Ch.65Tsarina and Poland (3)

After Anastasia and the Russian ministers left, Józef Piłsudski convened his cabinet.

How should he explain this troublesome matter? After much deliberation, he finally laid everything out. The cabinet didn’t seem particularly pleased with the Tsarina’s proposal either.

More precisely, they didn’t like that the Russian Tsarina was making such suggestions.

“Isn’t the Tsarina being arrogant?”

“Perhaps joining hands with Germany would be one option.”

“Yes, let’s expand into Russia. They’re toothless anyway.”

“But England is an issue.”

“England is across the sea, and they haven’t withdrawn their troops from Austria and the Baltic. If we do their share of the work, they’ll turn a blind eye. Isn’t that why the Tsarina is testing us?”

Expansion into Russia.

Such words had just emerged from the cabinet.

True. If Russia were still in the same state as five years ago, if the civil war had continued, Józef Piłsudski might have considered it feasible.

But things were different now.

Now was not the time to display aggression by calling for expansion.

“Russia is no pushover these days.”

Though they were pushed back by Germany in the Great War, they had the experience of civil war and had reclaimed Constantinople.

This was a Russia firmly controlled by a young but bold Tsarina who had personally distinguished herself on the battlefield.

Moreover, Russia was quite large just in terms of population. Russia’s vast territory meant that once war began, Poland would be exhausted.

Could they handle the occupied territories if they expanded?

Could they trust Communist Germany? Would supplies be sufficient? Various problems would arise.

Besides, Communist Germany currently had no significant military force.

Of course, they would increase their armaments when the time came.

Whatever happened, Poland would end up becoming a battlefield.

Though it grated on him, he had to acknowledge that the Tsarina’s personal visit seeking to establish new relations showed respect for Poland’s dignity.

The fact that she personally came to Poland—a former Russian territory—to improve relations proved that the Russian government was firmly in the Tsarina’s grip. How far could Poland advance against a united Russia?

“The Tsarina said something like this: isn’t Berlin closer than Yekaterinburg? Thinking back to the civil war, to break Russia’s war capability, we’d need to reach the Urals. No, we might even need to cross them.”

It was impossible to imagine going that far.

External pressure during that process couldn’t be ruled out either.

In reality, considering the war effort, the Polish army would need to take action. Stationing them in occupied territories would leave their rear vulnerable.

There was no guarantee Germany wouldn’t swallow Poland.

Would Britain and France help when that time came? It seemed unlikely.

“That may be true.”

“The fact that she came so boldly to Polish soil already tells us the answer. Let her try if she dares.”

The Tsarina had come to Poland like a moth to flame, but she must know her own value.

If something happened to the Tsarina here, or if her proposal was rejected, Piłsudski would have to deal with the consequences.

“She promises to guarantee our independence?”

“That’s what she said.”

If the Tsarina herself had said it directly, it might be trustworthy.

As the Tsarina said, Russia still had plenty of land even after losing so much.

She seemed to understand the anti-Russian sentiment among Poles. If she wanted to occupy Poland again, she wouldn’t push troops into a place where they would face heavy casualties.

“So will you accept it?”

“I have much to consider.”

Józef Piłsudski sighed deeply.

That was the problem. Józef Piłsudski himself was a figure who had been active on countless battlefields.

He was equally displeased with the current situation.

It bothered him that they were offering Lithuania—which wasn’t even theirs but under British control—as if doing a favor. He wasn’t entirely opposed to the idea of a showdown with Russia, but still…

“If Russia has no intention of attacking us, wouldn’t it be better to remain neutral? A mutual defense treaty? What will Russian troops do if they enter our land to fight Germany?”

“Hmm.”

War with Russia must be avoided.

This was something the cabinet reluctantly acknowledged.

Even just the elite forces Russia currently possessed must be several times larger than the Polish army.

However, entering into a mutual defense treaty was a significant burden.

Russian troops would enter Poland to stop Communist Germany. What would the public sentiment be if that happened?

Could the Russian army be trusted?

As evident from the cabinet’s composition, Józef Piłsudski’s Poland would soon hold elections and elect a president. Would this influence the outcome?

As the cabinet’s deliberations extended into the night.

In a building in Warsaw, Polish nationalists and right-wing forces gathered.

Naturally, they knew what was happening in the cabinet and were furious.

After fighting so hard for independence, they couldn’t be manipulated by Russians again.

“The cabinet seems to be responding positively to the Tsarina’s proposal.”

“How can they accept that? It’s absurd.”

“We must proceed as planned.”

Their target was to create a second Sarajevo. No, something even bigger.

They had already received explosives from the German Communist Party, which supported Polish nationalists within Poland, to eliminate the Tsarina.

The brazen woman had made it this far, but that would be the end.

If they could just eliminate the Tsarina, Poland and Russia would cross a river of no return, and Germany would help Poland.

Austria had become a minor power and couldn’t help Russia. They could have a decisive battle with Russia under German support.

“We don’t have many bombs. To ensure success, we target only the Tsarina.”

“Yes!”

The die had already been cast.

Yes, all of this was for Poland.

* * *

What choice would Józef Piłsudski make?

He would probably consider my proposal with some adjustments.

At least, Piłsudski himself would.

My certainty about this makes me no different from that dreamer Sun Yat-sen or Lenin, the communist idol who remained convinced that the proletarian revolution would eventually succeed.

In fact, the ministers who came with me also seemed worried.

“No, they should have guided us to a more proper place. A second-floor inn? This is completely unsuitable for the Tsar of All Russia, a saint, and the Emperor of Eastern Rome.”

Ungern was clearly displeased that they had provided a humble inn as lodging for a monarch.

Well, even if it’s humble, it’s still a relatively high-class inn with all the necessary amenities. It’s better than the bedroom in the provisional government building in Yekaterinburg.

“There are many right-wingers and nationalists with anti-Russian sentiments within Poland. Among them are fanatics, so they probably did this deliberately.”

Even the Polish soldiers who guided us to this inn said they had to bring us here for ‘security’ reasons.

That is, they were preparing for potential terrorist attacks.

If they sent us to a nicer place, it might be harder for soldiers to guard due to the flow of people.

Besides that, there might also be mixed anti-Russian sentiments—not wanting to provide good accommodations to Russians—since my proposal could legitimately bring Russian troops back into Poland.

It’s a small act of defiance against that.

“You’re offering Lithuania and Latvia? Aren’t those under British control now?”

“They won’t really give them away. We only said we would ‘support’ it. That doesn’t mean we don’t recognize British influence. We’re saying we’ll support it if Britain turns a blind eye to the reconstruction of Poland-Lithuania. Knowing their character, they might be considering attacking Lithuania now that British troops have withdrawn.”

“In other words, if Britain doesn’t approve of Poland taking Lithuania or Latvia…”

“Friction with Britain would harm Russia. Then we can simply withdraw. Shouldn’t we at least let Piłsudski dream a little?”

So it’s just wordplay.

Isn’t this what the great powers do best?

It would be quite amusing if they accepted and decided to advance into Lithuania.

Considering Poland’s character, they might actually do it.

If Britain then says they can’t allow it, we can just step back.

By that point, Poland wouldn’t be able to switch to Germany’s side, so they’d just be left sucking their thumbs.

If Britain allows it and Poland evolves into “Polithu,” we could keep Germany occupied longer.

Russia wouldn’t lose either way.

After all, Poland would be the battlefield, right? It’s just a matter of whether Poland gets bigger or smaller, defends better or worse.

The important thing is that Poland, which would want to attack Russia, serves as a meat shield.

“We need to consider the possibility that they won’t accept.”

“Józef Piłsudski is no fool. He led the Polish forces under Austria, defeated the Russian army, and is now Poland’s leader with British help. He understands foreign and international relations better than anyone. Otherwise, those British pirates wouldn’t have chosen him.”

The British wouldn’t have placed someone unreasonable as Poland’s leader.

They would have chosen someone with charisma and ability who could communicate effectively and counter Germany.

“So you’re saying he’ll accept.”

Looking at it simply, that’s true.

Honestly, Poland—or more precisely, President Piłsudski—is in no position to refuse us.

“Yes. He’ll probably put on a show of pride before accepting. We’ll match this by treating them as equals. Trade and so on. As long as it doesn’t harm Russia’s interests, we’ll fully support Poland. That should be enough.”

If they accept appropriately, we’ll respond with a suitable reward.

“If they don’t accept, it’s dangerous. Aren’t we in enemy territory?”

“Yes. Honestly, I’m not completely dismissing that possibility.”

I was only thinking of it as a “maybe.”

“Then we’re in trouble. We have almost no guards!”

Ungern jumped to his feet.

It’s quite amusing to see a lieutenant general with such an expression. I was just pushing it.

Hmm, did I make the wrong choice? Should I have just sent ministers?

No. I can’t show weakness.

When my authority is at its peak, I should do everything I can.

It’s about taking risks.

I’ve already survived several near-death experiences.

Personally, like Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor that shocked America into lifting sanctions, I wouldn’t mind if Józef Piłsudski was so impressed by my actions that he immediately accepted my proposal.

Since every action I take is tied to Russia’s prestige.

I can’t show weakness here either.

So I speak confidently.

“We’ve already shown our trust by coming here. We’ve come to a place where we might die. So let’s wait and see.”

It’s truly a gamble.

If something happens to me here, that’s the end.

In that ruined world, every day was a life-or-death situation.

A world where irradiated people who couldn’t die wandered around, where law had essentially collapsed into lawlessness.

And now, it’s time to sleep.

It’s not appropriate for grown adults to share a room with the Tsarina.

“It’s time for everyone to sleep. Surely you don’t all intend to stay up all night with me.”

“Ahem. We’re concerned for Your Majesty’s safety.”

I understand their feelings.

But having everyone gathered like this isn’t right.

What would the Poles think? That we’re all together because we’re afraid? Wouldn’t such rumors spread?

“We must remain dignified, especially at times like this. If we stay up all night like cowards, how will they see us? They’ll think, ‘The Russian Tsarina isn’t much after all.’ Don’t make me look like a coward.”

Despite appearances, my titles include Saint, Great Khan, Tsar, and Eastern Roman Emperor.

It doesn’t make sense for someone with such titles to be afraid in a formerly occupied country.

“Yes, understood.”

Finally, they all left.

They didn’t want to see the Tsarina’s authority damaged.

Only after they left could I stretch my legs.

“They’re finally gone.”

This is what I think:

Would Polish nationalists, right-wingers, or fanatics really leave the Tsarina of a potential enemy country alone?