Black Corporation: Joseon

Episode 1032 Alsace-Lorraine. (10)

When the German Templars began an armed struggle again, Poland-Lithuania mobilized the military to suppress it. In the battle that took place near Gdansk, the German Templars, armed with French weapons, defeated the Polish-Lithuanian army and were able to retake Gdansk. Poland and Lithuania, shocked by the loss of Gdansk, thoroughly analyzed the causes of the defeat. The cause of defeat analyzed by Polish-Lithuanian soldiers was simple.

-Outnumbered in firepower.

Poland-Lithuania had the upper hand in terms of troop size, but the German Knights were superior in firepower. In a way, this was natural.

The main force of the Polish-Lithuanian army was the cavalry called ‘Husaria’. Of course, the rifle corps and artillery corps were also organized on a considerable scale, but the firearms they had were the problem. They were still armed with long guns and old cannons. On the other hand, the German Knights were armed with breech-loading single-shot long guns, ‘mitrailleuse’ copies of Eulsik freight cars, and old cannons that were being retired from the French army. As a side note, after hearing Mitrayes’ information, Hyang looked embarrassed and burst into laughter.

“The Mitrayes I know aren’t like this… I guess Dr. Gatring won’t be the only one criticizing me.”

Although they were overwhelmed in firepower, Poland-Lithuania’s armament was by no means weak. To the countries surrounding Poland-Lithuania during this period, Poland-Lithuania was a fearsome invader. In particular, the Duchy of Moscow had already suffered greatly from Poland and Lithuania.

It’s just that the military system in this region was much less developed than that in Western Europe. However, this does not mean that we have completely turned a blind eye to what is going on in Western Europe. Because cavalry was more useful in dealing with the Khanate states that separated from the Mongol Empire. And the new weapons of France and the Holy Roman Empire were as expensive as their superior performance.

* * *

After analyzing the causes of defeat, Poland and Lithuania had no choice but to immediately establish countermeasures. This was because the lost Gdansk had to be regained immediately.

“We must also be armed with new rifles and cannons.”

The subjects reacted to Sigmund I’s decision with expressions of concern.

“Yes, but finances are the problem.”

“As you know, Your Highness, the prices of new weapons are high.”

“But we can’t just sit back and relax, right? If we stay still, it won’t end with Gdansk Bay. Soon the Principality of Moscow will also move.”

In the end, in order to survive under the strong will of Sigismund I and the rapidly changing situation, Poland-Lithuania began to introduce new weapons. However, even though Sigismund I actively supported it and came forward with a fat wallet, importing new weapons was not easy.

“Where can I get it? No, where can I get it?”

This was the problem. The first country to be excluded was France.

“I can’t buy something from a country that sold weapons to rebels from the German Knights Templar!”

“That’s right!”

The first destination chosen by the working-level staff, excluding France, was the Holy Roman Empire. However, the Holy Roman Empire’s response was not appropriate.

“Hmm… Do you want the weapons currently being deployed to our imperial army? Considering the relationship between the two countries, it is possible to sell them.”

“Really? Thank you so much!”

“But it is impossible to sell it right away. It is difficult to supply it to our imperial army.”

“Then always…..”

“Keep it as short as possible and it should be five years.”

“Five years…”

Seeing the Polish-Lithuanian officials in confusion, an official of the Holy Roman Empire suggested another plan.

“Weapons that are being retired from the Imperial Army can be handed over right away.”

“I’d like to see the performance.”

Polish-Lithuanian working-level staff who watched the Holy Roman Empire Army’s demonstration compiled it into a report and submitted it to King Sigismund I. King Sigismund I and his subjects shook their heads at the same time after checking the report.

“Not the best.”

“That’s right. It’s not easy to recapture Gdansk with the weapons shown by the Holy Roman Empire. We need more powerful weapons.”

There were a few dissenting opinions arguing for the introduction of retired weapons for reasons of ‘time and finances’, but they were not the majority.

In the end, Sigismund I came to a conclusion.

“If the worst-case scenario arises from the Holy Roman Empire’s proposal, rethink it and look for other alternatives.”

Following Sigmund I’s decision, the next destination for the working group was Italy. The Polish-Lithuanian working-level staff, who saw a demonstration of the ‘Florence Long Rifle’ and ‘Barrius Wagon’ used by the Italian army, were very satisfied and entered into negotiations. But even here, time hindered negotiations.

“Considering the current production capacity of the factory, supply will be possible in three years at the earliest.”

“Three years…”

‘But it’s better than five years.’

The Polish-Lithuanian negotiating team, which gave a positive evaluation, asked questions again.

“Assuming we receive it three years from now, how long will it take to fully receive the quantity we want?”

“Even if I try my best, it won’t take more than seven years, right?”

“So, even if we sign the contract now, it will take 10 years. Can’t it be done a little faster?” “

As I said before, considering the production capacity of the factory, this is the best.”

“Then, if we expand the factory.”

“Impossible.”

Italian officials firmly responded that it was impossible. This was an unavoidable reality. The market for weapons, especially those used only by the country’s military, was limited and profits were low. However, not just anyone could make them. The scent was ‘simple structure’. Even the Florentine long guns, which are evaluated as ‘, could only perform properly if they were handled by skilled craftsmen. And ‘skilled craftsmen = expensive wages.’

Even though it is for national defense, it is not possible to hire craftsmen and incur a loss. It was the law. Therefore, unless it was a war-like situation, it was common to spend time instead of money.

“And we can sell long guns and freight cars, but not cannons. ” We also buy cannons from the empire.”

“What should we do about this…”

Unable to get a good answer from Italy, the Polish-Lithuanian working-level staff moved to look for other countries to produce weapons at the level Poland-Lithuania wanted. There were five countries in total:

France, the Holy Roman Empire, England, Italy, and the Ottomans.

However, France was excluded because of the German Knights. The Ottomans were excluded due to religious and other complex issues, and the Holy Roman Empire and Italy were excluded due to a matter of time. The only remaining one was England. The situation was not good here either.

They too were in a difficult situation just producing the weapons used by the English and Spanish armies.

“Ha~. What should I do with this?’

“Should we accept the Holy Roman Empire’s offer?”

When Sigismund I and his subjects were seriously concerned, Jewish merchants from Warsaw came with valuable information.

“There are rumors that the empire is possible right now! How about finding the empire?”

“Is an empire possible?”

“That’s a rumor. But looking at the items the Empire sells and what Italy has shown, I think it’s credible.”

The Jewish merchants answered with confidence.

“I will carefully consider your opinions. I am truly grateful for your loyalty.”

Under Sigismund I, Jewish merchants bowed their heads in response.

“It is an honour.”

After sending the Jewish merchants away, Sigismund I turned to his subjects.

‘What did you think? They’re Jews. Can you trust them?’

“The faith of the Jewish merchants can be trusted.”

“If you know the nature of the German Knights Templar, there is no reason for them to cheat.” The self-righteousness

of the German Knights Templar was famous. Not only were they Orthodox believers or believers in new sects, but sometimes they were the same. They were famous for killing and plundering even Catholic believers. You didn’t have to look to see what they would do if they encountered Jews.

On the other hand, although Sigismund I was a Catholic, he was also famous for being tolerant of Orthodox believers and those who believed in new sects.

“Then send a messenger to Seoul.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

* * *

The Polish-Lithuanian negotiators arrived at Suez via the Holy Roman Empire and the Italian Mediterranean, looked for the fastest ship and headed to Seoul. Arriving in Seoul, the current The negotiators who had an audience with Shin Suk-ju met Shin Suk-ju and began negotiations. The Polish-Lithuanian negotiators, who relayed their business during the negotiations to the imperial working-level staff, looked earnest and prayed.

‘Please, God…’

“Hmm. …. First of all, the problem is the long guns, but the Imperial military-type long guns are sold only to Switzerland. However, manufacturing Florentine long guns is a problem because there are no production facilities… This is something that needs to be reported to His Majesty the Emperor, and if you leave that out, there doesn’t seem to be any particular problem with boxcars and artillery. Oh, is the price the problem?”

The faces of the Polish-Lithuanian negotiating team brightened after hearing the answer from the imperial working-level staff, but soon became serious.

‘This is what we have heard in other countries as well! The problem is time!’

“I will accept as much as possible the price the Empire wants. The problem is time. When will you be able to receive it?”

The Polish-Lithuanian negotiating team couldn’t believe their ears at the imperial working-level staff’s answer.

“When will the North Sea, which you are avoiding, start thawing next year? I will send it to you at the right time. And if it’s the amount you want, we can send it all in about three years.”

The Polish-Lithuanian negotiating team was stunned by the answer of the imperial working-level staff, who seemed to think it was no big deal. After a while, the Polish-Lithuanian negotiating team came to their senses and spoke in earnest voices. He shouted,

“I will unconditionally grant any conditions the Empire wants! Please, let’s make a contract!”

Hyeon, who was briefed on the situation by the working staff, immediately went to Hyang.

“…So, they desperately want our empire’s military rifles. So I would like to allow the sale, but what do you think? Since you are the one who designed military food, I would like to hear your opinion.”

“Hmm… What do the ministers say?”

“There are mixed opinions. Those who oppose it are worried that the design of the combined-type rifle could be leaked through them.”

“The leak issue must have already been leaked in Italy last time, right? Nevertheless, haven’t you heard yet that a rifle with a similar design has been released?”

“Those in favor also said the same thing that Tae Sang-taeng said.”

“Hmm… I think it’s okay to sell it. Because I think I know what the European powers are thinking.”

“What are you thinking?”

“It’s needlessly complicated.”

“Aha! I understand.”

Hyun, who had finished the conversation, left and Hyang, who was left alone, chuckled and muttered,

“The straight-pull method is more complicated than a regular bolt action. But that’s the trap. “You’re going to have to struggle a lot to go from a bolt action rifle to an automatic rifle.”