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* * *

The problem is that Indonesia is supposed to fall under American influence later. Hmmm.

What if we brutally beat the bastards who threw the first punch according to the Rome Treaty and then grant independence?

If everything is destroyed and we grant independence as originally planned, Indonesia will probably take quite a hit.

I could go there myself, deliberately exposing myself to danger and getting attacked again, making it a perfect justification, but…

It’s not really ideal to reuse something I’ve already utilized in India.

“How is the Rome Treaty planning to act?”

This has colonial pride, so there’s no way they’re going to just let it slide.

I don’t know for sure, but they’ll probably hit us at least once or twice first.

“We plan to bring in French troops from Dutch East Indies and urgently prepare suppression forces from French Indochina, and soon the treaty will send expeditionary forces to Indonesia.”

But will that really be enough? Aren’t the troops in the Dutch East Indies and French Indochina second-rate?

Initially, it will be a defense with second-rate troops while sending in the main force. The problem is not Indonesia but the United States.

“Hmm. Will the United States be okay with this?”

This might make the U.S. a bit angry. No, let’s look at this from a different angle.

Rather, this could serve as an opportunity for the U.S.

Let’s say the Rome Treaty beats down on Indonesia to a pulp, and we intended to pass on the infrastructure from the colonial era intact, but it became difficult due to the rebels.

We can’t build it for you, so you figure it out. Then if the U.S. steps in, they could naturally take control of a pro-U.S. regime. If things go well, Indonesia could be split as well.

Not a bad idea.

However, it’s ridiculous that even if we try to divvy up like cutting a cake, it’s going to be tough to even achieve post-colonial status.

“Nothing to say just yet.”

“Umm. Hmm. Hmmm.”

I absentmindedly tapped the end of the desk with my pen.

Eventually, once the Rome Treaty main force moves in, Indonesia will be stripped down like a corn cob.

There’s no way a recently emerging army aiming for independence could defeat our forces at the peak of Europe. Sukarno, that bastard. How dare he act tough believing in the U.S.! This cannot go unpunished.

The India venture went well, but it has been less than five years since the Rome Treaty Organization was established.

Now is the time to continuously show a united Europe.

We have to handle the Indonesian situation decisively.

If McArthur is behind this, we might have no choice but to mess up South America as well. Still, the U.S. probably won’t act immediately.

“We need to consider potential U.S. intervention. We must clarify that the suppression of this rebellion started because of their offensive.”

“Yes. Already notified.”

What if these bastards are trying to target Indonesia? We need to resolve that beforehand.

Next, we must split Sukarno in half.

Or should I just go myself?

* * *

In the Kremlin, I had no choice but to contemplate.

Should I go or not? In such a situation, I need to ensure that we maintain technological superiority in arms regarding our relationship with the United States.

Weapons are indeed important. Only powerful weapons can maintain peace. Absolutely.

Until the world stabilizes, at least until post-colonization is fully achieved, we need to keep a weapon advantage to ensure the U.S. won’t meddle.

Right now, Russia is also embarking on diverse development projects.

They have started hydrogen bomb development with scholars who had previously worked on nuclear weapons and support from scholars from various countries.

I’ve already placed some adequate groundwork regarding hydrogen bombs, so it seems likely they will develop slightly faster than original history, but for now, we need to maintain an advantage over the U.S. to operate the Rome Treaty steadily.

To do that, a focus on weaponry is essential.

We also need to drastically increase missile range, and we must decide how to wrap up this Indonesian issue.

Should I just launch more nukes? What if I find the location of the rebel leadership and obliterate everything with nukes? — No, nukes aren’t万能 (all-powerful).

If we just end it with nuclear power, there’s a risk of developing a dangerous belief that a nuclear option is the ultimate solution.

In the worst-case scenario, Russia could go berserk even faster. But I don’t know how long I can remain invincible.

It seems I need to reach back to before I possessed this body. I must lay down the foundations before that.

Leaders must go directly into battle.

If this becomes normalized, a tradition might arise where leaders must appear in wars within countries of the Rome Treaty Organization after my passing. Sounds like a decent idea, right?

So this Indonesian war must end as smoothly as possible.

No, wait, perhaps that method is actually alright? If we can integrate the military forces of the Rome Treaty and jointly suppress Indonesia, it could demonstrate the power of the Rome Treaty, ensuring that colonies do not act up again.

Let’s think about it. This doesn’t solely rely on the U.S.

Europe is focused on post-war recovery, and those who wish to hold power once independent would probably wish to attack colonial governments to force them out.

There are bound to be such individuals. Sukarno in Indonesia is likely a prime example.

If we let this slide, problems may persist in the colonies. I need to show directly that Europe still has the upper hand.

It feels a bit like becoming a real imperial power, but am I not just granting them independence? It’s all about peacefully transferring government! Right?

Suddenly struck with indecision, I turned to Maria, who was serving tea.

“Maria. What do you think about me stepping up directly?”

“Personally, I would prefer if Your Majesty didn’t go, but globally, I believe it won’t be bad.”

Maria answered my question seriously.

“Why?”

“Well, Your Majesty is already famous, right? If you personally lead the Rome Treaty army, it could genuinely be seen as Europe being unified.”

It’s overflowing with national pride, isn’t it? Maria’s point does have merit.

“Hmmm.”

Seems Maria shares a similar view.

If Maria feels that way, it might be a clear cut issue.

“Grand Duke Vladimir is also highly motivated to participate in this endeavor, so it seems like an unsuitable choice.”

Vladimir? Absolutely not.

I might do it, but that guy seems intent on joining to escape marriage.

He really should hurry up and find a match with Friederike. At thirty, they’re already reaching their limit.

You want to gallivant on the battlefield when you could be doing the deed and raising kids? Not happening.

“That guy can’t go. He’s scheming to escape marriage.”

Not a chance. He already played a significant role in World War II, and he should hurry up and marry to bear my successor instead.

Only then can we safely prepare for the future. If he can’t produce heirs, there’s always the chance with the young lady Kira, but that’s just insurance.

Anyways, this time, I must take action myself.

If the Indonesian suppression doesn’t occur quickly, it will become problematic.

“Then I’ll go myself.”

Ultimately, it’s best for me to step in.

A little while later.

I announced that I would be heading directly to the Rome Treaty Organization.

“Isn’t it better for you to stay in Moscow now? Your Majesty holds the most critical position in the Rome Treaty. Going to such a distant land is not quite…”

“I’d prefer that too. However, since Indonesia has blown up like this, what can I do?”

Despite Gastep’s attempts to dissuade, I firmly declared my intent to go.

Others initially objected, scoffing at the idea of the Roman Emperor traveling all the way to Southeast Asia.

“This is merely to capture former colonies; a hero of Europe can’t go.”

“This is the same as the last war; you are the absolute monarch symbolizing Europe. You’re not alone.”

Doesn’t that sound off?

“Sukarno of Indonesia is acting tough because he believes in the U.S., and it’s clear the U.S. will intervene after watching the situation. Therefore, to suppress the rebellion quickly, I intend to step in.”

Although the expenditure on military supplies is somewhat painful, the powerful financial influx from the U.S. began post-war recovery, and Russia is still doing well without significant damage on its home front.

I will step in as a singular leader. How magnificent is that?

“Let us show the power of a united Rome.”

The power of united Rome. That’s what’s crucial.

“If the Roman Emperor defeats the rebel leader in Southeast Asia, the independence movement in Indonesia will falter, and the Dutch East Indies can transfer governing power to Mohammed Hatta. Then, stepping in won’t make separation or independence difficult.”

The Indonesians might be keeping their eyes on China and India, but this is unavoidable.

Right now, as for post-colonial movements, both India and Indonesia are erupting.

Of course, India’s situation is already predetermined, but Indonesia needs to be dealt with by me.

We cannot allow future colonies to seem victorious against the great powers without quietly delegating authority from colonial governments.

The expeditionary force is organized at a total of 300,000.

Of this, the Dutch East Indies Army amounts to 50,000, British Army 30,000, Dutch Army 50,000, with Russian troops at 100,000, the German Empire and Danube Federation each having 20,000, and the remaining smaller nations contributing hundreds to thousands, totaling 300,000 troops.

Accompanied by the White Fleet, we set sail towards Indonesia.

* * *

Dutch East Indies Batavia

I had gotten used to traveling around like this, but this time I was exceptionally furious.

At my age of play, having to depart Europe and come all the way to Indonesia like this!

I just returned here via India. If it had blown up while I was in India, I would’ve gone straight away.

“The local pro-Dutch militia and various nations that intended to gain independence will soon obtain Rome Treaty state approval and aid us.”

I nodded at Governor Hubertus van Mook’s explanation of the Dutch East Indies.

“Hmm, Sukarno’s army seems more peculiar than expected. However, I’ve heard Indonesia has many islands. What do you think about the commander?”

I fixed my gaze on Robert Manserg, the commander of this coalition army.

He is a British soldier who was recently promoted to major general and has taken command of this coalition force.

Although the commander of the Russian army is Vlasov, I intended to follow Robert Manserg.

Does this truly reflect a united European army?

Anyways, before coming here, I understood Robert Manserg had prepared a bit.

He pointed to Java Island on the map of Indonesia.

“Their base is in the east of Java Island, where Batavia, the capital of the East Indies, is located. From here, they are reportedly encouraging independence fighters across various islands to fight against the East Indies government. The White Fleet will bombard the islands and pressure Sukarno’s isolated army.”

“And then?”

“And the surrounding islands will be controlled by the free country of East Indonesia, the Pontianak Sultanate, the Pasundan Autonomous Region, and the Maluku Islands’ armies.”

For now, it seems we’ll have a setup where we can take control of the larger islands.

Then we might easily capture his base at the beginning.

“They organized a pro-Dutch militia called the Besterling Latuharirut in the east, which is their stronghold.”

“What kind of group is that?”

“It’s an anti-Sukarno group. Latuharirut means a legendary ruler or messiah in Indonesian folklore. I’m not sure if they just chose a name at random. They will assist internally, allowing the Russian and British forces to land in the east. After that, we’ll take them on from the front with the Dutch Indies Army and the remaining treaty forces.”

Latuharirut. The name is unusual, but being anti-Sukarno isn’t a bad thing.

The plan seems plausible too.

“It seems he was clearly trusting the U.S. recently. I’ve heard that Sukarno has been buying U.S. weapons.”

“Has the U.S. begun to intervene in earnest?”

“No, it appears that prior to Sukarno’s offensive, the U.S. military retreated while offloading some U.S. weapons at a lower price.”

So the U.S. hasn’t intervened yet. This is golden timing.

Even if there are too many islands to suppress entirely, as there are pro-Dutch forces and separatists, we just need to suppress Sukarno quickly.

“Hmm. But if we delay, the U.S. might intervene. Let’s wrap this up quickly. Let’s split our forces and try to land in the east as well.”

I’m glad I got here before their power spread too far.

Kwahwang kwahng!

With the White Fleet led by Kuznetsov pounding the eastern Java Island, direct engagements with the rebels commenced.

While preparing for any possible U.S. support, a solid blockade was established while bombarding from the east. I landed directly in Eastern Java alongside the Russian and British troops.

Sukarno’s forces were fortifying themselves in their stronghold.

“Sukarno’s army is stubbornly holding out.”

Vlasov said as he admired the enemy’s defenses.

Of course, we are the ones attacking, so the defenders have an advantage, but our troop quality exceeds theirs.

“The fortifications shouldn’t be that strong.”

I said while observing Sukarno’s army’s defenses through a telescope.

“Yes. It seems the Japanese army dispatched to Southeast Asia had built some defenses to withstand the U.S. forces, but it’s hastily constructed. However, their troop numbers do not fall short against us. They reportedly have over 280,000 including youth volunteers in their army.”

It seems they desperately gathered troops just to match our numbers, but unfortunately, we must consider the disparity in weaponry.

When did the British Army ever dominate the world just by numbers? That’s a myth. In the end, it’s all about the weapon advantage.

“The number of troops becomes meaningless in front of advanced weaponry. We will mobilize all weapons.”

We moved missiles and brought in tanks.

If we can’t win with this, it’s just plain embarrassing.

 

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