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Konoe Fumimaro is still blankly staring at the Russian armored division rolling down the main street with great pomp.

Yeah, it’s not surprising.

He’s realizing that Russia is preparing more than he thought.

But conversely, it could also be said that this gives Japan an opportunity.

They’re being told to handle it wisely on their own.

“Since there’s a mutual defense pact, we can manage a two-front line.”

“Your Majesty? We, Japan, have no intentions of fighting Russia!”

Konoe Fumimaro opens his eyes wide and vehemently denies it. Isn’t strong denial a kind of affirmation?

Why does he say that first?

Hmm, still, seeing him so panicked is a bit pitiful.

This definitely implies plans to attack China. He’s realized that fighting Russia at this moment would be disastrous.

It can’t be helped.

To avoid further misunderstandings, I waved my hand.

We have no intention of going to war with Japan, nor do we plan to threaten them.

If Japan intrudes on our dealings with Germany, that would be troublesome.

“Please listen to the end. I hope there won’t be any need for us to assist Japan in Asia.”

In short, the communist parties in Asia should sort it out themselves.

I hadn’t verbally stated it, but he’d likely take it as me tacitly allowing the Tsar’s dealings with China.

Seeing my answer, Fumimaro seemed relieved and politely bowed.

“Yes. That seems reasonable. We can’t very well request support from Tsar His Majesty just to suppress some communists.”

Yeah, right. There’s definitely ambition to take down the Chinese communists.

There are also ambassadors from the Chinese Autonomous Region nearby.

Fortunately, they aren’t directly hearing this from among us.

As expected from the scale of a nation, several Chinese ambassadors are simply watching the military parade from below the platform.

“Okay. I understand. I’ll make sure to inform the Duma in advance.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Moreover, not long ago, they even installed television in the embassy building.

Televisions have also been set up in palaces operated by Duke Yusupov across various regions to welcome tourists.

Russia’s advanced military strength, various inventions, and a growing economy.

At this time of American civil strife, Russia is rising as a new hegemonic power.

To be honest, I feel more like boasting about it.

So, what will the other ambassadors think?

* * *

After the parade, ambassadors from various countries gathered to form factions among themselves.

Anyone observing might think they were conspiring treasonously, as the Baltic and Balkan defense pact countries couldn’t help but admire Russia.

“Who would have thought that Russia, once seen as a backward country in the frozen north, has developed to this extent!”

“Russia is already preparing for war!”

“Unlike those who only rely on their navy, we need to maintain closer ties with Russia!”

The defense pact countries have begun to rely more on Russia than on Britain.

With France politically divided, it’s not like they can count on support in case of war, and they’ll likely collapse under Communist Germany, so there’s no need to even mention them.

Then, it’s clear that Russia is the answer.

Although each country has already entered into agreements to fight the communists alongside Russia, they still can’t ignore the influence of Britain.

This military parade was more than sufficient to nearly crush that British influence.

After all, Britain’s strength lies in its navy, while Russia can muster millions in its army.

Most of Britain’s forces are made up of colonial troops.

Aren’t those colonies currently poorly managed as well?

“This is unbelievable. It turns out countering Russia was the right move!”

Meanwhile, Anthony Eden, the foreign minister who came from Britain for northern European matters, felt the stark reality upon seeing Russia’s parade.

Russia’s army has indeed become strong enough to resume warfare.

If a war breaks out with Germany, it won’t be a repeat of the failures from earlier wars.

Furthermore, considering Russia’s economic power, it will eventually build up its navy too.

At present, while Russia has invested heavily in its army and air force, it is still strong with the Royal Navy, but one day, Russia will build its naval power as well.

A formidable rival is emerging, one that can surpass Germany, which once engaged in an arms race with them.

Britain has underestimated Russia’s potential.

Sweating profusely, Anthony Eden shook his head.

It would be better to inform the homeland and prepare to support Communist Germany more covertly.

“Thank goodness. When war breaks out, we can immediately request support from Russia.”

Politically unstable France felt a sense of relief as the time approached to support Russia’s army, which had grown even stronger than during the Great War.

Meanwhile, Konoe Fumimaro, watching television at the hotel, was clearly aware of the high morale and new weapons of the Russian army.

“A war with Russia cannot happen.”

A war with Russia is utterly out of the question.

In Europe, there are Poland, Austria, and various Russian allies.

Communist Germany, with East Prussia also torn and weak, has no chance against them.

Russia can sufficiently handle a two-front line.

Even if the navy seems to have a slight advantage here, ultimately it is the army that will plant flags and occupy territories.

Furthermore, Russia is reportedly preparing dive bombers to supplement its inadequate fleet, so recklessly attacking may only lead to losses.

‘At least it’s fortunate. That crazy Ishiwa Kanji, leading the Imperial Way Faction, has no desire toward Russia.’

To be precise, Ishiwa Kanji was merely influenced by Anastasia. Regardless, it put Konoe Fumimaro at ease.

Ultimately, His Majesty the Emperor trusts that guy much too much. But at least it’s a relief.

Moreover, Russia also has no intention of going to war with the empire.

If war breaks out, then the empire will be at risk.

Although it’s indeed grateful that Russia is selling scarce resources to the empire, if the empire isn’t content with China and expands its front, how will Russia react?

Konoe Fumimaro couldn’t shake his uneasy feelings.

Meanwhile, in contrast to Konoe Fumimaro, someone was lamenting.

“While we’re struggling through the Great Depression, Russia is advancing this much!”

It was none other than Douglas MacArthur in the White House.

After receiving reports about the parade and photos of Russian tanks and airplanes, MacArthur felt bitter.

Did I just make a bad joke about Alaska?

I have no intention of giving up Alaska, but what if later on, they station troops there and ask why I’m acting up?

“Ugh, come on.”

If it weren’t for that KFC, Huey Long wouldn’t have tried to cozy up to those black communists.

Isn’t there really no reason for him to rise up like this?

It’s all that damn KFC and Leo’s fault.

One day, I’ll march to Kentucky, drag that damn Leo out, and strap him to a tank.

* * *

Sure enough, the reactions were explosive.

First, France expressed hopes for continued good relations with us.

And Anthony Eden from Britain returned with a displeased look.

The one who should be offended is me!

While I’m not even considering it, could it be that Britain has become a nation so inherently hostile that they immediately think we’re looking to start a Great Game again?

Isn’t it about time Edward VIII comes into play?

It feels like it’s been a few months since he ascended, so isn’t a cabinet resignation on the horizon?

“Your Majesty, the Polish ambassador has requested an audience.”

While listening in through the wiretaps installed in the hotel where ambassadors from various countries were staying, Maria came to me.

“I told you to find the Duma. Why are you looking for me?”

“Could it be related to weapons?”

“Related to weapons? Ah, come to think of it, it’s my company that has the weapons.”

Although closely tied to the White Army, it’s ultimately under my name.

In other words, I can lounge around while the Romanov defense industry starts to operate thanks to the White Army.

Since he wants to see, I have no choice but to accommodate him. He could become a valuable customer.

* * *

The Polish ambassador, who visited the Kremlin, seemed to have a lot to say, stammering like a boy about to confess to his first love.

It seems the ambassador has changed a bit.

“What brings you to me? Come on, muster up your courage and speak. We’re talking about Poland and Russia here.”

“Ahem. Then I’ll speak without shame. Your Majesty, we wish to purchase more weapons to arm Poland.”

“Hmm, considering that you sought me out now, it seems you want the weapons you saw in the parade, different from the ones you received thus far.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I noticed the new firearms showcased. I can’t help but think that Russia wouldn’t want us, Poland, to resist Germany.”

“Hmm, you’re right. That doesn’t sound bad.”

In a situation where I must intervene in the American Civil War and worry about a coming second world war, perhaps it would be good to support Poland with weapons.

I heard Germany supplied tanks during the Spanish Civil War, right?

Then, Poland should have some tanks too.

“Will firearms be sufficient? There must be some other things you want?”

“That would be…”

Why can’t he just say he needs tanks?

“Right. Things like tanks or fighter aircraft, am I correct? As for pride, we can overlook that, but given our relationship, I can’t directly place an order.”

“Ahem. It’s not exactly that.”

How is it not? The answers are right there in his eyes.

“No, let’s be honest here. I might not feel any animosity toward you, Poland, despite the past terrorism, but I’m genuinely content with this reconciliation.”

“Hmm, so you’re saying there’s no condition attached to selling tanks?”

“If you pay properly, what could I possibly refuse? To be honest, Poland is Russia’s biggest customer for military exports.”

The Polish ambassador seemed to have a lot to say.

That’s only natural since they’ve practically been coerced into buying from me.

And with that money, they’ve developed their own weapons.

An economist of Jewish descent, Schacht, once warned that developing only weapons could be perilous, but anyway.

What I’m saying now is that Poland would be fully satisfied with the outdated versions of those weapons developed.

I’ll have to employ the tactic that Ungern used on me before.

“What are you hesitating for? Imagine this! The invincible hussar armored division pushing back the communist German invasion and charging all the way to the Rhine! Revenge for the partitions of Poland!”

“Oh. Oh?”

The Polish ambassador gazes at me in awe, albeit with a face like a pigeon struck by a blow.

As if to say, “Is that something you should be saying?”

Indeed, the partitions of Poland involved not just Russia but the Prussian kingdom that partitioned Poland, which, strictly speaking, is a successor of the German Empire supported by Poland. Communist Germany is fundamentally just a maverick red bug state.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter. As long as I sell them weapons.

“Have you decided? If you pay the right price, even though they are old models, they won’t fall behind the communist German tanks, becoming the new armored force of the hussars.”

Sipping my drink, I spoke leisurely.

I have no personal stakes in this; just pay me properly.

“No, still, that might be pushing it a bit far.”

“Ask the ambassador’s blood directly. Remember the glory of the past when you stirred Europe! Recollect that time! Trust in our Russia. No, if you can’t trust Russia, trust this Anastasia, a Romanov woman. I will provide you with strength.”

“I shall consult my government for a response first.”

Right. Do that.

I’m currently considering a lot of variables.

For instance, what if Communist Germany’s gamble pays off, swiftly turning France red and annihilating the British troops landing alongside the strongest land army in Europe, France, and then moves to beat Poland down as well?

It really feels like that’s the kind of sentiment being conveyed here.

It wouldn’t make sense for Communist Germany to be bursting with confidence without some assurance.

Of course, the British bastards might have their own calculations regarding joining the fight much later.

Whatever promises Goebbels made; it seems that many former Junkers from the Red Army are indeed cooperative. How their military strength would play out remains unclear.

Our Mussolini has been held up by Ethiopian forces, but.

Could it be that, in this era, France actually takes on the role of a partner for Germany?

So I’m giving Poland a chance.

“Go ahead and do that.”

Seeing him eagerly bolt out of the Kremlin, it feels like he’s going to send telegraphs hurriedly suggesting the formation of a hussar armored division to his homeland.

Of course, I doubt they’ll actually reach the Rhine.

Even if they do, who knows if there will still be a Poland by then.

“Is this really okay? It feels a bit mad.”

Not long ago, Maria, who heard my devilish whispers, murmured with an anxious look.

But do I know that Polish ambassador?

“What’s his name again?”

He looks somewhat older, so I wonder if he’s someone I recognize.

“Ignacy Jan Paderewski.”

Hmm, not a familiar name at all.

“Ah, I don’t know him.”

Well, it’s not like I know Polish figures well.

I only know a few from the 30s, which were figures I briefly saw in a history game.

Though knowing maybe he too was appointed ambassador due to the butterfly effect.

It seems other ambassadors, aside from the Polish one, are also approaching the Duma about weapon sales.

Requests regarding that topic are flooding in.

Right, that’s how it usually is. It’s only natural for the Polish ambassador to seek me out.

“Additionally, there have been requests for weapon sales from the Baltic states as well.”

“I’ve heard they seem to trust our Russia more than Britain.”

That’s normal.

If Russia were as backward as during the Great War, relying on other countries for weapons production, then that would be a different story. But today’s Russia is different.

Let’s once again express our gratitude to His Majesty for generously gifting us with resources.

“Well, Russia is just right next door.”

There might be fears involved, but when comparing an always-prepared army of millions against the unpredictable aid from Britain, it’s a different matter.

From the Baltic perspective, they might view hostility toward Russia as a risk of being trampled by Russian troops long before Britain has a chance to intervene.

So fear may well be on the rise, but on the other hand, they might think that such a fearsome army could protect them.

Moreover, can we even rely on Britain’s pride, their colonial troops, effectively?

On the other hand, if Russia trains them well, floods of resources will support them to cover their territories.

This way, they can strengthen their influence over the Baltics.

“But there are also requests for weapon sales from Turkey.”

It’s likely to take down Greece, but somehow I feel like they have other places in their sights.

For example, Syria, or perhaps Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other regions.

Doesn’t it just seem that way?

 

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