Ch.273European Tour

* * *

Eventually, the atmosphere of civil war continued to ripen. Nehru, as a pro-British figure, seemed to be gathering pro-British factions to try something.

Just looking at the visible leaders, there were already three—Gandhi, Chandra Bose, and Nehru—and internally, tensions seemed ready to explode in various places along religious lines.

But why should I care?

Even if Gandhi doesn’t listen to me, the seeds of conflict were planted by us.

We threw out bait like “I’ll give each religious group independence~”

This way, those who believe they’ll be granted independence will naturally fight against Gandhi, who advocates for a unified India.

How is it that I still have so much to do even after World War II ends?

There have been various wars, and I need to make a tour of Europe.

I had to face the leaders of various countries who clung to me like drowning men, desperately trying to keep me on the Tsar’s throne after that abdication incident.

Around this time, an event occurred.

Wilhelm II finally died, and Louise formally became the Kaiserin and ruler of the German Empire.

As Europe’s foremost monarch, I had to attend Wilhelm II’s funeral.

“I never expected the Tsar of Russia would come to my father’s funeral. I’m truly grateful.”

After the grand funeral ended, the Kaiserin invited me for a private meeting.

“Russia was able to develop thanks to the Kaiser’s grace. Whatever the reason, the Kaiser was also a benefactor to our Russia.”

“I’m truly grateful that you see it that way.”

I had only seen Louise in photographs before. Seeing her in person gives a different impression.

Whether from years of hardship or from Wilhelm II’s death taking a toll on her, her eyes look hollow, but nonetheless, she seems to be maintaining the imperial position properly as Kaiserin.

From what I hear, unlike the Second Empire era, the Kaiserin seems to be moving toward a proper constitutional monarchy like us or Britain. And the Junkers who might cause trouble?

After being thoroughly beaten by the Reds and with the German homeland devastated, the Junkers couldn’t possibly wield much power, and they should be grateful just to be accepted by the German Empire.

The capital, Königsberg, was quite a vibrant city.

It was where the remnants of the German Imperial Army had brought the Kaiser during the revolution, and naturally, as a place dominated by imperial loyalists, everyone was overjoyed to have reclaimed their homeland.

“I’ll keep it as the capital for a while.”

“Yes. This is where the imperial loyalists remained until the end.”

Berlin is still being rebuilt, but apparently it can’t match Königsberg.

Moreover, the mainland areas have just emerged from the Red Revolution, so it will take time to stabilize them, and coalition forces are currently helping control the mainland, which shows how difficult the situation is.

They somehow managed to take Alsace-Lorraine, but Germany still has a long way to go.

Well, considering original history, they’ll probably rise again quickly, but rebuilding the nation will take some time for now.

We spent some time in conversation.

“But I never expected you would bring up abdication.”

Thanks to the widespread rumors, the Kaiserin mentioned it too.

“Well, I thought it might be right to step down after ruling for 20 years.”

“Your Majesty will probably find it difficult to abdicate for your entire life.”

“Pfft! That sounds like I’ll remain that way even after death—please refrain from such frightening remarks.”

I nearly spat out my tea as I was bringing the cup to my lips.

If I were to actually die, they’d probably preserve my body somehow.

It would be truly sad if I ended up like those North Korean pigs.

“Well, you’re so young—wouldn’t abdicating seem rather suspicious? They say you’re a true saint who doesn’t even age.”

“Ah, yes. You seem to take it for granted.”

Why is she accepting this so naturally?

This isn’t a fantasy world. Or perhaps it’s because of this era that people can believe it.

“I’m certainly curious, but looking at how you’ve brought Russia to its current state, I understand. Realistically speaking, aren’t you Europe’s premier emperor now? I may be an empress, but I’ve just ascended to the throne. You’re essentially the Roman Emperor, and the current Kaiser of the Danube Federation has rather limited authority, doesn’t he?”

“I’m grateful for your kind words.”

Perhaps abdication is indeed impossible.

The Kaiserin, who has lost all her family, speaks convincingly.

At least she has children, so Germany seems likely to safely transition to the next generation.

“Actually, I wanted to discuss a marriage proposal with Your Majesty.”

“A marriage proposal? Surely not for me.”

“Hmm, if you wish, you could choose among my children. Given Your Majesty’s youth, it would be possible.”

“Ah, I may be called a saint, but I’m not that pure a woman. Besides, aren’t all your children already married?”

No matter what, it feels awkward to marry at this point.

So I tried to change the subject.

Before Victoria Louise seriously tries to match me with one of her children.

“With all the turmoil, they haven’t married. I understand that Grand Duke Vladimir, your adopted son, is also unmarried.”

“Then… surely not.”

Is she suggesting a match between her child and Vladimir?

“How about a marriage between Friederike and Grand Duke Vladimir?”

“A marriage between Friederike and Vladimir.”

Actually, I’ve been worried about Vladimir.

That guy has shown no interest in marriage, trying to be like me.

Didn’t I tell Vladimir to get married during that abdication incident?

He’s still in his late twenties, so I thought he’d marry soon.

It’s fortunate that at least his sister, Grand Duchess Kira, is married—to Louis Ferdinand von Preussen of Prussia.

Louis Ferdinand is the son of Wilhelm, Victoria Louise’s brother, so he’s already connected to the German imperial family. Is she trying to strengthen the connection?

Friederike would certainly marry the King of Greece. But what does it matter?

“I think the timing is good for both of them.”

“Does the Kaiserin desire a union of imperial houses?”

If she wants a union of imperial houses, the joining of the Romanov and Hohenzollern families wouldn’t be bad.

“I hope for an Eastern Military Alliance through imperial union. Grand Duchess Kira has already married our Louis Ferdinand, so if Grand Duke Vladimir, who will inherit the throne, marries Friederike, their child could become the emperor of the Eastern Military Alliance. I think that wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

This isn’t a bad idea.

Russia already has a favorable view of Germany.

Although we fought significantly in World War I, they generously supported us during the civil war against the Reds.

Fighting is one thing, but the newly born United States of Russia is deeply united in hatred for the Bolsheviks, so there’s quite a high level of goodwill toward the German Empire that generously aided during the civil war.

Regardless of Wilhelm II deploying Lenin.

German Russians even praised Wilhelm II.

It would be interesting if Germany and Russia became one through an Eastern Military Alliance.

“If the two are willing, I’ll try to arrange it.”

I contacted the State Duma and proceeded with the marriage negotiations between Russia and Germany.

Afterward, I visited Britain as part of my tour.

Edward VIII personally welcomed me in London.

Indeed, one must become the emperor of a great power to be treated this way. It’s remarkable how the British Empire is taking such care of me.

—Or so I’d say, but his grinning face reveals eyes that lust after women.

“It’s truly an honor that the war hero, the Tsar of Russia and Byzantium, has visited our United Kingdom.”

“I am equally honored to meet Your Majesty, the King of the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom, and the Lord of Brittany and Normandy.”

Ugh. His face is truly smarmy.

Just his gaze makes me feel uncomfortable.

“You’re truly as young as I’ve heard.”

“Well, that’s because I’m a saint.”

I tried to brush it off lightly, cursing inwardly while forcing a smile.

But this guy blushed when he saw me.

He really can’t control himself around women. I heard from Churchill that he’s a married woman killer. Is he targeting me, who is married to the nation? Is that the story?

Ah, he was smirking at me until Simpson elbowed him in the side.

“Ahem. I’ll tell the Prime Minister to ensure you have a comfortable stay in England.”

“I’m grateful for your consideration.”

I deliberately smiled shyly in gratitude, hoping Simpson would hit him more.

And so Edward got another big elbow in the ribs from Simpson.

The purpose of this tour is for me, as Tsar, to personally visit the Rome Treaty member countries to strengthen friendly relations.

And to talk with Churchill about India as well.

Churchill, having sensed something from my arrival in England, hurriedly came to see me.

“Your Majesty. I hear you’re proceeding with marriage negotiations with Germany?”

The first thing he brings up is the marriage negotiations with Germany.

Well, his intentions are transparent. I was trying to rest while eating a Choco Pie, but I can’t let this slide.

Churchill was about to question me but stared fixedly at the Choco Pie in my hand, which was begging to be eaten by the saint.

Ah, this annoying old man. Does he want to eat it?

Reluctantly, I handed over a Choco Pie with tears in my eyes.

“But why?”

I just grumbled, pretending not to know.

He seems to have a lot to say. This damned Churchill took a bite of the Choco Pie and spoke again.

“We’ll find you a suitable husband from our great British Empire, so instead of that shattered Germany, why not combine imperial houses with the British Empire? You don’t age anyway.”

Calling Germany “shattered” to my face is a bit harsh.

Wait, is he suggesting I get married?

Aren’t the British royals mostly children right now?

Edward VIII doesn’t seem to have children. Anyway.

I’m not into little boys. What am I lacking that I should marry young boys?

It seems Churchill is also treating me like some kind of monster.

“No, not me. I mean our Vladimir. At my age, it would be awkward to marry, wouldn’t it?”

Churchill’s face shows utter disbelief, as if saying “you’re the one saying this?”

Still not wanting to lose, he cleared his throat and spoke.

“Ahem. How about a marriage between our Princess Elizabeth and Grand Duke Vladimir?”

Embarrassed, he brought up Princess Elizabeth.

It’s not a bad idea, but Elizabeth would eventually become Elizabeth II.

She’s too young. But Friederike is just right. Elizabeth II is currently too young.

There’s no need to force such an arrangement.

“Europe has already become one through the Rome Treaty Organization, so is an Eastern Military Alliance really necessary?”

It’s a fair point. The imperial family is now merely symbolic.

With the Rome Treaty Organization, an Eastern Military Alliance isn’t necessary.

The German Empire has reverted to the Second Empire, so they need to maintain imperial authority, but even if the Eastern Military Alliance ends up being led by parliament, it wouldn’t be bad to reform the German Empire.

Why is Churchill so insistent?

“That may be true, but we can’t lose to those nearly collapsed Germans. The Rome Treaty Organization is one thing, but we can achieve the position of King of the Commonwealth.”

The Commonwealth countries are registered as partner countries of the Rome Treaty Organization, so it’s fine, but Churchill seems determined not to lose to Germany even on his deathbed.

Having already destroyed France, he doesn’t want to lose to Germany in any way.

Hmm, maybe I should just say something to avoid angering him.

“The Commonwealth countries are also partner countries. I think Princess Friederike would be better for improving the German Empire’s constitution. If anything, perhaps we could match their children with British royalty in the future?”

“Well, that’s disappointing.”

He doesn’t outright refuse, so it seems he’s thinking of connecting the British royal family with the Romanovs in the future.

But what I find most regrettable is…

“I also regret not being able to put ice cream in Prime Minister Churchill’s nose.”

It might be a bit much to put ice cream in an old man’s nostrils, but still.

“Please stop bringing that up. I fear it will go down in history.”

“It’s already widely rumored in Russia. Don’t worry. It’s just between us. Speaking of which, Britain is in charge of India, isn’t it? How do you think it will turn out?”

“Civil war will definitely break out. We’ve already laid the groundwork.”

Churchill smiles wickedly while eating a Choco Pie.

Yes, that’s the face. That’s exactly the face Britain should make. Indeed.

The face of a prime minister of a hateful country, sowing discord to split a nation and then taking advantage.

In the end, they’re using the same method to grant independence to their colonies.

Aren’t you curious how much Britain has sown discord in India?

“India’s division must happen. We need to make them hate each other enough to shed blood.”

“I’m surprised. Even though you’re a saint, you think this way.”

Why are you looking so surprised? This is natural.

I am the saint of Russia and Rome, India means nothing to me.