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* * *

Hearing the story of Yusupov, the Nobel Family was also quite oddly intertwined.

The Nobel family’s oil company, Branobel. This Branobel was hugely successful in Russia, accounting for 50% of the global oil production.

However,

The Bolsheviks were trying to nationalize the oil fields in Baku, Azerbaijan, and in the process, the Nobel family was on the brink of suffering greatly.

As expected.

“Well, in that case, isn’t it an option to ally with the Nobel family?”

“I have been discussing that with Emmanuel Ludwigovich Nobel of Branobel, just in case Your Majesty might say so.”

“That sounds good.”

What would the American standards be like? If Trotsky could just blow something up, that would be splendid.

For now, let the Americans handle their own issues. The next problem is the Rothschilds.

Was it Walter Rothschild?

How about we figure out how to extract some money from him and push forward with oil drilling in Northern Manchuria?

If we take on Surgut with Branobel, then we could try something with the Rothschilds in Northern Manchuria.

We could have them invest in the Daqing oil field for drilling in the 1930s.

At the very least, we must ensure that neither the Baku oil field nor Surgut gets affected by any deals with Branobel.

Wait a minute.

“But…”

“Yes?”

“The Duke shouldn’t be lacking in funds, should he? There should have been some results by now.”

I know that mass-producing ramen is impossible in this era.

I’m not saying anything about that.

But still, I’ve given him quite a few ideas.

Instead of putting my name on them, I arranged it so that the Duke could benefit.

“Yes. We made quite a bit of profit from the generator made by Doctor Tesla. Though the ramen produced by the method Your Majesty mentioned isn’t large-scale yet, we are trying to produce it in some way.”

“But?”

Looking at this guy’s face, it seems he is doing something.

I hope he isn’t starting some bizarre business.

In actual history, they messed it up by trying to start a fashion business without any money. I hope he’s not earning money and then ruining it all.

Of course, the circumstances surrounding Duke Yusupov play a part, but even if he’s doing well here, I can’t see the fashion business thriving.

As I stared at him intently, Duke Felix Yusupov scratched his head and continued speaking.

“Actually, it’s about radio. Doctor Tesla said that such a vast land like Russia must be solved wirelessly, so he told me to invest more in radio.”

Radio? Oh. That seems alright.

I’m not going to complain about that.

In fact, I would encourage it. Just as Tesla said, there must be a wireless revolution that goes big in Russia right now.

It should be satisfactory enough for Tesla.

It would be nice if they could pull up some funds from somewhere.

“That is still useful. I won’t say much. But Duke.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Absolutely. Do not enter the fashion business. Never. Do you understand?”

This is something I must firmly establish.

I can’t allow even a single variable.

There are so many businesses to aim for in this era; why would anyone get caught up in fashion?

“Am I going to fail in a clothing store?”

What’s he saying?

If anyone heard that, they’d think I really can see the future.

If I can’t foresee something happening in World War II, they’re going to say, “Tsarina has been abandoned by God!” or something.

“I have no idea why you and the Duke think like that, but it looks like it’s going to fail.”

It’s probably going to fail, following actual history.

It’s just a warning not to start a clothing store because you suddenly got some money.

“Alright. I understand.”

Now, shall we meet with the Rothschilds?

How about we corner them by pretending they are honorary Reds who supported the Reds moderately?

If it’s some behind-the-scenes trickery, as long as we don’t get caught, it won’t matter. But if we reveal it openly, wouldn’t it be amusing?

This is the Russian Republic, born hating Reds.

No, wait. I need to get the situation right before meeting with the Rothschilds.

First, I need to call Boris Savinkov to figure something out.

Yes, the sentiment towards the Jews in Europe at this moment.

* * *

“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”

Boris Savinkov from the Ministry of Internal Affairs rushed into the Kremlin shortly after I summoned him.

Good. If he’s this quick, I might be able to lay some groundwork before the Rothschilds arrive.

“Do you know what the perception of Jews in Europe is like currently?”

“They were never particularly liked. There were some changes in perception because they sided with the White Army during our civil war, though.”

The way he trails off suggests the evaluation in Europe isn’t good.

In Russia, the fact that the Jews helped the White Army isn’t particularly bad. But considering that Rosa Luxemburg’s revolution succeeded is another matter.

“Has it gotten worse?”

“From what Your Majesty is saying, it seems to be related to the Communist Party.”

As soon as the Communist Party is mentioned, a shadow fell over Boris Savinkov’s eyes.

Yes. That’s what I like, a quick understanding.

He can be quite eloquent when he wants to be.

“Yes. Rosa Luxemburg is Polish-origin, but isn’t she of Jewish descent? I was just wondering if something is going on regarding that.”

“Yes. Anti-Jewish sentiment has been further stirred. In Communist Germany, while trying to protect the Jews, the anti-Jewish sentiment has intensified in neighboring countries. Jews in the Communist Party, including Rosa Luxemburg, were said to have supported the German revolution.”

Surely, the Communist side, having revolted, might be making concessions toward the Jews due to Rosa Luxemburg.

Well then, let’s plan this out properly.

“Are you saying this explicitly?”

“I hear that those who fled to Austria from the German Free Corps are spreading such rumors. It is amusing, really, as Jews are actually leaving Communist Germany.”

Is it because the Communists are taking everything like the Russian Soviets and distributing it fairly that the Jews ended up suffering?

“So, the Communists nationalized everything, and the Jews suffered because of that?”

“Yes.”

Ah, wait. What happened to Austria then?

If anti-Jewish sentiment is blossoming, wouldn’t Hitler in Austria do something?

That thought just crossed my mind.

“What’s happened to the Jews in Austria?”

“Not much different from here.”

“Is there any talk of physically persecuting Jews? Or any speeches about needing to catch Jews?”

If that’s the case, I might have to consider assassinating Hitler.

I may also need to grab France by the collar and prevent the Commune from retaliating too.

At my words, Boris Savinkov twitched his eyebrows as if he was thinking and cautiously opened his mouth.

“No, that’s not the case. Both Britain and anti-Jewish sentiment is rising, but it hasn’t reached that degree yet.”

That’s a relief.

Well, how long has Hitler been in Russia anyway?

Many Jews also fought on the side of the White Army during the Civil War.

The current Hitler is not someone who has lost his discernment to the point of just sending Jews to gas chambers.

Still, this is unexpected.

Rosa Luxemburg and Communist Germany are looking after the Jews.

Isn’t it rather spreading the idea of the Jewish-Bolshevism alliance?

Jewish Bolshevism. Meaning that internationally, there’s a Jewish force involved in the Communist movement. The idea is that they led it.

Thanks to the Jews who fought on the side of the White Army, they aren’t seen poorly in Russia. But can we use this to entangle the Rothschilds?

The Russian Jews are seen as good Jews, while those spreading from Communist Germany are labeled as Red Jews. If we spread this narrative, it could be a way to trap the Rothschilds who funded the revolution.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a devastating blow, but if a monarch openly condemns them, wouldn’t it change things?

I start painting a blueprint in my mind.

“That’s a relief regarding Austria. So, right now in Europe, are Jews tied to the Reds? Is that what you’re saying around here?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

If this is positioned properly, it might just work.

Even though I can’t just beat up the Rothschilds, surely I can extract some funds reasonably.

At the very least, we might manage to dig into Surgut with Branobel and prevent them from hindering the Baku oil field.

* * *

Now that I’ve sketched out how to cook this, I can spice it to my taste.

In my current position, it’s not feasible to take on a globally successful financier.

I should apply a suitable amount of pressure with anti-Jewish sentiment and Bolshevism while getting what I need.

The news that they’ve entered Moscow was obtained by the Okhrana.

Normally, it would be right to take their situation into account before bringing them here, but I am the Tsar of this land.

There’s no reason for me to bow down.

“Your Majesty, someone from Rothschild has come to meet you.”

However, unexpectedly, it was Georgy Lvov himself who delivered the news instead of a courtier.

“Oh, I didn’t expect Deputy Lvov to come to convey the message personally.”

“He happened to be just outside the Kremlin.”

I see. Did he run into Vladimir on his way back from class?

Apparently, he came under the guise of wanting to experience Russian culture and see its animals, but that’s clearly nonsense.

With the name Rothschild attached, how could he just come leisurely?

Still, there must be something he’s heard from Rothschild that isn’t empty talk.

“Have you heard anything specific?”

“He said, outwardly it was about visiting Russia, but it seems it’s related to oil investment. Baron Walter Rothschild wishes to meet with Your Majesty.”

“Then we should meet.”

This is an unexpected choice to make. It should only show this level of formality.

To prepare for any unexpected circumstances, I must appear to be acting independently and not be involved at all with the National Duma.

If I happen to fail, that could also be acceptable.

Although the Rothschilds are bothersome, since we are in Russia, there’s no issue with oil drilling.

If relations with the Rothschilds were to grow delicate, at that point, I can say “I’m sorry” and stay tucked away in the Kremlin.

Now, it’s time to meet with the Rothschilds.

I sent a courtier to bring Baron Rothschild into the Kremlin.

Thus, I met the second-generation Baron Rothschild. Walter Rothschild was a man with quite a prosperous image.

At a glance, one might get the impression, “Do you work in finance?”

“Baron Rothschild of Britain, what brings you all the way to Moscow?”

“Indeed, as I’ve heard, you have both the dignity of royalty and the demeanor of an Empress who mingles with the common people. Hm, indeed.”

As soon as he saw me, he started with useless flattery.

He’s trying to butter me up for something.

But, that’s not going to work.

I waved my hand dismissively as if it was a bother.

“Even though I’m a powerless Emperor, I am still a Tsar. It’s quite uncomfortably to hear. Please get to the point.”

“Has my Rothschilds disturbed your royal mood?”

“Do you see me as a fool?”

“Yes?”

“When the Civil War broke out, you Rothschilds supported Trotsky and Lenin on the condition that they wouldn’t supply Baku oil to the world market, did you not?”

“That is not entirely incorrect.”

To clarify this:

While the British government sent a volunteer army to support us, the Rothschilds personally supported the revolutionary factions.

Even if the Bolsheviks were to lose, they likely ensured that the Baku oil would be granted to the Bolsheviks.

I wouldn’t have guessed that I’d finish the civil war so quickly.

“Right. As an entrepreneur, that could be a decision you made. You supported the revolutionary factions to eliminate Branobel. That’s the kind of people the Rothschilds and Rockefellers are.”

“Your Majesty, that is true, and I understand your anger. However, is there not a chance for us to build a good relationship now?”

A good relationship indeed.

That’s why I’m employing this method.

As I said, I’ve considered the possibility of “what if I fail?” But I’m willing to maintain my composure up to a certain line.

I have no intention of completely distancing myself from the Rothschilds.

Yet, I can make this much of an effort.

I smiled ostentatiously.

“Ha ha ha. I know your true intentions. You’re trying to get a piece of the Surgut oil, right? Well, you’re quite a prosperous fellow with branches in various European countries; you must have sensed the smell of oil. But what’s to be done? The Rothschilds are honorary Bolsheviks who’ve aided the revolution.”

Labeling them as total Reds.

Of course, they have their reasons, and if we consider that being a Red means the US is practically the number one honorary Red nation, being so closely aligned with Stalin that they’d receive medals from him.

But here, this will do as a useful pretext.

* * *

 

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