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* * *

Whether Britain or Communist Germany, it seems they’re focused on preserving their strength, as they aren’t even engaging in air battles over the British mainland right now.

This means that Britain still has a functional air force and that their air and naval bases are still fortified.

While fighter aircrafts perform well, ultimately it’s the pilots with heaps of experience that matter.

Churchill and Goebbels are well aware of this, which is why they are tacitly trying to avoid pushing their limits.

Hitler may have sustained significant losses during the air battles over the British mainland, but Goebbels hasn’t made much of a fuss.

He’s likely focusing on Austria. Anyway, this indicates that the dynamics have significantly changed from original history.

Ah, what a relief.

Things are going better than I anticipated!

“It’s all going according to plan. What a relief,”

I clapped my hands and praised myself.

I was anxious that Communist Germany would collapse quickly without any of the variables I had predicted, and that Churchill might launch something akin to Operation Unthinkable to counter Russia.

To prepare for that moment, I even ordered the construction of harbors and landing armored vehicles.

Still, I figured I could just make a reasonable amount in case of contingencies, but surprisingly, that development was also progressing faster than expected.

So it seems the time is drawing near.

Finally, the Day of Judgment that could decide Europe’s fate is upon us.

“Then is it finally time for us to join the fray?”

“Yes. However, we need to occupy Eastern Poland first. How is that going?”

After all, groundwork is crucial, right?

This task is fully entrusted to the Okhrana, so it depends on our Savinkov’s capabilities.

One of those tasks is indeed concerning Poland.

“Many pro-Russian Poles have already contacted us. Some even took to the streets to protest after trying to join the war against Russia.”

“Surprising. Are there really that many?”

Things are progressing better than expected in Poland.

“The popularity of Your Majesty is unexpectedly overwhelming even in Poland. They say if Your Majesty were to be crowned the Queen of Poland, they would cooperate with us.”

“Ahem.”

I wonder how much they are screwing up over there for the Poles to be offering to crown me as their queen.

Then again, with a neighboring country shining brightly, it can’t be helped.

“The Communist German army is now concentrating back on the Eastern Front, and Commander Edward Ritzschmigwi is focusing on defense.”

“If the French People’s Army joins in, it will be a tough fight.”

“Yes. We will prompt the pro-Russian Poles to request support in time with our invasion. At that point, we will occupy Eastern Poland and confront the Communist German forces.”

“If we occupy Eastern Poland, will they attack?”

“Most likely, Communist Germany will first attack Austria after it occupies Poland. So, they will only set up defensive lines along our border.”

It’s a combination of Prussia’s war machine and Europe’s great army.

The matchup of these two against the Soviet Union could be quite thrilling and rewarding.

This reality is truly regrettable. Sadly, this side is still the Russian Republic.

However, in this world, I’m the Tsar of Russia, while Germany, France, and Italy are the Reds.

While Britain bemoans its fate, I must step in. There’s more to worry about than just Poland.

The one-armed Wilhelm’s German Empire is still standing.

It seems that both Kaiser Wilhelm II and Ludendorff are hell-bent on trying to take down Communist Germany before they die.

Perhaps that urgency is due to the fact that their days are numbered, so they’re aiming to do something before that happens.

This is a bit pitiable, but it’s also the fruits of their actions.

“If we want to avoid having the German Empire topple, we must definitely capture the East.”

Our current goal is to seize Eastern Poland and establish a defensive line up to the German Empire to station our troops.

Other than that, Communist Germany will surely wish to appear as a legitimate government and will attempt to secure the German Empire at all costs.

“We are already fully prepared.”

“By the way, where is Communist Germany currently sourcing its resources?”

Isn’t the British Navy still intact? How are they managing to penetrate through there?

The French fleet must have its limits, and many have likely gone to the exile government, so it wouldn’t be perfect.

“The renowned fleet of the British Empire is tied up in homeland defense, so they have basically relinquished naval supremacy except around Britain. Thus, it shouldn’t be difficult for them to import resources. I hear they even called in the Oriental fleet.”

The one who responded to my query was Prime Minister Riboff.

Wow. So they gathered the entire fleet back to the homeland after the army was decimated.

That makes sense. If Germany were to land, how long has it been since England was invaded? Isn’t it the first time since the Conqueror King William?

Churchill wouldn’t want to commit that blunder of letting Germany invade his homeland during his lifetime.

South America is probably unaware of how things are unfolding in Europe, making it a decent supply source for the Reds.

“Huh? The Oriental fleet?”

“Why do you ask?”

Looking at the situation now, it seems like it’ll take ages for the United States to seize sea supremacy in the Pacific.

If the Oriental Fleet, which should have been decimated, is still intact, it could help a lot when Britain finally gathers its fleet to deal with Japan.

“That’s fortunate. I may have to ask Britain for various things later.”

The losses are greater than expected.

Considering Japan isn’t advancing further into America and is instead daydreaming about a truce, the United States has bought itself some time.

But will they be able to win the Battle of Midway and launch a counterattack?

Isn’t a victory at the Battle of Midway necessary for the U.S. to start a serious counteroffensive from the Guadalcanal campaign?

“Your Majesty’s foresight has once again proven right. Truly, Your Majesty!”

Arriving at the Kremlin, Maria’s eyes twinkled as she lavished me with praise.

“Oh dear. Foresight? I’m merely placing all my faith in the luck I possess.”

I am indeed just entrusting everything to my luck.

Once again, the U.S. seems to be surprised by a major event, aiming to end the European war so it can utilize the British fleet.

“Then wouldn’t that mean all Russians are being gaslighted by that luck?”

“Where did you learn that phrase?”

“I overheard it when you sometimes mumble to yourself.”

Maria spoke confidently as if she had something to show off.

I occasionally mumble to remember my Korean.

It seems Maria may not understand Korean, but the term gaslighting appeals to her.

Why is she picking up things like that?

“Of course I know that. But honestly, it’s been surprising how fitting it is. Especially concerning Japan.”

Right. Japan. Japan. They’re leading themselves down a path of mutual destruction without me having to lift a finger, alongside China.

Sure, the Navy has successfully clobbered the U.S. military. But ultimately, Japan is pouring its efforts into China.

“Knowing your enemy and knowing yourself ensures victory in a hundred battles.”

The greatest achievement from my meddling is indeed Japan.

Japan is currently taking on the role of the Axis of Evil while reducing its population haphazardly, leaving me no need to fight China.

As a result, their forward movements have slowed down, giving China time to reorganize. The Sino-Japanese War will feel much slower than in the original history.

Mutaguchi Renya dodging that bombshell at the right time was indeed fortunate.

If he had continued in command, he would have surely been drawn into a final extermination operation due to Tojo Hideki and would have been stuck as a war criminal.

Now we just need to pretend like we saved China while eventually striking Japan in the back.

The thought of stepping on the stage of World War II has me grinning with delight.

“Oh, Your Majesty, Indian independence activists have arrived in Moscow.”

Suddenly, the mention of Indian independence activists caught my attention.

“Indian independence activists?”

“Yes. It seems to be thanks to Your Majesty’s publicity for Ethiopia.”

Checking who had arrived, I found some rather notable names.

I may have publicized Ethiopia, but I never expected things to come to this. Indeed, it’s none other than Gandhi and Chandra Bose.

I never thought both the great father of Indian independence, Gandhi, and Chandra Bose of the Free Indian Provisional Government would come to see me. Wow, this is something.

Hearing the news that Britain has been messed up, have they come seeking assistance from Russia, their rival?

“What shall we do?”

Honestly, Gandhi, who dreams of a united India while I’m considering dividing it, is a bit troublesome.

As for Chandra Bose, it seems he won’t be joining forces with Japan like in original history, which is at least a relief.

Alright, let’s meet them.

I have several things I wish to confirm, after all.

I’d like to see if Gandhi is as remarkable as he’s known to be among Koreans.

* * *

I welcomed Gandhi and Chandra Bose directly in the Kremlin.

“It’s an honor to meet Your Majesty.”

In person, Gandhi and Chandra Bose looked just as they did in pictures.

The reason they came to see me is probably due to Ethiopia’s influence.

Every time I see great figures, I feel it’s fascinating to see those I’ve only viewed in photos right in front of my eyes.

Especially Gandhi, known for his non-violent resistance? Seeing such a renowned figure from games in real life makes it a deeply emotional experience.

Thanks to me, Ethiopia successfully warded off the invasive Italian Colonial Empire with merely a flashy sign.

“Well, Gandhi and Chandra Bose. You’re both promising independence activists for India, correct?”

“We don’t particularly attach such grand labels to ourselves.”

“Hm, Russia will soon join the war, and I’ll be direct. Are you requesting support for your independence movement?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Britain is currently struggling to maintain its colonies there. If you support us, we will remain a strong ally to Russia in the future.”

It’s easy to say that.

But I can’t just take those words at face value.

After all, politics and diplomacy are done for one’s own interests.

If India finds itself benefiting down the line and maintaining a friendly relationship with Russia becomes problematic, they could easily reconsider.

“Well, you’re taking it for granted. But I’m neither a lightweight nor a person in actual power.”

“However, you are the absolute leader of Russia.”

So they are aware of this as well.

In that case, I can’t back down.

“The Russians call me a saint while the Reds refer to me as an imperialist and a witch. To be completely honest, if I’m an imperialist, then I won’t consider supporting independence movements without any of our interests involved, even if Britain’s in the state it’s in. They are still, nominally, our ally.”

Both exchanged uneasy glances at my words, seemingly taken aback.

I suppose this wasn’t what they expected.

“Of course, despite me being an imperialist, I’d still be considered a saint compared to that colonial empire Britain. Hence, I cannot avoid placing conditions.”

I will grant independence, but with conditions.

At my words, Gandhi and Chandra Bose’s faces contorted with discomfort.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to say anything foolish like I’ll boost their autonomy to the level of independence as long as they help in the war, like Britain would.

I would simply revert back to the situation prior to the British Raj in India.

“What do you mean by conditions?”

“Before Britain dominated and unified India, wasn’t it originally several nations? After independence, if anyone wants to secede due to ethnic or religious issues, they shouldn’t be blocked from doing so. Thus, we would be reverting back.”

Honestly, this point makes sense.

If others want independence, wouldn’t it be only reasonable that the forcibly unified India by imperialists be torn apart again?

“But we want one India.”

Doesn’t that notion mean they want to gulp down the colonial legacy whole? If they keep blocking independence, wouldn’t they be just like the British? Of course, this is only when they desire independence. If they were to take my intention lightly and attempt to suppress independence, I could very well send troops to ensure their independence.

What would happen if India bore a grudge over this matter later?

If they don’t wish for independence, what issue would there be?

And I am a saint. A saint must function as a saint. Of course, a unified India was a forced unification initiated by the colonial empire Britain, and since they sought my help, I will erase those leftovers of the colonial empire from existence.

Furthermore, if Gandhi or Chandra Bose desires to advocate for a united India later on, it would require the people living within that land to wish to identify as Indians.

“That…”

“From the outside, my words may seem to be schemes to divide India, but in reality, numerous ethnicities within Russia wish to identify as Russians, and they’ve integrated within the Russian Republic as republics. If everyone truly desires a united India, what I propose means nothing, right? Isn’t that so?”

Isn’t it just their responsibility to ensure there won’t be multiple different Indias?

That’s what I’m saying right now.

“Then, is there another condition?”

Of course, there is.

We are about to grant independence to a place that has been a colony for hundreds of years.

Naturally, it’s only right that they gain independence, but if they’re coming to us for help, shouldn’t we place some conditions?

It’s not like they wouldn’t gain independence otherwise, but supporting their independence while opposing Britain would mean a lot more than just that.

And what I’m about to say will truly shake the fundamentals of India.

“The caste system is practically indistinguishable from slavery; it’s a barbaric social hierarchy. You need to abolish that as well.”

From what I’ve heard, Gandhi is against abolishing the caste system, and as for Chandra Bose, I’m not sure, but still.

This is a condition I must insist upon.

“The caste system is an indigenous hierarchy deeply rooted in India. While some abuse it, it’s something that can be gradually rectified.”

As expected, Gandhi opposed the abolishment of the caste system, just as the records indicate.

Utilizing this could easily tear India apart.

It seems a bit unfortunate that these two came to me.

Instead of just seeking independence, their visit will serve to plot for division.

Gandhi, the hero of Indian independence, and Jawaharlal Nehru, who is favorable to Britain, both aimed to abolish the caste system.

With this in hand, I could very well succeed in dividing India.

* * *

 

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