Chapter 968

Chapter 968 Everyone is a hustler except me.... (5)

“Considering the national interests of the empire, Naples must also be kept within the empire’s sphere of influence.”

Just before the negotiations took place in Rome, Hyang sternly insisted to Han Myeong-hoe, Shin Sook-ju, and Seong Sam-moon that they should take possession of Naples. Han Myeong-hoe and Shin Suk-ju nodded at Hyang’s words. However, Seong Sam-moon raised a problem.

“If we only think about national interests, it is natural that the shadow of the empire should be cast over Naples. However, there is a question of justification. No matter what happens, our empire is a foreign power. If we make a mistake, there are those who will criticize the empire for interfering in internal affairs. There can be a lot.”

Hyang responded to Seong Sam-moon’s point with a smile.

“That’s a fair point. It will happen if we take the initiative. But wouldn’t it be okay if we make them need us? No, they will definitely need us.”

“Yes? Why is that so?”

When Seong Sam-moon expressed his doubts, Han Myeong-hwa spoke on behalf of Hyang.

“The unification of Italy does not end with the unification of cities and kingdoms. Isn’t there also a restoration of territory?”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“The territory that Italy is currently recovering is not only the Papal States, but also Turin and its surrounding areas in the north. And the armies of France and Spain are gathered there.”

“ah!”

Seong Sam-moon knew what Han Myeong-hoe’s words meant and let out an exclamation.

-Will the Kingdom of Naples participate in the unification of Italy? The choice must be made between remaining a separate country.

-However, it lacks the capabilities in all aspects to survive as a separate country. Therefore, it will participate in the unification of Italy.

-In order to have a voice in Italian politics after unification, one must participate in the battle taking place in the north, whether one likes it or not.

– Of course, it will turn away from Spain, which has been the backwater of the Kingdom of Naples until now, and will ask the empire for help to protect the safety of the country.

Seong Sam-moon, who learned of Hyang and Han Myeong-hoe’s calculations, nodded.

“Because of the problems in the north, Naples in the south will voluntarily fall into the shadow of the empire, so there will be less opposition.”

“exactly.”

“In that case, there is only one thing the minors can do. That is to try to reduce even the slightest backlash.”

“I will only believe in the scriptures.”

“I will do my best.”

And in the negotiations that took place in Rome, Naples came under the shadow of the empire. As Naples came under the shadow of the empire, the empire was able to exert definite influence over southern Italy.

* * *

As negotiations progressed, the situation became more bleak for France and Spain, who had occupied the northern tip of Italy and were holding out. At first, these countries came in with great enthusiasm with the intention of dividing Italy into North and South. However, after only a few months, they found themselves stuck at the edge of the north and became anxious. For the French and Spanish soldiers who were so anxious, something even worse was happening in Rome.

The ‘Italian Army’, which included the armies of the Principality of Romagna and the Kingdom of Naples, had begun to advance north. For the Italian army now advancing north, the French and Spanish armies had changed from being ‘things of fear that make one’s spine tingle just thinking about them’, to ‘trophies that must be taken quickly.’

The morale of the Italian army heading north was sky-high, and the marching soldiers were in high spirits. On the other hand, the anger of the imperial commanders at the Allied Forces headquarters was sky-high, and the imperial soldiers were walking around with murderous looks in their eyes.

“You guys! You guys don’t even think about supplies!”

“All you have to do is move north without thinking! I taught you so rudely not to do that!”

This happened because I was suddenly taking on several times more rear-end work than when I was advancing south.

“I expected it to some extent...”

-The empire takes responsibility for building railroads throughout Italy.

-The empire is responsible for the materials and wages of artisans used in railroad construction.

-Italy is responsible for the workers employed in construction. Here, the scope of responsibility means securing wages, medical support, food, clothing, and shelter.

-Once the railway is completed, the Empire covers maintenance costs at the rate of 4 and Italy 6.

-Profits generated from operating the railroad are divided in the ratio of 6 to the Empire and 4 to Italy.

“Isn’t the profit distribution wrong?”

Other leaders also nodded to Alfonso’s objection. Han Myeong-hoe asked back with a rather strange expression.

“You gave in quite a bit, actually?”

“Why is the Empire taking 6? Is that a concession?”

“The empire is paying most of the costs of railway construction, so I think taking only 60% of the profits is a big concession. Hmm...”

Han Myeong-hoe, who paused for a moment, made a hand signal to the officials behind him. The officials who saw Hanmyeonghoe’s hand signal soon came in with thick folders and distributed them to Alfonso and the leaders.

“Those documents record the costs incurred during the construction of the railway between Suez and Florence.”

“Hmm...”

Alfonso and the leaders who were checking the documents all cleared their throats. This was because the amount written down was considerably larger than they thought. What caught their attention was a specific detail written in a report related to Florence.

-Not only Florence but all of Italy has a significant mountainous area separated from the Apennine Mountains and the Alps.

-Constructing a railway throughout Italy will incur significant additional costs.

“.....If we provide an additional portion of the funds, excluding the workers’ portion, would it be possible to adjust the share?”

In response to Alfonso’s question, Han Myeong-hoe looked back at the leaders of Venice, Milan, and Genoa and asked back.

“Do you have time to spare? Just rebuilding the cities and villages destroyed by the war must be too much for you, right?”

“Big! Big!”

“Keu...”

In response to Han Myeong-hoe’s question, the leaders of Milan, Genoa, and Venice cleared their throats or made groaning noises and looked away. This was because Milan and Genoa suffered serious damage from the Empire-Florence alliance, while Venice suffered serious damage from the Habsburgs. And this was the same for Alfonso. This was because they suffered significant damage from the imperial navy that attacked the Spanish fleet trapped in the port of Naples.

“But 6:4 is too much!”

“That’s right!”

In the end, after intense bargaining disguised as negotiation, a distribution ratio of 5.5:4.5 was decided.

* * *

Starting with the railroad, the empire began to gain many interests in Italy. What was interesting was that nothing was taken outright. The best example was the ‘Imperial-Italian Customs Agreement’.

“Now that Italy is unified, I think it is appropriate to abolish tariffs between the states.”

Han Myeong-hoe, who began this way, recommended that tariffs not be levied between Italian states. These were tariffs that existed because they were effectively separate countries until unification. Since it was an issue that could be taken care of for both justification and practical benefit, the leaders agreed to this. After removing the tariff clause, Han Myeong-hoe immediately presented the next card.

“I propose a tariff-free agreement between the Empire and Italy. The Empire will not impose tariffs on goods imported from Italy. Instead, Italy will not impose tariffs on goods exported by the Empire.”

“huh?”

“uh?”