Ch.219India’s Independence Activists

Britain and Communist Germany seem to be conserving their strength, as they’re not even engaging in air battles over British soil right now.

This means Britain’s air force remains intact, along with their air and naval base anti-aircraft defenses.

While fighter performance matters, pilots with extensive experience are ultimately crucial.

Both Churchill and Goebbels know this, which is why they’re tacitly avoiding pushing too hard against each other.

Hitler suffered significant Luftwaffe losses during the Battle of Britain, but Goebbels hasn’t made the same mistake.

He’s likely eyeing Austria instead. In any case, this indicates how much circumstances have diverged from the original history.

Ah, I’m truly relieved.

Things are rolling along better than I expected.

“Everything’s going according to plan. What a relief.”

I even clapped my hands while praising myself.

I was anxious that Communist Germany might collapse too quickly without any of the variables I had anticipated, and that Churchill might launch something like Operation Unsinkable to check Russia.

In preparation for that possibility, I had ordered the construction of floating harbors and landing craft.

Even though these were just precautionary measures that only needed to be built adequately, their development progressed faster than expected.

Now the time is gradually approaching.

At last, the day of judgment that will determine Europe’s fate.

“Does this mean it’s finally time for us to enter the war?”

“Yes. But first we need to occupy eastern Poland. How is that progressing?”

The groundwork is crucial, after all.

The Okhrana is fully in charge of this matter, so it depends on Savinkov’s capabilities.

One of these tasks can be considered the Poland situation.

“We’re already in contact with numerous pro-Russian Poles. Some of them who insisted on participating in the war despite Russia’s opposition are now protesting in the streets, wondering what’s happening.”

“That’s unexpected. Are there really so many?”

The work in Poland is progressing better than I thought.

“Your Majesty’s popularity is surprisingly overflowing even in Poland. They say they’ll cooperate with us if Your Majesty would agree to become Queen of Poland.”

“Hmm.”

I wonder what kind of mess they’re in that these Poles want to crown me as their queen.

Well, with a brilliantly growing country right next door, it’s understandable.

“Communist German forces are returning to the Eastern Front, and Commander-in-Chief Edward Rydz-Śmigły is focusing on defense.”

“If the French People’s Army joins them, it won’t be an easy fight.”

“Yes. We’ll arrange for pro-Russian Poles to request our assistance when we invade. Then we’ll occupy eastern Poland and face off against the Communist German army.”

“Will they attack us when we occupy eastern Poland?”

“Communist Germany will likely attack Austria first after occupying Poland. They’ll probably just establish defensive lines along our border.”

The Prussian war machine combined with Europe’s largest army.

If it were those two versus the Soviet Union, it would be quite thrilling and interesting.

That’s what’s truly regrettable. Unfortunately, we’re the Russian United States.

But in this world, I’m the Tsar of Russia, while Germany, France, and Italy are communist.

When Britain is laughing at their misfortune, I need to step in directly. Poland isn’t the only concern.

The one-armed Wilhelm’s German Empire still remains.

Filled with bitterness, both Wilhelm II and Ludendorff have somehow survived until now, seemingly determined to bring down Communist Germany within their lifetimes.

That’s probably why they’re rushing. With their days numbered, they want to accomplish something before the end.

It’s pitiful yet also feels like they’re reaping what they sowed.

“To prevent the German Empire from falling, we must definitely occupy the east.”

Our current goal is to secure eastern Poland and extend our defensive line to include the German Empire, stationing troops there.

If nothing else, Communist Germany will try to take over the German Empire to appear as the legitimate government.

“We’ve already made all the necessary preparations.”

“But where is Communist Germany currently sourcing its resources from?”

Doesn’t Britain still have an intact navy? How are they managing to break through?

The French fleet has its limitations, and some of it went to the government-in-exile, so it’s not perfect either.

“Since the mighty British Empire’s fleet has all been committed to homeland defense, they’ve abandoned naval control everywhere except around the British Isles. It shouldn’t be difficult for them to import resources. I understand they’ve even recalled the Far Eastern Fleet.”

Prime Minister Lvov answered my question.

Wow. They’ve completely concentrated their fleet around the homeland because their army was decimated.

That makes sense. If Germany were to land, when was the last time England was invaded? Not since William the Conqueror, right?

Churchill wouldn’t want to make the mistake of allowing a German invasion of the homeland during his lifetime.

South America probably doesn’t know what’s happening in Europe right now, so it’s likely a decent resource supplier for the communists.

“Hmm? The Far Eastern Fleet?”

“Why do you ask?”

Looking at America’s current state, it seems like it will take ages to secure control of the Pacific.

If the Far Eastern Fleet, which should have been destroyed, is still intact, perhaps they could help when Britain gathers all its naval forces to deal with Japan later.

“That’s good news. I think we’ll need to ask Britain for various favors later.”

The damage is greater than expected.

At least Japan isn’t advancing further toward America and is fantasizing about an armistice, which gives America some time.

I’m not sure if they’ll be able to win at the Battle of Midway and counterattack.

Wasn’t it after winning the Battle of Midway that America began its full-scale counteroffensive starting with the Battle of Guadalcanal?

“Your Majesty’s foresight has proven correct again. As expected of Your Majesty!”

Upon arriving at the Kremlin Palace, Maria didn’t hold back her surprise praise, her eyes sparkling.

“Oh my. Foresight? I’m just leaving everything to my luck.”

I’m simply entrusting everything to the luck I possess.

This time too, America has suffered much greater damage than expected, so I’m planning to end the European war and utilize the British fleet.

“Then aren’t all Russians being gaslighted by that luck?”

“Where did you learn that word?”

“I sometimes hear it when Your Majesty talks to yourself.”

What’s there to be proud of as Maria speaks with such a confident expression?

I sometimes talk to myself to not forget Korean.

Although Maria doesn’t understand Korean, she seems to have taken a liking to the word “gaslighting.”

Why would she pick up something like that?

“I know that, of course. But things are falling into place so perfectly that I’m honestly surprised. Especially in Japan’s case.”

Yes. Japan. Japan. China and Japan are heading toward mutual destruction without my direct intervention.

Well, their navy has successfully pummeled the American forces, but ultimately Japan is focusing its efforts on China.

“Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will be victorious in a hundred battles.”

Among all my machinations, Japan has been my greatest achievement.

Japan has taken on the role of the axis of evil, recklessly reducing its population while fighting China, saving me the need to wage war there myself.

As a result, their advance has slowed, giving China time to regroup. The Sino-Japanese War will likely progress as slowly as it did in the original history.

It’s fortunate that Renya Mutaguchi had one major failure and was removed at the right time.

If he had remained in command until now, he would have carried out an extermination operation because of Hideki Tojo, and would have inevitably been prosecuted as a war criminal.

Now we just need to stab Japan in the back later, create the image that we saved China, and pretend to be the good guys.

I’m grinning at the thought of finally stepping onto the stage of World War II.

“Oh, Your Majesty, Indian independence activists have come to Moscow.”

Suddenly, Indian independence activists were mentioned.

“Indian independence activists?”

“Yes. I believe it’s thanks to Your Majesty’s promotion of Ethiopia.”

When I checked who had come, the names were quite significant.

I did promote Ethiopia, but I never expected things to turn out like this. Yes, it’s none other than Gandhi and Chandra Bose.

I never imagined that Gandhi, the father of Indian independence, and Chandra Bose of the Provisional Government of Free India would appear. Wow, this is something.

Having heard that Britain is in trouble, they’ve probably come seeking help from Russia, Britain’s competitor.

“What should we do?”

To be honest, Gandhi, who dreams of a united India, is problematic for me since I plan to divide India.

As for Chandra Bose, it’s fortunate that he won’t be aligning with Japan as he did in the original history.

Alright, let’s meet them.

I’m curious about many things.

I want to know if Gandhi is truly as great a figure as Koreans believe him to be.

* * *

I personally received Gandhi and Chandra Bose at the Kremlin Palace.

“It is an honor to meet Your Majesty like this.”

Gandhi and Chandra Bose in person looked just as they did in photographs.

The reason they wanted to see me is probably due to the influence of Ethiopia.

Whenever I meet historical figures, I find it fascinating to see in person those I’ve only seen in photographs.

It’s especially moving to actually see Gandhi, known for non-violent resistance and famous even in games.

Thanks to me, Ethiopia had prevented the invasion by Italy, a colonial empire that merely painted its sign red.

“So, Gandhi and Chandra Bose. You’re both promising independence activists for India?”

“We don’t particularly attach such grand labels to ourselves.”

“Hmm, Russia will soon be entering the war, so let me ask directly. Are you requesting support for your independence movement?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Britain is already struggling to maintain its colonies. If Your Majesty would support us, we will remain Russia’s strong ally in the future.”

The words sound simple.

But I can’t take them at face value.

After all, politics and diplomacy are done for one’s own country.

In the distant future, if India becomes prosperous and a close relationship with Russia becomes problematic, they might reconsider immediately.

“Hmm. You seem to take this for granted, but I am neither a frivolous person nor one with real power.”

“But Your Majesty is the absolute leader of Russia, aren’t you?”

So they believe that too.

In that case, I have no choice.

“Russians call me a saint, while communists call me an imperialist and a witch. Let me be frank. If I am an imperialist, I have no intention of supporting colonial independence movements without benefit to us. Although Britain is in that state, they are nominally our ally.”

The two exchanged glances awkwardly at my words and fell silent.

This seems unexpected to them.

“Of course, no matter how much of an imperialist I am, I’m still a saint compared to that colonial empire Britain. Therefore, I must attach conditions.”

I’ll grant independence conditionally.

At these words, the faces of Gandhi and Chandra Bose twisted strangely.

Don’t worry. I won’t spout nonsense like Britain, promising to expand autonomy to the level of independence if they help in the war.

I’m simply suggesting a return to pre-British India.

“Conditions, you say?”

“Before British rule unified India, wasn’t India originally several countries? After independence, if regions wish to become independent due to ethnic or religious issues, you must not prevent them. In other words, a return to the past.”

It’s honestly the truth.

If they want independence, shouldn’t India, forcibly unified by imperialists, rightfully be divided again?

“But we want a united India…”

“Isn’t that essentially swallowing the legacy left by the colonial empire? If you block independence, how are you any different from Britain? Of course, this only applies when independence is desired. If you disregard my wishes and try to suppress independence, the Russian army will never forgive you. We might send troops directly to grant independence.”

What if India holds a grudge over this in the future?

If they don’t desire independence, what’s the problem?

And I am a saint. A saint must work as a saint. Naturally, a unified India is the result of forced unification by colonial Britain, and since they’ve asked for my help, I will erase the remnants of colonialism and restore them.

If Gandhi or Chandra Bose later want to call for a united India, the people living in that land must want to be Indian themselves.

“That is…”

“At first glance, my words might seem like a plot to divide India, but in reality, many ethnicities within Russia want to be Russian, which is why they’ve joined the Russian United States as republics. If everyone truly wants a united India, then my words would be meaningless, wouldn’t they?”

Can’t you just do well enough to prevent multiple Indias from emerging?

That’s what I’m saying now.

“Are there other conditions as well?”

Of course there are.

We’re talking about liberating a place that has been a colony for hundreds of years.

While independence would naturally be the right course, if they’re asking for our help, we should attach conditions.

They’re going to become independent anyway, but supporting their independence despite being hostile to Britain is essentially a loss for us.

And what I’m about to say will truly shake the foundations of India.

“The caste system is essentially no different from slavery—a barbaric class system. This too must be abolished.”

From what I’ve heard, Gandhi was a figure who didn’t want the abolition of the caste system, and I’m not sure about Chandra Bose, but anyway.

I should at least attach this condition.

“The caste system is a unique class system deeply rooted in India for a long time. Of course, there are those who exploit it, but this can be gradually corrected.”

As expected, Gandhi opposed the abolition of the caste system, just as recorded.

Using this, dividing India would be no difficult task.

It’s a bit sad that these two came here.

This won’t just be about independence, but about planning division.

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the hero of Indian independence, and Jawaharlal Nehru, who was pro-British, tried to abolish the caste system.

Using this, I could tear India apart.