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* * *

But because of that, there was also a certain allure.

In truth, Hirohito had his own sense of inferiority towards Anastasia.

If Anastasia heard this, she would probably say, “What nonsense!”, but Hirohito was born the same year as Anastasia, just two months earlier.

Moreover, while Anastasia was a girl, Hirohito himself was a boy, but Anastasia overcame every trial and became known as Russia’s Joan of Arc, the Saint.

As ‘Anadan’, the bizarre honorary Russians (Anastasia enthusiasts) increased within Japan, Hirohito felt even more inferior.

So at the very least, shouldn’t he show some ambition to conquer Central China?

This was why Hirohito couldn’t help but be intrigued by the man before him, Ishiwa Kanji, whom he believed to be insane.

After all, didn’t the Empress of Russia manage to pull her country up by the scruff of its neck when public sentiment had abandoned her?

Compared to that Empress of the time, Hirohito had more than she did, and especially since that China had self-fractured with less civilization and regional autonomy, he felt he had nothing to fear.

“Rest assured. The Manchurian Army, the garrison in Korea, and the Imperial Army from the mainland will unite to assist Your Majesty and make Central China Your Majesty’s land.”

“Hmm.”

No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like madness. Or maybe not.

Hirohito studied Korean history to govern Korea.

Korea had always been strong when Central China was divided, and when it was unified, it fell into vassal states.

So wouldn’t it mean that the Imperial Army should conquer a divided China to display even greater national strength?

“Your Majesty, what are you contemplating? Imagine it. The invincible Imperial Army galloping across the vast plains of Central China! A future where we extend our grace as the elder brother of Asia to those less civilized Chinese!”

“Oh. Hoho.”

“All the glory will be dedicated to Your Majesty!”

Upon hearing that, it seemed even more plausible.

The invincible Imperial Army racing across the vast lands of Central China!

The mercy of the Emperor extended to the less civilized Chinese!

After all, surely the Empress of Moscow wouldn’t have ventured to the battlefield herself. She must have been in command.

Then shouldn’t he also do at least the same?

“Alright. Let’s go ahead and do it. Inform Governor Mutaguchi of Manchuria to expedite war preparations!”

Thus, under the Emperor’s decree, Japan devised a war plan against China.

The Japanese in the mainland, influenced by the Imperial Way Faction’s ideology, ardently supported the war against China.

Around this time, in Gyeongseong.

“You insolent Joseonjing! How dare you touch my fiancée!”

“I’m sorry. I can’t just be Kim Daeyang anymore.”

“Oh dear. But I prefer your fiancée!”

“Ah! No way!”

Through the Imperial Way Faction’s policy of assimilation, more Japanese were flowing into the Korean Peninsula. As intermarriage between Koreans and Japanese was encouraged, the number of Korean-Japanese couples was increasing.

Especially those who had come to do business in Korea were mostly wealthy, unable to make money in the mainland, but some greedy Koreans would occasionally lure Japanese into their schemes.

This tendency persisted as the Korean Governor-General’s Office positioned Koreans on equal footing with mainland Japanese, escalating the conflict between Koreans and Japanese day by day.

In many senses.

* * *

They say when you speak of a tiger, it appears.

News from Japan reached the Russian Defense Minister, Pyotr Wrangel, at the Kremlin.

“Japan is currently busy preparing for war with China. Foreign Minister Konoe Fumimaro has come to consult with our Duma regarding matters related to China.”

Consult, huh.

They’re probably saying they’ll just eliminate the Communist Party in China! That’s obvious.

And they want to gain a bit of profit, or something like that. What they’re thinking is quite transparent.

“Please don’t interfere when we enter China.”

“Can we purchase some oil when we enter China?” Or something like that.

After all, it’s all good! Ana-chan! In Japan, they seem to think they can do something about Russia.

But it’s really the irony of history.

There might be a one-year discrepancy, but ultimately Japan seems to be preparing to take a look.

I haven’t heard any recent news about China to know what’s going on.

“Japan seems to be gradually showing its ambitions. Hmm.”

Of course, this would attract attention.

Right now, Russia is extracting oil in Manchuria.

What does this mean? If necessary, we can use a two-front strategy against Russia.

If Japan targets us, we can’t prevent the U.S. from reclaiming Alaska.

Well, Alaska is a nice place to have but not the ultimate goal.

In this case, something must be done.

Shouldn’t we make sure Japan focuses on the U.S. instead of us?

We need to prepare something that makes it clear, “Oh, attacking this country will be disastrous.”

Only then will the Imperial Way Faction not expand the front towards Russia in any situation.

At the same time, we must also firmly defend Northern Manchuria.

“Hmmm. I’ve thought of a good method.”

By the way, isn’t it about time for a military parade?

Under Fumimaro’s watch, we can flaunt our military strength, saying, “Look how great we are!”

It shouldn’t be too obvious, but we must at least show enough armored vehicles and fighter aircraft to make it clear that messing with us would be a bad idea.

Even now in the 21st century, nations hold military parades.

Perhaps the U.S. doesn’t need a large-scale military parade as it is considered the strongest in the world, but Russia must showcase its power.

We are prepared to fight the Reds. We have a strong army that can repel any invasion.

We need to show this. This nation is definitely not weak.

“What is it?”

“How about a military parade?”

“Hmmm, a military parade? That sounds good. It would be great to hold it sooner and show it before the Japanese Foreign Minister.”

Wow. Indeed, the White Army has some connection after all.

Since the end of the Red-White Civil War, the Russian army has only truly showcased itself during the Spanish Civil War.

Many people only knew of the Spanish Civil War, and the volunteers participated in a somewhat limited capacity, so it was necessary to showcase something more substantial.

Stimulated by the fortification of the borders and the quick expansion to Denmark, I wonder how our Communist Germany will react to the military parade.

This is aimed not only at Japan but at the whole world.

“This time, let’s reveal our new weapons and showcase Russia’s military strength. We are prepared to fight the Reds, ready to repel any invasion.”

“We will do that.”

“Let’s call in foreign ambassadors for a large-scale military parade. We will show the world a Russia that is not like the days of the Russian Empire.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea. So will we showcase all the new weapons?”

“Of course, only a portion of them. The U.S. Military Government would probably cheer even more, and we must convey to Japan that if they dare to attack this kind of country, they’ll be in deep trouble.”

Let’s make ourselves indispensable to both the Confederate States and the U.S. Military Government.

“Yes, we will do that.”

The White Army began large-scale preparations for the military parade.

This parade was set to feature various military vehicles, tanks, and aircraft that I had only heard reports about until now.

The venue was the White Square of Moscow’s new city, designed by Hitler, extending to the Kremlin.

Originally, I don’t know how history went, but this road crossing Moscow from the Kremlin was perfect for a military parade.

Moscow citizens had been sufficiently informed beforehand about the upcoming parade.

Even though it was sudden, it would have been well worth the surprise for the citizens of Moscow, yet they all acted as if they were one, shying away from the road where the parade would unfold.

And so…

The date of the parade finally arrived.

I was set to watch alongside ambassadors from various nations atop the platform filled with infantry fighting vehicles and armored divisions.

After all, the Tsar needed to make a personal appearance.

Under the clear and sunny sky, Moscow’s new city was dazzlingly beautiful.

If I exaggerated a bit, Hitler’s planned city looked more perfect than any city in Europe.

Of course, with news of the Tsar’s arrival, the citizens of Moscow gathered in droves.

It felt like I had become an idol. The sight of them holding tiny Russian flags, shaking them in excitement was refreshing.

As I appeared, they plunged into a frenzy of delight.

“Oh, Your Majesty has come all the way here!”

“Please look over here! Your Majesty!”

Hahaha. I didn’t expect to see so many Anastasia fans.

It’s like the entire nation became idol enthusiasts!

Look over there! An old man is looking at me, shouting, “Long live the Russian Empire!”

Even if his head breaks, he’s still a Tsar! That’s the kind of person.

Besides, the young ones were waving the double-headed eagle tricolor flag and looked like they were about to die from excitement.

I waved at them and winked for added fan service.

“Ah! Your Majesty looked this way!” “Oh my! So beautiful!” “Amazing! Ana-chan!”

Even amidst this, I thought I heard someone say Ana-chan in Japanese. No way, right?

Surely the Anadan couldn’t have made it all the way to Russia?

Soon, ambassadors from various countries came to pay their respects.

They seemed to be quite tense about Russia holding a military parade, but seeing the Tsar appear changed all their expressions entirely. Truly, diplomats!

After the Defense Minister, Baron Beria, delivered a prepared speech, the military parade officially began.

“It is an honor to meet Your Imperial Majesty!”

A Japanese man approached me while I was watching from the back, clapping and bowing respectfully.

Konoe Fumimaro. This guy historically led the Pacific War.

Now this gentleman has become Foreign Minister, and the other Ikki has taken the position of Prime Minister.

I’d like to know the details of the situation in Japan. Perhaps, unlike history, the Imperial Way Faction easily took over Japan without a coup, and even the moderate faction switched to the Imperial Way.

Or maybe there was never any division to begin with.

“You came regarding matters with China, right? Looks like you also get to see the military parade.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Besides, don’t we need to actively promote Japan-Russia friendship?”

Right. You made a good point there.

I find Japan-Russia friendship quite agreeable. If they can provide an opportunity for us to strike, that would be very appreciated.

“Hmmm. While it’s really the Duma’s job, what does Japan desire?”

“Yes. Our country lacks oil. As I understand, Russia extracts an enormous amount from faraway Baku, Siberia, and Manchuria. We simply hope you can increase that trade volume. That way, our Imperial nation can take responsibility for the seas of the Far East, right?”

In other words, if you just provide oil, they’ll protect the seas of the Far East for you.

Whew. On what basis should I trust these guys? But still…

“Hmmm, if we only provide oil, can you manage to keep Britain’s Eastern Fleet or America’s Pacific Fleet at bay? I mean, I can trust the U.S., but I have serious doubts about Britain.”

Honestly, it’s the same for you.

In order to set the stage for backstabbing, we have to give them something.

“Well, that is very understandable.”

“Well, in any case, that’s the Duma’s job. You should negotiate well with them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Alright, then let’s see our military parade.”

“Haha, I am immensely delighted to witness the military parade of Great Russia as the Foreign Minister of the Empire!”

As Konoe Fumimaro smiled and turned to watch the military parade, he couldn’t complete his sentence.

After all, the parade was already underway while he was talking. The reason he was surprised wasn’t because he regretted missing it!

“God. Protect the Tsar!”

Before the military parade began, the national anthem of the Russian Empire resounded majestically throughout Moscow.

Following the traditional Russian Imperial military parade style, after the anthem was played, the military march officially commenced.

Grrrrrrrrr!

It started with military marching as the White Army infantry marched gallantly, followed by the T-34 armored units, which continued in formation.

At this point, Fumimaro was aghast.

The might and strength of the White Army, honed through countless wars, were deeply engraved in everyone’s minds.

Not just Konoe Fumimaro but also various diplomats from the Anti-Air Defense Agreement opened their eyes wide in astonishment.

Especially the armored units. The T-34 tanks were unlike any in known history, followed by infantry fighting vehicles. That is, the BMPs of this era were trailing behind. Although they were called BMPs, they indeed had the limitations typical of their time. A type of infantry vehicle distinct from the 21st century.

But still, that was more than enough.

Regardless of what standards they were chosen by, seeing the amazing appearance of the female soldiers marching, the group of diplomats couldn’t help but gasp in awe at the armored division.

On the street watching the parade, Russian citizens were also waving the Russian flags, expressing their admiration.

“Are we really witnessing how strong Russia has become after that civil war!”

“Are those tanks better than ours?”

Of course, the French and the British were no exception. Even the ambassador from the U.S. Military Government, seeking military support, had glowing eyes at the display.

And this wasn’t just the end.

This military parade was set to showcase various weapons.

I heard they had even developed rockets, though I planned to demonstrate those in the actual war later.

“Your Majesty, we are ready.”

“Aerial Mosquito, perhaps?”

“Yes.”

With the admiration still in the air from the armored parade, the next display revealed the next-generation fighter jets and STB bombers of the United States appearing in the sky.

The STB bombers freely flew across Moscow, as if signaling a desire to showcase a different, new Russia.

And these bombers weren’t just flying around.

Created as air carriers under the aerial carrier project, the STB launched small aircraft from its wings, as if to flaunt before the ambassadors from various nations.

“Wow, what is that?”

“The lands of Russia are boundlessly vast. Naturally, the operational range of fighter jets must be extensive too, right? Hence, this aerial carrier was made.”

“Quite astonishing.”

Konoe Fumimaro gazed at the aerial carrier, completed under the Veloe Project, in a daze.

At this point, it was understandable that one should feel a bit afraid.

 

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