Ch.314Problems Piling Up Like Mountains

* * *

In the United States, Renya Mutaguchi is treated as quite a high-profile figure.

That means America must know how formidable Mutaguchi is. The US has probably run simulations and might predict that Mutaguchi will unify Japan.

If that happens, America will never give up East Japan, will they?

“Your Majesty, should we keep the Okhrana in East Japan for now?”

If we keep the Okhrana in East Japan for too long, we’ll eventually get caught.

There’s a difference between just leaving Trotsky alone and making it look like we’re involved.

“Is Renya Mutaguchi’s presence significant in America right now?”

America seems to be pressing too hard. Am I being overly sensitive?

It’s quite unexpected that America would be intimidated by Renya Mutaguchi.

“Yes. That’s why they avoided fighting Renya Mutaguchi’s army during Operation Downfall.”

“America did? That’s surprising.”

Even so, it’s surprising that America fears Renya? Remarkable.

Well, if I had to say, there are some suspicious aspects.

“During Operation Downfall, American forces suffered considerable casualties, so they probably wanted to minimize losses as much as possible. Above all, Renya Mutaguchi has the trust of the Japanese people. Even with just East Japan, things are difficult—if Renya died, they would have experienced hell throughout the Japanese archipelago.”

They wanted to minimize casualties as much as possible. Yes, that’s one way to look at it.

Who could have known that Mutaguchi Renya’s slip would blow up like this?

Still, this doesn’t seem right. I’m not without thoughts on this, but we should wait until America responds.

If America tries to take East Japan first and projects military power into South America as well, then I’ll have to conclude that America has become sufficiently powerful.

“Your Majesty, it seems America has decided on East Japan.”

“Their fleet?”

“They’re confirmed to be dispatching large-scale forces.”

Sending large-scale forces to Japan? Then they’ve completely established themselves in Japan.

This means America won’t notice if we invest more in Argentina.

As Argentina grows stronger, other South American countries might try to align with Argentina.

“What about South America?”

“In South America, the American fleet is docked in Brazil.”

Docked in Brazil. So they’re keeping an eye on South America too.

They could intimidate Argentina from the sea, but Argentina’s air force, which we’re selling to them, shouldn’t be underestimated.

We’re a step or two ahead in aircraft technology.

“So they’ll keep Argentina in check but deal with East Japan first. That seems to be the message.”

Should I consider that fortunate? This means we can sell weapons to Argentina more legitimately.

Well then, it’s time to become merchants of death.

As I said, I’ve already notified America that I’m only selling weapons to Argentina. If they can’t win, it’s their own fault for being inadequate.

I declared it proudly in the Duma.

“Then let’s say we’re selling weapons to make money as we can and for disarmament. Of course, tell them we’ll sell to America too at a high price if they want.”

“I will do so, Your Majesty.”

We should transfer some technology to Argentina as well.

All in the name of making money, of course.

As I said, after that, whether Argentina falls or not, we just act as merchants of death and then pull out.

We drain their money and bear no responsibility. Isn’t this what pleasure without responsibility is all about?

Come to think of it, if the presidential couple had firmly refused when they came to Moscow last time, none of this would have happened.

Isn’t this great fun? Giving them weapons to fight and then pulling out later.

We’re just showing a little goodwill to the small nation of Argentina.

“Let’s give them plenty of dive bombers.”

“Dive bombers, sir?”

“That much is necessary for our Argentina to feel secure against America, isn’t it?”

“I see. They are lacking in naval power, after all.”

Well, I said I’d cut ties, but looking at what Eva Perón is doing, it seems like she’s planning something big.

Things are going to get interesting.

“Also, the Kingdom of Egypt is in conflict with Ethiopia over Sudan’s independence.”

“Why Egypt?”

Well, I can probably just let this one slide.

I don’t need to concern myself with Sudan now that the colonial issues in Africa have been resolved.

“When Sudan was under Egyptian royal territory, Egypt had ownership, so they maintain that if independence is granted, Egypt should be the one to grant it. They don’t like Ethiopia’s intervention.”

“Didn’t we already decide to hand everything over to Ethiopia?”

“The problem is that Ethiopia is also tearing its hair out over other African countries.”

“Ethiopia too? Isn’t Egypt currently a Roman partner nation?”

Egypt was once Roman territory, so we kept them around.

But looking at what they’re doing now, they seem to be stirring up trouble.

“Yes. It seems they’re trying to keep Ethiopia in check, trusting in us.”

“Why are they so greedy?”

“It’s understandable. If Sudan goes over too, sharing a border would mean they’d be heavily influenced by Ethiopia. From Egypt’s perspective, they don’t want to just hand over Sudan.”

Hmm. Well, with Turkey, Britain, and Russia sharing the Suez stakes, they’re probably trying to save face.

They want to keep Sudan somehow.

Sudan. Sudan. Didn’t they get that thanks to Britain? They seem desperate to hold onto it.

Even so, isn’t Egypt crossing a line here?

We kept Egypt as a partner country to maintain the Roman sphere of influence, but this is a bit much.

“So Egypt wants to keep Sudan as its own territory or as a puppet state, like France or Spain. Is that what you’re saying?”

“Yes. That would be the case.”

Why is Egypt doing such a foolish thing?

They really want to keep an African country under them? If Egypt keeps Sudan under them, wouldn’t Sudan also receive the benefits of the Roman Treaty Organization?

Including an African country goes against the original law of the Roman Treaty.

The original condition for joining the Roman Treaty Organization was being within the Roman sphere.

“While it’s good for Ethiopia to exert influence in Africa, having some pro-Roman countries isn’t bad either.”

“But isn’t it a problem that Egypt trusts us too much?”

A pro-Roman country? Is that what they want to make Sudan?

Isn’t Ethiopia already a pro-Roman country?

“Isn’t Ethiopia already a pro-Roman country?”

“Given Africa’s size, the Roman Treaty headquarters is sensitive about the Egypt issue, thinking we should have a few more countries.”

Oh, these colonial empire types. Isn’t this just a deep intention to legitimately colonize through Egypt under the guise of the Roman Treaty Organization?

Fine. Let’s hear Egypt’s demands.

“What exactly are Egypt’s demands?”

“They’ve conveyed that they’ll handle it at their level.”

Egypt will handle it themselves? These Egyptians think they’re so great just because they’ve been included among the wealthy nations?

This doesn’t seem right if we just leave it. But it’s difficult for us to intervene directly. Should we just let Egypt handle it?

“Can Egypt take responsibility if things don’t go well?”

“Yes, that’s what they say.”

As if Egypt could take any meaningful responsibility.

“Then let’s have the Roman Treaty stay out of the Egypt-Ethiopia issue. It’s not something we need to get involved in anyway, is it?”

“Yes. But since decolonization has just ended, we should probably pay attention to the conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia.”

If Egypt can’t handle it, we can just expel them from the Roman Treaty.

Otherwise, splitting Sudan in half like Solomon would be a good solution.

Didn’t Sudan split due to civil war in modern times anyway? This isn’t my concern.

Surely this won’t lead to civil war.

“Yes, I’ll do that. But the Cossack issue is a domestic matter that needs to be resolved.”

Why the Cossacks?

“Aren’t there too many problems?”

Why does this country still have issues even though the war is over?

I’m really disappointed about this. I fixed everything by grabbing it by the collar, and now what’s breaking out again?

“Isn’t there bound to be confusion in the process of European integration?”

“The Cossacks? What’s the issue there?”

The Cossacks are a privileged class, aren’t they? Their position as my imperial guard is solid.

What problems could they have?

“The Cossacks helped the Tsar start the Civil War early on and distinguished themselves in numerous battles, but their privileges are quite strong.”

“Privileges?”

Are the Cossacks enjoying privileges?

“Now that Europe has regained peace and colonial and conquest wars have disappeared, the Roman Treaty Organization believes the Cossacks’ privileges should be revoked.”

“What are the current privileges of the Cossacks?”

“Currently, tax exemption is the biggest one.”

Currently, tax exemption is the biggest. That seems quite significant. They haven’t been paying taxes until now.

Now that weapons have developed considerably and Europe is peaceful, there’s no reason for the Cossack blade to remain sharp.

“Tax exemption, is it.”

Tax exemption is really sweet.

The Cossack units played a role in protecting me. During the Civil War, it was the Cossack units that destroyed the Red Army cavalry.

They protected me during the entry into Moscow too.

“While the Cossack units have significant merits, the position is that now that Europe is unified, the Cossacks alone cannot enjoy privileges. Our Treasury Department thinks it’s better to acknowledge the Cossack situation, but the Joint Economic Department of the Roman Treaty Organization suggests that the Cossack issue should be resolved.”

“It’s certainly not equal.”

Although the Cossacks have done well until now, it does seem a bit off for their descendants to enjoy special benefits for generations.

Why should children live well just because their ancestors did well? Of course, I think they can if they’ve done enough good work.

For example, treating the descendants of UN forces who participated in the Korean War well.

But this is no longer just one country.

It’s the Roman Treaty Organization. If we’re to integrate economically, politically, and militarily, the Cossack issue needs to be resolved.

“But since the Cossack army played a significant role as Your Majesty’s imperial guard, it’s difficult to revoke their current privileges.”

That’s right. They might rebel.

How betrayed would the Cossacks feel if we told them we’re taking away their benefits? I think that would be wrong.

So we can’t leave it as is, but it’s also delicate to revoke their privileges. Isn’t that the case?

“Hmm, we can neither leave it as is nor revoke it. That’s what you mean.”

We can’t do either.

Besides, the Cossacks themselves wouldn’t want to give up their privileges. It’s always easier to receive than to let go.

“Yes. The Cossack army is famous among the citizens of the United States.”

“That’s true.”

They’re practically the direct imperial guard of the idol Anastasia.

But now that European countries are bound together by the Roman Treaty, while it might be understandable within Russia itself, how would other countries view Cossacks being tax-exempt?

Then should we give them privileges in another way?

“What about giving them privileges in a different way?”

“In a different way?”

Originally, when you take something away, you give something else in return.

In a way that benefits our side.

The Cossacks must also understand the changing society.

“If we can’t do either, we should give up one side but prepare a new carrot.”

I can’t abandon the Cossacks who followed me loyally.

So I’m trying to look after the Cossacks’ benefits as much as possible while also being mindful of the Roman Treaty Organization.

First of all, Moscow is now the representative city of Russia.

It’s a symbolic city where I am and where the Anastasia skyscraper will exist. It’s like a new city built thanks to Hitler.

“Like residing in Moscow or something like that.”

I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have them live in Moscow and give them various benefits. It’s not bad for the Tsar to directly provide benefits.

“That’s a good method, but whether the Cossack people will accept it is another matter.”

Will the Cossacks really give up what they have?

It’s very difficult to let go of something you already possess.

“You should also consider the possibility of them staging an uprising.”

Would the Cossacks really rebel?

Betray Anastasia and stage an uprising? The entire nation is in Anastasia’s idol club—what could a handful of Cossack forces do compared to the entire White Army?

But still, taking it away immediately doesn’t seem right.

“Let’s solve it with money. We’ll remove the tax exemption, and instead, the Romanov royal family will give the Cossacks a separate pension.”

Who would complain if the Emperor gives money from his own pocket?

It’s something anyone would envy.

I think this much is fine if they distinguished themselves in the Great War.

In fact, the Cossack armored units distinguished themselves greatly in the last Great War, and if people are upset about them not paying taxes, everyone can receive new benefits together.

“Indeed. That sounds good.”

“It’s not just the Cossacks. We should take care of all those who played active roles in this war.”

This way, the Roman Treaty won’t be able to make a fuss about Cossack privileges.

It’s a bit much to exempt them from taxes. But if we give them a pension large enough to make taxes irrelevant, that should be sufficient.

“In addition, we’ll create something called the Anastasia Cossack White Cross Roman Medal exclusively for the Cossacks. And selecting the Kremlin Palace Imperial Cavalry Guard only from the Cossack people is also one method.”

I think this should satisfy the Cossacks?