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Looking at the two countries tied to colonies, it seems the German Communists have been rather effective in their operations.

Didn’t Britain send volunteers to support the nationalists in the Spanish Civil War? I guess they didn’t due to being tied up with their colonies.

Then we have to send troops as well.

The Falangist Party is playing the role of the nationalists in the original history and they are quite powerful, but if we want to exert influence in Spain to secure a clear victory, it’s right to help them.

“We should also send volunteers. Let’s dispatch an air unit and a tank division. How many true troops does Communist Germany have?”

“From the number of German transport ships heading to Spain via Italy, it looks to be over 10,000.”

Right. That sounds about right. Those guys would do something like that.

Of course, they probably deceived us while sending them.

In that case, we should also provide substantial assistance.

“Let’s say we’re sending 20,000, but let’s actually send about 50,000. This could be a good opportunity for a weapons test. Baron Beria, are you ready?”

Sending about 50,000 should be enough.

If they’re White Army soldiers equipped with the latest weapons, they won’t lose to the so-called German People’s Army.

Of course, Germany has built up some power in the meantime, but that’s about it.

“Our tank division will be organized with infantry fighting vehicles and T-34 tanks, along with IL-2 aircraft and STB bombers to engage the German volunteers.”

Oh. That should be more than enough—wait, what?

“T-34 and IL-2?”

Did I just hear something amazing? They’re really going to send T-34s and top-notch fighters?

For now, the IL-2 would be similar to those from the Ilya Muromets Company.

“It’s originally known as the A-34 tank. We couldn’t dare to attach Your Majesty’s esteemed name to it, so we derived T from the tank development project known as Project T.”

“Hmm. That sounds good. Is it the latest model?”

It seems a bit odd that it’s referred to as the T-34, like some cosmic joke or something.

But is it okay? Would its performance be on par with that of the Soviets in original history? Hmmm. I think it’s worth seeing how it turns out.

It might be better than expected.

Yeah. I believe in the performance of our Russian tanks.

“Of course. It’s not the very latest model. We’re also starting production on the T-35 and P-series fighters. For now, the T-34 will be sent to Spain.”

What? That’s available already?

“It’s already out—oh wait. Since this history differs from the original, we can’t be sure about its performance.”

“Really? Performance-wise, it has already surpassed the tanks of other major powers.”

Then that’s a relief.

At least that means Russia, which has been receiving support, has started to gain a military advantage.

We need to push our strengths while Britain and France are stumbling around.

And if we take the lead, we might seize the initiative in the war.

It’d also be great if a civil war broke out in the United States at that time.

“Absolutely not. Let’s send some to test it out. Right now, the Falangist Party has the upper hand, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. You don’t need to worry about that. The Falangist Party has a wider influence. They also have a much larger military.”

We shouldn’t let our guard down either.

Jose Antonio or Franco could easily get complacent and suffer for it.

If Spain falls to communism, it will become a nuisance.

Spain itself isn’t particularly strong, but geographically, it could still alleviate some pressure on the Communist front.

“Alright then. Gather the troops to go as volunteers. Given the risks involved, I will personally see off the soldiers heading to Spain.”

“Your Majesty will go in person?”

I’ve just been in the Kremlin lately, feeling a bit restless. I should at least see them off.

The Emperor himself will see off the soldiers going to take on the Communist powers.

This will make quite a statement.

“Of course. While living comfortably in Moscow’s Kremlin, it’s only fair to do this much. Honestly, I should—”

“That’s absolutely out of the question!”

Georgy Lvov, cutting me off mid-sentence.

Seriously, why does he cut me off like that? It’s a bit hurtful.

“Yes. That’s the situation.”

I responded a bit sulkily without realizing it.

Now that Vladimir has grown a bit, I thought it would be fine. I could appoint him as a substitute Tsar while I’m away.

But maybe that’s not a good idea after all.

If Nicholas II were alive to hear this, he would be astonished. That’s not quite right.

Perhaps the people of the United States wouldn’t oppose my going to Iberia directly.

“You absolutely must not go.”

“I won’t. Trust me.”

I mean, I’ve barely been anywhere, aside from Poland.

The recent travel I’ve done has only been domestic sightseeing.

Honestly, I’d like to try traveling abroad now.

If it’s said I shouldn’t go, that only makes me want to go more. But I’m surprisingly obedient as an emperor.

If the Duma says not to go, then a good emperor should abide by that.

“You absolutely cannot go.”

“How about taking a trip to Spain?”

The more I’m told not to, the more I want to.

It’s human nature to want to do what you’re told not to, and I’m just that kind of person.

So, how about experiencing Spain as an overseas trip? I’ve wanted to visit Spain for a long time.

“Then, Russia must immediately declare a general mobilization. Your Majesty can’t go to Spain. You are not alone.”

“I’m not pregnant or anything.”

I shrugged off the absurd notion, but Baron Beria shook his head.

Is this something to shake your head about? I feel wronged here!

“If you go to Spain, the people will become aware of it, and they will likely pressure the Duma to declare a general mobilization to protect you.”

I can’t really imagine that happening.

Back in the Great War, public sentiment had completely turned against the Romanovs. Even if I forced myself into this position, could it possibly happen again?

Well, I guess I have been a bit too pessimistic about my surroundings.

“Will it really get to that point? As I said, I don’t intend to go myself.”

Hearing it put that way really makes me not want to go.

I know myself well enough.

Other than anything else, if a Tsar goes, is 50,000 troops really going to suffice? I don’t think so.

In reality, it could become millions entering the Iberian Peninsula.

That’s definitely not a good idea. Italy just intervened like it was their home war, and if Russia enters the Iberian Peninsula with several times that force, it would be an absurd waste of military spending. I plan to use that scale of army for the civil war in the United States anyway. I’m perceptive enough to realize that.

By the way, what’s going on with Japan’s Anadan?

What steps should I take to keep Japan in check later on?

“How about Japan’s Anadan?”

I’m genuinely curious about that.

If it’s really a fan club of the future’s obsessive fans, then it would be wise to modify their brains quickly.

“Anadan in Japan is not, as expected, a political organization. The readers of my writings on war, penned by Your Majesty, form the mainstream, along with those who are drawn purely by Your Majesty’s appearance, and additionally they have a large supporting base as the Empress of the Great Powers.”

“Really?”

At least it’s not a mindless fan club, so that’s good.

It’s not a group simply saying “I love Anachan,” but those who have at least read my books.

They might be following me for my looks or perhaps because they find similarities with their Emperor or whatever.

“It seems there are unexpectedly some former soldiers among them. Japan has a tendency to admire white people, and they see Russia among white nations as particularly similar to themselves.”

Oh. Now that it’s confirmed, it shouldn’t be too hard.

In the beginning, maintaining a close friendship between Japan and Russia should be good. We can keep them with this level of organization while letting them grow their influence.

Later, when Japan gets out of hand, establishing a pro-Russian government with them after the war could also be a good strategy.

Just gradually filling that position with students from abroad would work.

After all, Japan had previously established pro-Japanese organizations in Korea before annexing it.

The pro-Japanese elements were ultimately weeded out once Korea was absorbed, aside from the nobility there.

Of course, this Anadan is a support structure for cases where the future is uncertain.

Just in case Japan collapses for whatever reason, we’ll need someone to fill that gap.

“We should nurture them using the local Russians, providing various forms of support. Since their readers form the main base, an authors’ association would also be beneficial.”

Honestly, Anadan carries a bit of a smell.

Or rather, is that a good thing?

From the perspective of the Japanese government, they wouldn’t know what to do with Anadan, who is just a fan of the Tsar.

Thinking that way, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

“Then, I won’t spare any support from this side.”

“Yes. Please continue as before.”

Later, they might become supporters of Tsarina Anastasia, establishing something like the Republic of Anastasia in Japan.

Of course, putting this structure in place is a form of contingency.

Preparing for a future where the United States wants to make Japan its puppet state.

They are forces we create to at least slice Japan in half.

How about having a presidential figure like Mr. Mojung-gu and forming an Anastasia loyal cabinet?

Hmm. I’m not sure how feasible this is.

This Anadan could be used as a tool for a covert strike when necessary, to be seen as a token of friendship between Russia and Japan.

Just enough support so that Japan doesn’t become suspicious.

Support for a Japanese organization that likes Russia would suffice as a justification. Perfect!

“Your Majesty, you’re harboring deep intentions again.”

“It’s not that deep. I’m just preparing for contingencies.”

Since the future has changed, we need to prepare for various variables.

That’s why I’ve guided Mutaguchi Renya towards becoming the governor-general of Southern Manchuria, and why I’m letting Anadan stay in place and trying to acquire Alaska.

Following a preordained future while facing off against the Führer of Nazi Germany and dealing with Mussolini of Italy is something only mediocre people do. My future is mine to carve, and thus I must be thorough in my preparations.

“How about Germany?”

“They reportedly supported the communists while recently approaching Denmark.”

“Denmark. That means they’re not in a position to oppose us right now and are aiming to capture Denmark to push into Northern Europe.”

Denmark was not on the list of anti-aircraft treaty countries.

The reason was that they were allied with Communist Germany and didn’t want to provoke Germany by joining the anti-aircraft treaty. But because of that, Denmark is now in a bad situation.

“Yes, that seems to be the case.”

Denmark, huh. I hadn’t considered that.

Those British bastards aren’t planning to protect Denmark, are they?

“Can we also intervene in Denmark?”

“For now, I’ll see if I can connect with the king since there are also supporters of Anastasia in Denmark.”

It seems the backing from the Communist Germans is indeed stronger.

The Communists are fundamentally opposed to the monarchy, so they will certainly seek to abolish it or eliminate the king.

“It seems it’s not as easy as dealing with Spain.”

“Yes.”

In that case, it might be best to concede Denmark.

It would probably be wiser to give up Denmark and focus on firmly securing the remaining Northern Europe.

Honestly, before we even send support, it seems Denmark is on the verge of collapse.

Historically, they had a mere 15,000 troops and were wiped out by Nazi Germany, leading to their status as a protectorate.

If a revolution occurs before Russia can send support, it’s clear we would be seen as the invaders if we intervened rashly.

So, preparing for the future is key.

“If they couldn’t join the anti-aircraft treaty for fear of provoking Germany, they should at least be somewhat favorable to us. Tell the king to prepare a government-in-exile just in case.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

If we can’t defend something, it’s better to let it go cleanly and protect what remains. Still, we can’t completely abandon Denmark, so we’ll create a Danish government-in-exile to maintain legitimacy.

And we must make sure to secure Norway and Sweden.

“Let’s definitely pull Norway and Sweden into our side. With their kings still in place, they would want to avoid the threat of communism.”

If Denmark falls, Northern Europe will be at risk.

They should realize this to some extent. They would want to cooperate with Russia.

But just to be safe, should I ask the military what they think?

Honestly, that might be a smart idea. Unlike me, who has only fought a few battles, they would have a much broader perspective having participated in the Great War.

“If we were to defend Denmark while fighting a war, that would be a bit burdensome, wouldn’t it?”

I subtly tried to gauge their perception, and Baron Beria spoke up with a deadpan expression.

“If we aim to hold influence in post-war Europe, it would be better to liberate Denmark later on. More than anything, Denmark will fall into the hands of the German Communists before we send any troops. And yet, we lack a justification to send troops there now.”

I see. The military seems to be considering it that way as well.

So that problem is inevitable. We will establish friendly relations but pivot towards supporting the government-in-exile.

If Christian had joined the anti-aircraft treaty, we could have justified garrisoning troops, but since he didn’t, there’s nothing we can do.

 

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