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Britain and France supported Huey Long.

Now, I wonder if MacArthur really likes Britain and France? If I were in his shoes, I’d be feeling rather offended.

“With the top two colonial empires in the world backing the Huey Long government, we must surely push MacArthur forward to show our gratitude. Send the Okhrana to the West. Based on the situation, we should send information to MacArthur or create a justification for military intervention.”

Whether we use Trotsky or create a scenario where MacArthur has no choice but to rely on our help, he’ll surely be delighted.

As if only Russia were on his side.

In this situation, if Britain and France find themselves in a predicament, the U.S. may not come to their aid.

“I will send the Okhrana to the West as well.”

“How far do you see military support going?”

“That depends on the situation. If MacArthur finds himself in danger and needs assistance, wouldn’t we mobilize troops? I’ll leave that to the military.”

It’s certain that Britain and France will support the Huey Long government.

But will we be the only ones sending troops directly?

Moreover, our army is the elite of the elite. Even now, we’re training as if it’s wartime, considering a possible conflict with Germany.

From this situation, we’ll sell our favors to America, extort some money, and snag Alaska too.

It’s all a bit whimsical in my mind.

However, it wouldn’t be bad to clearly establish a justification for intervention.

Especially since MacArthur leads a military government, he’ll need external support more than anything.

“This is getting serious.”

“Yes. We must prevent the West from falling into the communist camp. If we can end the civil war decisively with overwhelming force from the start, it can wrap up quickly.”

Dragging out the civil war isn’t ideal.

What if Japan goes completely off the rails and targets the continental U.S.?

Oh, that would be truly terrifying.

I wonder how strong the Japanese navy is now? It might be better to support China early on.

Still, we have to consider the worst-case scenario for the U.S.

If, by any chance, the U.S. becomes so wrecked it can’t recover…

And if Japan, with its imperial ambitions, really sets its sights on American land?

If the U.S. is in a pitiful state, even Yamamoto Isoroku, who opposed the conflict with America, might support it, right?

Japan really is the problem.

“What’s happening with Japan?”

“Right now, Ishiwa Kanji is clamoring for Japan to advance into China and achieve the harmony of the five races.”

Ah, the harmony of the five races. That guy is talking nonsense without even a hint of the Manchurian Incident.

With the Manchurian Railway there, it seems the idea of racial harmony has emerged too.

But in reality, that slogan is just a pretext; the Japanese are merely oppressors.

I had no idea that Ishiwa Kanji would bring it up.

Is he about to kickstart the advance into Central China?

Japan could interpret the harmony of the five races in various ways.

“Let’s liberate the Han people, who are divided, to achieve the harmony of the five races!” Something like that.

It’s not impossible.

Well, that’s also backed by the anti-aircraft agreement. The real question is how Japan views the American civil war.

“What’s the reaction?”

“The U.S. is on the brink of civil war, and with Britain and France in disarray, factions supporting Ishiwa Kanji’s opinions are increasing.”

So, they seem to be seriously considering their advance into China, thanks to the U.S. civil war.

Ishiwa Kanji was definitely someone who influenced the Imperial Way Faction alongside Kita Ikki.

Does that mean the Imperial Way Faction could take the initiative here?

Unlike the Control Faction that goes insane later, the Imperial Way Faction being pro-Western leaves things uncertain.

Unlike the Control Faction, there might not be a war. Should we support the Control Faction discreetly?

“What kind of person is Ishiwa Kanji at this point?”

“He is presently under the influence of Your Majesty.”

“Me?”

“Yes. The Okhrana has investigated, and he is expected to become a key figure in Japan. It’s suspected he was influenced when he visited Russia for the renewal of the Manchurian agreement.”

He was influenced by me. So, what does that mean?

“And?”

“That guy insists the Japanese Emperor should lead an army into China. He’s calling for direct rule.”

That’s certain. Ishiwa Kanji has been affected by me.

I knew something like the Emperor spearheading an invasion of China had been discussed for a while.

But direct rule is a whole different conversation.

I thought it was just talk, but he’s genuinely calling for direct rule?

In this era, where bullets and bombs rain down, and planes are bombing left and right, the Emperor leading the charge?

Hmm. There’s definitely something insane about that.

I guess Japan might just go wild in their own way.

“While advocating for a pro-Russian, anti-Western stance, he even dares to say that Japan and Russia should join forces to crush the communist bloc and colonial empires.”

“To be honest, that sounds unrealistic.”

“While the communist bloc is one thing, really? Assert that while taking down colonial empires?”

Do they think the Western countries aren’t aware that they are colonial empires? The Imperial Way Faction seems quite detached from reality now.

“The issue of my war has influenced Japanese society, so they might at least make an attempt at that unrealistic endeavor.”

This insane.

Why would that influence Japanese society? Are they out of their minds?

Could it be that in this version of Japan, they’re going wild because of me?

No, it genuinely feels like that. The U.S. is in that state now because of me too.

If I had just properly crushed KFC earlier, would Franklin Roosevelt still be alive?

“The Empress of Russia did it, so surely it can’t be impossible for His Imperial Majesty!”

Something like that, right?

It’s obvious just by looking.

Especially since Japan triumphed in their war against Russia.

They wouldn’t want only the Russian Empress to flourish, considering the historical records that remain, even if Japan is currently allied with her.

“Yes. Moreover, even if it’s direct rule, can’t the Emperor just hold the command baton and step back? Even now, many would believe His Majesty diving into the battlefield is deification.”

Just as I thought. Boris Savinkov had already learned about this from the Okhrana.

The Okhrana has been spreading across the globe, with Boris Savinkov being responsible for Japan.

Yeah, let’s be real, who would trust a Tanghulu?

“Moreover, should Japan advance into Central China, they would likely target Beijing. Troops deployed from various warlords are stationed here so the military structure isn’t well organized. If Japan were to take the Forbidden City, even if it’s just a formality, it could make the Emperor surrender?”

Mikhail Drozdovsky made a rather plausible statement.

Yeah. I hadn’t thought about that.

If Ishiwa Kanji mentioned direct rule following the harmony of the five races, he might indeed consider capturing the Forbidden City and forcing the Emperor to yield.

If that were to happen, Hirohito’s authority would be immense.

“In East Asia, the position of the Central China Emperor holds symbolic significance.”

“We also cannot lose! His Majesty is the Great Khan of the steppe! We must seize the position of the Central China Emperor first!”

Ungern always brings this up. No matter what, that’s stretching it too far. This guy has even moved to Semenov.

I’m not some Eastern royal family.

Even if Mongolia managed to awkwardly squeeze themselves into the position of the Great Khan, that’s a different matter.

“Forget that. It would benefit us if Japan acts that way. At least they wouldn’t consider expanding into the U.S.”

“Still, aren’t those guys and America not too far apart?”

“Underestimating their expansionist desires could be troublesome. We should at least leave a small window of possibility.”

The U.S. can fight a civil war.

Even if war hasn’t broken out yet, by the time the Sino-Japanese War of original history begins, the U.S. will likely be engaging in civil war, too.

They must be persuaded to advance into China.

“Since we need to make them advance into China, let the Okhrana in Japan create that atmosphere.”

There are plenty of Russians residing in Japan due to their own issues.

It’s not hard for the Okhrana to mimic those entrepreneurs or Russians living in Japan.

Let’s just create an atmosphere that Japan advancing into China would be a good thing.

“Yes.”

Even if Japan refrains from advancing, the nexus to the West will eventually reach a pivotal moment.

We must ensure the West doesn’t get engulfed in civil war.

If communism takes hold, the civil conflict will escalate further. We should observe the situation a bit more and prepare to intervene, ready to push in at any moment.

Today’s National Duma concluded like this.

While the focus was on American affairs, the internal strife of a superpower is crucial.

Well then, that’s settled.

Not long after, I received good news from Maria.

“Your Majesty. The Romanov Aviation Research Institute has developed a jet engine.”

“A jet engine?”

“Yes. Furthermore, Hispano-Suiza has developed a machine gun.”

“That’s fantastic news.”

A jet engine and a machine gun. With at least one jet engine, we can assert we’re ahead of other countries.

Given America’s dire state right now, weapon development is like a blessing amidst drought.

Producing fighter aircraft with Hispano-Suiza’s weaponry and engines, and making jet fighters with the jet engines.

That should be sufficiently threatening, right?

Now then, it’s time to meet Beria.

“Your Majesty. At last! At long last, I have developed the jet engine that will be responsible for Russia’s aircraft!”

After a long time, Beria appeared with dark circles down to his cheeks.

Has he been working that hard on the engine?

Though, saying that he merely put together the plans is probably more accurate.

Still, I can let that slide.

Despite appearances, I’m a benevolent Tsar.

Even with designs, if one isn’t clever, they can’t create anything.

In that light, Beria can be viewed as a utility machine that can perform all kinds of tasks.

“Let’s see the jet engine installed in an aircraft.”

“Excuse me?”

“What do you mean by ‘excuse me’? Since we’ve developed a jet engine, we have to install it in an aircraft. Right?”

If you develop a jet engine, you should make a fighter jet.

Seeing Beria’s dull expression drains my energy.

If I say something, he should understand and get on with it. Isn’t that right?

“Well, yes. I see.”

Don’t worry. I won’t just be giving orders.

When a person works, they deserve fair compensation.

I can certainly find something for Beria.

“If you do well this time, I might give you a defense contractor to oversee. Or I could help you find a position in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.”

I didn’t just hand over the jet engine for nothing.

Didn’t the Okhrana mention that he works diligently within?

Before he can influence things too much, I was thinking to draw a line.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

What are you even thanking me for? Situations might change later.

Beria is undoubtedly capable, but he seems suspicious.

Reflecting on the deeds he committed in original history, I foresee a future where he’s hated everywhere.

He might later take advantage of me as a cover for shady dealings.

For now, I’ll restrain him and let him self-destruct later. He could live comfortably in a suitable position. I’ll just leave him be.

Even if he was a red in original history, that’s not the case now, so I can give him that much mercy.

Before World War II breaks out, I should at least get jet fighters into production.

I suspect many will continue to use what was already being developed.

“Your Majesty, I realize it’s rude, but I do have a question. Is that alright?”

“What is it?”

If one knows it’s rude, they should hold their tongue. They certainly are well-spoken.

“How is it that you appear to move forward like a horse, unceasingly charging ahead? Even now, the communist Germany of this class can’t defeat us.”

That’s such a rude question.

Who does Beria think he is—if I’m a red, shouldn’t he just do as instructed?

Well, fine. I’ll humor him and provide an answer.

I should share just enough of my deeper thoughts with him to make him work diligently.

“Humans are unpredictable. Do you know? One day, a superior weapon developer could emerge from communist Germany out of nowhere and create a weapon that could decimate us. We mustn’t let our guard down.”

It’s not an unreasonable statement.

As I’ve mentioned before, even if the German technicians fled to other countries or hid during the communist revolution, the shadows might conceal a hidden genius.

That’s what I’m always thinking about.

In alternate history novels, the protagonist always finds fortune, following original history with some future knowledge. But I have changed too much; it’s impossible for me.

I need to bring out all the knowledge I possess.

“Indeed.”

Beria gazes at me with a face full of admiration.

Please, don’t pull that ‘admiring’ face with that look.

Seriously, do I get the feeling that he’s a criminal?

“Now then.”

Suddenly, I stared into the far eastern distance, as if gazing at a distant mountain.

I hope Japan doesn’t set its sights on the U.S.

 

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