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If I were Japan, I would attack when China’s regional governance is unstable.

Then there’s the Great Depression, so it might be a similar timing, right?

If regional governance is left for a long time, it will either lead to a unification war or as Chen Zhongming thinks, strengthen capabilities regionally. It’s one or the other.

Well, eventually, the situation in Europe will become troublesome too. I just don’t know.

“You seem to have a rough idea this time?”

“Yeah. But I see it happening somewhere between 1935 to 1938.”

Honestly, I’m pretty sure that as long as Japan gets the right bait to nibble on, they’ll attack China whenever they want.

China with regional governance and Japan in Southern Manchuria. It’s really thrilling.

At least during the Second Sino-Japanese War, they united under Chiang Kai-shek to face Japan, but what about regional governance?

“Oh. Hmm, this could be interesting.”

“Why is that?”

With her arms crossed, Maria had a serious expression on her face.

What on earth is making her look like that?

“I bet on the year the Kremlin Guard will go to war—”

Oh, so this is what’s going on.

If I give a rough estimate, everyone bets on the year it happens.

But is this okay? Isn’t this gambling?

How dare the Tsar’s secretary gamble with the Guards? Can we really let this slide?

“Wow, the Tsar’s secretary is gambling with soldiers?”

“Sorry!”

Look at how she bows her head immediately. I like her honesty.

Honestly, the fact that our Maria believes in my prophetic abilities enough to gamble is something.

It’s a show of loyalty, but on the flip side, using that to gamble seems a bit off.

But I actually like that sort of thing.

“Be confident, I like it. Do as you wish.”

“Thank you!”

Maria bowed her head deeply.

I guess it’s possible because it’s me; if this were during Nicholas II’s time, I think Maria would have been chased out of the palace by now.

Even the Roman Nationalist Party members would probably say to replace Maria with the Guards.

What can I say? She believes in my prophecy and places such bets, so what can I do about that?

“By the way, will things go well with England? The British have been really bothersome lately.”

Yeah. We almost unilaterally informed England about the reconstruction of the Dual Empire.

Do you think England would complain?

They’ve done their share, so they can’t just recklessly call us out. If they’re unhappy, they can choose not to support Communist Germany or follow Churchill’s approach.

With the Great Depression, Russia’s influence has grown even more, while the British Empire’s influence is slowly declining.

The British, like toothless lions, bowing to Communist Germany while suffering from the economic crisis.

Russia, like a double-headed eagle rising from the ashes after the civil war, openly condemning Communist Germany and Communists.

The Balkan countries might be able to figure out which side is better.

“Things should go well on your side, right? At least now, England isn’t in a position to refuse.”

I said while tearing apart a chocolate pie wrapper.

“Isn’t the issue the Communist Germany problem?”

“Exactly. Those idiots supporting Communist Germany, just so they can keep their colonies, have in a way given justification to the anti-air agreement countries.”

England will have no choice but to comply with most demands as long as they don’t cross the line.

Given that they can’t do anything about Communist Germany, they’ll need countries within Europe to hold out so that Communist Germany cannot threaten them.

This is unavoidable.

Do the math and it’s clear they need to rebuild Austria for their own interests.

Now I’m also curious about Austria’s side.

But honestly, this chocolate pie doesn’t taste as good as the one from my world.

“Oh, speaking of which, there’s a newspaper today.”

“What newspaper?”

“Yugoslavia has filed a complaint against Austria.”

Maria said as she brought the newspaper.

Yeah. Our Reds, or whatever they are, have filed a complaint against Austria.

This seems to indicate something imminent.

What’s imminent, you ask? The reconstruction of the Dual Empire is just around the corner.

But Yugoslavia won’t be able to go to war.

“They can only complain.”

The moment they rise to declare war, Russia will step in, what can they do then?

On the other hand, Communist Germany and Italy are unprepared.

However, Austria also needs to merge back with Hungary now.

If they waste too much time and Communist Germany and Italy get ready first, things will get annoying.

Hitler has to keep working tirelessly to rebuild Austria-Hungary.

Thinking about original history, Hitler is indeed living quite a high-difficulty life.

He only has Germany, but he has to win over monarchists from multiple countries and people’s support.

“In the end, it all depends on Hitler.”

Building the Dual Empire too. Harnessing that powerful force.

“Do you think that guy will pull it off?”

“I trust Hitler.”

I trust Hitler.

At least I trust our bastard to remain on my side.

In original history, he also spewed a lot of nonsense, but his silver tongue can charm the Germans like a Communist.

I’m really curious about how he’ll run his mouth in Austria. That’s what I’m most interested in.

“What a friendly way to refer to him.”

“Friendly? More like I have no choice.”

The issue is whether there are any figures like Goebbels or Himmler on the Austrian side. Moreover, in original history, Hitler’s rise was largely successful due to the gambling nature of war.

I wonder how Hitler, the Führer of Austria, will turn out.

This is quite intriguing.

Hitler certainly said that the Empire wouldn’t just be for Austria or Hungary.

He intended to define the Danube peoples.

Thus, the country that would emerge would probably bear a name including the Danube.

Wonder if Hungary will accept this well; I think Horthy will play along.

After all, recovering Transylvania was Horthy’s achievement, and the Hungarian nobility has been on the defensive due to the Communist revolution. If they set their minds to it, they can achieve anything.

“However, there’s a bit of a problem.”

“What problem?”

“That guy, Hitler, has instilled hatred against Communists in the former members of the Dual Empire, and he’s started countrywide repression against them.”

That’s quite a good move.

If Hitler uses gas chambers for Communists instead of Jews, I’d gladly cheer him on.

If Hitler diligently kills off Communists, that’d be great for me.

Crossing the river of no return with Communist Germany and Italy, and fiercely battling each other.

Suddenly, I saw a new quote from Hitler in the newspaper.

“Communists are like cockroaches; if you compare them to cockroaches, you owe them an apology for calling them bugs because they’re such worthless industrial waste.”

Wow, shouldn’t we give a round of applause for that?

Having such a level of hatred for Communists, I could probably shed tears while clapping.

It’s unlikely that Austrians, swept away by Hitler’s silver tongue, will willingly hand over Austria to Communist Germany.

Alright then, what about Hispano-Suiza?

“Hispano-Suiza is establishing a subsidiary in our Russia called Hispano-Russia, and they’ll be developing engines and weapons together.”

“What about the French side?”

“It seems the French company is focusing solely on car production.”

That makes sense. As the Commune in France expands its power, Hispano-Suiza has no choice but to alter its choices.

Moreover, Russia specifically requested help.

And that’s where I come in.

Just by me putting on an advertisement title, cars are being sold like crazy.

Hispano-Suiza may also want to sell cars in Russia using my authority.

It’s definitely better than the unpredictable Commune in France.

I can fully understand that.

Although I didn’t mention it until now, if the Spanish Civil War were to happen, Hispano-Suiza might as well settle down in Russia.

“Hispano-Suiza made a significant decision during the Great Depression.”

Amidst the chaotic Great Depression, Russia is having Hispano-Suiza develop weapons in the country.

The funny part is, ironically, Communist regimes will be looking to exploit this gap. The problem is that the countries in the anti-air agreement haven’t figured it out.

At least the Balkan microstates and Turkey followed Russia’s actions.

Even Poland did.

But it’s Britain who’s suffering the most, and France is showing signs of a Commune uprising.

Had I known this would happen, I’d regret not sharing some proactive methods to escape the Great Depression.

Until recently, there might have been those who thought poorly of Russia for receiving help during the civil war, but wouldn’t have said, “Oh, thank you for your advice.”

British pride and all.

But I’m sure I broadcasted that over the radio domestically, and the ambassadors from each country would have learned how Tsarina was saying such things.

“By the way, do you think Hispano-Suiza will help us?”

“Absolutely. We’re currently focused on aircraft.”

Since Hispano-Suiza provided aircraft engines, developing our jet engines will also benefit them.

I’m glad the National Duma is working hard.

“Hmm.”

As I diligently munched on this inferior quality chocolate pie while looking over the piles of papers on my desk, I noticed a letter sent by Beria.

It appears just when I’m about to forget it.

“This is from Beria.”

“Yes, it seems a bit weighty, so I prepared it separately.”

Indeed, it’s quite substantial, filled with files.

What on earth has he brought this time?

“What is this?”

“On the surface, it looks like a blueprint.”

Upon closer inspection, yes, it’s definitely a blueprint. One that looks strangely familiar.

Ah, now I see, this is a jet engine.

How amusing to see the name attached to the blueprint.

– Lavrenti Beria –

He’s off to become the inventor of jet engines for the Russian Republic.

“An engine. This is a jet engine.”

It feels a bit ahead of schedule. Isn’t Frank Whittle still quite young? Perhaps it’s due to Beria’s sufficient support.

This means a plane without propellers can be made.

I see the possibility.

Thinking about original history, wasn’t Frank Whittle enabled because of Beria’s support?

– Unfortunately, Frank Whittle is a pilot, so I can’t bring him to Russia, but I can make it too.

Beria, this bastard? Is he really going to become an engine inventor?

I never imagined Beria would step up to create a jet engine.

“Let’s call Beria to Russia.”

If Beria can easily create an engine, then that will work.

If Beria creates a jet engine, I could even name an airfield after him.

That should be sufficient.

“Are we finally getting an engine?”

Well, I can’t say we’ve got it just yet. It’s still only the blueprint.

I’m curious about what will happen if it gets made.

While the whole world is groaning under the Great Depression, we are developing something new.

Didn’t Russia’s airplane making astonish the other powers?

“The possibilities are now visible. It will probably become possible.”

While Britain created a jet engine, they were still slower than Germany in terms of putting it in aircraft.

In other words, our goal now is to develop jet engines and fit them into aircraft by the early 1930s.

While the Great Depression rages on, Russia is set to develop a new airplane.

By the way, I heard rockets are being developed quite a bit? Maybe I should go and take a look.

* * *

White Air Force Department

The military structure of the Russian Republic is quite peculiar.

The Supreme Commander of the United States White Army, which oversees the Army, Navy, and Air Force, is formally Tsarina Anastasia, and under her are the generals who achieved notable gains during the Red-White Civil War.

Alexander Kolchak

He was the commander of the combined fleet of various regional fleets, including the Black Sea Fleet, due to the victory in the Red-White Civil War.

In fact, the Imperial Navy of Russia was reorganized into the United States Navy, also known as the White Navy, and the Minister of the Navy is Ivan Grigoryevich, who was the minister during the imperial period. However, Alexander Kolchak was effectively in charge of the entire navy.

However, he was a bit uneasy.

During the civil war, the Siberian Army led by Kolchak managed to save the Tsarina, but the actual fighting was predominantly handled by Baron Beria.

In other words, compared to other generals, he felt he hadn’t made significant achievements, which was somewhat uncomfortable.

Of course, he played a significant role in saving Anastasia and laying the foundations just before the fall of Yekaterinburg.

With Anastasia’s possession changing history, he genuinely wanted to achieve something for the Tsar who sincerely praised him.

Thus, he wanted to capture the Italian fleet in the war that would eventually break out.

To that end, he established a submarine command.

However, feeling uncertain even about that, he wanted an even more certain power.

So, he devised air support.

Thus, he visited Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov, who serves as the Air Force Commander and concurrently as the Minister of the Air Force.

“If engagement occurs with the Italian fleet, our fleet won’t be able to avoid a hard fight. Our fleet is too outdated, and many are about to retire. Furthermore, considering the reditation of France, there is a possibility that the French fleet could unite with the Italian fleet.”

Though the main battlefield would be land, Russia boasts to be the successor of Rome and is referred to as the Third Roman Empire overseas, aside from the Russian Republic.

And that red Mussolini, claiming to be the true heir of Rome, needs to reclaim not just Constantinople but the Mediterranean as well.

“Shouldn’t we unite with the British Mediterranean fleet?”

“Do you trust the British?”

Given their recent actions, it’s hard to trust the British.

Aren’t the British currently strengthening their navy and keeping a watchful eye on Russia?

Would those guys participate properly in a war against Communist Germany?

It might be better to ally with Japan instead.

Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov stroked his beard, briefly thinking before speaking.

“Certainly, judging by their recent actions, they are the types to withdraw and take independent strength in the war with Communist Germany.”

“- Thus, the submarine has been established. It’s about using the existing Black Sea Fleet as bait while countless submarines launch torpedo attacks.”

It’s a simple-minded method but definitely not a bad one.

Using the existing Black Sea Fleet as a protective escort for submarines diverting attention from the Italian fleet and attacking from all sides.

There’s certainly potential, but why is the air force even coming into play here?

“Then what’s the reason you called for me?”

That’s the important part.

“Our Russia is investing heavily in the air force. We’re also conducting research on airborne aircraft carriers, aren’t we?”

Kolchak has laid down the groundwork.

The idea is to suggest that since you receive a decent budget, let’s work together.

“The aviation engineer Vladimir Sergeyevich is in charge of that development. Though we’re keeping it secret for now, I plan to show it directly to His Highness once it is developed.”

The Zveno Project, established even in the original history of the Soviet Union.

At the point when airborne aircraft carriers began to emerge from the Tsar’s mouth, it was positively reviewed internally in the air force, and Igor Sikorsky briefly took charge before giving the project to Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov when he became the Air Force Commander, who then entrusted it to aviation engineer Vladimir Sergeyevich.

And as Russia’s economy has been growing steadily due to reforms, progress in airborne aircraft carrier development has accelerated, being created a year earlier than in original history through Sikorsky Aircraft.

However, it’s still in the early version that hasn’t been communicated to the Tsar.

With Robert Goddard successfully testing rockets and challenging to weaponize them, a more perfect form is required.

“I’m not suggesting we use airborne aircraft carriers, but how about forming a large squadron of bombers?”

“A squadron of bombers?”

“While the submarines strike the Italian Mediterranean fleet, we unleash bombers while they’re occupied with the submarines.”

What if we push the fleet that’s being bested by Italy and strike them with bombers from all sides?

The downside of bombers is high mortality rates for pilots. But if we attack with a well-structured bomber squadron while the fleet is valiantly fighting?

Russia hasn’t even had proper success in World War I.

Alexander Mikhailovich Romanov is a commander now under the Tsar’s order, but he is still just a fitting figure who was reinstated as a commander from the Imperial era.

However, being a Romanov, his command also came with the Tsar’s backing.

Thus, he too harbored desires to achieve something, similar to Kolchak.

An airborne aircraft carrier. In that sense, as a Romanov, he must build a proper aircraft carrier and perform well in the war.

From that perspective, Kolchak’s suggestion sounds quite appealing.

“Let’s give it a try then.”

 

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