Black Corporation: Joseon

Chapter 967: Everyone is a bastard except me…. (4)

To summarize the ‘national structure plan for a unified Italy’ presented by Han Myeong-hoe, it was as follows.

-Unified Italy maintains a federal system, which is a collection of states.

-The qualifications of the states that make up unified Italy are limited to the states that participated in the unification of Italy along with Florence.

-Recognized states participating in the unification of Italy are limited to cities and kingdoms that participated prior to the agreement with the Vatican.

-The monarch of unified Italy is elected.

-Qualifications for electing a monarch are limited to the monarchs of each state and lawmakers elected by each state.

-The elected monarch holds a permanent position and is responsible for the national defense and administrative diplomacy of unified Italy.

-However, tax administration must receive the consent of the ‘First Assembly’, a gathering of monarchs and lawmakers from each state.

“…If you look at the old history of our empire, there are names such as ‘Jegahoe,’ ‘Hwabaekhoe,’ and ‘Jeongsaamhoe,’ but you probably also have organizations with similar names.”

The leaders who participated in the meeting nodded at Han Myeong-hoe’s words.

‘It’s like a parliament.’

So far, there has been no sign of dissatisfaction on the faces of the Italian leaders who have listened to Han Myeonghoe’s explanation. By limiting state qualifications, it was possible to prevent the emergence of new competitors. In addition, ‘elected monarchs’ were not unfamiliar to them.

In the secular world, there was the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and in the religious world, the pope was the elected monarch. Rather, ‘elected monarchs’ were the best way to securely maintain their vested rights. However, as Han Myeong-hoe’s words continued, the leaders’ expressions became cruel.

-The composition ratio of the consensus body where the monarchs and lawmakers of the state gather is as follows.

Florence shares 40%, and other states distribute the remaining 60% appropriately. However, Florence cannot account for more than 40% under any circumstances.

-In addition, the monarch of Florence continues to chair the consensus body.

“Nonsense!”

“This is ridiculous!”

“If this happens, the consensus body has no meaning!”

Officials from Milan, Genoa and Venice angrily expressed their opposition. Alfonso, representing the Kingdom of Naples, also frowned and argued.

“Are you saying that our Kingdom of Naples, the master of southern Italy, is no better than the city of Florence?”

Voices of criticism abounded from all directions, but Han Myeong-hoe responded with a grin.

“It’s just a suggestion. A suggestion. If you don’t like it, can’t you just think about it in private? But, but…”

The smile disappeared from Han Myeong-hoe’s face as he paused for a moment. Han Myeong-hoe looked at the leaders with a stern expression.

“Everyone was shouting ‘Italian unification’ with their mouths, but wasn’t everyone just watching what foreign powers thought? At that time, who was the one who stood up and fought, covered in blood? Wasn’t it Florence? It didn’t give in to stand up to that mighty new power of France, Spain. “Who fought? Florence! Isn’t it only fair to give due respect to the one who fought first!”

“But…”

“Your ancestors, Rome, were like that, right? They treated those who stood shoulder to shoulder with them and shed blood with the highest regard. If you look at it that way, how much blood did you shed? No, Florence was the one to shed it. “Were you sincere about unification before you stepped forward?”

“That’s…”

“Answer me without muttering!”

Han Myeong-hoe’s gaze was fixed on Alfonso. Alfonso secretly turned his head under Han Myeong-hoe’s gaze.

“Big! Big!”

Han Myeong-hoe cleared his throat a few times, hiding his discomfort, and continued speaking.

“Again, this is not a decision, but a proposal. Once again, this is Italy’s internal affairs and our empire has no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. This has been a national policy established since the founding of the empire.”

At Han Myeonghoe’s words, everyone except Lorenzo and other Florentine people simultaneously cursed under their breath.

‘That’s just what you say!’

But it was something that could not be said outwardly. Also, although Han Myeong-hoe is now saying it was a ‘suggestion’, it was the empire’s will. And those gathered here had no choice but to follow suit. The imperial army currently stationed in Italy numbered 100,000, including the Swiss army. It was the strongest in Italy both in terms of the size of its troops and its firepower. If one wanted to, it would not be impossible to make it the ‘Medici Kingdom’ rather than ‘Unified Italy’.

In addition, in order for them and unified Italy to survive under the pressure of the Holy Roman Empire of France and Spain, they absolutely needed the help of the empire. Therefore, they had to argue only with ‘proportions’. And Alfonso came forward to represent these people.

“We are not unaware of Florence’s courage and sacrifice, and we respect her. But we cannot give Florence too much.”

Everyone else nodded at Alfonso’s words, and the expressions on the Florentines’ faces turned fierce. At Alfonso’s point, Han Myeong-hoe smiled again and looked at Alfonso. Alfonso cursed inwardly at the sight of such a meeting.

‘cadet! How can I smile like that? ‘I want to slam my fist into that face!’

Either way, Han Myeong-hoe answered without hesitation.

“As I said before, didn’t your ancestor Rome set a good example? Isn’t it enough to shed that much blood?”

“Blood?”

“Isn’t there still some Italian territory left that hasn’t been reclaimed?”

At that moment, everyone in the conference room let out exclamations of exclamation.

“ah!”

The French and Spanish armies were holding out around Turin and Bra to the south.

-The ratio can change depending on the performance shown in the process of expelling the French and Spanish troops in the area!

Han Myeong-hoe’s next words were the deciding blow.

“I heard a rumor that the French and Spanish troops are packing their bags…”

-If you let them go, Florence will take over everything!

At the words of the meeting, the leaders of Milan, Genoa, and Venice and Cesare Borgia whispered to the officials next to them.

“All right.”

The official who heard the whisper gave a short reply and hurried out. Meanwhile, Alfonso looked embarrassed and became speechless.

“What’s the problem with the Kingdom of Naples? Ah! Did it have a special relationship with Spain?”

At Han Myeong-hoe’s point, all eyes of other leaders focused on Alfonso. The Genoese tyrant looked at Alfonso for a moment, then smiled strangely and blurted out his words.

“Now that I think about it, the royal family of the Kingdom of Naples…”

Alfonso V, the father of Ferdinand I, the current King of the Kingdom of Naples, was the King of the Kingdoms of Aragon and Sicily. And Aragon was an axis of the Spanish united royal palace. The Genoese tyrant’s words were vague, but his meaning was clear.

-You guys were of Spanish descent, right?

It was certain that if we went a little further from here, the Kingdom of Naples would also become a target of subjugation. Therefore, Alfonso hastily made an excuse.

“Whatever our roots may be, I and my people are all Italians born and raised in Italy! We too will participate in the unification of Italy! It’s just that we are worried that Spain will threaten our hometown of Naples!”

Han Myeong-hoe quickly intervened in Alfonso’s excuse.

“So, if there is no threat from Spain, you are saying that you will mobilize as many troops as possible to join the advance north?”

“That’s right! If there were no threat from Spain, our Kingdom of Naples would mobilize as many troops as we can and advance north! We can’t move our troops because of Spain!”

Alfonso, who had said that far, suddenly brightened his face and continued.

“If the Spanish army in the north is attacked, the Spanish will definitely attack Naples! I think preventing this and repulsing it would be as great an achievement as Florence!”

Han Myeong-hoe immediately refuted this.

“Spain does not have enough naval power to attack Naples. Our Imperial Navy has already caused devastating damage. Of course, in the process, it also caused some damage to Naples’ port, but you wouldn’t know it, right? Spain’s army, which suffered such crushing damage, Do you think your fleet can break through our Imperial Navy and take Naples?”

“What if? And it wasn’t just a little bit, it was serious damage!”

“They call it ‘inevitable’. Hmm… If you are so afraid of the Spanish Navy, how about this? Our Imperial Navy will dock at Naples. If you make a place for the Imperial Navy to stay on one side of the Naples port, the Imperial Navy will stay there. “I will help with the safety of Naples. What do you think?”

“Give me a moment…”

“At this very moment, France and Spain in the north are preparing to retreat.”

“Ugh…”

At Han Myeong-hoe’s words, Alfonso groaned and placed his hand on his forehead.

‘You’re backed into a corner. Was it a defeat to mention the Spanish Navy?….’

If the Spanish Navy was intact, it was an idea that could serve both the cause and practical purposes. However, now that the Spanish and French navies were in tatters, what was supposed to be an ingenious idea turned out to be a defeat. While Alfonso was pondering, one of the staff members behind him came up to him and whispered softly.

“I am offended, but I think it would be good for you to allow the Imperial Navy to remain stationed there.”

“why?”

“Where the Imperial Navy is stationed, pirates don’t even come near. Thanks to this, merchant ships flock there. It is said that the Imperial Navy is also of great use.”

“Hmm…”

Alfonso thought for a moment and asked his staff.

“But our kingdom’s army must go north and fight. If we do something wrong, we could suffer great losses.”

“I think it would be a good idea to ask for support from the empire in that regard. And fighting the French or Spanish will have less losses than fighting the empire.”

“Less damage?”

“Overwhelmingly.”

“I see… I understand. Stay back.”

“yes.”

Alfonso left his staff behind and began to furiously weigh the profits and losses.

-If the Imperial Navy allows port calls, it may be accused of inviting foreign powers. No, you will be criticized.

-But if you think about it, Spain is also a foreign power. The question then is which one will bring greater benefits.

“Hmm…”

After thinking for a moment, Alfonso asked Han Myeong-hoe.

“If the Imperial Navy were allowed to call at port, would you protect the safety of the Kingdom of Naples and the surrounding seas?”

“of course.”

“But we cannot allow it to interfere in the kingdom’s internal affairs.”

“As I said before, ‘non-interference in internal affairs’ is the national policy of the empire.”

Alfonso, who became anxious at the simple answer, demanded solid evidence.

“Please leave it in writing. Of course, the document needs the imperial emperor’s seal.”

“It would take too long to get approval from His Majesty the Emperor, so the Crown Prince who is here now will approve it. According to imperial law, this will also be fully effective.”

In response to Han Myeong-hoe’s answer, Alfonso predicted profit and loss again.

‘I heard that the previous emperor in Bologna had stronger authority than the emperor. Then…’

Alfonso thought for a moment and then made up his mind.

‘Okay, let’s accept it! We’re running out of time! Milan, Genoa, Venice and Romagna have already started moving! If you are late here, your share of the kingdom will be less!’

“Okay! I will accept the empire’s offer. I will send people to coordinate the agreement.”

“I am truly grateful for the Kingdom of Naples’ choice!”

Expressing gratitude for Alfonso’s decision, Han Myeong-hoe internally cheered.

‘done! This allowed the influence of the empire to reach both North and South Italy!’