Chapter 898

Episode 898: The Imperial March (1)

Currently, Switzerland was waging a war of independence against the Holy Roman Empire, or to be more precise, the Habsburgs.

In particular, as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire continued to emerge from the Habsburg family, Switzerland’s autonomy was gradually diminished, and the war of independence became more intense.

In this situation, France intervened.

-Recognition of Swiss independence.

-Hiring 10,000 Swiss mercenaries.

Up to this point, conditions were very good for Switzerland. But the conditions that followed were the problem.

-Concluded an alliance with France.

-If there is a request from France, mercenaries are contracted on very ‘friendly’ terms.

Even though Switzerland was already waging a war of independence against the Habsburgs, if the above conditions were followed, Switzerland would become the real enemy of the Habsburgs.

Dealing with the Habsburgs with Switzerland’s meager national power was like ‘hitting a rock with an egg.’

Of course, in that case, our ally France would support us, but France’s intentions were very obvious.

-Use Switzerland to drain Habsburg power.

“It seems like their intentions are too obvious...”

“But if you think about the Habsburgs...”

While the leaders of the Swiss Confederation were gathering to consider France’s proposal, the Habsburgs also sent a messenger to Switzerland.

The proposal sent by the Habsburgs was summarized as follows.

-Guaranteeing expansion of autonomy for autonomous cantons belonging to the Swiss Confederation.

-Reduction of various taxes and reduction of tax rates imposed on the Swiss Confederation.

-All mercenary contracts give priority to the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire.

-If necessary, the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire can intervene in mercenary contracts between Switzerland and other countries.

The leaders of the Swiss Confederation put their hands on their foreheads at the Habsburg proposal, which seemed as clearly a carrot-and-stick proposition as France’s.

“If you think about it, they will immediately turn it into kindling...”

“They are oppressors, but they are also one of the biggest employers...”

This was the problem.

Although a war of independence was being waged against the Habsburgs and the Holy Roman Empire, it was not a full-scale war. Therefore, whenever the Holy Roman Empire went to war, a significant number of Swiss mercenaries were hired to participate in the war.

In other words, on one side, there was a dispute over independence, but on the other side, the long-standing and major player was the Habsburgs.

Of course, the Habsburgs were well aware of this situation.

-We have a bit of an advantage now, but there are limits as long as France exists.

-Therefore, alternative means are needed.

-The best alternative is a standing army, but cost is an issue. We need to raise another mercenary group.

In this way, France and Habsburg were wielding carrots and sticks over Switzerland.

And neither France nor Habsburg had any intention of giving up Switzerland.

This was because the road down to Italy was taken over by the other.

In order to take over Switzerland, both France and the Habsburgs made efforts to recruit influential figures in Switzerland while simultaneously showing off their military power.

Thanks to this, the atmosphere among Swiss people became increasingly hostile.

“Do we have no future?...”

While the Swiss were in mourning, the Empire intervened.

* * *

All news about the competition between France and the Habsburgs over Switzerland was sent to Seoul, regardless of whether it was rumor or fact.

“If you consider the time it takes to get to Seoul, analyzing it here is a waste of time! Filter it appropriately and send it to me!”

Embassy officials responded by following Shin Sook-ju’s orders, which were accompanied by practical difficulties and frustration.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense had to go through a lot of trouble to analyze the documents sent to Seoul.

Hyeon received the report and thought about it before getting up from his seat.

“I have an idea, but I’m not sure what to do.”

As Hyeon left, saying something that was unclear whether he was talking to himself or asking people to listen, the ministers gathered around Han Myeong-hoe.

“What do you think Your Majesty is thinking?”

In response to the ministers’ questions, Han Myeong-hoe turned to Lim Sun-wook.

“I don’t think you’re thinking of mercenaries?”

“I think it’s a mercenary. But...”

Lim Soon-wook, who was speechless for a moment, sighed and looked back at the Minister of Finance and Economy.

“... You can see it as a ploy, but if you look at it another way, you can say it is standard. “It is worth considering.”

Following Han Myeong-hoe’s words, Lim Sun-wook spoke.

“Please forgive my disloyalty for not being able to give you a straight answer simply because the policy your Majesty came up with goes far beyond the limits of a criminal like your convictions.”

“Even disloyalty... I just thought in a different direction. Jim knows very well that this is not an unusual ploy. So, think carefully and give me an answer by the day after tomorrow.”

“I follow your orders.”

And for two days, the ministers engaged in a war of words, forgetting about the night.

Two days later, Han Myeong-hoe, with a tired face, reported to Hyeon on behalf of the ministers.

“Looking at the current state of the empire, I think this is the best plan.”

“Then let’s proceed like this.”

* * *

A few months later, a special envoy from the empire arrived at the imperial embassy in Florence.

“Come quickly. “But has so many people suddenly come? Is there something urgent going on?”

The Minister of Finance and Economy, who headed the special envoy, answered Shin Sook-joo’s question right away.

“I came because of urgent matters to be done to win the upcoming war in Italy.”

“It’s something that needs to be taken care of urgently... Of course, Switzerland?”

“exactly. Please make room.”

After a while. A seat was quickly created in the embassy conference room.

With all the high-ranking officials staying in Italy gathered, starting with the three ambassadors, an official from the home country began his explanation.

“I will now explain the operation targeting Switzerland. First of all...”

The official turned the first page of the chart. The second page that appeared had only two letters written in large letters.

“Battle? Money fight?”

The official answered Seong Sam-moon’s question right away.

“Yes, this is the name of the operation for our empire’s first victory over Europe.”

“Hoo~.”

“Hmm...”

The three ambassadors responded with curiosity to the official’s answer. On the other hand, the Minister of Finance and Economy continued speaking with a tired face.

“Among us, we call it ‘money shit.’”

“huh?”

“What is that....”

“You will know when you listen.”

The three ambassadors and officials listened to the Minister of Finance and Economy’s words and listened to the subsequent report.

“... That is all.”

“....”

When the explanation was over, not only the three ambassadors but also the officials stationed in Florence had no one to speak.

“Huh...”

As time passed, Seong Sam-moon was the first to come to his senses and looked at the Minister of Finance and Economy.

“There is only one person who can make such a crazy...no, such a grand plan. “Are you in the prenatal situation?”

At Seong Sam-moon’s words, Shin Suk-ju, Yu Eung-bu and all other officials stationed in Florence nodded.

But the Minister of Finance and Economy shook his head.

“No, it’s your Majesty. “Tae Sang-tae only gave advice.”

“Oops! Cough! “Cough!”

Seong Sam-moon, who was momentarily out of breath, coughed and everyone around him muttered the same thing.

‘What on earth is that blood!’

Author’s words.

This is a map posted on Premium Shipbuilding in 2016. In the case of Florence, you can see that its power has grown further as it occupies a significant portion of the northern region of the Papal States.

2. Please be careful of colds during the change of seasons. Be careful of stress too.

Since the end of last year, I have been suffering from a cold, probably due to excessive stress due to various events happening at the same time.

It’s been over a week and it hasn’t gotten better.

I would really appreciate your generosity even if there are frequent delays in serialization.

I hope you have a good weekend.

Posted with soup.