Before Giovanni departed for the Empire, envoys from allied nations met in Florence.

This gathering was prompted by France’s announcement of full-scale participation in the war. France’s entry was a variable sufficient to change the war’s tide.

Even then, France was renowned as a land power. Moreover, they had an abundance of soldiers with rich combat experience from the Hundred Years’ War.

The envoy sent by Charles VII announced France’s decision to Cosimo de’ Medici, Henry, and Mehmet II:

“…thus, we plan to initially deploy 30,000 troops.”

Henry and Mehmet II, who had been listening with sour expressions, immediately spoke up when the envoy finished:

“Initially?”

“30,000 as a first wave? Is that possible?”

To their skepticism, the French envoy responded confidently:

“We anticipate about 50,000 including the initial 30,000. Of course, we can increase this number if needed.”

“Is that feasible?”

Both Henry and Mehmet II showed negative reactions.

***

By European and Middle Eastern standards of the time, such large armies were rarely mobilized except for all-out wars betting national fate.

Even during the Crusades, when religious fervor drew people from across Europe, crusader armies typically numbered between 10,000 and 20,000. In the history before Hyang’s intervention, the Ottoman forces that captured Constantinople numbered between 50,000 and 80,000. Though some claimed 300,000 were mobilized, this was widely acknowledged as an exaggeration.

Given this context, the French envoy’s claim of “30,000 initially, 50,000 total, with possibility for more if needed” seemed incredulous.

***

Though Portugal and the Ottoman Empire, the alliance’s main forces, openly showed their disbelief, the French envoy remained confident.

“Though impossible for others, it is possible for ‘la grande France.'”

This wasn’t mere boasting. During the Battle of Agincourt, a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years’ War, France had mobilized approximately 36,000 troops.

Though they were thoroughly defeated by just 6,000 English soldiers.

Still, Henry and Mehmet couldn’t easily accept this.

“Won’t there be strong opposition? Will that be alright?”

At Henry’s point, the French envoy replied curtly with an annoyed expression:

“Though we appreciate your concern for French internal affairs, there’s no such issue. The Estates-General strongly supports this.”

This was true.

When Charles VII, having resolved on active participation, announced this decision, the Estates-General strongly supported it.

The nobles saw it as a good opportunity to share power concentrated in the king, while the clergy couldn’t miss the chance for “Jerusalem” and “supremacy over the Vatican.”

City representatives felt the same. Only fools would miss this excellent opportunity to secure direct trading bases with the “Nation of Flowers.”

With everyone’s interests aligning perfectly, the Estates-General actively supported Charles VII’s decision.

***

“…therefore, there’s no need to worry about troop mobilization. The issue is firepower. France also demands an opportunity to participate in the distribution process of weapons imported from the ‘Nation of Flowers.'”

Mehmet II responded to the French envoy’s demand:

“Not distribution, but purchase.”

“I mean an opportunity to purchase.”

At these words, both Henry and Mehmet II turned to look at Cosimo.

After a pause to consider this silent inquiry, Cosimo answered:

“Tell us the types and quantities of weapons needed, and we’ll procure them. The issue is payment.”

“Don’t worry about payment. We’ll take loans if necessary. But we’d like the prices to be discounted as much as possible.”

At the French envoy’s request for a discount, Cosimo glanced at Mehmet II before responding:

“A better discount is possible if you accept the Empire’s conditions.”

“What are the Empire’s conditions?”

To the envoy’s question, Cosimo explained the Empire’s requirements.

After hearing Cosimo’s explanation, the envoy shook his head.

“The part about ‘establishing a company and sharing stocks to prevent disputes between concerned parties’ is fine, but it’s hard to accept that the ‘Nation of Flowers’ would hold 40% of the shares.”

“The Ottoman Empire accepted it.”

At Mehmet II’s words, the French envoy continued with an expression somewhere between mockery and sympathy:

“The Ottoman decision is their business, but France needs to reconsider. We’re fighting the war and handling the post-war construction – why should the ‘Nation of Flowers’ take the largest profit? This is unfair.”

“If you’re so dissatisfied, you can withdraw.”

Mehmet II responded with a sharp edge to his voice.

“The Ottoman Empire is already bleeding the most in this war. We well know that the Empire’s weapons have reduced that bloodshed. Therefore, the Ottoman Empire doesn’t consider it unfair.”

“Just because of weapons? Ha!”

Though the French envoy was too stunned to continue, Mehmet II smiled and countered:

“Is it just weapons? Don’t you realize that after the war, whether digging canals or laying railways, nothing is possible without the Empire? Keep in mind that construction is impossible without the Empire’s equipment and materials.”

“If equipment is lacking, we can just use more manpower! We can bring in as many workers or slaves as needed!”

“You don’t know the desert, do you?”

At Mehmet II’s question, the French envoy was lost for words.

Having silenced the French envoy, Mehmet II explained further:

“Even with perfect preparation, one small mistake in the desert means death. Do you think construction there will be easy? Hm? You think just throwing in more manpower will solve everything? With that approach, construction won’t finish even in a hundred years. Do you think I agreed to that treaty just because I was fixated on weapons?”

“Even so, 40% is too unfair!”

“Then withdraw, I said!”

Sensing the atmosphere heating up, Cosimo intervened:

“Now, now… We can reconsider the share issue later. Isn’t ending this war quickly more important right now? The Ottoman Empire agrees, right?”

Mehmet II responded gruffly:

“I agree.”

“Then let’s focus on this for now. We can think about the other issues later. After all, nothing has been decided yet, starting from the company’s establishment, right?”

“The Ottoman Empire has already promised.”

“There’s a precondition, isn’t there? The precondition ‘if a company is established.’ When this precondition disappears, so does the promise.”

“Huh?”

When Cosimo pointed out this loophole, Mehmet II’s expression changed immediately. Observing his reaction, Cosimo continued:

“We agreed because the Empire’s proposal for ‘company establishment’ seemed quite reasonable. However, no one can predict the post-war situation. With more thought, we might find a better method – one that better guarantees the national interests of all alliance members. If we find a better method, there’s no need to follow the Empire’s conditions, is there?”

“Hmm…”

At Cosimo’s words, Mehmet II stroked his beard thoughtfully.

Cosimo skillfully mediated the situation:

“Therefore, let’s focus solely on the war for now. First, do you agree to France’s participation?”

“…I agree.”

“…I agree.”

After some consideration, both Henry and Mehmet II consented to French participation. Having involved France to check Spain, France deserved a voice and a share of the profits. Then, it was better to let them join even if it meant sharing more profits. This was because Portugal and the Ottoman Empire’s finances were starting to strain as the war dragged on.

Having secured their agreement, Cosimo smiled broadly and concluded:

“Then let’s conclude this meeting with our agreement to ally France’s full participation. Shall we coordinate other opinions later?”

Everyone nodded simultaneously at Cosimo’s proposal.

“Agreed.”

***

Returning to his lodgings after the meeting, Mehmet II emptied his wine glass and muttered:

“A great merchant is indeed a great merchant.”

In today’s meeting, Cosimo had skillfully managed the situation. Though he was Florence’s supreme authority, he only showed himself as a merchant, not flaunting his power. As a mere merchant, he prostrated himself before nobles and royalty while coordinating the situation. In doing so, Cosimo maximized his own benefits.

“If his descendants are like him, the Medici family’s prosperity will continue for quite a while.”

***

“He wasn’t simply blinded by credit.”

At the same time, in his office, Cosimo was seeing Mehmet II in a different light.

“I thought he best fit the Empire’s saying ‘On credit, even a cow can be eaten,’ but was I wrong?”

When he first heard from Giovanni about what happened on the Empire’s founding day, Cosimo had judged Mehmet II harshly.

-A man who tried to be clever but was outmaneuvered by the Empire.

But today’s situation proved otherwise. Though initially trapped, Mehmet II had found ways to maximize his benefits afterward.

-Concede shares to the Empire in exchange for securing shares from others.

This must have been Mehmet II’s strategy, which explained his negative reaction to France’s full participation.

“But half has turned around, so the other half will be the problem…”

Having analyzed the situation, Cosimo summoned Giovanni and gave orders:

“There’s something to check while returning with the professors from the Empire.”

***

“We enjoyed a wonderful time thanks to Your Majesty’s generous hospitality.”

“We have seen and learned so much.”

Before returning home, the professors bowed their heads to Hyang and expressed their gratitude.

Hearing their words, Hyang smiled and offered words of wisdom:

“It’s truly good that you’ve seen and learned much. Those devoted to learning should never cease studying and practicing throughout their lives. I hope you continue diligently on the path of learning after returning home.”

“We are overwhelmed by Your Imperial grace!”

After receiving Hyang’s words, the professors returned to Mokpo by iron horse and embarked on their journey home.

Whenever the ships carrying the professors stopped at intermediate ports, Giovanni secretly approached them with questions:

“You saw the iron horses and steam engines?”

“We saw them very well.”

“Do you think we can make them too?”

Most professors gave similar answers to Giovanni’s question:

“Though difficult right now, it’s certainly possible with time and effort.”

“Is that so? Thank you.”