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The Italian Red Army was out of its mind.

They hadn’t even properly pushed Ethiopia yet. The Emperor of Ethiopia was still commanding his troops and holding off the Italian forces.

“Well, we haven’t even pushed the Ethiopian front. How about we occupy—no, liberate—Ethiopia before heading to France?”

The commander of the Italian East Africa Red Army, Pietro Badoglio, carefully suggested this to Secretary Benito Mussolini in Rome.

They were barely managing to fend off Ethiopia, and he wanted to open a front in France?

What in the world was this?

“Leave only a minimum number of troops in Ethiopia and send the rest to France! They’ll hit Communist Germany, so we can strike from below!”

The Italian Red Army was in dire straits, but orders were orders.

Benito Mussolini, sensing that the opportunity was coming, declared a nationwide mobilization. Many young men, swayed by Mussolini’s rhetoric, enlisted in the Italian Red Army for the reconstruction of Rome.

And then…

Unlike actual history, Mussolini’s Red Army moved quickly to push westward toward a red France.

Sure, on the surface, it sounded plausible, and it seemed truly possible at a glance.

However, in this world, France, having made an early pact with Britain, was preparing for a war against Communist Germany. Instead of developing the Maginot Line, they invested heavily in the army, deploying mountain divisions along the Italian front, anticipating that Italy would open a front.

“Can you believe it? Italy, getting clobbered in Africa, has the gall to act like this?”

Even if they were past their prime, France still possessed Europe’s strongest land army. It was impossible not to be furious at Italy’s provocative actions.

“Those Italians losing to an African nation! Stop them!”

Regrettably, even in this world, their assault was halted by the French Mountain Division.

Meanwhile, Churchill decided to cleverly exploit the situation.

With Goebbels’s total war speech coinciding with Italy’s preemptive strike, the French Mountain Division successfully repelled the Italian forces, while Churchill thought otherwise.

He decided to respond in a new way.

“Prime Minister, those guys have outright rejected our final goodwill. The Germans have declared total war, and Communist Italy launched a preemptive attack without knowing its place. So shouldn’t we do something? Let’s establish a joint command between our British Empire and France. With our air force, navy, and France’s finest army, we can defeat them!”

“Hmm, that sounds good. Let’s clearly show our colonies’ strength!”

Unexpectedly, France accepted Britain’s proposal with enthusiasm.

There was a need to show that Britain and France had united against an external threat, and with France’s government unstable due to internal communes, there was a necessity for unity during the war, unlike in peacetime.

Thus, Britain and France established joint command and announced the Anglo-French alliance.

“Citizens! Those communist bastards have ultimately betrayed our British Empire’s last goodwill! His Majesty the King has made a significant decision: From now on, we unite with France to expel Germany for the sake of European peace and punish the traitorous Italians with extreme prejudice!”

“With the world’s strongest navy, the British Empire, and our mighty army of France, there’s nothing we can’t do! Who can stand against us? Let’s move together!”

“Rule, Britannia!”

“Vive la France!”

With total war speeches rallying from the Secretary down to the children, the entire country was buzzing for war, as Communist Italy’s preemptive attack turned Britain and France into a combined robot.

Meanwhile, the situation in the American Civil War advanced unexpectedly, even before the main Russian forces had arrived.

“Patton and the Russian Armored Division are amazing!”

Patton and the accompanying Russian armored division quickly annihilated the army of the American Communist Union and broke through their defenses.

Spain followed suit, at least showcasing that they had this much manpower.

“Finally, there’s some reaction. So that means Russia isn’t just sitting around!”

“Or maybe we just forgot about them.”

“Ahem. Anyway, let’s rush to Kentucky.”

It wasn’t far to Kentucky. With Patton leading the charge, pushing back the American Communist Union wouldn’t be a problem.

And in Kentucky, something was secretly being prepared.

A covert operation planned by the Okhrana branch, dubbed the Chicken Execution Operation.

“When the time comes, our Okhrana will risk our lives to capture Trotsky, and if that’s not feasible, we must kill him.”

“I’ve waited so long for this day. That crazy chicken nut has combined communism with chicken! There’s no way I could possibly work with that guy. It’s been tough buttering him up all this time.”

“Are you serious about thinking he’s a chicken fanatic?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Japan had stopped demanding conditional or unconditional surrender from China.

They aimed to smash the continent to ensure the complete annihilation of the Chinese people. Their sole focus was on such a goal.

“There’s no reason to grant them the honor of becoming subjects of the Empire like the Koreans! Completely crush their will to resist! Kill every man among the resisting Chinese, even the children!”

On the continent, revenge-obsessed Japanese troops were carrying out massacres all around.

Captured soldiers faced either gassing or being sent to pest control units to become test subjects.

“If you’ve got no guns, fight with knives! If no knives, then with spears! If you’ve got nothing, then fight barehanded! If we lose this war, there’ll be no more China!”

Initially, the Nationalist Army of China was intimidated by these vicious tactics of the Japanese forces. However, knowing that capture meant certain death, even women rushed to the frontlines carrying ammunition and directly fought the Japanese soldiers.

In trying to capture the Emperor to turn the tides of war in China, they instead suffered significant losses.

Thus, the continent transformed into a hell drenched in blood.

* * *

On a peaceful day in Moscow, regrettably, a war broke out in Western Europe.

World War II had finally begun.

Rejecting Britain’s ultimatum, Goebbels started with a total war speech right from the outset, while Italy, unable to even push Ethiopia, directly threw the first punch at France as part of the red front alongside Communist Germany.

In short, the current state was the British and French alliance on one side versus the red front on the other.

Effectively, the dawn of a world war.

So, how did Mussolini’s attack unfold?

Rumor has it that Maria found out in a hurry.

“Mussolini’s attack is halted by the French Mountain Division.”

“Hmm? Halted by the French division?”

Was that something I had heard somewhere before?

“Oh, I’m sorry. The Italian attack was repelled by the French division.”

Maria hastily lowered her head to correct her statement.

Ah, there we go. I had a feeling it would turn out this way.

Mussolini, that guy, absolutely doesn’t disappoint me. In fact, it’s an incident that could grab Goebbels by the nape.

It would have been fine if he just stayed still. But instead, he punched France, which would mean the front lines would only stretch further.

Of course, as allies, that should be expected. Splitting forces to handle Italy wouldn’t be the worst thing to happen…

But an incompetent ally can often be more dangerous than the enemy.

“Uh, well, yeah. But it’s within the expected range.”

I don’t think those struggling in Ethiopia will manage to defeat the French Mountain Division.

They’ve likely been completely crushed.

Even that incident led to the formation of an alliance between Britain and France.

The combination of Britain with naval power spanning the vast oceans and France, the strongest land military power in Europe.

What a truly grand combination it is!

“Even if the ones struggling in Africa got weaker, there’s no way they’ll beat the strongest army in Europe.”

Maria was right.

Italy, under Mussolini, was struggling even against African nations.

They hadn’t even properly subdued Ethiopia and were recklessly trying to stretch the front.

Sure, they might withdraw their troops from Ethiopia, but this was honestly within the realm of expectation.

“Hmm, and they say the Anglo-French alliance has been established.”

Ah, so that was Churchill’s plan.

I thought it was just a careless hit, but they’re likely wary that France might withdraw, and they are trying to control France from the start.

Thus, they attack together on Britain.

It would likely turn into a trench warfare for a while.

Communist Germany would be in a defensive war, trying to hold out in trench warfare.

“How about the lowland countries?”

What of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg?

“They seem to be planning to grant military transit rights to Britain and France while attempting to encircle Communist Germany in the lowlands.”

From the map, it looked like they were forming a circular encirclement from above.

Furthermore, although they weren’t participating this time, Hitler from Austria had his eyes on Germany, too.

In other words, it’s the perfect encirclement to strike Germany.

Of course, if Italy goes below, they will also be able to pressure Austria as well.

For now, however, it seems they aren’t planning to spread the frontlines unnecessarily, whether for Germany or Italy.

“On the surface, it looks plausible.”

“Isn’t it likely that the British and French alliance will win in the end?”

If it were that easy, would Goebbels have rejected that ultimatum?

No, he must sustain his power no matter what, so even if it means losing, he wouldn’t accept an ultimatum.

Now, it seems Communist Germany also has tanks. This could make Poland important.

“What about Poland? I’ve heard they received Britain’s offer.”

Poland doesn’t seem likely to miss this opportunity.

“Poland isn’t moving yet. But won’t they move soon?”

They probably will. Poland will certainly see themselves as fighting communists, so they’d want to join in striking against Communist Germany.

If not now, then when would they?

They even handed over tanks to Poland to advance into Germany.

Subtly pushing Poland to imagine advancing into Germany.

Yet, even though they are like enemies, they still have given Poland tanks, which might tempt them.

With this, they are likely to try to make a move.

Below them lies Austria, which is bound to be an enemy, while the lowlands and France wrap around Communist Germany.

“No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t seem like Germany can win.”

“Maria, do you see it that way?”

Yeah, that’s usually the correct view.

“Yes. And they even have complete control over the sea, with all of it belonging to Britain and France. Trench warfare may only be effective initially; eventually, they will likely be pushed back, right?”

Right. It certainly looks that way.

Just knowing a bit about the Great War, you realize how much manpower goes into pushing back a single trench.

Of course, now that tanks are fully here and planes have advanced significantly compared to World War I, trenches won’t perform as well, but they will still be used for a long time.

Moreover, this time, Germany has tanks too. They’ll probably try to hold out in trenches somehow.

Still, if they are attacked from all sides, how could even Germany hold out?

I’m sure the allies think that way.

Churchill, eager to finish off Germany before Russia gets involved, likely plans to attack.

Of course, unless somehow Germany manages to counterattack and quickly advance to Paris, there’s no way Germany can win.

“Hmm.”

Why do I feel so suspicious about this?

Something… something about this unsettling feeling. Hitler in Austria isn’t acting.

At first glance, it seems like the perfect opportunity, but his inaction suggests that Hitler is sensing something.

That guy knows all too well about the Bolsheviks and communists after coming through the German volunteer forces.

Wait a moment. Isn’t there someone who should be monitored here?

Though Austria hasn’t been a problem, there’s also Italy below, making it challenging to attack Germany recklessly.

In short, even if Hitler is in an inescapable position, he cannot attack Germany right now.

Is there a country that could ride along with Poland? Yes, the German Empire.

“The Kaiser of East Prussia must absolutely not be allowed to move.”

The Kaiser might jump at the chance to reclaim his homeland now.

If he doesn’t move now, he’ll think Germany is being torn apart by Britain and France.

Above all, the Kaiser must be filled with the desire for revenge.

He must have wanted to catch those reds no matter what.

Having lived through the Great War himself, he knows the strength of both Britain and France.

He may think that, with them, Germany could be reclaimed.

On the other hand, without any share in it, he must know that both will utterly tear Germany apart.

So he might start pulling troops away from this side.

But that’s just not right. If the Kaiser acts now, the disadvantages will outweigh the advantages.

“Should we inform the Duma now?”

“Oh, yes. I must meet with the Prime Minister directly.”

That Wilhelm II is likely seeing this as an opportunity.

And he’ll surely feel that if he doesn’t participate in this war, he may never get the chance to reclaim his homeland again.

He’ll think he’ll end up being divided among Britain, France, and Poland.

We need to tighten his leash now.

If we can’t move, it wouldn’t be right to rush into Communist Germany alongside Britain and France.

“Your Majesty.”

As I tried to head to the Duma directly, the Prime Minister arrived first.

He appeared extremely anxious, suggesting he had some urgent news.

“Uh, what is it?”

“The Kaiser of East Prussia has conveyed his intent to reclaim his homeland.”

Oh my, how coincidental.

That madman has finally lost it! Wait, surely he understands that Russia is currently bogged down in North America and cannot help?

You’re fine to come in and say you plan to move first?

“Goodness, what a crazy man.”

Is that lunatic even in his right mind? What is he trying to accomplish?

If I were to capture Germany, wouldn’t I take care of him properly? Now, he’s talking about getting revenge?

Oh, what do I do? I wonder if that lunatic is even in a mindset where he’d listen to me.

“Is he already preparing his army?”

“Yes. It seems like he wants to give it a go even without us joining in, slipping between Britain and France. He has sent us this information.”

Then it seems the Kaiser will be moving alongside Poland. Is it better to try and stop this?

 

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