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* * *

After the decoration ceremony ended, I stretched out my legs and relaxed.

“Your Majesty, Japan has dispatched a Foreign Minister.”

So, Japan has sent another Foreign Minister. I couldn’t understand what these crazy bastards were plotting, but I decided to find out the situation first.

The dispatched individual from Japan was Foreign Minister Dogo Shigenori.

Dogo Shigenori had originally prepared a negotiation plan based on withdrawing troops from occupied territories to avoid war with the United States, but it was thwarted by opposition from the military and the stubbornness of the Americans.

As a result, the attack on Pearl Harbor followed.

Then Nagasaki and Hiroshima were obliterated by nuclear bombs, and when the Soviet Union joined, they insisted on maintaining the Emperor system and ultimately advocated for surrender, which Hirohito accepted. Of course, in this world, Japan’s General Headquarters is in the Forbidden City, separate from the mainland, merely trapped in Pearl Harbor.

Anyway, I was looking forward to hearing what Dogo Shigenori had to say. On our side, we sent Litvinov to deal with them directly.

“Russia has a good relationship with the United States, so please, I beg you to mediate the negotiations.”

“Then why did you attack Pearl Harbor and create this situation?”

“I have no words to say, even with ten mouths. Please help us.”

Dogo Shigenori reportedly bowed his head several times in front of Litvinov.

Just from this, it suggested that Japan was under quite a significant amount of pressure from the war.

“Isn’t the situation favorable for Japan?”

“It was at first, but the production capacity of the U.S. is something we cannot handle. With the joining of the enemy’s Atlantic fleet, we’ve lost several islands in the Pacific.”

“But we just finished our own war and cannot afford to intervene in another country. Please discuss this with the Duma and wait for His Majesty’s approval.”

That’s how it ended up. It seems Japan is feeling a lot of heat right now.

“Hmm. So that’s what it means.”

Although it is more favorable than the original history, it seems they are gradually being pushed back.

They complain a lot, considering they are taking resources from the Allied powers under the pretext of protecting them from the Communists.

Seriously, who asked you to attack Pearl Harbor?

In any case, I also decided to hear the detailed circumstances from Litvinov.

“It’s clear that Japan is struggling to handle the production capacity of the U.S.”

“Did you hear anything about Midway from Dogo Shigenori?”

“It seems that after the naval battle at Midway last year, Japan couldn’t gain the upper hand. They lost two aircraft carriers in that battle. Since then, it’s been back and forth, but Japan is gradually getting pushed back. And with the European front coming to an end, they seem to be considering possible battles with the European fleets.”

They themselves have made mistakes too, it seems.

Well, touching colonies was a bit too far. Silly Japan.

Of course, from their perspective, seizing colonies was necessary to address resource shortages—but that’s just the way history goes.

To resolve their difficult situation, they are only expanding their frontline.

They provoke the colonies of Britain and France to fight America more.

Isn’t that truly a crazy thought, typical of the Japanese?

“Hmm. This is quite interesting. Since our position is currently delicate, please respond that, to stop the brutal massacre occurring in China, they should withdraw from the colonies of the Allied powers, then we will have at least some justification for mediation.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

There was no need to mention Korea or Taiwan.

For now, it was essential to maintain the appearance of keeping Korea and Taiwan.

In any case, Japan doesn’t have much time left.

* * *

Dogo Shigenori heard Litvinov’s response (essentially, Anastasia’s answer) and immediately contacted his homeland.

He believed that if Russia, which had already triumphed over the European powers without unnecessary friction, took on the role of mediator, they would have sufficient possibilities.

He even thought that the large-scale massacres happening in China should be settled at this point.

After all, British and French weapons were entering China as they meddled with their colonies, which essentially meant that neither Britain nor France wanted Japan stationed in their colonies.

They had already expressed their objections to Japan through their diplomats multiple times, so what more can be said?

If they withdrew now and reached an agreement with China at an appropriate time, the Empire would survive.

However, if Japan’s General Headquarters had any common sense to listen to Russia, there would be no Pearl Harbor attack.

The General Headquarters’ response was simply straightforward.

“Is Russia also white? How dare they treat our Empire like this?”

Merely grievances and complaints against Russia for not giving aid.

Especially the war-starting Tojo Hideki was particularly vocal about this.

“But there is some truth in it. Now that the European war has ended, the Non-Aggression Pact has been dissolved, and England and France will bare their fangs at us for meddling in their colonies.”

“Hmph, haven’t they also lost a lot due to the war? Why would they want to start another war with us?”

Britain has suffered greatly, barely managing to maintain its cabinet after winning the war.

“But the situation on the Chinese front has become difficult. The number of desertions from the Imperial Army, exhausted by the civilian massacres, is increasing. And Russia isn’t insisting on the independence of Korea and Taiwan, right? Would it not be acceptable to satisfy that much?”

“If we throw away all our resources, how would we fight the United States?”

“That would make Russia agree to mediate, wouldn’t it?”

“Are we putting ourselves on the chopping block? Let’s discuss that portion, and first ask them to mediate with the Americans—”

Discussions continued among the moderate faction within Japan’s General Headquarters about accepting Russia’s proposal versus the hardliners who opposed it, and naturally, Dogo Shigenori in Moscow was feeling quite frustrated.

“Such insane fellows! Who knows whether it’s okay to take the offered hand from Russia when they spoon-feed us, and yet they continue with their cushy talks!”

Dogo Shigenori was at his wit’s end.

He had attempted to negotiate with the United States several times, but it had come to nothing.

He thought it might be possible if he borrowed the strength of Russia, yet now it seemed there was only destruction for the Empire in sight.

“Kyaaa! Help! Please, spare the children!”

“Please! Just save the children!”

“Every Chinese is a red! Kill them all!”

Meanwhile, even as the situation continued to worsen, the Japanese Army was still committing insane acts of massacring civilians on the continent. Chiang Kai-shek’s Chinese government was publicizing this massively, calling on the European powers to support China.

Of course, given the current state with the war just ending, aside from Russia, there were no normal countries left, and China’s appeal was merely supported by weapons from Britain and France as they disliked Japan.

Especially in the case of France, with the establishment of a Self-Defense Force and issues surrounding the independence of colonies, they were in a position to throw leftover weapons to China.

On the other hand, MacArthur in the United States caught wind of Japan reaching out to Russia.

“Hmm, have they caught on?”

“It seems Foreign Minister Dogo Shigenori has requested mediation from Russia.”

“That guy certainly tried to negotiate with us. But it seems he has no choice but to rely on Russia now.”

MacArthur narrowed his eyes, clapping his palm with his command baton.

Well, the determination to negotiate with the United States is commendable, but the timing is off.

Ultimately, the war will be won by the United States. This means that at the very least, they should present terms for conditional surrender, but their military is still bloated and shouting for negotiation, which makes no sense.

However, if Russia sides with Japan, things could get troublesome.

The United States doesn’t currently possess any of Russia’s new weapons.

Although they hastily began developing weaponry, at least for now, they must recognize that Russia holds the upper hand.

So, if Russia were to mediate on behalf of Japan even at the cost of destroying diplomatic relations with the United States, that would pose a risk.

“Hey, Ike. Is there a possibility that Russia might side with Japan?”

Could there be even a slight possibility?

As I was pondering this, it suddenly became a nuisance.

“Just as Britain used Japan as gendarmes to check Russia, Russia may also mediate to contain us due to its relations with European countries, but above all, their Tsar is called a saint. They cannot side with the monsters committing massacres under the guise of humans in China.”

Yet, the probability is virtually nonexistent.

This indicates that we should contact Russia quickly.

“Is that so? Still, just in case, it means we should reach out as soon as possible. Very well. Let’s throw as much money as we can into that Empress’s mouth.”

MacArthur decided it was time to stop dragging his feet.

To eliminate the mad monkeys of the Far East, it was time to make a decisive move.

* * *

Roman Territory in Russia

From Rome in the Italian Federal Army, we have opened the door to a new future for Europe today.

The heads of state from various European nations gathered to establish a new international organization.

At least our Prime Minister Georgy Lvov of Russia, Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of the German Empire, Hitler from the Danube Federation, Churchill of Britain, Pétain from the French Republic, Ilyinuy from Turkey, and Rivera from the Falange of Spain, among many others participated.

“With this, I officially announce the establishment of the Rome Treaty Organization.”

The Rome Treaty Organization is an international organization, but in essence, it was the reconstruction of Rome.

Although it is called a treaty organization, its actual name is ‘Senatus Populus que Romanus.’ The Senate and people of Rome. While there are monarchy states within the treaty organization, it also signifies that citizens of member states hold power.

Moreover, it was established with the meaning of rebuilding Rome, so its acronym is naturally SPQR. The flag of the treaty organization is not merely the flags of each country, but rather the flag of Rome itself.

The flag is red with a golden laurel wreath and SPQR emblazoned on it. It’s a flag that none can resist but feel the essence of Rome.

Waaaah!

Alexei Gastev from our Russia became the chairperson.

Initially, there were discussions that it would be good for the prime ministers of each country to assume the presidency of the treaty organization. However, since the prime ministers would have many tasks, it meant that they should be elected separately from the prime minister.

After all, how tiring would it be for the chairperson to fly back and forth between Rome and Moscow?

Though, it’s better to see Gastev as the spokesperson for Moscow in essence.

Especially since Russia’s vast territory meant that the Prime Minister was busy with many duties in the National Duma as well.

Thanks to Gastev, who had served as Minister in the Treasury and Labor Ministry within Russia, labor mechanization—or rather, welfare—had significantly advanced, and he rose to the candidate position for the next prime minister.

It still seems like he holds onto the idea that humans should work like machines, but he’s perfect for the chairperson role.

In any case, since the chair of the treaty organization won’t solely be held by Russia but will rotate among European nations, it should demonstrate that Russia is not merely in a hegemonic position but has genuinely created a new Rome.

In other words, we are committed to fairness. Fairness.

Well, eventually, the headquarters of the treaty organization will also be protected by the Russian army, but isn’t Rome rightfully our land?

Moreover, the military of the Rome Treaty Organization has become unified as the Roman Treaty Army, Navy, and Air Force, with all armies from European countries joining forces.

Even the smaller and larger Northern European countries all opted to join this side.

Denmark seems to have come this far trying to reclaim Iceland, which gained independence to escape the communist revolution, but unfortunately, Iceland has also joined the Rome Treaty Organization as an independent nation.

Now then, I’ve got a story to share.

The first treaty meeting was attended by leaders from all countries, and major matters such as war will likely be addressed by the prime ministers.

As the newly appointed chairperson Gastev stood at the podium amid applause, he began:

“Although the Rome Treaty Organization has been established, we still have far to go. Even as we must cooperate on post-war management, issues of colonies and the war against Japan remain.”

“Indeed. The world has reached a new turning point. We must no longer torment other nations through colonial rule.”

I never expected those words to come out of Churchill’s mouth.

Anyway, it’s true. It’s time to resolve the colonial issue.

“Maintaining colonies is inherently more challenging. It might have been acceptable in the past, but in today’s era, colonies provide no profit and are certainly not suitable for a civilized nation.”

“We, Britain, plan to gather intellectuals from our colonies to establish governments as soon as our homeland stabilizes and subsequently withdraw our armies in stages.”

“Including India as well?”

Spanish Rivera asked Churchill with a surprised face.

Yeah, it would be surprising for Britain to let go of the crown jewels.

“We, Britain, recognize that India has now enjoyed enough knowledge to raise its voice in the international community and intend to dismantle colonial India, collaborating with Russia to prevent a civil war and facilitating peaceful independence for India by granting independence based on religion and ethnicity.”

“Oh, Britain made such a decision.”

Pétain from France looked astounded while glancing up at Churchill, at a loss for words.

France, whose pride had been hurt after their homeland was torn apart, now faced the decision over their colonies as well, so it’s no surprise.

* * *

 

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