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* * *

Anyway, Germany is under the Reds, Italy has Mussolini just painting everything red, and France is about to be overrun by communes.

“Hmm, Your Majesty has already gathered all the information on Russian resources. If Spain goes communist…”

“France’s communization will speed up as well. Or perhaps, France could become communist and support Spain instead.”

I wonder how this civil war will unfold. Will France turn communist? Will Spain engage in civil strife?

This is another variable in history I don’t know about, which is quite annoying, yet on the other hand, it could be entertaining.

Let’s say France goes communist, but Spain’s civil war serves as a weapon testing ground for Russia.

“Although the commune is growing in power lately, is it really that serious?”

Oh dear, we can’t underestimate the communists.

Communist Germany will do anything to support a revolution.

We’re too far away to help France, and Britain isn’t in a position to stop a French revolution either.

So, there’s a clear need to say we should also be cautious of Russia.

“Didn’t the Paris Commune exist before? Right now, Britain isn’t in a position to help France, and we Russians are far away. It’s a great opportunity for Communist Germany to support the French Commune.”

Communists are fundamentally unpredictable; regardless of the relationship between France and Germany, as long as Berlin is the center of communism, they’ll act on commands from Berlin just as historical communists acted on orders from Moscow.

“In the meantime, Britain is planning to squeeze its colonies, which is a big deal.”

You’re right about that.

As a solution to the Great Depression, they simply want to squeeze more out of the colonies. It’s fundamentally absurd.

Resolving domestic issues without addressing them, just to squeeze the colonies?

Thinking about it, it’s a very Churchill-like approach.

It’s all about suppressing the communists spreading in the colonies while also making a profit.

The problem is that this method will eventually boomerang back at them.

Honestly, from my perspective, it’s enough for Britain to just endure through World War II.

If a large-scale rebellion occurs in the colonies later leading to Britain’s downfall, that’s fine too.

“At least recently, Hitler has been going around the Austro-Hungarian territories, shouting that a new nation should be established. So, doesn’t it seem like the Austro-Hungarian Empire will be rebuilt soon?”

If that happens, we certainly need to eliminate distractions.

“Then, it rests on whether neighboring countries will recognize it or not.”

“In the end, the Baltic States or Balkan countries under the Anti-Air Agreement must have a shield to take the blows for them, so I doubt they’ll just sweep it under the rug. We don’t need to worry about communist Germany or Italy. The remaining concern is Britain.”

That’s right. They must be aware of it on that side as well.

It’s just that those pro-empire types might be a bit hesitant.

“We’ll get a definite answer from Britain soon. They must already know that we support the Austro-Hungarian Empire.”

There’s bound to be a lot of chatter in Britain regarding the Dual Empire.

They’ve torn it apart, and now they have to resurrect it. But what are they going to do about it?

Thanks to that other Chamberlain who started the beta test of peace in our time, Britain must be in quite a predicament.

Looking at it, it seems like the cabinet, excluding Churchill, has no intention of downgrading communist Germany.

“I shall follow Your Majesty’s command.”

“Thinking about it, there’s no other nation in the world as stable as us right now.”

Could this be the age of peace for Russia? Perhaps we could call it Pax Russica.

Unlike in original history, the Soviet Union isn’t facing the brunt of the Great Depression.

On the contrary, unlike the Soviet Union, we’re friendly with the West and taking off even further.

The authority of someone like Stalin pales in comparison to mine.

This is all possible because the Russian populace follows along well.

“Indeed. Isn’t this all thanks to Your Majesty? With your broadcasts, all Russians have united, and the existing reforms are shining through.”

“It’s curious how the efforts made to develop Russia ended up dealing with the Great Depression.”

“That can’t be helped, I suppose.”

It’s somewhat embarrassing to say this, but Russia has to be backward.

Just doing what should have been done only allows us to cope with the Great Depression.

The economy being bleak has become a tradition for Russia. Simply reforming that will solve the issues of the Great Depression.

“Thinking about it, haven’t you been preparing for the Great Depression since the civil war?”

A member of the Roman Nationalist Party suddenly worshipped me.

Uh, saying it like that feels a bit off.

This is why the Roman Nationalist Party is problematic.

“How about giving out medals this time as well?”

“Medals?”

“Yes, Your Majesty’s authority is absolute so the citizens will surely rejoice at the medals.”

On one hand, someone is suggesting awarding more medals.

This feels like becoming too legal of a dictator. Fine. Let them do as they please.

* * *

London, England

The British Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin, wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead with a handkerchief.

The reason he was sweating was simple.

The Russian Ambassador had appeared, stating he would convey orders from his country, and bluntly declared formal support for the reconstruction of the Dual Empire.

“Russia is going to assist in the reconstruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?”

“That’s correct. You must already know this within the British cabinet?”

While he hadn’t observed the Anti-Air Agreement directly, the matter of reconstructing the Dual Empire was something England was familiar with.

However, it felt rather sudden.

With London citizens already up in arms about supporting communist Germany, if the Dual Empire happens to be rebuilt, that would be a big deal.

“Are you saying this is being pushed forward suddenly?”

“Haha. Since you supported communist Germany, it’s only natural for Germany to eye Austria, so are you just going to leave it alone? It would be better to rebuild the Austro-Hungarian Empire.”

“Although we allowed Austria some leeway, isn’t it too early to reconstruct the Austro-Hungarian Empire?”

Even as Britain supported communist Germany, they didn’t want to resurrect the dismantled Austro-Hungarian Empire simply to recover their damaged reputation as a victorious nation.

The dismantling of the Dual Empire was, after all, a prize for Britain.

Yet now Russia seemed to aim to snatch this trophy from Britain.

The British subjects were already likely pointing fingers at the inept parliament.

Stanley Baldwin felt a chill run down his spine.

“Though it certainly isn’t something for the British that supported communist Germany to say. Or could it be that those supporting communist Germany have genuinely considered the communization of the European continent as a means to maintain the colonies?”

“There’s no way that’s the case!”

Baldwin shouted out involuntarily.

No matter how much they supported communist Germany, humanitarian issues come into play here. This is a different matter.

The entire continent of Europe going communist?

Then the colonial empire of Britain would have to pour its budget into the navy, coating the seas in Royal Navy ships.

Is that all? Naturally, they need to defend their colonies too.

Mobilizing local colonial armies is already tough, so mainland military forces would have to be summoned.

They had already been saying they’d grant independence, even during the Great War they could mobilize colonial Indian troops, yet they seem to have completely ignored that now.

That place could turn red too. That’s why they made an unavoidable agreement with communist Germany.

“Our Russia also needs preparation. Even with Poland around, who knows how long we can withstand against communism? So, we should at least make a reliable friend. Or do you honestly think the Balkan microstates can stop Germany, who has eaten up Austria?”

Britain hadn’t considered that far.

Even if the Balkan microstates are aligning with Russia, the British Empire still has Southwestern Ukraine and the Baltic States.

In short, if the Balkans fall, it does not bode well for Britain, but war is a different matter.

“Nothing has been decided yet. It’s too early to think about war.”

Nothing has been decided yet.

The British side had anticipated that, due to a more lenient Treaty of Versailles than in original history and the communist revolution, Germany wouldn’t be able to engage in war.

However, this view was rooted in the British belief that, regardless of any war on the European continent, they would be safe on the British Isles due to the Royal Navy.

When considering the situation facing a nation that would have to engage in war, this was a different matter.

“You may be across the sea, so while anything might happen in continental Europe, all you need to do is defend Britain with the Royal Navy, but our situation is different. Thanks to your support, Europe may be engulfed in turmoil once more.”

“That…”

They can’t exactly deny it.

Although they are supporting communist Germany, the British are fully aware of the disquieting movements of communist Germany.

If they lacked this level of insight, Britain wouldn’t have been able to become a global empire.

But Baldwin couldn’t bring himself to admit it aloud.

“Do you still not understand? Since you supported communist Germany, the era where the great British Empire maintained its hegemony as a balancer in Europe has come to an end. Up until now, Britain has helped us Russians through our civil strife, managing to cope somehow, but now that our nation is rising from the ashes after the civil strife, we find ourselves having to contend with communist Germany. If you think it’s all fine to betray the Anti-Air Agreement countries because you’re safe on your island, try holding onto that perspective while remaining on your island.”

In short, if they refuse to accept the rebuilding of the Dual Empire, it was a cold, unilateral notification that they should no longer concern themselves with European affairs.

The Russian ambassador looked disdainfully towards Baldwin.

Just ten years ago, after all, their dying nation dared to raise its head towards the British Empire? Even saying this now seemed to be shackled due to their support for a communist state.

Above all, Russia’s confidence stemmed from Britain being bedridden by the Great Depression.

While Britain was preoccupied with budgets for colonies, Russia was the only country that avoided the Great Depression excluding communist nations.

“Ugh.”

And Stanley Baldwin found himself unable to counter this.

Every word was true.

If a war truly broke out due to communist Germany, Britain’s best option would simply be to defend their homeland.

With the nightmares of trench warfare lurking, focusing on defending the mainland while protecting the colonies would be the better choice.

But the situation in continental Europe would change.

If a recuperated communist Germany, bolstered by British support, sought to communize everything in sight?

Countries like the weakened Austro-Hungarian Empire or Hungary would be in danger.

If they oppose the reconstruction, things could escalate beyond control, leaving Britain powerless to maintain its influence in Europe.

There were no other options left.

“I understand. I will approve the reconstruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.”

Stanley Baldwin lowered his head and finally relented with the answer that Russia desired.

“That is for Austria to decide for itself, not for your country to dictate.”

The Russian ambassador snickered and turned his back.

Austria was neither Britain’s puppet state nor a colony. So, what was there to approve of?

From the beginning, this was a notification.

A warning not to argue later when Austria goes ahead with reconstructing the dual empire.

The Baldwin cabinet, having shackled themselves under the support of communist Germany, had no choice but to tremble.

Meanwhile, Beria, around this time, approached Churchill under Anastasia’s directive.

“Well, if it isn’t an unwelcome face once again.”

“Our sovereign wishes for the reconstruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.”

Right off the bat, he brings up the reconstruction of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Churchill, who had been busy placating Edward, found himself momentarily in deep thought.

He hadn’t heard good news from the cabinet lately due to their recent insistence on squeezing colonies to the bone.

What would the cabinet say in such a scenario?

Russia’s Tsarina wants to revive the dual empire, which was a foe during the Great War.

The implications are obvious.

If the Dual Empire were formed, it would be situated right in between the communist bloc, and would have a population sizable enough to withstand.

“Russia is trying to use the Dual Empire as a meat shield.”

Strategically, it isn’t a bad idea.

Not just the Dual Empire, but there’s also Poland above and the Balkan microstates as allies, so from a defense standpoint, it isn’t unfavourable.

Churchill nodded and narrowed his eyes.

“So you mean to use it as a buffer against a communist German invasion.”

“Wouldn’t you need to have a country that can stall for time in Europe while your Britain organizes itself amid the Great Depression?”

Uncomfortable with the notion of reconstructing the Dual Empire, Churchill frowned.

After all, wasn’t his arrival here already sanctioned by the Prime Minister?

Given that he’s come to see me again today, it seems even Okhrana is running out of work.

“What’s the reason for coming to see me, now that the cabinet has already approved it?”

“The dismantling of the Dual Empire is one of Britain’s last precious trophies, isn’t it? A testament to your victory.”

That’s right. The dismantling of the Dual Empire is one of Britain’s last spoils.

Tearing apart that powerful Habsburg was indeed an achievement for Britain.

With a sneering grin, this man from Okhrana—the shadow of the Tsar—was poking fun at me.

“Even if your country realistically has no choice but to acknowledge the revival of the Dual Empire. Russia, who proposed this revival while seeking Britain’s aid, shouldn’t have a say on this should they? Isn’t it true you’re leveraging the fact we cannot decline due to our support for communist Germany?”

Russia was beautifully targeting this moment when Britain had become a fool and aimed to recreate the Dual Empire as a meat shield.

“Exactly. The cabinet has already knelt before the German Communist Party, and now Russia is snatching Britain’s trophy. If you publicize this, Minister…”

“That’s true.”

Churchill’s eyes widened, and his mind began racing.

If Baldwin’s cabinet were to flip, Churchill could complete the picture he envisioned.

The Nationalist Party.

Establish a cabinet backed by Edward VIII.

Eradicate the communism spreading from the colonies and then march into mainland Europe.

And on the day when the Union Jack is planted in Berlin, that red-fleeced German capital.

Churchill dreamed.

 

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