American: Native Empire

“So be it. I understand. You may go now.”

“Yes, Lord Eagle.”

As soon as the name was uttered, Suha left without delay. 

After he left, the Swift Rope thought about the events happening in Joseon across the sea.

‘Joseon is really lucky. They have the full support of His Majesty, and they have so many talented people. They might succeed in modernizing soon.’

The Swift Rope knew very well the importance of information. 

That’s why he had planted many informants in the three countries where his lord had roots: Japan, Joseon, and China.

Thanks to that, the organization created by the Blue Earth had received a lot of help lately.

As a result, the Swift Rope was able to receive very detailed reports on the situation of Joseon from his seat.

‘Well, it’s not bad for me either.’

Joseon was also important to him. 

Because it was located between Ming and Japan.

If such a country became modernized, it would never be a loss.

‘At least the Joseon people won’t repay kindness with enmity.’

He was sure that his contribution to Joseon’s modernization would benefit the Top Eagle Company and Empire.

Knock knock.

“Lord Eagle. It’s time to go.”

“Get ready.”

At the sound of his attendant from outside, the Swift Rope got up without hesitation. 

Time was gold. 

And the person he was meeting now was a very important figure. 

He couldn’t afford to keep him waiting.

“Welcome.”

“Haha. How can you come out yourself? I’m not worthy of such honor.”

“What are you talking about! It’s nothing compared to welcoming the Swift Rope who has done so much for us.”

“I appreciate your kindness. Come on, let’s go inside.”

“Let’s do that!”

Ouchi Yoshitaka couldn’t hide his smile on his face as he entered. 

He had no choice. 

He had received a lot of help from the Top Eagle Company in expanding his power, and he had easily suppressed several rebellions thanks to the powerful weapons and gunpowder provided by the Top Eagle Company.

As a result, there was no longer any force around him that could threaten the Iwami Silver Mine. 

Rather, he had unified half of the provinces by now.

The remaining daimyos around him were either forced to choose between opposing Ouchi Yoshitaka to the end or kneeling before him.

Gulp gulp.

“Hmm… The tea from the Empire always tastes deep. It tastes better than the tea that comes from Ming.”

“Is that so? In our country, Ming tea is more popular. Well, I prefer our country’s tea too.”

The two drank tea from the Empire and chatted amicably.

“I heard the news. You expanded your power greatly.”

“That’s all thanks to the powerful weapons and gunpowder that you provided us, Lord Eagle. And you are also working hard to develop our territory.”

“Haha. It was a fair trade. Our lordship has also expanded our power greatly thanks to the huge amount of silver that we received from the Iwami Silver Mine.”

“That makes me sad. Was our relationship so shallow that you call it a trade? I thought we were closer than that.”

“I’m just saying that. You and I are like sailing on the same boat.”

“Of course. Hahaha!”

At that, Ouchi Yoshitaka burst into laughter. 

The Swift Rope also smiled and continued.

“His Majesty is also very pleased. The words of the great spirits are spreading widely in this land.”

“Hahat! How can His Majesty be pleased by me doing what I should do? If you ever meet His Majesty, please tell him that I will continue to spread the faith of the spirits.”

“Don’t you think you should visit our country once? If you do, His Majesty will be very happy.”

“Hmm. Visiting…”

As soon as the topic of visiting the mainland came up, Ouchi Yoshitaka stroked his chin.

“If you are worried about what might happen when you leave your seat or your personal safety, you don’t have to worry. We will take care of it and protect you while you are gone.”

The Swift Rope’s face was confident as he finished his words. 

He trusted in the power of the Top Eagle Company.

Ouchi Yoshitaka glanced at his face and fell into thought.

‘Surely if it’s the Top Eagle Company…’

Who else would feel the power of the Top Eagle Company as much as he did?

If it weren’t for his alliance with the Hojo clan and the trade with the Top Eagle Company through them… Maybe by now, his clan would have disappeared.

It was such a chaotic time, and there were many daimyos who coveted the Iwami Silver Mine around him.

‘Their influence is unmatched in this sea.’

Currently, the Top Eagle Company was the most powerful maritime force in the sea across Ming, Joseon, and Japan.

They had such a tight grip on this region that there was hardly any room for other imperial lordships to enter.

That’s why Ouchi Yoshitaka never thought of going against the Top Eagle Company and the Swift Rope who led such a great lordship.

‘If the Top Eagle Company takes responsibility for me… It wouldn’t hurt to visit once.’

The ships of the Empire were made of steel and were huge and very fast. So he could go to the mainland and come back quickly.

And from what he had experienced so far, the Top Eagle Company and the Swift Rope were very trustworthy people who valued loyalty, and they were forbidden by imperial policy to annex foreign lands, so there would be no unpleasant incidents.

“I want to see the great cities of the empire, especially the ancient capital and the current one, and the northern industrial zone.”

Thanks to one of the amazing devices made by the empire, the camera, Ouchi Yoshitaka had seen the empire’s appearance indirectly. And he had also heard vivid stories from various gods and sages who had visited the empire personally.

But it was incomparable to seeing it for himself.

“Very well. I can’t refuse if you are so kind to invite me, Swift Rope.”

“Haha. You made a good decision. Then, would you like to accompany me to meet Lord Hojo this time? You have to see him sooner or later anyway.”

“Hmm. That’s true… Alright. Let me know when you finish your work and decide on the departure date. I’ll be waiting.”

“Sure thing.”

After that, Swift Rope took care of all the work he had to do at the office, and gave strict orders to his subordinates.

“For a while, Lord Ouchi will be traveling with me. We are going to visit the homeland and pay our respects to His Majesty, so we will be away for a long time. So you guys have to take responsibility for Ouchi’s territory and protect it. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Lord Swift Rope!”

“Leave it to us. There will be no trouble at all.”

Swift Rope nodded slightly at their confident words.

‘There won’t be any crazy bastards who challenge us.’

There had been many incidents and accidents until Top Eagle Company established himself as the strongest force in this area. And every time, Swift Rope had punished them firmly.

He didn’t care if they left him alone, but if they touched him, he made them pay a fair price.

As a result, by now, there were very few people who dared to mess with Top Eagle Company. That’s why Swift Rope wasn’t too worried.

“You go and bring Lord Ouchi Yoshitaka here.”

“Yes!”

After giving orders to his subordinate, Swift Rope boarded his ship right away. And soon after, Ouchi Yoshitaka arrived.

“…The empire’s ships are amazing every time I see them. And they keep getting better. How much bigger do they want to get?”

“I hear that a lot. They will probably keep growing.”

Ihwan and others who saw the imperial fleet were also impressed by the ever-growing ships.

Soon after, the two of them headed east while talking about various things.

And as time passed, the fleet finally reached its destination.

“Wow.”

Ouchi Yoshitaka looked at the bustling port with shining eyes. Of course, he had also developed a lot of ports on the coast of Ouchi’s territory, but this place was bigger.

‘I can see how much Hojo Ujitsuna cares about trade.’

Well, Hojo Ujitsuna would know well the source of their prosperity, so it was only natural.

And soon after, he confirmed his intention even more.

Hojo Ujitsuna came to meet them personally at the coast.

“No way, you came all the way here.”

“Haha. I was so excited to hear that you two were coming that I couldn’t stay still.”

Swift Rope smiled wryly at their conversation.

‘Hojo Ujitsuna is one step ahead.’

Well, it meant that he treated them well, so he didn’t feel bad.

***

“I didn’t expect that Lord Ouchi of Great Ouchi would visit here personally.”

“Haha. I had to come sooner or later. Didn’t you also visit our territory in the past?”

“Well, that was when I wasn’t a lord yet, so it’s different. I really welcome you.”

“Don’t you welcome me?”

“Hahaha! How could that be? Swift Rope is our benefactor. I’m hurt if you really think so?”

The atmosphere of the three sitting in the reception room was as good as it could be. Especially Hojo Ujitsuna and Ouchi Yoshitaka were very happy because they had secured their positions as the winners of the long Warring States period thanks to this alliance.

“I hear news all the time. You seem to be ready to pacify your surroundings before us.”

“Hey, you know very well that Ouchi has already taken over the situation.”

“Then let’s say that both of you are great.”

At Swift Rope’s words, both daimyos nodded their heads contentedly.

‘The war is practically over.’

Under Top Eagle Company’s full support, both clans received abundant supplies. 

They used high-quality weapons and plenty of gunpowder, as well as excellent tactics, to gradually conquer nearby territories.

Especially Hojo Ujitsuna’s achievements were really remarkable. 

He used his brilliant tactical sense to suppress other strong forces in Kanto region.

If Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin had similar support and time, things might have changed, but the goddess of victory was not on their side.

‘By this year, or next year, the east will be unified by Hojo clan.’

Swift Rope had no doubt about it.

 The tide had already gone too far.

‘And it might take a little longer, but the west will be Ouchi’s territory.’

In other words, it meant that the scattered territories would be reorganized into two huge forces.

And both sides gathered here to discuss what would happen next.

“What are you planning to do after this war is over, Lord Hojo? We can’t keep fighting each other forever, can we?”

“I agree with you. We have spilled too much blood already. There is no need for us to see more of it.”

They exchanged meaningful glances.

“How about we divide Kyoto as the center? What do you think?”

“Hmm…”

“Kyoto is hell right now, as you know. It has lost its former glory long ago. The world has changed. We have to change too, like the Empire. And do we really need to do that change in Kyoto?”

“…You are right. But I don’t think splitting the country in two is appropriate.”

“Then do you really want to fight?”

“What if we unite the two factions and form one country…”

“Ha ha. Lord Ouchi, you are too idealistic. I’m sure that would only cause more conflict. It would be better to cleanly separate our territories. Or do you not have enough land to satisfy you…”

“That’s not it, but…”

Their conversation was interrupted by a Swift Rope.

“Lord Ouchi, are you perhaps worried that Lord Hojo might attack you beyond Kyoto in the future?”

“…Ahem!”

He coughed and nodded slightly at this remark. 

The Swift Rope smiled and opened his mouth.

“If that’s your concern, the Empire will help you. We will certify your territories from the Empire.”

“And if they break it…”

“We will not sit idly by in that situation.”

The Swift Rope had already received a promise from Kim Ki-woo about this. 

So he looked at both sides and twinkled his eyes.