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I’m not a saint, you know.

“I always say, I’m the Saint of Russia—well, I guess now I’m the Saint of the Rome Treaty. Anyway, it’s probably better for India to be divided from their perspective. With the caste system and all sorts of bad customs, unifying India wouldn’t be ideal for them. We can’t uproot the fundamental issues, and we shouldn’t make them suffer through the divisions beforehand.”

This is a legitimate division.

It’s for the sake of India, after all. Isn’t that quite noble?

It’s easy to talk about unification, but the insides are festering.

“Nehru is pro-British, right? Let’s support that side and make sure to establish a pro-British Indian state as promised.”

“Agreed. The Tsar truly understands me. Now, while you’re in Britain, I’ll make sure to take care of things for you.”

Did I just get insulted?

I’m a bit annoyed, but later, under Churchill’s guide, I ended up giving a speech in the British Parliament.

After a long, long speech, I touched upon colonial matters.

Given our position, it’s quite sensitive and uncomfortable. But I have to do this.

Anyway, since we’re in the same boat, I can say a few words that tickle their fancy.

“We must now shed the title of a colonial imperialist nation and move forward into the future. We have proven that we are not just oppressors to the colonies, but that we have led them toward civilization, and our Rome Treaty organization must renew everything as a leading force in the world. The British Empire has long since governed numerous colonies and is the world’s foremost empire, so we can help the colonized states enter the international community more than anyone. For the colonized, Britain was not merely an oppressor. Throughout the years, we have continuously aided in their civilization. For Britain to be recorded in the world’s history as having spread civilization, your roles are crucial. The declaration of decolonization in Rome cannot be achieved without the support of Britain, who possesses the most fleets and colonies in the Rome Treaty. The Rome Treaty and our Russia will assist Britain.”

Clap clap clap clap clap!

The British Parliament couldn’t hide their joy at my speech.

It’s not like they’re fools; they know all too well that the UK, who has managed the world’s most predominant colonies, won’t take a beating from the decolonization declaration.

More than anything, since it wasn’t Hitler of Nazi Germany who carried all the sins into hell, but rather communism that collapsed, they still hold onto the title of being colonizers and oppressors.

Even if the washing machine is spinning, it’s hard to bury the crimes of colonial empires just because Hitler became a hero of the Danube Federation.

But I’m telling them that, as the world’s greatest monarch and the Saint of Russia, if I play my cards right even now, a pretty package could be possible. From their perspective, it means they can justify their imperialistic acts as contributions to civilization, if only slightly.

In short, akin to the doctrine of colonial modernization.

Maybe those oppressed by colonization want to bomb something upon hearing this, but that’s all.

But why should I care? As long as my home country, Korea, does well.

In any case, the colonies will gain their independence more safely, and they can enjoy the infrastructure left by the colonial powers.

So, naturally, everyone in charge of Britain was overflowing with joy at my speech.

The world’s strongest nation is helping out the washing machine? How could they endure it? Especially Mosley, whose eyes were glistening with tears.

“Long live British-Russian friendship! May God protect our two monarchs!”

After the speech wrapped up successfully.

I thought I’d have a good time over the next week.

“Wow, she really is a living saint!”

“Your Majesty! Just once over here! Please let me see you just once!”

Even in Britain, there was a huge uproar.

In Britain, I was the very embodiment of a living goddess.

Being treated as a saint seems to be outstanding no matter where you go.

For a while, the British thought meeting me was like meeting their own king.

What a delightful situation.

Maybe over here, I’ve also acquired a bit of the awe of Anacchan.

“This popularity of mine will continue even after I’m dead. I wonder why I’m so famous in Britain?”

“I hear it’s due to the war back then.”

“The war?”

What did we even do back in that war? I have no idea.

“Weren’t you of great help to Britain back then?”

Oh right. I did add some conditions, but still…

But that was just a way for both sides to benefit, a form of exchange. Is that why they’re fawning over me so much?

“Well, that’s true. But is it really just for that?”

“More precisely, it seems like the new foods from Russia, like the instant meals the Tsar crafted, became quite popular. And that added to the appeal.”

Thinking of it that way made me chuckle.

How satisfying it is that the British, an abhorrent nation, are worshiping and revering me so much!

“Still, with this kind of support, the Rome Treaty should be maintained with little difficulty.”

Mikhail Drozdovsky, who came along, laughed heartily.

Yeah. I think so too.

For a while, it will be held together by my charisma, and once it settles completely, then it’ll be over.

The Rome Treaty will continue without fail.

Of course, there might be some noise in the process, but that’s all.

“Then that’s a relief.”

Thinking about maintaining the Rome Treaty far into the future makes me feel like I can indulge in some national pride.

From this side, there’s nothing to complain about.

A saint celebrated by all nations. Oh, how can I possibly endure this?

For a time, I received endless love from the British in Britain, even holding fan signing events for them.

Although it felt more like some form of compensation for the British who respect me, rather than what modern fan events would be like.

Did I ever expect that those abhorrent Brits would become my fans?

“I got the saint’s autograph!”

Isn’t this enough?

Then, where should I go next?

I wouldn’t mind visiting Ireland at least once.

They completely gained independence along with Northern Ireland in a surprising twist.

If it wasn’t for Goebbels, the story might have been different.

If the British Army had not been captured at Dunkirk, would Ireland truly have been able to gain independence? That’s a different story.

Things seem peaceful now, but who knows.

If Britain comes to its senses, might they not eye Ireland?

No, the ones who decolonized in the Rome Treaty wouldn’t do that.

Still, I should secure a guarantee. A visit might not be a bad idea.

“Are you thinking of going to Ireland?”

“That wouldn’t be bad.”

It might be a bit of a hassle. But this is image-making.

It’s a mutually beneficial scenario. It’s like I tell the Irish I’m guaranteeing their independence.

I’m good with that.

Having Ireland as a partner nation wouldn’t be the worst idea.

Just as I was about to try visiting Ireland…

“Your Majesty, there’s a civil war breaking out in India. Gandhi has been shot, and his status is currently unknown.”

“Looks like what I hoped for is coming true.”

It’s unfortunate for Gandhi, but it can’t be helped.

If he had listened to me earlier, he would at least have had a Soong Mei-ling ending, but sadly he continued to shout for unification until the end.

In any case, this means the Rome Treaty will soon intervene in India again.

* * *

India, New Delhi

Gandhi had just gathered representatives of various forces in Delhi, in newly independent India.

Despite the threats from Anastasia, he was undeterred and aimed to unite India quickly now that the Rome Treaty was rebuilding after the war.

“You all must not divide! We must be one! Only a united India can guide us to a new world!”

“Are there Sikhs in that country?”

“Of course. There will be a place for Sikhs.”

“But the caste system will still remain, right?”

The fundamental issue of the caste system.

In fact, due to the influence of Communist Germany, the consensus among Indian nationalists was to gain independence first. But when Britain suddenly declared, “You may now be independent!” claiming they would let various religions and ethnicities go free before making them into colonies, India became lost.

Naturally, Gandhi had no intention of letting this slide; he aimed to unify India before it solidified into separation.

His plan was to make a move before the separation occurred.

However, before pulling out, the British persistently sowed discord regarding the caste system, and as a result, to achieve unification, they had to handle the caste system first.

But the caste system was fundamental to India, creating undercurrents of tension.

Religious issues also couldn’t be recklessly decided.

Different religions combining into one.

There was absolutely no way that could happen in present-day India.

“If India can be united, we will form a new government together and change everything.”

“You can’t be certain! In the end, it’s all just sweet talk, and nothing will change!”

“Exactly! We cannot associate with the madmen perpetuating the evils of the old age! It’s better to live independently!”

Living independently is indeed better.

Everyone was saying that right now.

“To begin with, the Russian Empress promised the Sikhs independence, so why, Gandhi! Why are you so obsessed with the unification of the Indian Peninsula? In the end, don’t you just want to stand at the peak of the caste system?”

“Those untouchables! The caste system is an indigenous system of India!”

“I knew this would happen. Who are these fools? What? Come together? Speak sense!”

“Our Muslims cannot coexist with Hindus either. Why should we unite with you when we can establish our own nation? Historically, the Mughal Empire wasn’t a unified entity at its peak. Why maintain what the British forced together?”

Yes. It wasn’t just Gandhi’s personal ambition.

It was questionable whether this could even be called unification.

However, for Gandhi, this was a trial for unity, and if not now, he felt there wouldn’t be another opportunity.

“Division will offer us no benefit. The one trying to divide us is the Russian Empress, to keep us weak!”

“Honestly, it’s just trying to continue what the British left behind!”

“We don’t want the caste system either! Unless Gandhi decries the new evils of India, we cannot accept it!”

“In the new government, there will be Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and various peoples together. The issues of evils and religion can be addressed gradually!”

In other words, nothing has been accomplished.

In reality, even Gandhi himself had no real solution.

Of course, there were plans to establish a government, and he would aim to improve existing evils with help from different religions and factions.

“Can you stop Russia if they come pouring in?”

“The Rome Treaty is currently ending the war and organizing Europe. No matter how much the Russian Empress, they won’t invade us when we’re forming a united government while they’re busy taking care of Europe!?”

Gandhi’s calculations were simple.

It seemed similar to leaders who tried to stand against Russia, but this was an image-conscious Anastasia.

Gandhi knew this well.

If they could establish a government together before Anastasia’s Europe turned its eyes to India, what would they do then?

He was confident it was entirely possible.

Those who proclaim decolonization and peace would certainly not backtrack on what they had said.

But…

The whisper of demons from Britain wielded significant power.

“If you wish to establish your nation, we shall duly support you. This isn’t under the expectation of something in return; if you need weaponry and food, we will support you and recognize your nation in the international community.”

This sweet whisper, coming from those who had dominated Britain for many years, was being relayed to each independent faction.

“How can we trust you?”

“We will rightly incorporate your government into the newly formed International Union. Modernizing India is what we British must do.”

Even if they seem outdated, the UK remains one of the strongest (??) members of the Rome Treaty alongside Russia and has been lamenting their past actions, stating they will help as compensation.

That might appear as pure nonsense, but the owner of that power is none other than Anastasia.

I heard that in China, a character similar to Gandhi, Soong Mei-ling, had already capitulated. Therefore, there was indeed someone to trust.

“We will be independent.”

“No, you mustn’t be swayed by Britain’s cunning!”

“What? To cooperate with those wanting to abolish the caste system?”

Dissatisfaction towards Gandhi arose among the hardliners who defended the caste system and called for its abolition.

And naturally, this attempt by Gandhi failed.

BANG!

On a day like any other, crying out for the unification of India, he was shot by an unknown assailant.

Whether it was a Sikh, a Hindu faction opposed to Gandhi’s reforms, or a Muslim, the identity of the perpetrator was unclear.

“What’s this? The saint gets shot but isn’t hurt?”

As Gandhi’s life dangled in the balance, even the hidden supporters of Anastasia were astonished.

The saint, Tsar, received no injury, but Gandhi did.

Unsurprisingly, the supporters of Anastasia couldn’t view Gandhi positively.

“No! India must become one…”

And with Gandhi’s status turning unknown, it dramatically affected the separation of various factions.

The factions began to blame each other for Gandhi’s shooting. Unsurprisingly, the distrust among them grew even more.

“Comrades, rise up! We must build our Sikh nation!”

“Let’s establish a Muslim nation!”

“We are no longer untouchables! Those who aided the British must step back!”

“You’re trying to gain independence with British help!”

Chandra Bose, Nehru, Sikhs, and the vested powers at the top of the caste system took up arms with their beliefs.

Chandra Bose and Nehru hoped for unification, but witnessing Gandhi’s death amidst a situation that was already well along the path of separation, they abandoned any similar ideas to Gandhi’s.

These people rose up, intending to survive with the weapons the British had inadvertently left behind.

 

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