---

The civil war in Spain continued without any significant twists, with the National Front holding the upper hand.

The National Front. This is likely a coalition formed by the various right-wing parties that were originally part of the People’s Front in history.

The right-wing parties have united to stand against the People’s Front.

There must have been a variety of complex reasons for this.

For example, it could be due to support from the communist bloc. It’s a concept similar to how the white warlords unified around me during the Red-White Civil War.

The Falangist Party grew larger than in original history and became the leading force.

And around this time, news from Ethiopia came in.

Ethiopia had long been a point of interest for Russia.

Well, it was just a matter of providing some support to the Ethiopian army. They sold weapons in exchange for importing coffee, which was supposedly very delicious.

In a way, it was almost given away for free.

“Rumors are spreading that Italy is going to invade Ethiopia.”

Today, Baron Beria, the Minister of Defense, came to me for a report—though it was more like an assessment.

“Italy, you say?”

“Yes. Mussolini is relocating troops to Africa.”

Has that time already come?

How is it that everything seems to unfold just as I predicted?

I knew it; that guy isn’t truly a red! That’s why he’s up to invading Ethiopia.

I wonder how the Emperor of Ethiopia will respond.

Surprisingly, the Emperor of Ethiopia is quite a decent person.

In particular, at this time, the Emperor is Haile Selassie. In original history, he ended up losing in the war against Italy.

However, he went into exile in Britain and was eventually able to return when the Allied forces finally expelled the Italian army from Addis Ababa.

This man has ties with Korea as well.

Later, when an independent Korea faced invasion from the Reds, he sent an elite unit, the Kang Yoo unit, to help, notably contributing to the effort and assisting with post-war reconstruction.

The Kang Yoo unit was so excellent that they didn’t even have a single prisoner.

I’m straying a bit off topic here. To sum it up, while there’s a reason for wanting to help Italy’s downfall, there’s also a personal fondness stemming from my previous life as a kimchi soup human.

Anyway, isn’t this Emperor the one who helped us?

Honestly, during the Korean War, many European countries in the UN forces, including Turkey, considered their interests while deciding to help, yet Ethiopia, without any obligation, helped Korea purely on the grounds of protecting freedom from invasion.

It’s hard not to feel fond of them.

“Let’s send gas masks too.”

“Gas masks, you say?”

Why are you so surprised?

I’ve been constantly worried about Ethiopia being slaughtered by the poison gas of those Italian pasta mongers.

“Italy will try to occupy Ethiopia by all means. We must also consider the possibility of them using poison gas.”

“Even if they have no grounds to do so?”

Mussolini has no grounds at all.

So it’s perfectly reasonable.

Mussolini is just a man without principles. At least, that was the case until the war began. After he messed up trying to build Rome, who knows?

Even such a person went ahead and bombarded Ethiopia with poison gas while occupying it.

The international community didn’t recognize it, but the Italian king became the Emperor of Ethiopia.

But the history here is quite different.

Unbeknownst to many, we have established diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.

There may have been some who wondered what the Tsar was thinking when establishing relations with Ethiopia.

“Italy is a supposed communist, but it’s just a façade. And this time, Ethiopia has become stronger with our arms support, so the Italian army will likely face difficulties just like last time.”

“You mean they might use poison gas?”

They’ve actually used it.

Even if Mussolini is just a faux communist, or no, even if he was a genuine communist, if things go badly in Ethiopia, he would not hesitate to deploy poison gas.

Therefore, I believe we must support Ethiopia in constraining Italy as much as possible.

While we cannot deploy a volunteer army, we must at least supply weapons.

“Yes. Although Italy has more advanced weapons than in the last war, we have adequately supplied Ethiopia, so if it comes to that, they would likely use poison gas.”

“Please provide gas masks.”

“Understood. I hope Ethiopia withstands well.”

“Indeed. The more Ethiopia holds on, the more Italian soldiers will die.”

As I always say, there are variables.

Austria’s alpine division must be capable of holding off the Italian army so that Italy suffers losses in Ethiopia.

“Please consider Ethiopia’s situation as much as possible. Just don’t let Italy find out.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Now, this matter is settled. But why do I see Einstein behind the Prime Minister?

It must be something related to the atomic bomb; let’s ask why he’s here.

“Dr. Einstein, what brings you here?”

“Your Majesty, I have one question.”

“Speak.”

Why does he look so serious?

Has he discovered something during his research?

“Your Majesty, if the weapons you mentioned were developed, do you intend to use them?”

“From your words, it seems there has been some progress.”

The development of an atomic bomb cost a fortune in actual history.

Thus, Einstein is likely not fully developed but has made decent progress in his studies.

“I apologize for my rudeness, but may I ask you one thing?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“How do you intend to use it?”

With eyes that seem to tremble intensely.

Perhaps he’s predicting the disastrous outcome that may result from his own mind.

Einstein is waiting for my answer.

After all, the weapon he created could turn the world upside down.

In actual history, Einstein also faced this dilemma.

While he indeed created the atomic bomb, after it was used, he voiced regret and opposed nuclear weapons.

Now that history has changed, the speed of research has accelerated because of me.

In fact, I’ve thrown in ideas that could shuffle the development order.

For example, centrifuges and such.

“If the motherland of Russia faces threats or if enemies do not surrender, I will use it.”

“Does that mean the future you foresee would require that? This weapon could erase an entire city and claim countless lives.”

Already thinking that far ahead?

Or maybe it’s just a guess for Einstein. After all, while I told him to research, it’s still premature to enter into actual development.

“Yet if a situation arises where it must be used, I will use it.”

“Why is that?”

“During the First World War, the casualties combined from the Central Powers and Allies reached about ten million, with total casualties including injured and missing probably numbering in the tens of millions. The weapons you’re developing, Doctor, are to prevent such results and can lead to an early conclusion to the war. Think about it. What’s less devastating: having tens of millions die in combat, or achieving their surrender by destroying a single city?”

Let’s think carefully about this.

If another large-scale war breaks out, countless lives will be lost once more.

If they perish, it would destabilize the nation accordingly, creating chaos. However…

By wiping out a single city, that asymmetrical power could lead to their surrender.

We could advise evacuation beforehand and then proceed to drop it.

“But if that city is bombed, there wouldn’t be civilian casualties?”

“A crime committed in ignorance can’t be deemed innocent. The civilians will work in factories conducive to war; can they really still be considered innocent? Of course, time should be allowed for civilians to evacuate. Still, if they choose not to flee despite the evacuation warning, they’re resigning to their death.”

If a warning was issued and they didn’t escape, then that’s just natural selection in action.

That’s how I see it.

“Hmmm, I’m not so sure.”

That’s understandable. Using an atomic bomb could indeed end a war swiftly with minimal casualties.

But it could also indiscriminately annihilate countless innocent lives.

Ultimately, Einstein is working diligently to create that very bomb.

Truthfully, with progress being made, other scientists could likely develop one, not just Einstein himself.

However, I too care about this matter.

We can’t just let an innocent people be slaughtered by a bomb.

“Of course, I’m a saint in name across the nation and abroad. Honestly, I hope that such a weapon will never have to be used. If communist Germany and communist Italy collapse swiftly, there wouldn’t be a need for it. So, since it’s still a possibility that hasn’t occurred, we can discuss it later. Who knows? If I detonate one as a test, perhaps the communists will be so afraid that they’ll surrender. I have my reputation, and I wouldn’t want to wipe out a city and be pointed at with fingers.”

“If that reflects Your Majesty’s intentions, I understand.”

In the end, Einstein threw in the towel.

He understood the essence of my words, but the thought of the situation that might arise from his creation made it hard for his reason to accept.

Of course, Einstein is likely still unaware of the bomb’s true power.

Since we’re on the topic, I must begin something soon.

I need an alternative route to develop the bomb in case Einstein refuses.

And first, securing uranium ore is crucial.

Yes, historically, there were uranium mines in the Belgian Congo. However, they were non-operational because of the British who owned a 30% share.

Can’t we swoop in and take it before the Americans launch their Manhattan Project?

Ah, of course, since Einstein is a key figure among those who would be involved in that project, there shouldn’t be a problem.

It would also be great if Oppenheimer could come over here.

If a civil war breaks out, there might be possibilities.

“Maria, call Duke Yusupov.”

“Yes.”

I called Duke Yusupov.

Right now, he is exactly the person I need.

Sensing the whiff of money, Duke Yusupov came rushing into the Kremlin.

Indeed, Duke Yusupov seems like the kind of pup that fits well with wagging his tail.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Did you call for me?”

“Duke, there’s something you need to do.”

By now, he should understand my summons? He knows what it means.

It’s a matter that would cost money and also offers a way to earn some.

“Please, tell me.”

His eyes sparkled again.

Unfortunately, this time it’s honestly not about making money. It’s more about incurring a huge expenditure.

Our Duke Yusupov seemed unfazed by that.

Surely he must have come here thinking about making money, considering that cheerful expression, which is a bit out of place for his age.

“Unfortunately, this time it will be costly. You won’t be able to earn anything.”

“That’s unfortunate. However, I have reached this point thanks to the ideas you have granted, Your Majesty. Just give me your orders.”

While disappointment dripped from his every word, Duke Yusupov surely couldn’t refuse the Tsar’s request after coming this far.

Alright, with that attitude, let’s pickpocket Yusupov’s wallet without caring about my conscience.

“There are uranium mines in the Belgian Congo. Can you acquire them?”

Our Duke Yusupov must have a substantial amount of money.

I’d imagine he’s like Russia’s Samsung-level billionaire.

So yes, give it a shot.

“Uranium mines, huh? I’ll give it a try, but is it needed for weapon development?”

“Yes. The shares are likely held by the British. I’m not sure since the timelines differ.”

I don’t know exactly when that will be, but for now, we’ll test the waters.

I believe our Duke Yusupov can manage to acquire them.

It would bring great joy if a struggling nation could have that share.

And just a little greasing of palms would suffice.

“I’ll give it a try. However, Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

“It seems that the enormous weapon you’re referring to will cost a lot, won’t it?”

That’s right. It’s going to be a hefty sum.

They say the operational budget is around 2 billion dollars, which translates to about 23 billion dollars by 2020’s standards.

Ninety percent of the costs have gone into building factories and acquiring nuclear fission materials.

While I’ve provided some ideas to accelerate weapon development, it’s clear that it will still be costly.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take some of Duke Yusupov’s money, but I also plan to involve the Americans to secure more research funding.”

Maximize the funds we can squeeze out.

No matter how divided it may be, America’s capacity remains intact.

We need to extract as much money as possible. We can find various justifications for that.

Perhaps Huey Long’s government will reach out to us should Britain withdraw from the fray.

“Your Majesty, I have a good idea.”

“What is it?”

This man’s face looks like he wants to hold onto his money as much as possible. Hmm, truly, what could he be planning?

 

---