Ch.175Mind Games

# The Volunteer Army for Spain

Looking at how both countries are tied up in their colonies, it seems Communist Germany has done quite a good job setting things up.

Didn’t Britain also send volunteers to the Nationalist side in the Spanish Civil War? I suppose they didn’t because they’re tied up in their colonies as well.

Then we should send that much in their place.

The Falange is playing the role of the Nationalists from the original history and they’re quite powerful, but if we want to exert our influence in Spain and ensure a definite victory, we should help them.

“We should send volunteers too. Let’s send air and tank units. How many actual troops does Communist Germany have?”

“Based on the number of German transport ships heading to Spain through Italy, it appears to be at least 10,000.”

Yes, that makes sense. Those bastards are just like that.

They’ve obviously sent more troops than they’re admitting.

Then we should provide substantial help on our side as well.

“Let’s say we’re sending 20,000 but actually send about 50,000. This would be a good opportunity to test our weapons. Black Baron, are the preparations ready?”

Sending about 50,000 should be sufficient.

Especially if they’re White Army troops equipped with the latest weapons—they won’t lose to the Communist German People’s Army.

Of course, Germany has likely built up its strength during this time, but that’s all they’ve done.

“We plan to fight the German volunteers with infantry combat vehicles, T-34 tanks, and STB bombers including IL-2 aircraft.”

Oh, that should be enough—wait, what?

“T-34 and IL-2?”

Did I just hear something incredible? Is this correct?

They’re sending T-34 tanks and Ilyushin aircraft?

I assume the Ilyushin models are from the same company as the Ilya Muromets.

“It was originally called the A-34, but we couldn’t dare use Your Majesty’s noble name, so we named it after the T Project, which is the tank development project.”

“Hmm. That’s good. Is it the latest model?”

It’s quite a coincidence that it’s called T-34, which is rather unusual.

But is this okay? Is it similar in performance to the Soviet Union’s version from the original history? Well, I should see how it turns out.

Perhaps its performance is better than expected.

Yes, I believe in the capabilities of our Russian tanks.

“Of course. It’s not the absolute latest. We’ve also started producing T-35 tanks and P-series fighters. But for now, T-34s will be sent to Spain.”

What? That’s already been developed?

“That’s already been developed—no, wait. The history is different, so I don’t know how the performance compares.”

“Pardon? If you’re referring to performance, it has already surpassed the level of tanks from other major powers.”

That’s good news.

It means that Russia, which had been receiving support until now, is finally starting to take the lead militarily.

We need to advance as much as possible while Britain and France are making mistakes.

Moreover, if we’re taking the lead, we might be able to take control of the war.

It would also be good to do this when civil war breaks out in America.

“No, that’s not it. Well, let’s send them and test them out. Is the Falange currently in an advantageous position?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. You need not worry about that. The Falange controls more territory. They also have many more troops.”

We can’t afford to be careless either.

José Antonio or Franco might get caught off guard and be defeated.

If Spain turns communist, it would be troublesome.

Spain itself isn’t particularly strong, but geographically speaking, it would contribute to the communist forces’ numbers, which is the problem.

“Very well. Then gather the troops who will go as volunteers. Since there’s a risk of death, I will personally see off the soldiers departing for Spain.”

“Your Majesty will personally do this?”

I’ve been cooped up in the Kremlin Palace lately and feeling restless. I should at least see them off.

The Emperor personally seeing off soldiers going to fight against communist forces.

Ah, what a grand picture that would make.

“That’s what I should do. I’m living comfortably in the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, so I should at least do this much. Honestly, I could go directly—”

“That is absolutely out of the question!”

Prime Minister Georgy Lvov cut me off mid-sentence.

Why would he interrupt me like that? I feel a bit hurt.

“Yes, that’s why I said that.”

I answered somewhat glumly without realizing it.

I think it would be fine now that Vladimir has grown up a bit. We could make Vladimir the acting Tsar while I’m away.

But maybe that’s not appropriate either.

Well, Nicholas II would be shocked if he were alive to hear this. That’s probably not right.

The citizens of the United States would probably oppose it if I said I was going directly to Iberia.

“You absolutely must not go, under any circumstances.”

“I won’t. Trust me.”

It’s not like I’ve been anywhere much anyway, except Poland.

Recently, all I’ve done is tour the country.

Honestly, I’d like to travel abroad too.

Usually, being told not to do something makes you want to do it more. But I’m surprisingly an emperor who listens well.

Isn’t it the emperor’s duty to obey when the Duma says not to go?

“Absolutely not.”

“What about taking a trip to Spain?”

Being told not to makes me want to do it more.

People naturally want to do what they’re told not to do, and I’m exactly that type.

So, what if I went to Spain, just like a vacation? I’ve wanted to visit Spain for a long time.

“If you do that, Russia would immediately have to issue a general mobilization order. Your Majesty absolutely cannot go to Spain. You are not alone.”

“It’s not like I’m pregnant or something.”

I shrugged with an incredulous expression, but the Black Baron shook his head.

Is this really something to shake your head about? I feel wronged.

“If Your Majesty were to go to Spain directly, the people would find out, and they would likely pressure the Duma to issue a general mobilization order to protect Your Majesty.”

That’s hard to imagine.

Even during the Great War, public sentiment had completely abandoned the Romanovs. I had to fight my way to my current position, so would it really be like that?

Well, maybe I’m just out of touch.

“Does it really work like that? As I said, I have no intention of going directly.”

After hearing him speak so strongly, I really don’t want to go anymore.

I know myself well enough.

If the Tsar goes, would Russia really stop at sending just 50,000 men? Probably not.

Millions of men could potentially enter the Iberian Peninsula.

That wouldn’t be right. Italy is already involved in Spain as if it were their own war, and Russia would enter Iberia with several times that force.

That would be an unnecessary military expenditure. I was planning to use that scale of army for the American Civil War anyway. I have enough sense to know that.

Come to think of it, I wonder what happened to Japan’s Anadan?

We need to figure out how to properly control Japan in the future.

“What about Japan’s Anadan?”

I’m genuinely curious about this.

If it’s really like a future otaku fan club, we should quickly work on changing their mindset.

“Japan’s Anadan is not a political organization as expected. The majority are readers of ‘My War’ written by Your Majesty, while others follow Your Majesty for your appearance, and there’s also significant support due to your position as the ‘Empress of the Great Powers.'”

“I see.”

I’m relieved it’s not just a mindless fan club.

It’s not simply an “Ana-chan” fan club, but at least they’re readers who became fans after reading my book.

Whether they follow me for my appearance or because I’m similar to their Emperor, either way.

“Surprisingly, there are also some former military personnel. Japan has a tendency to admire white people, and among white nations, they consider Russia to be just like them.”

I see. Now that we’ve confirmed this, there shouldn’t be any difficulties.

We should maintain friendly relations between Japan and Russia at first, allowing this organization to grow in influence.

Later, when Japan becomes aggressive, and after the war, we can use them to establish a pro-Russian government according to plan.

We can gradually fill positions with exchange students.

Even Japan created pro-Japanese organizations in Korea before annexing it.

Of course, those pro-Japanese factions, except for some Korean nobles, were discarded once Korea was annexed.

Of course, supporting Anadan is a contingency plan for unpredictable situations.

For instance, if Japan were to be overthrown for any reason, we’d need something to fill the void.

“We should nurture them with various forms of assistance through local Russians. Since readers form the main group, a writers’ association would be good too.”

Honestly, Anadan sounds a bit suspicious.

No, maybe that’s actually a good thing.

From the Japanese government’s perspective, they wouldn’t do anything to Anadan if they’re just fans of the Tsar.

When I think about it that way, it’s not bad.

“Then we won’t spare any support for them either.”

“Yes. Please continue as you have been.”

Later, they might become Anastasianists and establish something like the Japanese Anastasian Republic.

Of course, creating this group is a kind of variable.

It’s a force we’re creating in case America wants to make Japan its puppet state in the future.

It’s a force created to potentially split Japan in half.

What if we made Professor Mozengu the president or prime minister and formed an Anastasian cabinet?

Hmm. Honestly, I’m not sure if this is feasible.

We should just make Anadan seem like a symbol of friendship between Russia and Japan, making it easier to betray them when the time comes.

Just enough support so that Japan doesn’t become suspicious.

We’re supporting a Japanese organization that likes Russia. That kind of justification should work. Perfect, isn’t it?

“Your Majesty seems to have deep intentions again.”

“Not particularly. I’m just preparing for contingencies.”

Since the future has changed, we need to prepare for various variables.

That’s why I guided Renya Mutaguchi to become the governor of Southern Manchuria, why I’m leaving Anadan alone, and why I want to acquire Alaska.

Following a predetermined future and dealing with Hitler’s Nazi Germany or hanging Mussolini at a gas station is what lesser men do. I forge my own future, so I must be thoroughly prepared.

“What about Germany?”

“Recently, they’ve been approaching Denmark and seem to be supporting the communists there.”

“Denmark. Since they’re not in a position to confront us now, it means they’re trying to capture Denmark and aim for Northern Europe.”

Denmark wasn’t part of the Anti-Comintern Pact.

The reason is probably that they’re adjacent to Communist Germany and didn’t want to provoke Germany by joining the pact. But because of that, Denmark is now in an unfavorable situation.

“Yes, it seems so.”

Denmark. Denmark. I hadn’t thought about this.

Are these British bastards not planning to protect Denmark?

“Can we also take action regarding Denmark?”

“For now, since there are also Anastasianists in Denmark, we’ll try to contact the king.”

The support from the neighboring Communist Germany’s Communist Party is likely stronger.

To communists, monarchy is like oil and water, so they’ll try to abolish the monarchy or kill the king.

“So it’s difficult to pay attention to, like Spain.”

“Yes.”

In this case, is it right to give up Denmark?

Perhaps it would be better to give up Denmark and focus on protecting the rest of Northern Europe.

Honestly, Denmark seems like it would fall quickly even before we could send support.

In the original history, they only had about 15,000 troops and were completely defeated by Nazi Germany, becoming a Danish protectorate.

If they fall to revolution before Russia can send support…

It’s obvious that reckless intervention would make Russia look like an invader.

In that case, it would be better to plan for the future.

“If they didn’t join the Anti-Comintern Pact because they didn’t want to provoke Communist Germany, they should at least be favorable to us. Tell the king to prepare to form a government-in-exile just in case.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

If we can’t protect it, it’s better to let it go cleanly and protect what remains. Still, we can’t completely abandon Denmark, so we’ll have them form a Danish government-in-exile to maintain legitimacy.

And it’s right to protect Norway and Sweden firmly.

“Let’s definitely bring Norway and Sweden to our side. As long as they have kings, they’ll want to avoid the threat of the Communist Party.”

If Denmark falls, Northern Europe is also in danger.

They should be aware of this much, so they’ll likely want to cooperate with Russia.

Still, just to be sure, should I ask what the military thinks?

To be honest, those who participated in the Great War probably have a broader perspective than me, who has only been in a few battles.

“Would it be burdensome to fight a war while protecting Denmark?”

I asked cautiously, and the Black Baron opened his mouth with an expressionless face.

“If we want to hold the initiative in post-war Europe, wouldn’t it be better to liberate Denmark later? Above all, Denmark will be taken by the German Communist bastards before we can send troops. And we don’t have a justification to send troops to Denmark now.”

So the military also judges it that way.

Then there’s nothing we can do about that issue. We’ll establish friendly relations with Denmark but pivot to supporting a government-in-exile.

If they had joined the Anti-Comintern Pact, we would have had a justification to station troops, but Christian didn’t join the pact. It can’t be helped.