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Austrian Empire, Vienna

After being appointed as Chancellor of Austria, Hitler staged a coup, rounding up captured Communists and lined them up in the square of Vienna with the military.

“Everyone! Here are the Communists! These vermin tried to stain us red under the orders from Berlin!”

“““Uuugh!”””

The Austrian citizens, captivated by Hitler’s anti-communist ideology, jeered and threw various items at the Communists.

“I witnessed it during the Russian Civil War. When the Reds seize power, everyone becomes a filthy human cockroach, knowing nothing of their parents or siblings! These are the cockroaches inside our Austria, aiming to shake the very foundations of the Habsburg Empire! What shall we do with them?”

“““Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!”””

The citizens, engulfed in madness, cried for the death of the Communists.

Of course.

In a situation under pressure from Communist Germany and Communist Italy, one must show firm resolve.

“Cough. How dare we be called cockroaches! We merely sought help from Berlin for the true liberation of the working class! Ultimately, the outdated monarchy shall meet its end! Proletarians! Forever!”

“Hmph! Reforming capitalism would be sufficient to rejuvenate the country in this situation. You Communists are an inferior lot, seeking only the easy path!”

At the opportune moment, Austrian soldiers lined the Communists up.

“In the past, Berlin and Rome warned us not to kill the Communists! But why should we listen to them now? We shall give them an answer!”

Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!

With the fervent cries of the citizens, the Austrian Defense Forces aimed their guns at the Communists.

But just as the Defense Forces were about to pull the trigger, Hitler raised his hand to stop them.

“But we are civilized people. Even such pests, wearing human skin, cannot be killed without a trial.”

It was a fallacy.

Hitler desired the death of the Reds more than anyone.

But before that, he needed to finish this show.

He aimed to criticize the Reds, who had seized power through a people’s trial without any foundation, while also letting the world know that Austria was different from them.

It was a truly ironic show, considering history.

As the surroundings suddenly fell silent, Hitler spoke, feeling both frustrated and resigned.

“They should not determine the fate of life and death through such barbaric trials as a people’s trial. Even if Berlin and Rome are living in a new age of barbarism, we cannot follow suit! These Communists will face the judgment of the law through a proper trial!”

Wow! Hitler! Hitler!

Initially perplexed as to why Hitler was sparing the Communists, the citizens soon began to shout his name passionately.

This was almost a challenge to Berlin and Rome.

The Danube locals, witnessing the scene, praised Hitler, and just as the original historical Hitler had received the support of the Germans, he too gained passionate support from Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians, and Slovakians.

Ironically, the pressure from Communist Germany and Communist Italy was pushing the Dual Monarchy back together.

However, even while conducting this theatrical performance, Hitler felt dissatisfaction.

After all, many of the Communists he had spared might survive the trial.

While the coup plotters would die, many Communists still lurked within Austria, and the arrested ones were awaiting trial.

In any anti-communist state, if law was followed, everyone who hadn’t staged a coup would naturally survive the trial and continue to spread communism in Austria.

While Hitler pondered over these issues, a gift from Russia arrived.

“We have received support from Russia in the form of fire extinguishers and tanks.”

“That’s good.”

Hitler smiled contently.

To be honest, he was not entirely thrilled.

After all, how humiliating it was for a great Aryan to have to rely on the help of the inferior Slavs.

Of course, Hitler acknowledged the existence of the Tsarina, but he regretted that she had become the Empress of the Slavs.

‘What a pity. If only she had become the Empress of Austria.’

Had that happened, he would have aided in liberating the arrogant Italians and the red-stained Germans.

But alas, such a future was not to be.

Certainly, if he played his cards right, he could crown the Russian Tsarina as Empress and dream of a Dual Monarchy, but as long as there was a Kaiser, that was impossible. Hitler did not wish to unite with the Slavs, the origin of the Bolsheviks.

He recognized her only because he was receiving support from Russia.

“And the Tsar has apparently ordered the delivery of Cyclone B as well.”

“Cyclone B? Why would the Tsarina send such a thing—Ah!”

Hitler stopped mid-sentence as he realized the intent of Anastasia (misunderstanding).

Was Cyclone B sent to kill the filthy Communists?

After all, the official stance of the Russian Republic equated Communists to bugs.

Then he could justly utilize it.

Indeed, the Tsarina seemed to understand him, and thus, he should fully utilize this.

Fortunately, the Reds awaiting trial were all excited about surviving.

Shortly thereafter, the Austrian communist concentration camp reported that the Communists had died en masse for unknown reasons.

* * *

One day, while reading reports coming in from the Okhrana of the United States and Austria, Ivan Bunin arrived at the Kremlin.

Why had the great Russian author come to visit?

A great author wouldn’t just stop by for a cup of tea.

While ladies of noble birth used to visit for tea gatherings, an author would likely have something more pressing to discuss.

“Your Majesty, thanks to your support, the development of literature and art in our Russia continues to flourish day by day.”

“Right. I’m aware of that.”

After all, that side requires little budget, thanks largely to the writer’s association.

If it were the Soviet Union, Ivan Bunin wouldn’t even be in Russia, so he was more grateful.

“However…”

“Your Majesty broadcasted the struggles of that civil war through radio to the citizens of the United States, and even foreigners visiting Russia heard it.”

“Indeed.”

What is he trying to say?

I could sense curiosity rising as the great author spoke.

I knew well how these situations played out—usually, it meant he wanted something.

As I waited, the hesitant Ivan Bunin carefully opened his mouth.

“However, recently I have gained many insights from listening to your radio broadcast, Your Majesty.”

“Yes. Please go on.”

I sincerely hoped it wouldn’t be a sudden worship of the Roman Nationalist Party. I wanted to believe that.

“Your Majesty, this foolish author has a request.”

He looked incredibly desperate. What could it be?

Could it be a request for money? No, that didn’t seem like him. Did he have something to say instead?

“The Minister has granted my request, so I must fulfill yours. What is it?”

“Your radio broadcasts are heartfelt stories that inspire the citizens, but it is a shame they cannot be preserved. Thus, how about preserving them in a book?”

Ah, so he wanted permission regarding copyright issues.

That was a good idea.

If I were to write and publish this, it would surely receive overwhelming reactions, at least within Russia.

“Let me write it myself.”

“No, you need not do that. I will base it on the radio broadcasts—”

“Have you already written it?”

“Not exactly.”

Ah, if he wasn’t writing it himself, then I could do it.

This needed to be written by someone personally. It wouldn’t promote well if someone else wrote it based on my radio broadcasts.

It’s also important to know who writes it.

Ivan Bunin was a great author with influence, but the authority of the Tsarina is immense.

Even those with no interest in literature would find it relatable.

“Then it’s better for me to write it. Wouldn’t it seem more impressive if I wrote it myself? Since there’s little work at the Kremlin, I’d like to do at least that.”

Look at Hitler. He wrote “Mein Kampf.”

It would be better for me to write what I experienced.

From the looks of it, the response to the radio broadcast was excellent, so why not write a book?

If I fail, I’ll be embarrassed, but it wouldn’t be bad.

After all, the Tsarina would be seen showing her dedication.

“However, I would appreciate it if the Minister could provide some assistance for the publication.”

“Hmm, understood. Ah, Your Majesty, didn’t you make the Romanov car the people’s car? You personally promoted it then.”

“That’s right.”

What point was he trying to make by laying out the groundwork now?

I would very much like to help with the cultural advancement of Russia.

“How about including your signature in the book?”

“My signature?”

He wants me to include my signature? Hmmm. That sounds good. It’s a signature after all.

There are a lot of monarchists, right? A book with the Tsar’s signature? That wouldn’t be bad.

Of course, I’m just a person, so I can’t sign every book.

“Yes. If you’re going to do it, doesn’t that sound better?”

Didn’t this Ivan Bunin already prepare this?

“Alright. Let’s give it a go.”

It would be nice to include my picture on the book cover as well.

Yes. A title like “My War” wouldn’t be bad.

At least it would be better than Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.”

* * *

Anastasia personally penned the book at the suggestion of Ivan Bunin.

With Bunin providing assistance, the book “My War” was finally published.

The Tsar published a book!

Initially, no one believed it.

Of course, the busy Tsar wouldn’t write a book.

The one who rules Russia can’t be leisurely writing a book!

However, the book with a picture of Anastasia writing at the Kremlin was actually displayed in bookstores.

Moreover, it even included a personal signature.

How could a Russian who became one endure not having it?

In any case, domestically, Russians rushed to bookstores to buy “My War.”

“Damn it, I have to buy this book!”

“If you buy the first edition, you could get the Tsar’s personal signature!”

They were offering a personal signature.

As the Russians raved under the new Tsar’s reign, how could they not buy it?

That wasn’t the only reason.

Of course, if the stories heard in the radio broadcast were captured in the book, buying it was the natural thing to do.

Since radios were often difficult to acquire, Russians who had to listen to broadcasts at friends’ or acquaintances’ houses could find satisfaction in purchasing the book.

Even if it wasn’t a first edition signed copy, the book outsold even Anastasia’s expectations.

It was authored by a war hero and a Tsar who had nurtured their national pride. Not to mention, a picture of the Tsar was even on the cover.

Since the price wasn’t that high, many Russians purchased an extra copy for their collection.

In some households, due to the Tsar’s photo on the cover, they hung the bought book on the wall as a collector’s item.

Unexpectedly, there were requests for publication from abroad.

The countries under the Anti-Air Defense Treaty requested the book “My War,” which uses the backdrop of the Red-White Civil War for anti-communist propaganda, and Japan was no exception.

Especially, since it was written against the backdrop of the Red-White Civil War, it became a topic of hot interest.

Japan considered Russia an ally, and now the Tsar’s authority was similar to the Emperor being revered by the Japanese people, creating empathy.

And since there were those in Japan’s internal circles also dabbling in Communism, the need for anti-communist media grew, and those who could not participate in the Red-White Civil War were curious about what was happening back then.

“No matter how much tyranny they carried out, executing their own royal family on the spot! These Reds really have no upper or lower bounds!”

“Wow, did someone partake in the battle? Now I understand why the Tsar is revered by the Russians.”

“Anachang…”

In Japan, “My War” became immensely popular for various reasons.

“This is something I must have!”

Hitler, who had altered his original history due to the German revolution, the Russian Civil War, and the Tsar, even obtained a first edition and cherished it.

Though the Slavs are inferior, that Tsarina is the one who has pulled them up to this point.

It was only natural for the fool to recognize that she was the one who discovered the talents hidden in the inferior Slavs.

Owning this book was only natural.

In Britain, it was gaining some popularity, but it lagged behind the United States.

However, there were unexpected accomplishments.

“Winston Churchill, have you gotten what I asked for?”

Prince Edward directly asked Churchill to obtain a first edition of “My War.”

Though Churchill managed to get it for him, he awkwardly smiled, feeling uneasy about Edward’s usual conduct.

“Cough. I did manage to find it, but let’s hope it’s not what I think it is.”

“What do you mean?”

“Please tell me you’re not fond of the Russian Tsar.”

I seriously hoped he wasn’t.

It wouldn’t be bad if the British Empire’s prestige spread to Russia through a royal marriage, but even now, Russia isn’t a nation to be easily swallowed by Britain, and that Russian Tsar wouldn’t want a Prince for a husband.

“No. The Tsar is truly beautiful, but I prefer married women. This is simply admiration. If I truly liked her, would I settle for just a signature? I would have gone to Moscow.”

Though he shook his head in denial.

“Th-That’s good to hear.”

Should I call it a relief or not?

Churchill felt utterly perplexed.

But now he couldn’t withdraw; there were many monarchs throughout history who fancied married women, and even noble rulers committed acts of infidelity.

If he could use this as a reason to overlook the Prince’s wayward tendencies to form a new cabinet, that would be sufficient.

Meanwhile, in France…

Despite what happened after the Ruhr occupation, the impact of currency devaluation, financial crisis, and Great Depression was more severe than one might imagine.

Although there wasn’t much direct damage from the Great Depression, the impact from supporting the German Free Corps that was stirring trouble within Communist Germany resulted in the French Communist Party supporting the French Commune behind the scenes.

“Revolution! Revolution!”

“Make France great again!”

The Commune, growing in power, began to act more boldly and gathered supporters, while on the other side, François Dela Roche’s fiery cross brigade called for the overthrow of the Commune and the Republic, further dividing public opinion.

 

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