created was based on the Swiss M1896/11.