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Moscow Kremlin was decorated with the flags of various countries, excluding the tricolor flag of the Russian Republic.

They were all flags of the nations gathered for the air defense agreement.

“Can you believe that a lady like her actually commanded soldiers during that civil war?”

“A lady? She’s still a Tsar.”

“Ah, I’m sorry!”

Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria coughed awkwardly and turned away.

I mean, if I were in his shoes, I’d think, “Wait, this girl fought directly in the civil war? Really?”

I get it.

“Prime Minister Ilyinuy, it’s been quite a while. How have you been?”

It’s been ages since I’ve seen him, but he seemed quite radiant.

His face looked a bit strained, but overall, he looked much better than during the independence war.

Not too shabby, I suppose. I hope he’s not mad at me for sending weapons to the Kurds.

I did send aircraft and tanks, so if he has something to say about that, it would be strange.

Come to think of it, given that Ilyinuy doesn’t know the future, he must realize that his nation is sustained thanks to Russia, right?

Then, he should be prepared for that.

“I’m driving the Kurds away with the ‘weapons’ sent by the Almighty Tsar; how could I not be joyous?”

If you twist that statement around, it seems he’s saying that he’s struggling because we sent weapons to the other side. Isn’t that a bit too blatant?

He’s clearly pointing fingers at me.

But hey, at least unlike actual history, he hasn’t failed to establish a nation, right?

I heard the Kurds were so overwhelmed they couldn’t even request help from the international community.

“Oh, it seems the old weapons are holding out due to the mountainous terrain. I thought our bombers and tanks would solve everything.”

“There’s a limit.”

“I have something I’d like to discuss regarding that matter later with Baron Beria. Let’s tackle that issue separately.”

I hope he listens.

Let’s just give it a shot with the paratroopers, right?

I know hardly anything since the country fell apart before I could join the military, but can’t we resolve it by conquering the mountains?

If we can establish a nation, then there should be a decent city to use as a capital, right?

Let’s have a go at it.

“There’s quite a war generation among us. I feel rather young here.”

Everyone is pretty much older and seasoned.

I’ve only seen Miklós Horthy in photos, but seeing him in person feels impressive.

A regent of a kingdom without a king. Dictator Horthy.

He was also a naval admiral in O-Hungary, right? A naval admiral for a landlocked nation, how ironic.

“Only the Tsar, who personally shot guns on the battlefield against the Bolsheviks, would come here. Thank you for inviting me to this air defense agreement.”

No one seemed overtly displeased.

Of course, there’s a bit of tension, but since they came at my invitation, they’ll accept this air defense agreement here.

“Well, it’s much appreciated that you see it this way.”

There might be some awkward individuals among us.

Romania, in particular, has taken quite a lot from Hungary.

Though I’ve heard they might’ve claimed it helped prevent the communist revolution in Hungary.

Alright then, let’s stir the pot a bit.

If our Mr. Mustache doesn’t become the axis of evil as in the original history, shouldn’t we assist in reinstating the Austro-Hungarian Empire?

“Signing is easy, but there are indeed some who might feel uncomfortable here.”

*Ahem.*

Yeah, it’s a bit awkward for everyone as they glance at each other.

We’ve reached this point because Communist Germany and Communist Italy are in full force, but personal grievances are likely not absent.

In private, we’ve either been victors or losers of the great war. It’s a sight to behold to see nations disbanded.

Not exactly a pleasant gathering, but politically necessary.

We need to eliminate the noise.

The Tsarina must desperately encourage mutual mediation between everyone.

“But we all came to Moscow at my invitation to unite under the air defense agreement, right?”

“Do you have more to say, Tsarina?”

“Is it really alright for us to have discord while facing Communist Germany??”

First, toss out the bait.

“Hmm, please continue.”

Ilyinuy reacted with interest, as if he picked up on the cue.

The other leaders seem to be looking at me, urging me to speak.

“To be perfectly honest, I foresee a war breaking out.”

“Are you saying there will be a war while we’re joining forces?”

“It will undoubtedly happen. Our existence is a systemic threat to them. Right now, fomenting communists in the Ruhr not only influences France but also sows hostility among Germans using imperialism as a narrative. Fueling animosity against them will be framed as their own revolutionary war. I am strategizing for an absolute victory for the future.”

A war will happen.

They might not immediately trust that statement.

However, I’ve explained to them how Lenin instigated the revolution. If they are any bit attentive, they would know the tale of Bolshevik continuous revolutions I’ve been spreading.

Because of that understanding, they couldn’t outright deny it.

“Absolute victory, huh?”

“Communists are more cunning and perceptive than anyone else. They might sow discord between air defense agreement countries.”

“Hmm, so you’re suggesting we delve deeper into the discussions.”

“Yes. Let’s plot a scheme that those communist rats would hate.”

*Looks like a meeting against communism.*

And a meeting that slightly expands ambitions. A meeting to offer carrots to cooperate with Russia.

We’ll establish solid air defense agreements while setting up carrots for victories of wars yet to come.

A secretive chat without the Anglo-French.

“Since you started, Tsarina, please go ahead.”

“I’ll coordinate again later, but first, after the war breaks out, Bulgaria will reclaim Macedonia, which was snatched by Yugoslavia, and Austria will take South Tyrol and coastal areas from Italy, while Yugoslavia will be disbanded a bit.”

“That’s a good plan. However, what about us Hungarians?”

Hungary is also eyeing the post-war situation.

Should I begin to dangle the O-Hungary bait?

I glanced back and forth between Karl Renner, the Prime Minister of the Austrian Empire, and Miklós Horthy, the regent of the Kingdom of Hungary.

“What about Hungary reuniting with Austria? Let’s crown the current Kaiser on the Hungarian throne and create a Dual Monarchy. If the power of the Communist Party grows, Austria and Hungary will be in great danger. Isn’t it better to return to the imperial days and fight together?”

“Ha, is that as easy as you say? Maintaining a kingdom without a king is already tricky, plus I need to consider the internal opposition. If Yugoslavia or Italy inevitably turn out to be the enemies, we should ignore their threats for now, but creating a Dual Monarchy feels premature.”

“We must think of Austria’s unique situation. Both England and France would realize that if Austria is consumed, Hungary and other nations are at risk too. They’ll need a strong country to take the hits against Germany and Italy, at the very least.”

“Well, isn’t that Russia?”

He speaks well.

One would think we’re in Czech territory.

Unfortunately, if a war breaks out, your land would be the first to take a hit anyway.

There likely won’t be any stationed troops.

It’s possibly just a casual remark, but we’ve got a thing or two to say.

“Are you really hoping for your own troops to be stationed in Austria and Hungary? Even if we allow our troops to be stationed, it would only give them an excuse. This isn’t the right time.”

“Even our elite troops would struggle against the Germans and Italians in revolution mode. Once the threat of communism becomes unresolved, do you think England and France will ignore it?”

That’s the only choice.

The sheer existence of the Austrian Empire is already hinting at possible union with Hungary.

Had the history gone as it did, the UK would have likely tried to reconstruct O-Hungary to block the Soviet Union’s westward advancement.

“Hmm, we must look internally within Austria, however.”

“Conducting a referendum between Austria and Hungary is also a good idea.”

“Will a vote really suffice?”

“The ones voting have no real power. It’s the one counting the votes who decides everything.”

A national vote on unification might just work.

And that can be rigged. The follow-up will be your problem.

“Wow, Tsarina, you’re a scary one.”

“Hmm, that seems to be something to decide later.”

“Yes, I’m not saying we should unify immediately. Unless Hungary and Austria can withstand the Germans, Italians, and Yugoslavs, there’s no need to unify. For now, this is just to say that Russia supports this.”

“Then, what will happen to Transylvania?”

King Ferdinand I of Romania might have been hesitant, interrupting in the middle as if Transylvania was on the line.

“There shouldn’t be any noise among air defense agreement nations. I’ve heard that Horthy prevented a communist revolution in Hungary with support from Romania.”

It seems there’s already been a give-and-take.

“Transylvania is… hmm.”

Horthy didn’t hide his discomfort, casting a quick glance at Ferdinand I of Romania, as if he hoped to receive something in return.

“Please yield Transylvania. Our Russian Republic also relinquished its claims over Bessarabia.”

I seek a favorable outcome.

If I can pressure Romania to accept Bessarabia from the Republic’s territory, what’s that going to look like?

I wonder how to draw Ukraine into Russia later. Attempting to solely secure Bessarabia within the current territory extending from Pontus Greece to Constantinople seems a bit overreaching.

Of course, if Romania acts self-destructively, they might willingly return Transylvania and Bessarabia.

Horthy licked his lips in disappointment, yet he didn’t immediately mention this considering he had previously received help from Romania.

“If the Dual Empire isn’t feasible, where does that leave us Hungarians?”

“Geographically, the northern part of Croatia would be appropriate, right? Following that, Austria and Bulgaria will handle what to do with Serbia.”

Serbia can be easily ripped apart between the two of us.

While Russia has supported Serbia during World War I, the intent to not do so is vigorously suggested.

“Is Russia going to abandon Yugoslavia?”

“The instigator of World War I was Serbia, who assassinated the heir to the Austrian throne. Given that, why should we stand by, particularly when such an entity has grown into Yugoslavia, and even the communists are running rampant? As an anti-communist nation, Russia has no reason to side with them.”

“So, you mean to dismantle Yugoslavia in the post-war, but what’s in it for Romania?”

What’s in it for Romania?

Well, I don’t have a clear plan at the moment.

Truth be told, I’m just trying to appease and rally the air defense agreement nations. Territorial matters will be discussed once the post-war arises.

“Romania will need to play a supply role, primarily for oil. Military support will be contingent on the situation and given based on our stake in territorial concessions.”

“Then, if the war ends easily, it means there will be nothing coming to us.”

His tone showed immediate disappointment.

What can you expect? Being stuck between the air defense states.

“Seems that’ll be the case. But in return, Romania won’t demand territorial returns from both Russia and Hungary. Isn’t that enough to secure Romania’s position? And later, depending on post-war circumstances, we will adjust territorial restoration and expansion among our nations.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“Our Bulgaria can’t just be satisfied with Serbia alone.”

Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria seems to have many desires.

“Do you have something in mind?”

“Bulgaria must seize Greece, regardless of any connection to the air defense war.”

To say that suggests—

That Bulgaria intends to seize Greece as a condition for siding with us in the air defense agreement.

It’s not stated that Greece has sided with Germany yet, so it feels a bit ambiguous.

Most likely, they want to reclaim their lost land from Greece. Was it Thrace?

They have the mindset of wanting to reclaim it all.

To bring that up with us now seems like a request for support or assistance.

Greece is none of my concern.

If anything, Greece is also a competitor against Russia as a successor of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Certainly, the Megali Idea serves as a national policy to reclaim Eastern Roman territories under the banner of a great ideal.

Isn’t Russia, which regained Constantinople, the true successor state of the Eastern Roman Empire?

There’s really no loyalty to uphold towards Greece.

“Hmm, after capturing Communist Germany and Italy, Russia will support Bulgaria’s attack on Greece.”

As long as troops aren’t sent, that’s fine.

Although, the territories of Eastern Rome indeed include Greece, Russia is already vast by current standards.

“After the war, you say?”

“If it’s before the war, Greece will naturally switch to the communist side. It’s obvious we’ve given them a reason to engage in war.”

What’s more, we wouldn’t want to give the excuse to England and France either.

Even this time, while England and France favor the air defense agreement, they haven’t participated directly.

It signifies their discontent with Russia taking the lead.

 

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