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“Wait a second, even if it’s Communist Germany and Italy, they wouldn’t do something foolish before a frontline is wrapped up.”

“Right. For instance, think about Ethiopia.”

“If Ethiopia can hold out, it would be a burden for Italy to open another front.”

“Even Communist Germany, our ally, would find it hard to ignite a war.”

“First they need to drain resources before the American Civil War, and afterward, they must wring out more money.”

“If Japan could just start a war, then the U.S. would have no choice but to comply with our requests, providing money and supplies.”

“It’s certainly become interesting with so many variables differing from original history.”

“I haven’t heard anything recent about Ethiopia, so I asked Baron Beria.”

“What’s the deal with Ethiopia?”

“If Ethiopia can hold out, the chances of Communist Germany taking risks decreases.”

“Goebbels isn’t an idiot, and even he wouldn’t think of single-handedly defeating the enemies.”

“I really hope Italy gets embarrassed in Ethiopia.”

“The Emperor supposedly boosted the morale of the soldiers stationed along the North and South lines personally.”

“Does the military think victory is possible?”

“The military is keeping a close eye on this Ethiopia-Italy war.”

“Even a Russian advisor is in Ethiopia.”

“In the past, Ethiopia managed to hold off Italy, and we’ve supported them with weapons, so their military strength is greater than ever. However, while they may endure for a while, the odds of victory are slim.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I personally think it would be great if Ethiopia could turn things around and win.”

“But if that happens, while I may have a personal affinity for the Emperor of Ethiopia, Italy will undoubtedly carry the title of ‘The Great Powers that Lost in Africa’ since the start of World War II, which doesn’t bode well from the start.”

“Well, first off, unlike 40 years ago, Italy now has control over Italian Somaliland, meaning Ethiopia can’t just focus on one front like before. Major battles like the Adwa that brought victory to Ethiopia 40 years ago have become impossible. Furthermore, as an African nation, they significantly lag in industrial power compared to the Great Powers, and with the war happening on their home turf, that’s an advantage for them. Although the Emperor might have unified the tribes somewhat, things would change once Italy invades in earnest.”

“Hmm.”

“If we provide a lot of weapons, Ethiopia can produce rifles locally. However, they would still fall behind Italy in terms of supply capabilities. If they engage in guerrilla warfare to constantly stall, they might hold out as long as possible. If the Ethiopian Army fights hard, they might be able to endure until we can send reinforcements.”

“The military’s judgment is standard.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. I was a bit surprised by how standard it was, but…”

“Ethiopia is an African nation, and Italy is indeed a Great Power.”

“Considering original history, even Britain and France practically let Ethiopia fend for itself to prevent Italy from joining forces with Germany.”

“Did you support tanks?”

“Yes.”

“Good. For now, let’s seek international support for Ethiopia. We need to let them know that we stand behind them so that Ethiopia isn’t isolated.”

“To ensure Ethiopia can at least fight longer.”

“We have to let them know that the international community has their back.”

“Isn’t it too generous towards an African nation?”

“As I’ve said before, Ethiopia is important.”

“Ethiopia is a civilized country in Africa with a large army. Just 40 years ago, they faced off against 800,000 Italian troops. If they can arm themselves, they could inflict significant casualties on our adversary, Italy. Just imagine. Italy, who was defeated in the First Ethiopian War, suffers again in the second. An African nation, no less, being defeated twice by the same country—how embarrassing is that? It would be a blow to the popularity of that bald Secretary-General.”

“Of course, Ethiopia is recognized by Europeans as the only African nation, so they’re not just any African nation. Still, it would be quite entertaining if an African nation that’s typically looked down upon defeats part of the Communist Axis.”

“That’s certainly true.”

“What could we do to help Ethiopia hold out longer?”

“Supporting them with weapons seems like the best option. Surely, the British and French hold the African side?”

“If we can get support through Britain, let’s do it. If we use oil as leverage, they won’t be able to object.”

“You all opened the oil route for Germany, right? You know that violates anti-aircraft agreements, right? We can pressure them this way.”

“Supporting them with weapons through Africa should be possible.”

“I understand.”

“Then it looks like the key is for Germany to wake up as late as possible.”

“Exactly.”

“Goebbels, could you please not start the war just yet?”

“If you’re going to do it, just hurry up and fail quickly. Or wait until our nukes are ready to launch a war much later.”

“Can Austria really hold out against Germany?”

“If we combine with the Hungarian Dual Monarchy troops, it could be possible, but the issue remains Yugoslavia.”

“Yugoslavia is still neutral.”

“If it seems like Communist Germany is getting stronger, they might just join the war to target Hungary.”

“Those Yugoslavs. Those Serbian rascals.”

“They’ve caused a great war and benefited too much.”

“So how Yugoslavia unfolds is crucial.”

“Still, I sense some good news coming soon.”

“Why’s that?”

“Is Tito going to self-destruct suddenly?”

“Or did he venture into Croatia under the pretext of securing the rights of Danube people, just like Hitler did with the Anschluss?”

“I’ve heard recently that Austria’s Hitler has been frequently working on Croatia. Surely he wants to reclaim the land of the Dual Monarchy?”

“I had a feeling it would be like that.”

“Yeah, that’s probably what’s happening.”

“Right now, the only way for Hitler to expand his territory is through reclaiming the Dual Monarchy.”

“He might feel a sense of crisis from the expansion of Germany and Italy.”

“If he claims he wants to recover Croatia, we should support Austria.”

“If Yugoslavia happens to request support, just ignore them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“How could we be held back by a Yugoslavia full of greed that can’t even unify?”

* * *

Austrian Empire, Vienna

Meanwhile, Austrian Hitler, as Anastasia predicted, was influenced by the communist revolution led by Communist Germany in Denmark and Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia.

“What? A communist revolution? Liberation? Such grandstanding merely to justify an invasion.”

“With this, Austria cannot remain still any longer.”

“Now the claws of Germany and Italy are aiming towards Austria, and we can’t just sit by and take it.”

“There was a need to show the people that we are no longer a defeated nation but rather a country moving forward.”

“This is the perfect opportunity to sway Hungary into the Dual Monarchy.”

“It is indeed a golden opportunity to reclaim the lands of Austria-Hungary.”

“Minister of War. Italy has invaded Ethiopia, and that Communist Germany is starting its expansionist policy with Denmark’s communist revolution.”

“Yes. I suppose they mean to clearly define their sphere of influence before the war starts.”

“War Minister Gaida sees this upcoming war too.”

“It won’t be long until the war breaks out.”

“Isn’t Berlin starting to issue warnings about fortifying the Sudetenland?”

“Shouldn’t we be doing something too?”

“Not that we’re aiming for colonies, but what does the Prime Minister wish for?”

“Austria currently lacks the power, situation, and geographical capability to claim colonies.”

“So what are we after?”

“Croatia. We must regain Croatia and Slavonia to reclaim Austria’s coastal access. We need to resolve this before Yugoslavia fully aligns with them. Meanwhile, Russia has thrown Yugoslavia under the bus, so there’s potential.”

“Yugoslavia has yet to experience a communist revolution.”

“With a monarchy that cannot coexist with communism, neither Italy nor Communist Germany will easily challenge us.”

“In addition, Britain and France won’t be supporting Yugoslavia.”

“After all, Britain openly desires Austria to serve as a meat shield, they won’t aid Yugoslavia when fighting them.”

“Yes, it’s certainly the right time to regain Croatia.”

“Within Croatia, Ante Pavelic is working to break away from Yugoslavia, so if not now, there may not be another opportunity. We’ll need to recover the entirety of the Crown Land of St. Stephen.”

“Tito has put himself in a position of indecision and signs of division are emerging in Yugoslavia.”

“Those Serbians who previously had issues with Tito are taking advantage to discriminate against Croatians and, in some regions, oppress them.”

“Additionally, unlike in original history, King Alexander I of Yugoslavia was not assassinated by Vlado Chernoyzemski and has solidified his royal power, but it’s hard for him to break the division of Croatia due to internal opposition.”

“As a reaction to this, Croatians are feeling discriminated against and lamenting how good it was when they were under Austria, thereby increasing their movements to break free from Yugoslavia.”

“They could expand their autonomy, unlike the Serbians.”

“Ultimately, Austria, which will be reborn as a Danube nation.”

“I’ve already settled on the name of the Danube Confederation.”

“I’ve already dealt with troublesome Hungarian nobility. The reforms of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s Great Austria Confederation are underway, so Croatia shouldn’t have much complaint.”

“Furthermore, considering the threat of communism, they’ll likely accept it to avoid external pressures.”

“The circumstances have changed.”

“Hitler has successfully united the Czech lands and Hungary, and unlike in fragmented times, there’s no way Yugoslavia with signs of internal division could lose.”

“Therefore, Hitler confidently stepped forward.”

“Well then, let’s formally send a final notice to Yugoslavia: Croatia or war! Göring? Prepare it. I’ll be giving a speech as well.”

“Yes, Prime Minister.”

“Personally, Hitler hoped for Yugoslavia not to accept.”

“This way, he could invoke the Sarajevo incident and march all the way to Belgrade.”

“Unlike in the First World War, Serbia would have no solid trust, and Russia would be inclined to back Austria. Thus, taking out Serbia would be easier than slicing into cake.”

Moments later.

“Citizens, I am Adolf Hitler, Prime Minister of Austria.”

Hitler began his speech before the public for the recovery of the territory of the Dual Monarchy.

“In the last great war, we in Austria faced defeat and were torn apart. This was the tyranny of imperialist powers that ripped us apart as a nation. Some may say! I am a Slav, and I differ from a German! Those few Austrians here may think! They can never be equal to us! However, this is not even worth debating. It was precisely because of our multi-ethnic composition that Austria could be established. The diverse ethnic characteristics are Austria’s unique qualities, and the Germans, Czechs, Hungarians, Slovaks, Transylvanians are all bundled together as Danube people, so how could we possibly call ourselves strangers? We are all Danube people! As the threats from Communist Germany and Communist Italy rise, we must gather together under the Danube flag!”

He placed his right hand over his heart, passionately delivering his heartfelt sincerity and ambitions before the Danube people.

““““Hitler! Hitler!”””

“However, we still have yet to recover this territory from the days of the Dual Monarchy. The coastal areas, including Tyrol, are in the hands of Red Italy, while Croatia-Slavonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are strongholds of the evil axis called Yugoslavia. Since their independence from Austria, they have endured neglect, contempt, and discrimination from Serbians imposed by the Yugoslavian regime, and among them were those who desired the return of Austrian rule, as well as those who sought help! Before we seize back the territory of the Dual Monarchy from Italy, we must take this land from Yugoslavia!”

He urged unity to solve the long-standing animosity and save their former brethren.

“In original history, he would have shouted only for Germany, but this mustachioed figure boldly laid forth the rightful restoration of Austria’s territory before the people.”

“Prime Minister Hitler is right! We Danube people are one under the Habsburg flag!”

“Let’s liberate our old brethren suffering under Yugoslav tyranny!”

“Croatia-Slavonia, Bosnia-Hercegovina are lands rightfully belonging to Danube people!”

Slowly, he laid the groundwork.

Hitler grinned internally.

“If you citizens continue to trust me, I will send a final notice to Yugoslavia! Croatia or war!”

“““Croatia or war!”””

“Depending on how Yugoslavia responds, our Danube Army will march to Belgrade! Furthermore, we will reclaim the Cisleithania and the Crown Land of St. Stephen!”

“Waaaaah!

Multi-ethnicity truly is the strength that only the Austrian Empire possesses, and as Danube people, we are one.

Thanks to Hitler’s continuous speeches about the Danube brethren and anti-communism, the ethnic groups of the former constituent nations unified as Danube people, and now all that’s left is Yugoslavia’s response.

“I hope they choose war. If they do, we’ll recover Bosnia and Herzegovina as well.”

Now is the opportunity while Yugoslavia’s ethnic unity hasn’t been achieved.

We must recover our territories and population.

Almost immediately, after the last great war, the Hungarian population shrank from 20.9 million to 7.6 million.

Though we reclaimed some from Romania, we must also get everything back from Yugoslavia this time around.

Serious-minded, Hitler wished for Yugoslavia to erupt into war with their anger just like during the great war.

If a war were to break out now, it would be a great opportunity for him to march into Serbia and reclaim all the former territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire while tearing Serbia apart.

 

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