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* * *

That world is America, and of course, there was Edison too.

In Russia, there’s no one to compete with him, and having a reliable investment seems to be a godsend.

But it’s probably still going to be a bit tough.

Russia has revitalized the state through major internal reforms, but they’re spending lots of money on necessary things like weapon development, roads, and rail networks.

How much money is needed to revolutionize wireless technology?

Nikola Tesla dies in the 40s. There’s just a little over ten years left, but if the budget isn’t enough, it’s going to be hard.

Nikola Tesla is truly a scientist of the century.

Ultimately, the wireless revolution being discussed now is likely related to wireless transmission towers.

Even after this man’s death, many scientists continued studying wireless transmission methods, but nothing substantial came out of it.

Of course, a lot of technologies applicable to reality were accumulated during the research process.

To be honest, I don’t see much practicality in it either.

After all, even far into the future, wireless transmission remains challenging, so how feasible could it be even for a genius like Tesla?

However, Tesla is creating various things for military purposes, such as radio and radar, not just wireless transmission.

We can’t pour all the country’s budget into something uncertain.

Of course, we could continue researching wireless transmission and accelerate the application of technologies in the future, right?

“Honestly, we’re spending a lot of money right now, so I think we need to cut the budget for Doctor Tesla a bit.”

“It is tough, but he insists that budget support is necessary since he’s so adamant.”

“That’s what Duke Yusupov thinks?”

“Yes. It’s understandable why Morgan cut off support for Doctor Tesla, but isn’t there the possibility that new things can still come out of that research?”

Yeah. I guess that makes sense.

Duke Yusupov certainly has good instincts.

He’s saying exactly what I’m thinking.

Then, it wouldn’t be impossible to invest in the budget.

“Alright. We should try everything we can, as long as it’s not too excessive. If we do well, we might find a way to make some money.”

There’s also selling off resources. Northern Manchuria seems a bit far off, but eventually, it will come.

And if Trotsky can make a big splash?

We could earn a massive sum in exchange for helping America.

Or we could rely on support from American tycoons.

Either way, we will surely need investment opportunities down the line.

But there is one problem beforehand.

“And let’s discreetly handle foreign company acquisitions. It could be troublesome if we make enemies with other countries unnecessarily.”

Looking at the current situation, it seems they are consuming everything they can get their hands on.

“Understood.”

If we poke around like a fish in water, I suspect we won’t end up with a favorable outcome.

That would basically be converting someone else’s misfortune into our happiness.

Of course, we still need to make enough to bolster Russia’s industrial power, but going too far might attract suspicion from other countries that aren’t too thrilled about Russia thriving.

If Tesla’s wireless transmission method truly works, then things would change.

“Understood.”

“By the way, do you know what’s happening with America’s Great Depression policies? Didn’t Duke Yusupov meddle in that too?”

Since Yusupov frequently visits the US, he might know quite a bit.

I have high hopes for Yusupov.

He’s been promoting tourism with his villas nationwide, and he’s diversifying into numerous profitable areas like food products, radios, TVs, and broadcasting stations.

He seems to be well-informed and making a lot of money in real-time.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that he’s basically Russia’s top oligarch.

He’s also extending his influence into America, so he should know something, right?

“I do see some companies striking gold even during the Great Depression. However, the government doesn’t seem to be stepping in to resolve anything yet.”

That’s right. I heard some companies succeeded by targeting different sectors during the Great Depression. It seems that’s the case in this world too.

It’s unexpected that the government can’t do anything yet.

“Are they watching us do this too?”

Ultimately, isn’t it up to Roosevelt to take action?

This makes Trotsky a variable.

“Well, isn’t it all just about pride or the KFC issue?”

Does it really come down to that?

Can’t they simply adopt the Russian method they assisted with?

“KFC, huh? Does Duke Yusupov think we can surpass America?”

“Now that we’ve leveled up, we can’t easily surpass America, even if we stumble due to the Great Depression. Though, I suppose catching up is still a possibility.”

That’s probably true. While we can’t ignore Russia’s potential, it ultimately comes down to leadership capability.

When America was advancing, Russia was in a dire state.

Just look at the current world war situation. Although not as severe as the Second World War, America must have realized how strong they are.

So, was KFC really a good choice after all?

Even though the Okhrana has already been dispatched, no one understands America’s economic strength better than Duke Yusupov.

But what if a civil war breaks out in the process?

“If a civil war were to occur?”

“It would depend on the scale of the civil war, wouldn’t it?”

That’s a bit ambiguous.

Personally, I think it would be great if America could completely wipe out the Japanese fleet at sea, just like in actual history.

After all, Russia is already struggling with Italy, so facing the Japanese fleet would be tough.

For that, at least we need to maintain enough power to deal with Japan.

While we need to weaken America’s strength somewhat due to the civil war, we need to maintain a certain level.

Otherwise, we can consider drawing British fleets into Asia.

Ultimately, Britain will fight Japan to protect their colonies, no doubt sending their fleets.

How Churchill responds will be the key.

Should I ask Churchill to conserve the Eastern Fleet?

But losing British colonies in Asia would lead to resource issues, right?

Well, it’s premature to speculate since nothing has happened yet.

Realistically, this isn’t a fantasy novel. Other countries might be saying that Russia is deifying the Tsar to resolve its unstable domestic issues.

“Why do you ask that?”

“From my perspective, it seems America should defeat the Japanese fleet, but I’m not sure if that’ll be possible if the civil war intensifies.”

They did manage to change the tide of war at Midway, but wasn’t it a bit tough in terms of fleet size?

While America can eventually rebuild due to the size of its landmass, with the pain from the civil war, surely naval reconstruction will be slow.

I guess this really requires some off-the-wall speculation.

“Is there even a reason for America and Japan to go to war?”

“That’s a valid point.”

I tapped my fingers lightly on the edge of the desk.

It’s just a habit of mine.

After a moment of thought, I looked toward the future from the perspective of the changed history.

Huh? No, wait. Isn’t there actually more possibility?

With the Great Depression, Japan might seize control of the military, and the Imperial General Headquarters could go out of control.

While pursuing the colonies of great powers, they would promote the concept of Pan-Asianism.

Moreover, if a civil war breaks out in America?

Even if the circumstances have changed from original history, wouldn’t this be a golden opportunity for Japan to invade the Philippines and launch their southern operations under the banner of Pan-Asianism?

They would certainly want to secure sea power.

This means Japan could have more justification than in original history.

“Your Majesty?”

“No, Japan will certainly move. Resources are one thing, but those guys are insane.”

Even in original history, they were looking at Indochina to consume. They invaded and secured the Philippines.

If we prohibit resource exports due to our war with Germany, and America, even if it’s not a total embargo, doesn’t send resources to Japan due to the civil war, then Japan will naturally conduct southern operations and effortlessly attack Pearl Harbor.

Should we consider the possibility of “what if?”

There’s absolutely no reason for that. Why? Either way, militarism will consume Japan, leading to expansion, and there’s China, which would be easier to consume than a cake, and the Philippines which would be difficult to control due to the home country’s inability to move during a civil war.

MacArthur might be in the Philippines, but if there’s a civil war, he will surely be called back to the homeland.

With the easily consumable Philippines available, would they just leave it be?

“If Your Majesty thinks so, there must be some reason behind it.”

“We must build our strength by that time. Especially, we need to bolster our lacking industrial power. Duke Yusupov is perfect for that job.”

This person is unexpectedly capable when he’s been given a good foundation.

Now that we’re at this point, there’s no one but Duke Yusupov to delegate this to.

“You speak rightly, Your Majesty.”

“Duke. I will task you through the National Duma to lead the Russian industrial development project, so I trust in your capabilities. Especially, actively assist in Tesla’s wireless revolution.”

The National Duma should allow at least that much.

“Leave it to me.”

As Duke Yusupov left the Kremlin, Maria came in with chocolate pies as a snack and spoke up.

“Duke Yusupov is doing a great job.”

“He must do well.”

People who have goals usually do their jobs well.

I also like the idea of helping Tesla’s wireless revolution.

Who knows? Maybe Russia could turn upside down thanks to Tesla’s wireless revolution.

* * *

Manchuria – Southern Manchuria Governor’s Office

Chief of Staff Ishiwa Kanji of the Manchurian Army followed the bureaucrats to Moscow, finished the Manchurian Agreement, and met with Mutaguchi Renya, who returned to Manchuria and took office as the Governor of Southern Manchuria.

“So, you finalized the agreement in Russia?”

“Yes. I saw a lot while I was there. Recently, Russia has been becoming too powerful.”

Yeah. I’ve heard.

While back home is struggling with the Great Depression, Russia is growing by leaps and bounds every day.

I’ve been told that Russian capital has entered the companies of our empire.

For example, the Southern Manchurian Railway Company started in 1906 and became part of the empire in the 20s, but now there’s some Russian stake.

In a situation where the home country is profiting from Manchuria, Russian investment isn’t bad at all.

But judging by what he just said, Ishiwa Kanji seems to have ulterior motives.

Mutaguchi Renya sipped his coffee and observed Ishiwa Kanji’s eyes.

That’s not normal. It felt like looking at a lunatic.

“So, are you suggesting we become hostile toward Russia?”

“That’s not it. Russia is both a European and an Asian country. What does that mean? It means that our empire and Russia can work together. There’s no need to fight.”

Ishiwa Kanji shook his head vigorously in denial. That’s a relief.

But on the other hand, I was more worried.

I honestly have no idea what he’s trying to say.

“Right. You’re saying something decent. But so what?”

“We need His Majesty to personally lead the army to advance into China.”

Right. His Majesty should be leading the charges personally.

At that moment, Mutaguchi Renya almost spat out his coffee.

What did he just say? His Majesty should lead personally?

“W-what did you just say?”

“It’s common throughout history for sovereigns to personally lead their armies into conquest. His Majesty must directly lead everything and advance toward China.”

He must be a complete fool.

Should I pretend I didn’t hear that or should I just let it go? Mutaguchi Renya seriously pondered.

It’s technically true, but what he’s saying sounds incredibly dangerous.

And why is he speaking of this here?

“China expansion, huh? That sounds good. But talking about His Majesty—shouldn’t that sort of thing be left for the capital?”

Even as a staff member of the Manchurian Army, that’s only applicable here. He should ask the home country for permission.

“To prepare for that here in Manchuria, don’t you think?”

“Huh?”

Preparing here in Manchuria?

That sounds a bit tempting. Then what sort of preparation should we do?

Let’s hear this lunatic’s ideas.

“According to the ancient Art of War, it is said that those who seek death will live and those who seek to live will die. This is famously said by the great naval commander Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War.”

Yeah. He’s certainly setting the stage well. What is he trying to say?

“But?”

“Didn’t the Empress of Russia prove that? You saw it in person, didn’t you?”

Yeah, I did indeed see it first-hand.

 

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