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“Like I said, it’s too late for revenge. In a way, I’m actually grateful to you Bolsheviks for bringing me this far. I might overlook your desire to change your identity and live quietly in Russia, but I know you wouldn’t want that.”

That’s just the kind of person Trotsky is.

He’d rather pursue the revolution to the end than submit to me.

Common sense dictates he can’t do that in Europe, so he would likely go somewhere else.

That’s the nature of a revolutionary. If it weren’t, then Trotsky’s existence would have no value.

He is probably the last revolutionary of this age.

“What do you plan to do if I start a revolution somewhere else?”

Trotsky asked with a sly look on his face.

Yeah. As expected. This guy is going to pull off a revolution.

“That’s something for you to figure out. Though honestly, there’s probably nowhere left in the world to start a revolution. If you do decide to try, I’d recommend avoiding Latin America; it’s under American influence. However, there are a number of neutral countries below that wouldn’t be too bad for a revolution.”

Trotsky fell into deep thought at my words.

His expression serious as he contemplated his next steps.

“Well, then I’ll leave this country. As the princess said, there’s no place for me here, nor should there be.”

His choice was a superficial exile.

I arranged for some gold bars to be given to him before sending him off.

More accurately, I guided him to go somewhere outside Russia’s sphere of influence.

Somewhere in the Far East. Now, where might be a good place for Trotsky to go? Latin America is under American control, and regions like India have established governments that will manage things on their own for a while.

Most importantly, places where peacekeeping forces are active or neutral countries wouldn’t be ideal for a revolution.

One candidate that stands out is the Kanto Republic.

I’ve got Okhrana keeping watch on him, so anything will work out.

“With this, I’ve dealt with Trotsky.”

“Uh, I’m a bit worried. What if he doesn’t follow your wishes, Your Majesty?”

After sending Trotsky away, I was just about to have some fun with Belka II when Maria suddenly asked that question.

Well, why? I hadn’t really considered it like that, but there might be ways.

“There are still ways. Within the Kanto Republic, there are those who are nostalgic for the great Empire of Japan, so if we ensure the leftover weapons are trafficked quietly, it should work. As for Trotsky, Okhrana has him pursued; if he becomes a bother, we can just eliminate him.”

It wouldn’t necessarily have to be Trotsky.

I’ve heard there are quite a few in the Kanto Republic who yearn for the old Japanese Empire. If they act out, what would happen to the Kanto Republic?

Things are bound to get a lot more interesting. First, I’m going to weaken the Kanto Republic as much as possible.

With the United States backing them, Mutaguchi Renya may be in a position to unify, but I should step in and make things annoying for them.

How about using the reason of bubbling red waters to stir discord between Eastern and Western Japan?

Sure, historically speaking, the distinctions might seem small, but it could be fun to use history for dividing purposes.

Western Japan had immigrants from the continent who came to settle, fundamentally different from the people of Eastern Japan. Thus, let’s demand Mutaguchi revise that historical education.

In this way, I will package the narrative suitably to split Eastern and Western Japan.

Those from Eastern Japan would be portrayed as barbaric, missing the past brutalities of the Japanese Empire while in one breath trying to incite a revolution.

That ought to work.

I’ve heard there are guerrilla fighters still operating within the Kanto Republic. So it’s definitely worth experimenting.

And right now, the only place Trotsky would likely go is Japan.

All things considered, the Kanto Republic is probably the most chaotic place around.

Though there’s American military governance in place, they’ve only established it without fully reconstructing the region. The United States merely uses Eastern Japan as a military base just in case.

The newly independent countries are led by independence activists, and Latin America is too influenced by the United States, making it dangerous for Trotsky to go there.

The Kanto Republic seems to have the highest chance of being Trotsky’s destination.

“I hope everything goes as you wish, Your Majesty.”

“Whether it goes well or not makes no difference to me.”

I don’t mind if things don’t go as I desire. I’m keeping Okhrana close to Trotsky, so I can take him out whenever.

Today, I planned to resolve the Trotsky issue and take a decent rest, but then I noticed paperwork piled up on my desk.

“Oh, this must be the documents that came through the Duma earlier today.”

“Now that Trotsky’s issue has been resolved, hmm… Is this something concerning South Africa? Maria, why don’t you take a look?”

I have a bit of time before me.

I think Maria, who is essentially playing spokesperson for the Kremlin, ought to be doing a bit more work.

She’s reached an age where it’s about time, but whatever.

“Oh, yes. Your Excellency. Chancellor Hitler—”

“Chancellor Hitler? Why?”

There’s no way he would be doing something insane like declaring independence from the Rome Treaty and opposing Russia, right?

That would likely be impossible.

What could be his reason for discussing something like this in such circumstances?

“Unfortunately, there has been a bombing incident in South Africa.”

“A bombing? One similar to what I experienced?”

“Yes. It appears so.”

“Hmm. Has that happened?”

I wonder if he was killed or something? If so, that’s a bit regrettable. Historically, I should be wary of him, but in this era, he was one of the few who worked somewhat in my favor.

If he has died, I might as well offer some condolences.

“Fortunately, thanks to his bodyguards, he sustained only minor injuries, but it seems he’s fervently pitching it as a serious wound.”

Doesn’t this smell a bit fishy?

For instance, is he trying to set things up to justify cracking down on South African Black People like it’s alright?

Imagining it gives me the chills.

Our Hitler seems determined to enact a legitimate Holocaust.

The Prime Minister of a nation almost got killed while overseeing security in South Africa due to a bombing incident.

Besides, I’m sure there’s a commotion brewing in the Danube.

“What about the people of the Danube? What has the Duma decided?”

“It seems they’ve requested the Treaty Organization to dispatch troops under the premise that the perpetrator is a South African Black Communist and they’re looking to start a crackdown.”

They’ve defined the perpetrator as a Black Communist.

That’s already the end of the discussion then. What do those words imply? They plan to capture them all!

Is there a Communist roaming among us? Turns out they’re all Communists? Communists must be eradicated! This is how it’s heading.

A large-scale massacre is bound to occur.

“Is that so?”

Yes. Perhaps it’s for the best.

After all, conflicts and crimes between Black and White populations are only going to escalate in the future.

This may be the better outcome. The Treaty Army will act excessively, and with this incident, many Blood will likely be shed by the Black population.

“Truly, Hitler has chosen a difficult path.”

Perhaps it’s partly my fault.

When I said I would step in, he essentially said he would step in for me.

Hmm, doesn’t this imply he’s saying he’ll deal with it all himself?

I can just come in after to comfort the Black community or something. That could work. Hmmm.

This is only adding to my worries.

I can foresee that this incident is likely going to escalate into a Holocaust-level event.

“Your Majesty, how about taking a wait-and-see approach on this issue?”

“Hmmm.”

Yes. To be honest, I ought to disengage from this.

Other than me, it’s rare for lords from other nations to show up at the Rome Treaty Organization.

It wouldn’t be good for me to meddle too much.

Also, Indonesia was something I intended to finalize before attempting to disengage from.

Retreating like during the Vietnam War can also be an option.

“Other parts of Africa might fare better, though.”

Yes. For example, it could be said that—

Since I’m at it, I could go along and help other parts of Africa too.

While not intervening in the lawless regions of South African Black People, I could tour other parts of Africa, speaking about how they are now members of the international community and giving suitable speeches.

“That seems reasonable, but will it be alright for you?”

“Hmm. The political landscape is truly filthy as far as I remember. I think it’s been completely destroyed since we managed to grant independence. If we’re to work towards consolidating into one single unit after this point, I fear I won’t manage to endure.”

“Are you really going to go?”

“Uh, um. That might be too much.”

That seems to be pushing it too far. Not that I didn’t suggest granting independence.

“I’ve heard the Ethiopian Army is helping, trying to set up a federation system for the nation they hope to build. After they establish their country, it might be fine for you to go.”

“Will that actually work?”

I’d be willing to check it out, but let’s see.

“Or so I’ve been told, they aim to create a government formed around the stronger tribes. For the time being, the Treaty Organization is also dispatching support to various places aside from South Africa, so Your Majesty might not need to go there at all.”

If that’s the case, then civil war could be avoided, right? But should I really not go?

Ah, let’s just play instead. Isn’t that a good idea? But would it be alright if the Tsar remains inactive in these circumstances?

Shouldn’t I at least express my regret over the tragedy that unfolded in South Africa?

No way. That would seem too uncool.

To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if the Treaty Army decided to openly suppress everything and head back towards imperialism.

This doesn’t mean I wish for imperialism to return; I genuinely wouldn’t care how things turn out. That’s more or less my stance.

The issue lies with my position as Tsar.

“If you’re really going to proceed with this, wouldn’t East Asia be a candidate as well?”

“Really?”

“Yes. We have the puppet governments, the Qing Dynasty, Balhae, and Western Japan.”

Oh. That doesn’t sound too bad. Since I’m already planning to take a trip around East Asia, this could make sense!

I initially intended to explore East Asia anyway, so this could genuinely be a good fit.

The Asian Allied Forces will finish up their tasks, and since the Rome Treaty Organization will industrialize, this is promising.

It’s been a long time since I last saw my homeland.

Then again, this place might be a bit different, but I’ll finally get to see my country again.

 

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