Black Corporation: Joseon

Henry immediately answered Hyang’s question.

“They are currently staying at the guesthouse.”

“Are they traveling together?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Henry responded firmly.

“No. They traveled together, but they’re not companions.”

“Is that so? Do you happen to know why they came to Joseon?”

“From what I hear, they’re monks who conduct academic research.”

“Ah, I see. Thank you.”

Having obtained the information he wanted, Hyang stepped back with a light bow of gratitude.

They said he was extraordinary, and it’s true. He’s fluent enough in Latin to converse without an interpreter, and it’s impossible to read his true intentions. And…

Henry glanced discreetly at Sejong, who sat on the raised platform. During Hyang’s conversation with Henry, Sejong had silently listened without any interpretation.

He had listened without the need for a translator’s translation.

Henry swallowed hard.

I can swear to God! He wasn’t just sitting there because he didn’t understand! He clearly comprehended everything! Both father and son are dangerous opponents – let your guard down for a moment, and they’ll devour you!

Through his competitions with formidable figures across Europe and the Middle East, Henry had learned one thing:

A foreigner who can converse comfortably is more dangerous than those who cannot!

When communication required an interpreter due to language barriers, there were opportunities to discover what the other party was trying to hide or conceal.

This was due to the gaps that emerged when thoughts were conveyed through a third party rather than directly.

However, when dealing with a foreigner fluent in Portuguese or Latin, they could not only easily hide their vulnerabilities but were more likely to lead conversations in unexpected directions and set traps.

Having assessed the situation, Henry felt chills run down his spine.

There are monsters living in this very Eastern land!

In any case, the meeting between Sejong and Henry concluded with his conversation with Hyang.

“It has been truly meaningful to meet a prince from a foreign land. I hope our two nations continue to maintain good relations.”

Hearing Sejong’s words through the interpreter, Henry responded with a respectful bow.

“I share the same sentiment.”

“I will ensure the practical meetings regarding trade are arranged as soon as possible.”

“Thank you.”

The moment he left Gyeongbokgung after the meeting, Henry took a deep breath.

“Whew! They were more dangerous than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Shaking his head lightly, Henry turned to look at his close associates, including Pedro.

“We need to prepare for a meeting as soon as we return to the guesthouse. They’re not opponents to be taken lightly.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

Seeing Prince Henry’s tense expression, his associates nodded with serious faces.

That evening, an official from the palace visited the guesthouse.

“What brings you here?”

“I have a royal command for the monks.”

“Is that so? Please wait a moment.”

Shortly after, following a soldier ordered by Henry, the monks appeared.

The official delivered the royal command to the visibly nervous monks.

“You are to enter the palace tomorrow morning.”

“Understood.”

***

The next morning, the monks visited Gyeongbokgung. Surrounded by soldiers in a formation that seemed more like containment than escort, the monks moved forward with frightened faces, looking around nervously.

Their progress, whether walking or being led was ambiguous, came to a halt in front of Geunjeongjeon Hall.

King Sejong sat in a chair at the top of the steps leading to Geunjeongjeon, watching them, with Hyang standing beside him.

“This is His Majesty, the King of this nation. Pay your respects!”

At the interpreter’s words, the monks hastily bowed.

Sejong acknowledged their greeting with a slight wave of his hand before turning to Hyang.

“Step forward.”

“Yes, Father.”

After a light bow, Hyang stepped forward and addressed the monks.

“Where do you come from?”

“I am Giovanni of the Franciscan Order, and these are my companions.”

At Giovanni’s response, Hyang’s eyes gleamed as he asked further.

“Giovanni of the Franciscan Order? Do you know a monk named Angelo?”

“He is my fellow brother.”

“Oh…”

Letting out a light exclamation, Hyang continued his questioning.

“Well then, Brother Giovanni. Why have you come to Joseon?”

“We came because Angelo’s letter described this as the finest place for studying academics and pursuing knowledge.”

“Is that truly all?”

“Well…”

“Answer in the name of your God. Though I hardly find it convincing, given how the first disciple chosen by your founder immediately denied and cursed him when faced with danger.”

When Hyang referenced the incident of Peter’s actions on the night Jesus was arrested, Giovanni fell silent with a slightly reddened face.

“Why are you silent?”

“To be honest, evangelization is a priest’s mission.”

“Angelo was the same. So I had a question that I asked to be delivered to the Pope – have you brought the answer?”

Giovanni immediately responded to Hyang’s question.

“His Holiness the Pope has declared that ancestral rites are not heretical.”

“Can you swear to this truth in the name of your God?”

“I can swear to it.”

“Then submit the official document recording this.”

At Hyang’s command, Giovanni responded with an uncomfortable expression.

“There is no document.”

“Why not?”

“…”

Giovanni could only remain silent at Hyang’s question. The situation in Vatican was in complete disarray.

***

The questions Hyang had posed through Angelo continued to shake Europe’s religious and academic circles even as time passed.

‘Papal Supremacy VS. Conciliar Supremacy,’ ‘Separation of Church and State VS. Unity of Church and State.’

‘Church Reform VS. Maintaining Current System VS. Return to Fundamentalism.’

Disputes over numerous such issues continued endlessly, with countless thinkers claiming their opinions were correct.

It was truly a European version of the ‘Hundred Schools of Thought’ era.

And Hyang’s questions had become the most useful tool for these thinkers to assert the legitimacy of their ideologies.

“The questions posed by that foreign prince are valid observations! And my thoughts are the answer!”

“What you’re saying is nonsense! I’m the one who’s right!”

Due to such chaos – with verbal battles being the norm and bloodshed as a bonus – Pope Eugene IV was in no position to provide an official written response.

***

Given this situation, Giovanni had no choice but to remain silent when Hyang asked for the reason.

Observing Giovanni’s demeanor, Hyang drew his conclusion.

“Without an official document, we cannot permit evangelization.”

“But His Holiness the Pope clearly gave his answer.”

“Even with documents, politics is full of overnight reversals. How can we trust words transmitted only verbally?”

At Hyang’s point, Giovanni fell silent once again.

Seeing Giovanni’s reaction, Hyang continued in a firm voice.

“Frankly, we’re hesitant about accepting you even if you only conduct academic research. We already have an abundance of knowledge and scholars in Joseon. When we must carefully consider whether to accept those solely dedicated to academic research, do you think we need to accept those with other intentions? So, make your decision. If you will devote yourself exclusively to academic research, you may stay in Joseon. If not, leave with the Portuguese when they depart! After that, you will be forcibly expelled!”

After contemplating Hyang’s stern command for a while, Giovanni spoke with difficulty.

“If I may be so bold, could I make my decision after meeting my fellow brother?”

At Giovanni’s request, Hyang turned to report to Sejong.

After receiving Sejong’s answer, Hyang responded to Giovanni.

“Granted. I will provide soldiers to escort you immediately.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

***

“Brother! Brother Angelo!”

Angelo, who had been wrestling with equations in the research institute’s office, jumped to his feet at the sound of a voice he never expected to hear here.

Turning toward the voice, Angelo spread his arms wide in joy upon seeing Giovanni.

“Oh, brother!”

The two men embraced warmly, then lightly kissed each other’s cheeks in greeting.

“Please, sit.”

“Thank you.”

After offering Giovanni a seat, Angelo sat across from him and immediately asked a question.

“What brings you to this distant foreign land?”

“Well, about that…”

***

“I see…”

Having heard Hyang’s command from Giovanni, Angelo nodded lightly.

“Even for a foreign country that believes in a different religion, isn’t this too harsh?”

“There are reasons for all of this.”

Angelo explained the reasons behind Giovanni’s lament.

“The kingdom that existed before this one declined partly due to religion. Though religion wasn’t the sole cause, it certainly wasn’t innocent. So naturally, the current king and nobles are sensitive about religion.”

“Was that so?”

Nodding slightly, Angelo continued his explanation.

“The nobles and intellectuals leading this country are fundamentally atheists. They view religion itself as a means of deceiving and unfairly exploiting the common people.”

“That’s extreme.”

“Well, there are precedents… Especially the current king views religion negatively. I’ve heard that since the beginning of his reign, he has eliminated monasteries and temples and drastically reduced religious sects.”

“Hmm… Did the people accept this quietly?”

When Giovanni expressed disbelief, Angelo shrugged slightly.

“For the people of this country, the king’s actions are inviolable.”

“Still…”

“I witnessed this myself – a few years ago, there was a heretical cult that believed in a ghost called ‘Dubaksin.’ At that time, the king not only severely punished the cult members but also tried to eliminate all existing temples, sects, and even fortune-tellers who worship spirits. Of course, the ministers intervened, saying it was too extreme, so it didn’t happen. That’s how strongly the rulers of this country reject religion.”

***

As Angelo said, Sejong’s response to the ‘Dubaksin Incident’ had been resolute.

Not only did he severely punish those who first spread the Dubaksin belief, but he also issued a royal command to arrest all shamans living in the capital.

It was a plan to completely eliminate shamans who served spirits, using the Dubaksin incident as an opportunity, but they had to stop upon realizing that shamanism was too deeply rooted in folk customs to be easily eradicated.

However, the aftermath led to the temporary suspension of various Buddhist events, including the Lantern Festival, and the ancestral rites of the Royal Stables Office.

***

“Well… This is troubling.”

Seeing Giovanni’s genuinely troubled expression, Angelo wore a resigned look.

“Given the situation in this country, there’s no choice. Either bring definitive documents, or devote yourself solely to academic research like me.”

“I see.”

Nodding, Giovanni looked around before lowering his voice to call Angelo.

“Brother, what is the current situation in this country?”

“The situation in Joseon? What do you mean?”

“Do they have plans to expand westward, toward Europe?”

Understanding the implications of Giovanni’s question, Angelo checked their surroundings with a serious expression before asking in a lowered voice.

“Why? Has something happened at the Vatican?”

“I’ll explain that later. First, please answer my question.”