Ch.187The Twin-Headed Eagle Takes Flight

* * *

Gabriel Narutowicz was still standing there dumbfounded, staring blankly at the Russian armored units rolling majestically down the main street.

Well. That’s understandable.

He’s just realized that Russia has been preparing far more than expected.

But conversely, this could be said to present an opportunity for Japan.

Telling them to tread carefully, in other words.

“With the Anti-Comintern Pact countries, we can even handle a two-front war.”

“Your Majesty? We Japanese have no intention of fighting Russia!”

Gabriel Narutowicz widened his eyes and strongly denied it. Isn’t a strong denial usually an affirmation?

Why would he say such things unprompted?

Hmm, seeing how frightened he looks makes me feel somewhat sorry for him.

This confirms he’s planning to attack China. He’s realized that fighting Russia simultaneously would be disastrous.

Can’t be helped.

I waved my hand to prevent any further misunderstandings that might make him more pitiful.

We have no intention of going to war with Japan, nor do we wish to threaten them.

It would be troublesome if Japan got involved while we’re dealing with Germany.

“Listen to me fully. What I mean is that we would prefer not to have any reason to assist Japan in Asia if possible.”

In other words, handle the Asian communists yourselves.

Though I didn’t explicitly say it, this fellow will understand it as the Tsar tacitly approving their China plans.

Relieved by my answer, Narutowicz bowed politely.

“Yes, of course. After all, when it comes to merely suppressing communists, we couldn’t possibly request support from Your Majesty as a foreign power.”

Yes, yes. He clearly has ambitions to strike against the Chinese communists.

There are Chinese Federalism Movement ambassadors here too.

Fortunately, they’re not listening to this directly.

I suppose due to national hierarchy, the various Chinese ambassadors are just watching the military parade from below the podium.

“Very well. I understand. I’ll speak with the Duma about this in advance.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

We’ve also recently installed televisions in the embassy building.

Televisions have already been installed in various palaces operated by Prince Yusupov to welcome tourists.

Advanced Russian military power, various inventions. Plus a growing economy.

While America is embroiled in its own three-way civil war, Russia is rising as a new hegemonic power.

To be honest, I’m more interested in showing off.

Now then, I wonder how the other ambassadors are reacting?

* * *

After the military parade ended, ambassadors from various countries formed their own groups as if dividing into factions.

As though plotting treason or a coup, the Baltic and Balkan Anti-Comintern Pact countries couldn’t help but marvel at Russia.

“To think Russia, which we thought was just a backward frozen land, has developed this much!”

“Russia is already preparing for war!”

“We should become closer to Russia, unlike Britain which only relies on its navy!”

The Anti-Comintern Pact countries became more dependent on Russia than Britain.

France is politically divided, so we can’t expect support if war breaks out, and they’ll collapse to communist Germany, so there’s no need to even mention them.

So, Russia was the answer after all.

Although these countries had already signed agreements to stand against communism with Russia, they still couldn’t ignore Britain’s influence.

This military parade was sufficient to almost completely shatter that British influence.

After all, Britain currently has a stronger navy, but unlike Russia, which can deploy millions of troops, Britain has its limitations.

Moreover, colonial troops make up a large portion of British forces.

And aren’t those colonies not even being properly managed right now?

“This is unbelievable. Containing Russia was indeed the right answer!”

Meanwhile, Anthony Eden, the Foreign Secretary who came from Britain regarding Northern European affairs, clearly felt it after watching Russia’s military parade.

The Russian army had already grown strong enough to resume war.

If war breaks out with Germany, they won’t fight as poorly as during the Great War.

Moreover, given Russia’s economic power, they’ll eventually build up their navy too.

Right now, the Royal Navy is still stronger because Russia has invested in its army and air force, but Russia will develop its navy later.

Britain now faces a more powerful opponent than Germany, with whom they once competed in naval construction.

Britain had underestimated Russia’s potential too much.

Anthony Eden, sweating nervously, shook his head.

It would be best to inform his country and prepare plans to provide more covert support to communist Germany.

“That’s a relief. If war breaks out, we can immediately request support from Russia.”

Politically chaotic France was at least humming with relief at the thought of receiving support from the Russian army, which had grown stronger since the Great War.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Narutowicz, watching television at the hotel, clearly felt one thing after seeing the Russian army’s new weapons and high morale.

“War with Russia is out of the question.”

War with Russia is absolutely out of the question.

In Europe, there’s Poland, Austria, and various Russian alliance countries.

The communist state of Germany, with East Prussia separated and weakened, has no chance of winning against them.

Russia can easily handle a two-front war.

Even if our navy has some advantages, ultimately it’s the army that plants flags and occupies territory.

Moreover, Russia is preparing torpedo bombers to compensate for its insufficient fleet, so a hasty attack could only result in casualties.

‘Fortunately, that lunatic Ishiwara Kanji who leads the Imperial Way Faction has no interest in Russia.’

Strictly speaking, Ishiwara Kanji was only influenced by Anastasia, but Gabriel Narutowicz was relieved.

Although His Majesty the Emperor trusts that man too much. Still, it’s fortunate.

Moreover, Russia also has no intention of going to war with the Empire.

If war breaks out, the Empire would be in danger.

It’s fortunate that Russia sells resources that the Empire lacks. But if the Empire isn’t satisfied with China and tries to expand the front further, how would Russia respond?

Gabriel Narutowicz couldn’t shake his uneasy feeling.

Meanwhile, unlike Gabriel Narutowicz, there was someone else lamenting.

“So while we’ve been struggling with the Great Depression, Russia has advanced this far ahead.”

It was MacArthur at the White House.

After receiving telegrams about the military parade and photos of Russian tanks and aircraft, MacArthur at the White House felt bitter.

Did I really make that joke about Alaska for nothing?

I have no intention of handing over Alaska, but what if Russia stations troops there later, claiming we said something different?

“Ah, really.”

If it weren’t for that damn KFC, if Huey Long hadn’t tried to ally with those black communists.

Then I wouldn’t have had a reason to rise up like this.

This is all the fault of that damned Leon from KFC.

Someday I’ll advance into Kentucky and drag that damn Leon out and tie him to a tank.

* * *

As expected, the reactions were explosive.

First, France said they look forward to our continued cooperation.

And Anthony Eden from Britain left, seemingly displeased.

I’m the one who should be displeased.

We’re not even thinking about it, but Britain, being a paranoid country, immediately assumes we’re trying to play another Great Game and acts so unpleasantly.

Isn’t it about time for Edward VIII to ascend?

I think it’s been a few months since his accession, so the cabinet resignation should be coming soon.

“Your Majesty, the Polish ambassador has requested an audience.”

While I was eavesdropping through the listening devices planted in the hotel where the ambassadors were staying, Maria came to me.

“I told him to go to the Duma. Why is he looking for me?”

“Perhaps it’s about weapons?”

“Weapons. Ah, that’s right, the weapons are under my company’s name.”

Although it has close ties with the White Army, it’s ultimately a company under my name.

So while I’m lounging around at the top, the Romanov defense industry has started operating thanks to the White Army.

If he wants to see me, what can I do? I’ll make a special exception. He could become a valuable customer.

* * *

The Polish ambassador who visited the Kremlin Palace seemed to have much to say, mumbling like a man about to confess to his first love.

The ambassador seems to have changed.

“What brings you to see me? Come on, be brave and speak up. We’re Russia and Poland after all.”

“Ahem. Then I’ll speak frankly despite my reservations. Your Majesty, we wish to purchase more weapons to arm Poland.”

“Hmm, the fact that you’ve specifically come to me suggests you want the weapons showcased in the parade, different from what you’ve been receiving.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I was particularly interested in the new firearms I saw. Surely Russia would want Poland to hold back Germany?”

“Hmm. Yes. That wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

In a situation where we need to intervene in the American Civil War, it would be good to support Poland with weapons to prevent World War II from breaking out.

Didn’t Germany provide tanks in the Spanish Civil War?

Then Poland should have some tanks too.

“Would firearms alone be sufficient? Surely there’s something else you want?”

“Well, that…”

Why can’t you just say you need tanks?

“Right. You want things like tanks or fighter planes, don’t you? Come on, forget about pride. You can’t bring yourself to order them directly because of our relationship.”

“Ahem. That’s not exactly it.”

What do you mean it’s not? I can see the answer just by looking at your eyes.

“Look, let’s just be honest between us. Unlike my father, I don’t have any particular ill feelings toward Poland. Of course, I was subjected to terrorism before, but I’m quite satisfied that it led to reconciliation with Poland.”

“Hmm, are you saying you’ll sell us tanks without any conditions?”

“As long as you pay the proper price, what’s there to withhold? Honestly, Poland is Russia’s largest weapons export customer.”

The Polish ambassador seemed to have a lot to say.

I’m sure he does. We’ve been practically forcing sales on them.

And with the money from those sales, we developed more weapons.

Schacht, a Jewish economist who came from Germany, said it might be dangerous to only develop weapons, but anyway.

What I’m saying is that even the outdated versions of our weapons would be more than satisfactory for Poland.

I should use the method that Ungern once used on me.

“What are you hesitating for? Imagine it! The invincible Hussar armored units rushing to the Rhine after repelling the communist German invasion! Revenge for the Partition of Poland!”

“Oh. Oh?”

The Polish ambassador was admiring it but then looked at me with a stunned expression like a pigeon that had been hit.

As if to say, “Are you the one to say that?”

I understand. After all, Russia was also involved in the Partition of Poland, and the Kingdom of Prussia that partitioned Poland is, strictly speaking, the successor to the German Empire that Poland is protecting, while communist Germany is just an upstart red vermin state with no legitimacy.

But that doesn’t matter. As long as I sell weapons.

“Have you decided? If you pay the right price, these tanks, though older models, will not be inferior to communist Germany’s and will become the new Hussar tank units.”

I said leisurely while sipping my tea.

I have no personal thoughts about you, so just pay the proper amount.

“No, that seems a bit too far-fetched.”

“Ask the blood in your veins. The past glory that once swept across Europe! Remember those times! Trust Russia. No, if you cannot trust Russia, trust this Romanov woman named Anastasia. I will provide you with the power.”

“I-I’ll get a response from my country first.”

Yes. Do that.

I’m considering many variables right now.

For example, what if communist Germany’s gamble succeeds, quickly turning France communist, annihilating the French army (Europe’s strongest land force) along with the landed British forces, and then beating Poland as well?

I strongly feel something like that might happen.

Otherwise, communist Germany wouldn’t be so confident.

Of course, those British bastards are also calculating that they’ll join the war much later.

I don’t know what promises Goebbels made, but I hear the former Junkers in the Red Army are quite cooperative. It’s hard to gauge their military strength.

Our Mussolini was stopped by the Ethiopian army.

Could it be? In this era, will France play the role of Germany’s partner?

So I give Poland an opportunity.

“Please do so.”

Seeing him rush out of the Kremlin Palace excitedly, I think he’ll eagerly send telegrams to his country about creating Hussar armored units.

Of course, I don’t think they’ll actually reach the Rhine.

Even if they do, I’m not sure if there will still be a country called Poland afterward.

“Is that really okay? It seems like you’re instilling some madness.”

Maria, who had just heard my devilish whispers, muttered anxiously.

But do I know that Polish ambassador?

“This much is necessary to make Poland fight like crazy. By the way, what’s the name of the Polish ambassador?”

He looks quite old, and I wonder if he’s someone I know.

“Ignacy Jan Paderewski.”

Hmm, I don’t know him at all.

“Hmm, I don’t know him.”

Well, it’s not like I know Polish figures well.

For Poland in the 30s, I only know figures I briefly saw in a historical game I played before.

I don’t know him, but I wonder if he became ambassador due to the butterfly effect.

Apart from the Polish ambassador, it seems other ambassadors have also approached the Duma regarding weapons sales.

Requests for evaluations are pouring in.

Yes, this is normal. It’s natural that the Polish ambassador specifically sought me out.

“Requests for weapons sales have also come from the Baltic states.”

“From what I hear, they seem to trust Russia more than Britain.”

That’s normal.

Unless Russia was as backward as during the Great War, when it had to ask other countries to produce weapons, today’s Russia is different.

Let me once again express my gratitude to Bill for his generous gifts to Russia.

“Well, Russia is right next door.”

There might be fear involved, but it’s different when you have millions of ready troops rather than Britain, whose support may or may not come.

From the Baltic perspective, if they antagonize Russia, they’ll be quickly crushed by the Russian army before Britain can do anything.

In other words, while fear rises, they also think that if such a fearsome army can protect them…

Britain’s pride, the colonial army, might not even be properly utilized.

In contrast, if they just please Russia, they’ll receive massive support that could cover their territory.

That’s how we can build influence in the Baltic.

“By the way, Turkey has also requested weapons sales.”

They might be aiming to defeat Greece, but I strongly feel they’re targeting somewhere else.

For example, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or elsewhere.

Can’t you just smell it?