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“It’s disappointing. Unfortunately, as a Saint, I cannot accept the barbaric and filthy practices of the Caste System. Rather, it’s pitiful for the Indians that such individuals are called freedom fighters.”

I shook my head and sighed dramatically.

Of course, the Caste System is not a simple issue.

Gandhi’s supporters among Hindus hope that the Caste System won’t be abolished.

Even if Gandhi himself wishes to abolish the Caste System with my help, his supporters would likely resist.

“Your Majesty, that’s not a simple matter.”

“In time, we will gradually address the issue.”

Gandhi and Chandrabose were vehemently opposed, claiming now is not the time.

Yeah, it’s not a simple issue.

It shakes the very foundations of India, and moreover, it’s tied to religion, which can cause friction between Hinduism and other religions.

And it could soon lead to problems for India’s unification.

In other words, my suggestion is to recognize a unified India if everyone desires to be Indian without separation and independence, but suggesting the abolition of the Caste System would sow division.

But you know, that’s not my problem.

To be blunt, why should I, as a Saint, accept such a vile class system? It’s not right.

“Well, when things pile up, they rot. In this era, you two might think you can treat the untouchables with love and kindness, but in the end, the evils of the Caste System will continue. Unless there’s a definite confirmation for abolishment, it’s impossible. If you two genuinely want India’s independence and have asked for my help, I believe this is a condition you should accept.”

Upon my words, the two exchanged glances and sighed deeply.

In the end, they had no choice but to accept.

If they didn’t, what could they do? The independence of India would likely fade from view.

Of course, regardless of this, Britain would have to relinquish India. At least they didn’t realize that.

To be blunt, “We’ll do everything we can to maintain India!”—if that were to happen, India would just become a nuisance.

Now, shall we later meet with the pro-British Nehru and the independence hero Ambedkar?

Honestly, I’m not sure how Gandhi and that Chandrabose will turn out in the future. It’d be better to meet two historically significant figures interested in abolishing the Caste System.

My current choice will undoubtedly split India in the future.

Wow. Who would have thought I’d end up being someone who influences the world like this?

“You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

Maria’s words made me smirk slyly.

Watching Gandhi and Chandrabose gradually fade away through the window only made it more amusing.

“When the moment comes that I can shape the map as I please, how can I not be entertained?”

Personally, Europe has actually shrunk a bit from its original history.

Hitler has unified the Vichy countries again.

To be honest, Poland might still have a nation, but it effectively is under the Dual Monarchy, so you could view it as a country like Russia.

Then I should divide things elsewhere.

It could be amusing to see Churchill make England as Scotland, Wales, and England again, but considering how pathetic Churchill is, that won’t work; we need to expand India instead.

Let’s split China too, keeping a large population.

It’ll still have a hefty population after that. But the balance should remain intact.

Let’s make Gandhi and Chandrabose argue again.

“How about making Nehru the moderate pro-British leader of India and Ambedkar the pro-Russian one?”

At this point, isn’t it okay to feel a bit smug?

“Add Gandhi and Chandrabose into the mix too.”

“Exactly.”

India has strong regional decentralization. It’ll probably be really tough for them.

Modern India hasn’t been able to uproot the Caste System; will they have the strength to abolish it right after gaining independence?

Even Churchill can’t be opposed to that.

Now that he’s been completely decimated at Dunkirk, he has to grasp my skirt and beg me.

By this point, he’d probably come to his senses, realizing he can’t prevent India’s independence; thus, he’ll likely resort to provoking divisions within India as he originally did in history.

If I help establish a moderate pro-British government on the side? Britain would probably like that.

At least it seems the thoughtful individual there in Britain is on high alert.

It’s a pity the Mediterranean fleet made it back to the mainland safely.

Seeing them drag the Eastern fleet along shows they are indeed riddled with fear.

And as for America, I’ve heard they’re moving shipyards nationwide to churn out boats.

How desperate must they be for the Atlantic fleet, once divided between the Military Government and the Confederate States of America, to relocate to the Pacific?

The interesting part is that the formerly divided Atlantic fleet, now facing an impending civil war, has managed to scale up and improve its quality under the Military Government and Confederate States.

What does this mean?

It reflects America’s determination to turn Japan into a real hell on earth regardless of the means.

Well, anyway, this means we’ve brought things that our Duma will enjoy.

Before Japan could spin up hopes of America returning to the negotiating table, they should’ve taken decisive action and bombarded the West Coast of the U.S. instead of wasting precious time.

Even with the civil war, America allocates its national power solely to crush Japan.

On our side, we’ll decide to get involved later. We should also start moving our heavy behinds soon.

“Your Majesty, this time the British foreign minister has come to see the Duma.”

So those folks are busy too.

I suppose I know who the British foreign minister is.

“Hmm, was it Anthony Eden?”

“Yes.”

That gentleman managed to hold the position during such a difficult time.

“Since they must already be aware that I’ve met with Gandhi and Chandrabose, they should just pass that info along, and the National Duma will take care of the rest.”

I’ve already gotten everything I wanted.

Now Britain is truly here to request our support.

I’ve heard that the Red German army is at odds with the Austrian army, or rather, now facing off against the Danube Federation.

The time has come for intervention.

* * *

London, England

As expected, Eden went to Russia to seek assistance.

Now the Red Germans have injected a red dose into France.

All the major powers are turning red. They are feeling quite confident right now.

Asking Russia with flowery words if it’s not time for them to step forward.

Due to the evaporation of the army and the looming catastrophe of the Red Germans’ landing, I’ve gathered the Home Fleet, the Mediterranean Fleet, and even the Eastern Fleet, which, historically, would’ve been destroyed by Japan, to solidify the coastal defenses.

Could it be that I’ve even requested manpower under the condition of granting independence to Northern Ireland as a set with Ireland?

In such a situation, the Russian assistance that I had so underestimated became a blessing in disguise.

But that’s that.

Churchill was not pleased with the idea of Russia salivating over India, the crown jewel of the empire.

“Ha, so now they’re even getting involved with India’s independence? If the Germans are around, they must be uneasy too! Just because we’ve made some concessions to Turkey, they’re getting bold!”

After receiving a direct report from Anthony Eden, a vein throbbed on Churchill’s temple.

He had been groveling humbly before the families of Dunkirk’s victims, barely managing to keep his cabinet afloat.

In the midst of this, Turkey’s pride was hurt, and now, he risked losing India to those despised Ivans.

“They claim it’s merely a secondary option. They know it’s challenging for us to manage India after all.”

“A secondary option? Isn’t that ridiculous?”

“The Russians have declared that they will support us with food and supplies to prevent a communist revolution in Britain.”

Russia’s response to British overtures declared not only that they are preparing for intervention but also ensuring that Britain’s communist revolution does not take place by providing as much support as possible.

The Royal Navy was genuinely focused on homeland defense, while the U-boats, always a hassle in history, have been unleashed to blockade Britain.

America seems so focused on Japan they hardly care about Europe anymore.

Russia’s aid was a much-needed blessing in this drought.

Now, instead of worrying about colonies, we must worry about food supplies.

I even thought about unleashing the navy to wipe out all the U-boats, but that was close to impossible.

Not even a single Red German must be allowed to land on Britain.

If Britain were to be invaded, it would be the first time in 900 years since their mainland was attacked.

‘At least William had a pretense of a royal succession!’

If I’m in the cabinet now, and Britain is besieged by Red Germany, that would be the end.

Thus, out of fear, he even called forth the Eastern Fleet, which historically would have been utterly decimated by Japan.

At this point, Churchill also had to laugh as if he had gone mad.

It was absurd to think we needed to worry about the mainland before our colonies.

Newly titled Mr. Dunkirk was struggling every day with liquor, making every effort to protect the homeland.

With a body soaked in alcohol, he leaned on his chair and sneered at himself.

“How did our British Empire come to this?”

Was it when we ignored the Russians and declared war on Germany?

When those wretched frogs betrayed us and painted themselves bright red?

Yeah. Dunkirk indeed.

We should have at least executed a proper withdrawal. Just look at our current state.

How little those Ivans regard the British Empire.

“Well, we need to survive for now, right? At least with the navy, we’re managing to defend the homeland, so that’s a relief. And it’s a good thing Russia is preparing to intervene, albeit late.”

Right. That’s something to be relieved about.

Certainly, those Red Germans will not be able to land on Britain.

We have the fleet, and our hastily assembled Home Guard too.

And that’s when I suddenly realized something.

Why is Russia dragging its feet despite having the capacity to fill a front line, waiting until America’s deployment to finalize?

The sole reason Russia is stalling this way is simple.

Crash!

Churchill threw a glass filled with wine against the wall.

“Right. This makes sense. They’re dragging their feet because they want to consume it all themselves. Our Britain is now in such a position that we can’t do anything, and they plan to gobble everything down without breaking a sweat!”

Churchill was seething with anger.

It’s clear he would do just that if he were the Russian Empress Anastasia.

Now Britain is in a position where it has to beg for support from Russia.

In other words, this is Russia’s situation now.

“We’ll consume all of Europe, so you all need to stop worrying about when we’ll take action.”

Which means they will act, but there’s a huge difference between responding to Britain’s requests and Russia taking initiative.

It’s basically saying they won’t join the Allied forces and would treat it as a separate war altogether.

Of course, Churchill did manage to form a new allied army within the Air Defense Treaty nation, excluding Russia.

But Churchill was fed up.

We must pull the brakes on the now increasingly powerful Russia, but the old lion lack the strength to do so.

Fairly soon, the pride of the British Empire, the navy, will undoubtedly be overshadowed by the battleship technology supported by the Kaiser and those slovenly Japs.

“There’s nothing I can do, and it makes me furious.”

Now, the scenario is obvious.

Soon, the Red Germans will deal with Poland, and Russia will utilize that to try to reclaim Poland first under the pretext of protecting it with a special military operation.

Then, what’s next? Poland would once again become united with Russia under the Dual Monarchy.

And what after that? The Red Germans will set their sights on Austria, and Russia will join in while using Austria as a meat shield.

The North’s bears have been saving their strength.

No, it’s solely the Empress of Moscow. Since that damned Saint has emerged from her mind, the northern saint will surely sweep the red tide with the spirit of anti-communism.

Britain will be rendered powerless, unable to do a thing.

Just like having an army is crucial for waging war, we need strength to exert influence over Russia.

The Home Guards constituted on the mainland are so desperate that even elderly and boys fill in for the lacking numbers.

In comparison to the Red German army, which seemed like it had sold its soul to Goebbels, our combat effectiveness is seriously lacking.

With the homeland defense in such a dire state, can we really dictate terms to Russia?

Now, Britain must helplessly watch everything Russia does.

Churchill is incredibly furious about it.

* * *

Meanwhile, in Warsaw, Poland, General Edward Rydz-Śmigły was unable to suppress his anger just like Churchill.

Poland was in a dire situation.

Although the elite forces were all wiped out, the island nation of Britain could rely on the formidable Royal Navy to thoroughly defend Britain.

Poland was not in the same boat.

The Red Germans, having resolved their western front, were now landing heavy hits on Poland.

“Damn, if only I could have entered just a bit faster!”

“Sir, the front lines are collapsing!”

Everything is falling apart too quickly.

The fact that the elite French army switched sides to the Red Germans was monumental.

The soldiers’ morale is at an all-time low, while the German People’s Army is united in pride, having trampled the British Empire.

“Damn that Britain and France! We should’ve listened to them when Russia wasn’t participating!”

Now, the invaders of the Eastern Front must face an even greater red threat.

The only good news is that we’ve purchased weapons diligently, allowing us to hold on against the Red Army a bit longer, but.

There’s only so much we can do with our limited resources.

With the western front essentially over, the Red German soldiers are bringing their forces to attack Poland.

Moreover, the internal situation isn’t favorable either.

As the war dragged on with little in the way of achievements, anti-war sentiments began to bubble up within Poland.

Though it’s merely a word of anti-war sentiment. It’s nothing but the infiltration of some German Communists inciting the Polish Communist underground.

“Am I really going to have to request help from Russia as it stands?”

If Russia were to come, it wouldn’t just be a simple entrance either.

Would they even show up at all?

 

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