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“It has been said in Israel, but if they don’t have the will to do it, it won’t happen. Haven’t the diligence and sincerity of the Balhae people been recognized since long ago? If there had been a sufficiently self-sustaining environment, this country would have modernized much earlier. It’s just regrettable that we became a colony.”

It’s a strange thing to say, but I wonder if a future where we weren’t colonized would have actually resulted in gaining Manchuria. That’s a bit curious.

Well, Korea certainly expanded on its own, but I wonder if it would have received international recognition. Right now, it has successfully been accepted as Southern Manchuria. Quite the paradox.

It’s a bit puzzling.

If Korea had been intact, I might have found it a bit difficult to hand over Southern Manchuria.

Moreover, Balhae would likely seem like our ally, but it could appear as senseless support.

Looking back, Ahn Chang-ho was originally a dead man too. Seeing him alive, isn’t it all my credit?

“Thank you for your concern.”

“I’m not particularly worried. I’m just curious about how far this person can grow and what kind of future-oriented work he will engage in. At least, I want to know how far Balhae can go. Even though we made India peaceful, internally it is confused with the abolition of the caste system, and China, despite the war being over, is still eating each other alive.”

How utterly pathetic.

In reality, India’s situation is worse than Balhae’s, as evidenced by the recent civil war, and although the Bharat Republic, once the center of India, has abolished the caste system, rapid abolition has led to signs of internal strife.

And China—need I say more? Meanwhile, the former colony of Balhae is surprisingly peaceful.

What’s astonishing is that the Manchurians of Southern Manchuria have been integrated into Balhae, and even the Japanese, based in Southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula, seem to just obey Balhae.

Not because it’s my country, but genuinely, Balhae has been doing well.

So shouldn’t we help each other all the more?

“I assure you, there will be no disappointments.”

“Since Balhae decided to be our sturdy ally, its role in the Far East will become extremely important moving forward. Especially since China has the aura of civil war. However, the Rome Treaty can’t intervene too much, so we’ll have to produce weapons in Balhae and sell them to Southern China.”

In other words, it’s about enjoying the spoils of war.

I also think it would be good for Japan to develop a bit. Just a hunch, but it feels like war might break out in Japan sometime soon.

Fortunately, there’s the ever-watchful Mojong-gu teacher, staring blankly beside me.

“Prime Minister Mutaguchi Renya is also here.”

“Indeed, it has been quite a while. I have become Japan’s Prime Minister as per His Majesty’s wish!”

As if waiting for the moment, both the Prime Minister and the still-assistant Tsujin Masanobu bowed deeply.

I had hoped for it, to be honest.

In the end, Mojong-gu really hit the jackpot.

He’s moved in ways that exceeded my predictions.

Frankly, I thought achieving a military build-up was possible, and tearing Japan in half was merely a hopeful wish.

That had been the ultimate goal, but anyway.

What’s more remarkable is that I truly didn’t expect Mojong-gu to lead the nation this way after becoming Prime Minister.

The United Japanese States also seems to be changing rapidly, likely starting a version of the Korean War and calling for support from us.

“Kanto Republic serves as America’s unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Far East. With Western Japan and Balhae both present, America will quickly normalize Eastern Japan. After all, the existing Japanese Empire has been dismantled. They’ll likely develop Eastern Japan to check Balhae and Western Japan.”

It’s almost certain.

Indeed, I worry about how far they can grow Eastern Japan, but according to Okhrana reports, it’s certain Trotsky has visited Kanto Republic.

In the end, just as the one-armed man dropped Lenin on Russia, like how I dropped Hitler on Austria, I wonder if Trotsky’s drop won’t turn out significant too.

In the meantime, we should do something.

When Trotsky is pulling schemes in Eastern Japan, Western Japan should strengthen its army, while Balhae focuses on naval forces.

“That will be the case.”

“I think it’s possible that Kanto Republic, backed by the US, will target the United Japanese States. They need to focus on land forces to confront us, and Balhae should build up its navy to guard the seas of the Far East against Kanto Republic.”

“Yes. His Majesty the Tsar is correct.”

The Balhae Federation already has a tense relationship with the US due to the Vietnam War.

I see Lee Seung-man is keen on promoting pro-American diplomacy as a diplomat, but that one person alone can’t solve anything.

“I heard that the two countries have reconciled.”

That is indeed a significant development.

Of course, it’s because Western Japan is in a position where it can hardly do otherwise.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Japanese Empire has already been dismantled, but I too was a soldier of the fallen Imperial Way Faction. Having failed to assist the suffering Balhae earlier, I must rightly offer my apologies. It’s pitiful that I wish to make reparations, yet I have nothing left in the country.”

Ah, so this one is truly the finest tactician and the last conscience of Japan?

“I see.”

It would be possible now that he is Mutaguchi Renya.

To survive, we need to get on amicable terms with the Balhae Federation.

Given that Balhae’s national strength is now higher than ever, this is a feasible plan.

After all, Japan can hardly look outward at this point due to its dire situation as well, thus must inevitably grovel in diplomatic relations with the Balhae Federation.

If I were to speculate, one of the reasons for mentioning a candidate for Emperor is also to improve relations with the Balhae Federation. Sounds plausible, right?

“If the United Japanese States can protect the Kanto Republic, then we could focus on our navy.”

“Though we’ve fought each other and Japan once ruled over us, now that reconciliation is upon us, the two nations should work together like water and fish to defend against America’s Pacific hegemony in the Far East.”

“Indeed, that’s what we will do.”

“I have heard that Joseon and the Edo Shogunate had good relations, so I think it would be great if both nations can reach that level.”

Well, they’re working hard to apologize, and since Balhae entered the ranks of the victors, it seems they generously forgive Japan.

Time to shift our relations.

What the United States once hoped for—a Korean-Japanese merger robot—is now something Russia can directly achieve.

Not bad, right?

“Hahaha! Unlike those Imperial Way Faction fools, I share deep bonds with Balhae. My concubines are all Balhaean. With me, Mutaguchi Renya, Japan will continue to improve relations with Balhae.”

That’s fortunate. Thanks to America, they wiped out everyone. Mutaguchi Renya gained the support of the Japanese people and came to dominate Western Japan.

Naturally, this new government is composed of Anastasia loyalists and pro-Russian students, signaling a complete overhaul.

In fact, even the Southern Manchurian Army seems to have teamed up, indicating a complete rift with the Imperial Way Faction.

Therefore, the relationship with Balhae should face no oppositions from any right-wing factions in the United States could be favorable.

“And most importantly, we’re considering tying the East Asian economic zone together.”

The time has finally come to bring it up.

The East Asian commonwealth. It comprises only partner Asian countries of the Rome Treaty, dealing in economics and security.

That’s not bad news for Balhae and Japan, either.

Wouldn’t it be perfect to create an organization that fosters mutual support among each other while receiving direct assistance from the Rome Treaty?

“If we’re tying the economic zone together, are you suggesting something like the Rome Treaty?”

“Our Rome Treaty Organization will support Asian countries as partners, and they should develop together for security, don’t you think?”

Maybe it can be today’s Balhae and Japan.

If everything ties together and everyone gets to be peaceful, isn’t that nice? Personally, I think I’m doing well right now.

“Then, we’ll have Turkestan, the Lianxing government, the Qing Dynasty, Israel, our Balhae, and Prime Minister Mutaguchi’s Japan.”

“Yes. Exactly that.”

“Are we leaving out Southern China?”

Southern China, huh. If I outright exclude it, both Balhae and Japan will start to suspect my intentions.

Originally, my goal is to completely separate Southern China from Northern China—though I can’t state that explicitly.

Let’s throw out a suitable excuse instead.

To maintain the appearance of still being a saint, I have to show that I’m distancing myself from Northern China, not out of choice, but necessity.

“Including Southern China, where they’re constantly at odds, would be endless. My idea is to create an East Asian economic and security treaty organization with just the countries mentioned. With only Israel, Balhae, and Japan, Asia can sufficiently be a force in its own right, don’t you think? Including Southern China might be too burdensome for both Balhae and Japan.”

That much seems sufficient.

If we were to include Southern China, it might genuinely hurt Balhae and Japan.

“Not bad.”

“And soon enough, whether it be the Qing Dynasty or Southern China, war will break out.”

“Are you saying those people will start a war again?”

Of course. Those Chinese are just like that.

They gather and then scatter, and when scattered, they want to gather again. I often say that the most ideal state for China is when it’s many, as a unified China would be threatening not just to Russia, but to Balhae as well.

The history of Korea, which has had the country of China as a neighbor, stands testament to that.

“You fellows understand well what sort of scoundrels those Chinese are. Once unified, they become an unparalleled force, but before long, they divide again, and once divided, they fight for world dominance. I believe there’s no one who understands the characteristics of China better than the neighboring Balhae and Japan.”

At my words, Ahn Chang-ho and Mutaguchi Renya nodded in agreement.

Isn’t it surprising that the three of us are in the same room?

“That makes sense.”

“I too targeted their divisions when defeating the warlord coalition of 2 million troops.”

Look at him claiming his share amidst this.

Power does indeed make one a bully. It’s more fitting for someone to keep me sweet-talking. It’s better to handle matters now while I’m around.

To prevent any fights from breaking out later on, they bind themselves inextricably as indispensable.

“Southern China will inevitably shed blood; including them into the commonwealth would be like pouring water into a bottomless pit. Regrettably, we have no choice but to provide them with weapons to maintain the current peace. If this situation solidifies, peace may never come.”

Both of them looked at me with expressions of disbelief.

Why? What I said is correct. As a saint, I’m separating them ‘for the peace of all’.

Even if it doesn’t add up, if I say it’s for peace, it has to be accepted as such.

“That… that’s true.”

“Yes. They were at their most peaceful when they were divided.”

Right? So, this concludes the meeting.

“Now that the meeting is over, though it may not suit His Majesty the Tsar, I have been instructed to prepare food.”

Ah, I see. It is around time for dinner.

I am curious about traditional Korean food at this time. I want to slowly savor it, but what I want most is that.

Yes, none other than gukbap. Gukbap. Oh, how I miss it.

Has it been decades? If it’s old-fashioned gukbap, I might want to try some.

“Um, ah, there’s something I want to try.”

With a slightly mischievous expression, twirling my finger as if hoping for something, I gazed at Ahn Chang-ho.

“Please, say anything.”

Exactly. Since he said I could say anything, it’s only natural for him to respond.

I casually said what I’ve wanted to eat, keeping my expression completely nonchalant yet intrigued.

Carefully, I opened my mouth.

“I’m craving gukbap.”

Honestly, I haven’t lied a bit; I’ve never truly tasted Korean food until now.

After all, isn’t it possible to get a taste?

Of course, I can’t outright say that I’m a girl who’s crazy about gukbap! I have to play it smoothly, so I prepared an excuse as well.

“Your Majesty wishes for gukbap?”

Ahn Chang-ho asked in surprise, but is it that strange?

Well, it would be a bit odd for a foreigner to say they want gukbap.

Back in Korea, I often watched those YouTube videos where they brought foreigners to eat gukbap and they would say how delicious it is.

I’m essentially doing that now. I can come up with a fitting excuse on the spot.

“I was curious after seeing Balhae people from Northern Manchuria prepare and eat it.”

That should suffice, right? Any kind of gukbap would be fine.

I just want to try the gukbap from the old days after such a long time.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Then, I will prepare it.”

“Hahaha. I also have a fondness for Joseon—no, Balhae gukbap.”

Mutaguchi Renya also naturally chimed in.

Yes. I can make a special exception for Mojong-gu.

It’s been ages since I’ve tasted gukbap.

I’d like to stay longer, but this is Balhae, which isn’t the Korea I knew.

It’s a Korea with a taste that’s a bit different, after all.

At the very least, I ought to enjoy being the Tsar of Russia until I go back.

* * *

Kanto Republic, Tokyo

Trotsky moved as Anastasia had anticipated.

He entered Kanto Republic through the Far East, quietly surveying the situation in Kanto Republic.

The capital Tokyo was undergoing extensive reconstruction, but traces of burnt houses still permeated every corner.

Military personnel from the US and Kanto Tokyo Guard roamed around, still mired in a post-war atmosphere.

“Hmm, this place truly is a wreck.”

Really, this place was a complete disaster.

Even though the US was stationed and making some efforts to develop it, it couldn’t escape the aftermath of war.

After all, everything was burned to the ground.

The US had plenty of expenses, so Japan’s reconstruction was sluggish as well, and within that void, people who couldn’t forget the nostalgia of past imperialism were thriving.

“Long live His Imperial Majesty! Long live the Empire of Japan!”

Crashhh!

Now, terrorism was occurring in the heart of the capital.

A character who would usually be born somewhere in the Middle East was here carrying out a suicide attack in mourning for the Emperor.

What a ridiculous farce.

‘Those insane bastards,’ I thought.

Even though the war has ended, are the Japanese imperialists still conducting terrorism behind the scenes?

 

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