Despite the chaotic situation where some were scrambling not to go while others were scrambling to go, the personnel selection came to an end.

Once the selection was complete, Hwangbo In submitted a report to Wan.

“This is the list of those who will go to Florence. Those at the very front will depart in ten days. They will go and establish the foundation.”

“Hmm… For any endeavor to succeed, one must first establish a proper foundation. Do you think these people will be suitable?”

“Yes.”

At Hwangbo In’s answer, Wan examined the list once more.

The first names on the list were Shin Sukju, Seong Sam-mun, and Yu Eungbu.

After carefully examining these three names, Wan looked at Hwangbo In.

“It seems the Prime Minister has put much thought into this. You’ve worked hard.”

“You praise me too highly.”

Sending the three first and simultaneously was the result of careful deliberation by Hwangbo In and the Deputy Prime Ministers.

“Sending all three simultaneously is certainly excessive.”

“However, if we send some first and others later, when conflicts of opinion arise later, it could work as a weakness.”

‘What do you know, having come so late!’

If arguments continue this way, it becomes not healthy exchange of opinions but a horn-butting contest.

“The conclusion is that even knowing it’s excessive, sending all three simultaneously is the right answer.”

Thus, the three came to head for Florence simultaneously.

The justification was also appropriate.

“Shin Sukju is fluent in Latin and the Tuscan dialect, so he will deal with the Medici family.”

“Seong Sam-mun has worked long in the Ministry of Education, so he’s well-versed in educational administration. Therefore, he can greatly help with the educational projects currently being implemented in Florence.”

“Yu Eungbu, as a soldier, has abundant experience not only in actual combat but also in training soldiers. He can greatly help in newly creating the Florentine army.”

Because there were such perfectly fitting justifications, Hwangbo In and the Deputy Prime Ministers concluded to send all three simultaneously.

“Hmm…”

Satisfied with the selection of the advance and follow-up teams, Wan moved on to the next matter.

“The embassy and Imperial residents’ quarter will be in San Donino and Livorno, correct?”

“That is correct. We have already created documents with Giovanni de’ Medici. Therefore, the railway construction workforce will move simultaneously with the main force.”

“Hmm…”

Wan nodded at Hwangbo In’s words.

***

When the Imperial Embassy was established in Florence, it wouldn’t be just Imperial officials staying there.

Not only the instructor group responsible for training the Florentine army but also the families of officials and instructors would move together.

Additionally, since merchants supplying goods to them would also move, it was certain that a considerably large space would be needed.

Preparing such a large space within Florence city was difficult.

When they called merchants who frequently visited Florence and asked, the merchants’ answers were largely similar.

“How wide and well-connected are the roads, you ask? The main roads are wide, but once you enter the alleys, they become as tiny as boogers.”

“The main roads are also a problem. They’re so winding and tangled that if you get lost once, you’ll have to sleep rough for three or four days.”

“Isn’t that a bit of an exaggeration?”

“There are those who’ve experienced it. Fortunately, they had money on hand so they didn’t starve, but without money, they would have starved to death.”

“Couldn’t you ask the residents to show you the way?”

“Do you know how cunning those Italians are? If you ask them to show you the way, they’ll lead you deeper and deeper. And once you go into such deep places, thieves will pounce and strip you clean. It’s fortunate they don’t kill you because you’re from the Empire.”

“Is public safety that terrible?”

“It goes without saying.”

When reports compiling the merchants’ stories went up, the ministers’ expressions were not good.

“This is really…”

“To think public safety is this terrible…”

“Shouldn’t we send people from the Police Bureau first rather than military instructors?”

“That does seem more urgent…”

While conversation mixed with jokes and serious remarks was being exchanged, Wan, who had been examining the reports, looked at Hwangbo In.

“Isn’t this rather a good opportunity?”

“Pardon?”

“Using Florence’s poor public safety as an excuse to create an Imperial residents’ quarter in a suitable location. In my opinion, Livorno would be good…”

When Livorno was mentioned, Hwangbo In hurriedly tried to call an official to bring maps and geographical records. At that moment, Wan raised his hand to stop Hwangbo In.

“Maps and geographical records are unnecessary. As far as I know, the distance between Florence and Livorno is about 200 li.”

“That’s quite a considerable distance, Your Majesty.”

“Instead, we lay railways.”

“Railways, you say?”

“That’s right.”

Wan’s plan was as follows:

“Florence city is already densely packed with buildings, and the roads are inconvenient.”

“Therefore, if we demand they provide unnecessarily large spaces in such places, it will incur the resentment of Florence’s residents. We must avoid this.”

“Thus, only the embassy will be located within Florence city. The families of soldiers and officials, and merchants will reside in the separately prepared Imperial residents’ quarter.”

“The suitable location for the Imperial residents’ quarter is Livorno.”

“Livorno is Florence’s port, but not a major one. We’ll be allocated the Imperial residents’ quarter here and actively develop it.”

“The core of development is construction of a large port, railways, and optical communication networks.”

“Using optical communication networks, we can learn of Florence’s news faster than others, and using railways, rapid movement is possible.”

“If we build a large port, we can use it when deploying the Empire’s military forces.”

At Wan’s explanation, Hwangbo In carefully pointed out problems.

“It’s truly an excellent plan, but will Florence agree?”

“They will agree. When creating the Imperial residents’ quarter, we’ll dispatch Imperial troops to protect it. Prime Minister, if you were a Medici of Florence, would you feel comfortable with more Imperial troops than expected coiled up in your heartland? No matter that they’re allies and those training your own army.”

“Ah…”

At Wan’s words, Hwangbo In and all the ministers nodded.

In the subsequent negotiations, Giovanni accepted the Empire’s request.

As Wan predicted, he would have shown reluctance if they said they’d build within Florence city, but it was because it was Livorno.

Additionally, the proposals that the Empire would build railways at its own expense and allow Florentines to use them, and that they would develop Livorno’s port, were welcome matters for Florence.

Developing Livorno’s port was absolutely necessary, but it was expensive work. That the Empire would develop it at its own expense and additionally build railways was not something to oppose.

Meanwhile, Hyang, learning of the situation through a letter sent by Wan, wore an ambiguous expression.

“The Gyeongin Railway and Yongsan garrison? Is the Empire becoming the Japanese Empire?”

It reminded Hyang of the painful history before his intervention.

“A collision between head and heart…”

Rationally, it was a good strategy for the Empire’s national interest, but something bothered him in his heart.

“Phew. The Japanese Empire ended with land-grabbing, but the Empire will take only appropriate profits and withdraw. So this matter is mutually beneficial for both Florence and the Empire. After all, even in modern times, that much is the rule of capitalism… That much makes us gentlemen.”

***

Meanwhile, Wan, sitting alone in his bedchamber reviewing plans, stopped his work and looked at the calendar. After counting on his fingers while looking at the calendar for a moment, Wan let out a sigh.

“Phew. I was planning to fill just 20 years and move to the New Frontier…”

This year was Wan’s 18th year of reign.

If there were no special incidents like war, he would have been happily researching flying machines in the New Frontier two years from now.

If only Florence hadn’t caused trouble.

“Damn Florence…”

Though he wanted to say, paraphrasing what Jesus, the founder of Christianity, had said, “Florence’s affairs to Florence,” this was a matter involving the Empire’s national interest, and massive national interest at that.

Considering the time for information and people to travel between Florence and Seoul, it was certain that at least three to five years would pass before things reached a somewhat stable trajectory.

Additionally, there were the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers who were already visibly ailing. For the newly selected Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Ministers replacing them to get a proper handle on their work would take at least a year.

Adding all this up, the expected 20 years was certainly impossible, and he would need to add five more years before abdication would be possible.

“Phew.”

Letting out a long sigh, Wan clicked his tongue with an irritated face.

“Only that Hyeon fellow stuck in Area 51 and a certain person in the New Frontier must be delighted. Tsk!”

Thinking of Hyang who would be gleefully happy in the New Frontier, Wan suddenly remembered something.

“Come to think of it… He said he found tree sap that seemed very useful… He said if it works out properly, the burden from New Frontier issues would be greatly reduced. What was it called? Chicol? Chicle?”

Hyang had finally gotten his hands on rubber trees.

***

The Empire’s advance team arriving in Florence through Suez received an enthusiastic welcome from the Medici family.

“Welcome!”

“Welcome!”

“Thank you for welcoming us so warmly.”

Shin Sukju, representing the group and politely responding to Giovanni and Lorenzo’s enthusiastic welcome, soon looked around and asked Giovanni.

“We should pay our respects to the elder, but where is he?”

At Shin Sukju’s question, Giovanni answered with a troubled face.

“He’s been very unwell lately and has difficulty moving.”

“Oh dear! Then we must go and visit him. Please guide us.”

“Let’s do that.”

Guided by Giovanni, Shin Sukju’s group entered Cosimo’s bedroom.

Standing before Cosimo lying in bed, Shin Sukju’s group politely paid their respects. Cosimo, struggling to raise his hand in response, opened his mouth with difficulty.

“Such distinguished guests have come. Please understand that I’m receiving honored guests while lying down like this.”

At Cosimo’s words, Shin Sukju stepped forward to answer.

“Not at all. It’s naturally proper etiquette for us to come visit you.”

“I’m grateful you think so. I would like to sit with you all from the Empire and discuss great matters, but I cannot hide my regret at being unable to do so.”

“You’ll be able to do so soon.”

“I’m grateful you say so. Giovanni and Lorenzo aren’t lacking fellows, so they won’t be insufficient for discussing great matters. Please think of me as being present.”

“We shall.”

“Then I ask for your good care. I’m sorry, but I must rest a bit.”

“Please take care of yourself.”

After Shin Sukju’s group left, Cosimo let out a long sigh.

“Phew. I can only pray that Lorenzo gets fleeced as little as possible.”

Checking the report submitted by Giovanni after returning from Seoul, Cosimo immediately identified the hidden traps within.

“Livorno, railways, Imperial residents’ quarter… Phew. Is the Empire trying to swallow Florence?”

Recognizing the traps laid by the Empire, Cosimo suspected whether the Empire was trying to conquer Florence.

However, not long after, Cosimo shook his head.

“No, considering what the Empire has undertaken now, it’s impossible. The Empire is already overwhelmed just digesting what they’ve taken on. What the Empire always wants is time. Time to digest what they’ve swallowed. If I were the Empire’s emperor, I would use Florence to prevent Europe from having other ideas. Phew.”

Cosimo’s eyes, as he let out a long sigh, were full of regret and sorrow.

“If only I still had my strength, I could have made it so Florence could reap the maximum benefits…”