Ch.161My War

# My War

## Austria, Vienna

Hitler, who had been appointed as the Austrian Chancellor, mobilized the military to line up captured communists in Vienna’s square after their failed coup attempt.

“Ladies and gentlemen! Here are the communists! These villains received orders from Berlin and attempted to commit vile and dirty acts to turn us red!”

“Boooooo!”

Austrian citizens, who had been fascinated by Hitler’s anti-communist ideology and become his fervent supporters, jeered at the communists and threw all sorts of things at them.

“During the Russian civil war, I, Hitler, witnessed it firsthand. When the Reds seize power, everyone becomes a filthy human cockroach Red who knows neither parents, siblings, nor their own roots! These creatures are cockroaches within our Austria, attempting to shake the foundations of the Habsburg Empire! What should we do with them?”

“Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!”

All citizens, seized by madness, called for the death of the communists.

It was only natural.

Under pressure from communist Germany and communist Italy, they needed to show resolute action.

“Kuk. Calling us cockroaches! We only sought Berlin’s help for the true liberation of workers! Eventually, your outdated monarchy will meet its limits! Long live the proletariat!”

“Hmph! Reforming capitalism is quite sufficient to revitalize the country in the current situation. You communists are an inferior bunch who lack even the will for that and merely seek the easy path!”

Right on cue, Austrian soldiers lined up the communists in a row.

“In the past, Berlin and Rome warned us not to kill communists in Austria! But why should we listen to them? Now we will give them our answer!”

Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!

With the desperate cries of the citizens, the Austrian National Defense Force aimed their guns at the communists.

But just as the defense force was about to pull the trigger, Hitler raised his hand to stop them.

“However, we are civilized people. Even though they are vermin, as long as they wear human skin, we cannot kill them without a trial.”

It was sophistry.

Hitler desired the death of the Reds more than anyone.

But before that, he needed to finish this show.

Based on this show, he wanted to criticize the Reds who seized power without proper foundations through people’s trials, while simultaneously demonstrating to the world that Austria was different from the Reds.

Considering the original history, it was truly an ironic show.

As silence suddenly fell around them, Hitler continued, as if regretful but resigned.

“We must not determine life and death through barbaric trials like their so-called people’s trials. Even if Berlin and Rome are living in an age of barbarism again, we must not become like them! These communists will receive the solemn judgment of the law through a proper trial!”

Waaah! Hitler! Hitler!

The citizens, who had initially been puzzled about why Hitler was sparing the communists, now shouted his name with abandon.

This incident was essentially a stand against Berlin and Rome.

Witnessing this, the Danubian people praised Hitler, and just as the Hitler of the original history had gained the support of Germans, Hitler now received the enthusiastic support of Austrians, Czechs, Hungarians, and Slovaks.

Ironically, the pressure from communist Germany and communist Italy was reuniting the Dual Monarchy.

But Hitler was internally dissatisfied with this performance.

After all, most of the communists would survive the trial.

While the coup ringleaders would die, many communists still infiltrated Austria, and those arrested were awaiting trial.

Even in an anti-communist state, if they followed the law, all those who hadn’t participated in the coup would live normally after their trials and continue spreading communism in Austria.

As Hitler was pondering this dilemma, a gift arrived from Russia.

“Russia has sent support in the form of small arms and tanks.”

“That’s good.”

Hitler smiled with satisfaction.

To be honest, he wasn’t entirely pleased.

Of course not. What greater humiliation could there be than the great Aryan having to receive help from the inferior Slavic race?

While Hitler acknowledged the Tsarina’s existence, he regretted that she had become the empress of the Slavic people.

‘She’s still a regrettable woman. If only she had become the Kaiserin of Austria.’

If that had happened, he would have assisted her in liberating that arrogant Italy and the red-stained Germany in the east.

But what could he do? Such a future didn’t exist.

Of course, he could dream of establishing an Eastern Military Alliance by installing Russia’s Tsarina as Kaiserin with his support, but that was impossible as long as the Kaiser existed. Hitler didn’t want to unite with the Slavic people of Russia, the source of Bolshevism.

He accepted support from Russia only because he acknowledged her.

“And the Tsar personally ordered that something called Zyklon B be sent as well.”

“Zyklon B? Why would the Tsarina send such a—ah!”

Hitler stopped mid-sentence as he realized Anastasia’s true intention (or misunderstanding).

Why would she give Zyklon B? Wasn’t it to kill the communist vermin?

After all, the official stance of the United States of Russia was that communists = vermin.

Then he should use it proudly.

Indeed, the Tsarina had something in common with him, so shouldn’t he make extensive use of this?

It was perfect timing, as there were excited Reds thinking they would survive while awaiting trial.

Shortly after, communists in Austrian concentration camps died en masse for unknown reasons.

## * * *

One day, while reading reports from American and Austrian Okhrana, Ivan Bunin visited the Kremlin Palace.

Why would Russia’s great literary master, the great writer, visit?

A great literary master wouldn’t visit just for a cup of tea.

Recently, ladies from former noble families had visited for tea parties, but if a great literary master had come, there must be another reason.

“Your Majesty, with your support, the development of literature and art in Russia continues to progress day by day.”

Yes, I know that.

Originally, that area doesn’t require much budget, and it’s really thanks to the Writers’ Association stepping up.

If this were the Soviet Union, Ivan Bunin wouldn’t even be in Russia, so I should be grateful.

“And?”

“Your Majesty broadcast the difficult times of the civil war to the citizens of the United States through radio. More broadly, foreigners visiting Russia also heard it.”

“That’s right.”

What are you trying to say?

I’m quite curious when a great literary master speaks like this.

I know this development well. Usually, when someone speaks like this, they have something they want.

After waiting a bit longer, Ivan Bunin, who had been hesitating, carefully opened his mouth.

“However, recently, I gained many insights from listening to Your Majesty’s radio broadcasts.”

“Yes, please continue.”

I sincerely hope it’s not something like the Roman National Party’s surprise worship. I want to believe that.

“This foolish writer has a request for Your Majesty.”

His expression is incredibly earnest, but what is it?

Is he asking to borrow money or something? No, he’s not that type of person. Then what does he want to say?

“Since the minister has granted my request, I should listen to yours as well. What is it?”

“Your Majesty’s radio broadcasts are stories that move the people, but it’s a shame they can’t be preserved separately as they are broadcasts. So I was thinking, how about preserving them as a book?”

Ah, so he wants permission regarding copyright.

That’s a good method.

If I directly write this as a book and publish it, the response would be tremendous. At least within Russia.

“I’ll write it.”

“No, you don’t have to. Based on the radio broadcasts, I—”

“Have you already written it?”

“No, not yet.”

Ah, if he hasn’t written it yet, then I can do it directly.

Of course, I should write this myself. Wouldn’t it be less promotional if someone else wrote based on my radio broadcasts?

Who writes it is also important in these matters.

While Ivan Bunin, as a great literary master, has influence, the Tsarina’s authority is enormous.

Even people not interested in literature can access it easily.

“Then, it would be better if I write it. Wouldn’t it seem more authentic if the person themselves writes it? Since I don’t have much to do in the Kremlin Palace, I’d like to do at least that much.”

Look at Hitler. He wrote something like Mein Kampf.

It’s better if I write about my experiences myself.

The radio broadcasts have been well-received. So it would be good to write and publish a book as well.

If it fails, it would be embarrassing, but it’s not a bad idea.

Anyway, it shows that the Tsarina is working hard.

“However, I would appreciate it if the minister could assist with the publication.”

“I understand. Oh, Your Majesty, speaking of which, didn’t you make Romanov Automobiles a people’s car? You personally promoted it at that time.”

“That’s right.”

What story is he trying to set up now?

I’d like to help for the cultural development of Russia if possible.

“How about including Your Majesty’s personal signature?”

“Signature?”

Include my personal signature? Hmm, that’s good. It’s an autograph.

There are many monarchists, right? Being able to buy a book with the Tsar’s personal signature? That’s not bad.

Of course, being human, I can’t sign every book, but still.

“Yes. If you’re going to do it, wouldn’t it be better to do it that way?”

I wonder if Ivan Bunin has already prepared for this.

“Alright. Let’s try it.”

Additionally, it would be good to include my photo on the book cover.

Yes, the title could be “My War,” which wouldn’t be bad.

At least it would be better than Hitler’s “Mein Kampf.”

## * * *

Anastasia wrote the book herself at Ivan Bunin’s suggestion.

And with Ivan Bunin’s direct assistance, the book “My War” was finally published.

The Tsar has published a book!

At first, no one believed it.

Of course not. How could the busy Tsar write a book?

The person ruling Russia couldn’t leisurely write a book!

But a book featuring photos of Anastasia writing in the Kremlin Palace was actually displayed in bookstores.

Moreover, it included a personal signature.

How could a Russian resist this?

Russians from all over the country had to visit bookstores to buy “My War.”

“Damn, I must buy this book!”

“If you buy the first edition, you can get the Tsar’s personal signature!”

They say you can even get a personal signature.

As a Russian basking in the glory of the new Tsar’s rule, how could one not buy it?

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

If the stories heard on the radio broadcasts were fully contained in the book, buying it was only natural.

Russians who couldn’t afford a radio and had to listen to broadcasts at friends’ or acquaintances’ homes could be satisfied by buying the book.

Even beyond the signed first editions, the book sold better than Anastasia had expected.

After all, it was written by the Tsar, a war hero who had grown Russia to the point of national pride. And the cover featured the Tsar’s photo.

The book wasn’t particularly expensive, so many Russians bought an extra copy for collection.

In some households, since the Tsar’s photo was on the cover, they hung the collected book on the wall.

Surprisingly, there were publication requests from abroad as well.

The Anti-Comintern Pact countries requested “My War,” set during the Red-White Civil War, for anti-communist propaganda, and Japan was no exception.

Japan, in particular, had a keen interest as it was based on the Red-White Civil War period.

Japan considered Russia an ally, and the Tsar’s authority was as revered as the Japanese Emperor by imperial subjects, creating a sense of shared understanding.

Additionally, with the Japanese Communist Party secretly operating within Japan, there was a need for anti-communist media, and Japanese who hadn’t participated in the civil war were curious about how the war had unfolded.

“No matter how tyrannical, how could they execute their own royal family on the spot! These Reds truly have no respect for hierarchy!”

“Wow, she personally participated in combat? I understand why the current Tsar is worshipped by Russians.”

“Ana-chan…”

In Japan, “My War” continued to be a bestseller for various reasons.

“This is definitely something I must have!”

Hitler, who had been somewhat altered from his original historical path due to the German Revolution, Russian Civil War, and the Tsar, cherished his first edition copy.

While Slavs were inferior, the Tsarina had dragged these inferior Slavs up by their collars to this point.

The Tsarina had recognized his talent in areas that fools couldn’t see.

It was only natural to collect this book.

In Britain, while it enjoyed some popularity, it wasn’t as popular as in America.

But there were unexpected outcomes.

“Winston Churchill, MP. Have you brought what I wanted?”

Prince Edward had personally asked Churchill to get a first edition of “My War.”

Churchill managed to obtain it with difficulty, but feeling uneasy about Edward’s usual behavior, he smiled awkwardly.

“Ahem. I’ve brought it, but surely not?”

“What do you mean?”

“Surely you don’t admire the Russian Tsar?”

Surely not, he thinks.

While it wouldn’t be bad to enhance Britain’s prestige in Russia through a royal marriage, current Russia isn’t a country Britain can easily swallow, and the Russian Tsar wouldn’t want such a prince as her husband.

“No. The Tsar is truly beautiful, but I prefer married women. This is merely fan admiration. If I truly liked her, would I be satisfied with just a signature? I would have gone to Moscow.”

He’s shaking his head in denial, but…

“I…I see.”

Churchill was truly troubled, unsure whether to be relieved or not.

But it was too late to back out now. Throughout history, many monarchs had been fond of married women, and even the most virtuous rulers had engaged in affairs.

Rather, if this could be used as a pretext to form a new cabinet that would privately overlook the prince’s promiscuity, that would be sufficient.

Meanwhile, in France:

“Wow, it might be embellished, but it’s really well-written! She deserves to be called the Joan of Arc of Russia.”

“Joan of Arc of Russia? Huh, she’s just using what she learned from communism to deceive Russians!”

“Exactly! She’s treating communists like vermin for her own power!”

“Are you a Communard? You bastard!”

France had suffered more than expected from the Ruhr occupation, franc devaluation, financial crisis, and the Great Depression.

While the direct impact of the Great Depression was minimal, the German Communist Party, harboring resentment against France for supporting the German Freikorps and causing disruptions within communist Germany even after the Ruhr occupation, secretly supported the French Commune.

“Revolution! Revolution!”

“Make France great again!”

The strengthened Commune expanded its activities and attracted supporters, while on the other side, François de La Rocque’s Croix-de-Feu called for the overthrow of the Commune and the Republic, leading to increasing national division.