New Triangular Trade

Friedrich's fleet departed with a bountiful harvest; beyond the Shogunate, various daimyo were frantically paying tribute to the Austrian Empire.

After all, according to the terms of the Treaty of Edo, the Austrian side was obligated to provide return gifts.

However, during this period, Friedrich rejected a highly tempting proposal. Because he appreciated the lord of the Choshu Domain (or perhaps because he had been having such a good time), he returned to the Choshu Domain before leaving Japan, just as he had promised.

Yet this time, Friedrich encountered an unexpected situation. When he walked into the Tenshukaku, he found Mori Takachika already dressed in his kimono and haori, sitting there with an attitude so unnervingly formal that it looked as if he were ready to commit seppuku at any moment.

"Mori-san, what is the matter?"

Friedrich asked, somewhat puzzled, as his recent interactions had taught him that the Japanese could always find some strange reason to commit seppuku.

It is worth mentioning the linguistic talent passed down through the House of Habsburg; in less than two months, Friedrich had already reached the point where he could conduct basic conversations in Japanese.

"Friedrich-san, please, you must sell me your flagship! I beg of you!"

Mori Takachika remained in a deep, unwavering Dogez.

However, Friedrich would not agree to such a thing. After all, the Eugen was his treasure, and in his mind, it was the very symbol of the Austrian Imperial Navy.

"That is impossible!"

Friedrich answered bluntly and turned to leave; he had no desire to waste time with someone coveting his fleet.

Mori Takachika scrambled over on his knees, grabbing the hem of Friedrich's trousers.

"My Choshu Domain is willing to offer five hundred thousand taels of gold! Please, reconsider! I beg you!"

Mori Takachika's retainers hurriedly began