SWNOVELXO Chapter 47
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Uchida Kōsai, the Japanese Foreign Minister, confidently defeated Wang Jingwei using the principle of self-determination and boldly crossed over to Russia.
‘Yekaterinburg is connected by rail like a complete railway nation.’
The new Russia had spun a web of railroads all across the country.
Along with over a million elite troops and millions of reserves from the Civil War.
If Japan were to launch another Second Russian-Japanese War to claim all of Manchuria, millions of elite troops would pour in on the more developed Siberian trains.
While I’m confident about naval battles this time compared to the previous Russo-Japanese War, ultimately a flag must be planted on land. Otherwise, we could lose the Korean Peninsula as well.
Even while traveling by train to Yekaterinburg, Uchida Kōsai grew increasingly convinced as he saw soldiers positioned everywhere.
‘Indeed, we must remain allies with Russia.’
Even the great powers of Europe are groaning from the toll of this war.
According to Mutaguchi Renya, the current Tsarina bears a resemblance to Nobunaga, who once sought to unify the world, and might even be a reincarnation of Amaterasu.
Honestly, the idea that the Tsarina is a reincarnation of Nobunaga or Amaterasu sounds like something a silly person would say after getting a compliment from her.
From the words of the dispatched diplomats, one part surely contains truth.
We are not in the medieval times, and having a woman warrior who directly enters the fray with soldiers feels like a novel premise.
Certainly, considering the previous Tsar, military leaders needed to earn the respect of the soldiers. Either way, this is both an opportunity and a crisis for Japan.
Russia is destined to change from what it once was.
Therefore, even if Russia lacks the naval strength to land on our territories, it need not necessarily fight against us.
In the first place, even if Japan struggles to occupy the Russian Far East, there’s nothing substantial to gain from it. Although the Tsarina declined Japan’s assistance, she seems to have a favorable impression of us.
With the Manchurian Agreement recognizing each other’s ownership of Manchuria, the Emperor can advance into China, and Russia can expand into Europe without conflict.
‘The Empire and Russia can become allies.’
If we find ourselves fighting the Chinese, Russia will likely support us to defend Northern Manchuria or Mongolia.
As Uchida Kōsai spun these hopeful thoughts, he arrived at the Russian Foreign Minister’s office in Yekaterinburg.
“Welcome. I apologize for the confusion, as we are still dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War.”
The person who welcomed Uchida Kōsai was Sergey Sazonov, the current Russian Foreign Minister.
In actual history, he represented Kolchak at the Paris Peace Conference, but Russia was ignored due to not having a legitimate government.
However, in this timeline, without any time to spare after World War I, he stayed with Kolchak’s Siberian White forces to eradicate the remaining Bolsheviks in the East and later became the Foreign Minister of the newly formed Russian Republic due to Tsarina Anastasia’s call.
“Not at all. Thank you for welcoming me despite my sudden appearance. First, congratulations on the recapture of Constantinople from the Ottomans.”
“Oh, I see you have heard about it. Why not convey it personally to the Tsarina?”
“Pardon?”
“Tell her that she is over there.”
Where could that be?
Following Sazonov’s guidance, Uchida Kōsai arrived at a place guarded by well-armed Russian soldiers.
Amidst them was the shining figure of a woman distributing meals to children alongside Russian noblewomen.
So, this person is definitely the Tsarina.
A saint of selected royal blood like the ten-thousand-year-old imperial family.
– A young lady who is unmistakably capable.
The Tsarina, distributing rations to the children, was dressed in military uniform, fitting the image of a warrior-empress.
‘Though power has been transferred to the parliament, she is nonetheless the leader of Russia. A national leader, personally?’
Considering the situation in Russia, the emerging government may still be unstable, requiring the national leader’s direct involvement.
However, she is anything but just a figurehead.
With such a leader, Russia, having emerged victorious in the civil war, will soar like a two-headed eagle in the sky.
When considering the future, we must remain allies with Russia.
“Foreign Minister, what brings you here?”
The young woman, who seemed like she should be laughing and playing with noblewomen, recognized Uchida Kōsai and approached, waving her hands.
“I am Uchida Kōsai, the Japanese Foreign Minister, here for the Manchurian Agreement.”
“I greet the Great Khan of Mongolia, the Saint of All Russia, and the Tsar of All Russia.”
Even though it felt slightly off, Uchida Kōsai bowed deeply, wanting to flatter the Tsar for the smooth Manchurian Agreement.
He himself felt his face stiffen upon hearing his words.
“The distance is quite long, indeed.”
“First, I commend you on the victory in the Civil War and congratulate you on the recapture of Constantinople to restore Byzantium’s glory, from our Emperor above to our subjects below.”
Uchida Kōsai spoke with apparent weight, as though it came from his heart.
Yet the smile on the face of the person who appeared to be the Tsarina was peculiarly twisted.
“Is there any need for such grandiosity? Please convey my thanks to your Emperor. As for the issue of the Manchurian Agreement, haven’t we already decided on everything?”
That’s right. Talks have already been completed between us.
The Korean garrison and the Russian Far East Army had already been deployed to North and South Manchuria, and the boundaries on the map drawn clearly.
“Yes. It is truly fortunate that the Empire and Russia have come to an agreement, aligned in our intentions.”
“I hope there will be no surprises like in 1904. I trust we will adhere to the agreement from now on, and as neighboring countries, we must maintain friendliness?”
“Hmph. That will certainly not happen. We pledge to maintain a friendly relationship with Russia under the Tsarina.”
Instigating Russia would yield more losses than gains.
Since we’ve acquired the Korean Peninsula, capturing Southern Manchuria would allow direct access to Central China.
It wouldn’t be bad if we could import resources from Russia in the process.
“Oh, I have a question. I heard there will be Koreans relocating to Southern Manchuria.”
“Yes. What are you curious about?”
“I wonder if there might be unrest because of the Koreans.”
Koreans—did the Tsar hear about the irregulars?
Certainly, during the March 1st Movement, the Koreans stirred up some trouble.
Rather, those individuals intended to be controlled within the Korean Peninsula.
After hearing the Tsarina’s words, it seems Koreans, believing royalty should resolve the national crisis, flock towards the royal house more than before.
As such, they are more actively encouraged to relocate.
Relocating all Koreans who might be cozying up to the royalty back into Manchuria.
Of course, at first glance, it might seem that Koreans could unite against the invaders from the hinterlands.
However, Southern Manchuria serves as a stepping stone for advancing into China.
Naturally, plans are to station the Empire’s troops there, so any rebellious notions are futile.
“You need not worry about that. We also plan to send the Korean populace remaining in our homeland first.”
“Your homeland?”
“Yes. Many Koreans reside within our territory. We plan to send them all to Southern Manchuria as soon as the agreement settles.”
With such a spirited answer, Uchida Kōsai observed the young Tsarina, who was also the Great Khan of Mongolia, for any cues.
Yet, he thought he saw the corners of her mouth rise slightly. Perhaps it was a mere illusion.
“Ah, come to think of it, my lord had a prophecy regarding Japan.”
“Could you tell me what it is?”
“Is it your Kanto? The Kanto region, perhaps?”
The Russian princess knows about Kanto?
But what could be the problem with that Kanto region?
“Yes, there is.”
“They say that a tremendous disaster will strike that region. Perhaps it was foreseen for this very day.”
A tremendous disaster, huh?
“Oh, I see.”
So the Russian princess is aware of Kanto.
Is there something she knows from the late Tsar?
Well, it’s likely just some dream, but it would still be worth informing back home.
After all, she is a woman heralded as a saint, so there’s a glimmer of a chance.
Of course, the actual Anastasia wouldn’t be able to deal with something of earthquake proportions, and there’s no way Japan would believe it if they heard.
“Well then, Foreign Minister, please finalize the agreement with the Japanese Foreign Ministry.”
“Yes, your majesty.”
The young Tsarina turned once again to entrust the matter to the Foreign Minister and then left.
She looked so pleasant, for some reason. Is everything well?
“Does your Tsar truly work so diligently for the welfare of the subjects?”
“Only here, thankfully. Russia is vast. She visits cities across the country under Bolshevik rule to tend to public sentiment. What’s more? She also protects Mongolians migrating towards European Russia, fleeing the Chinese army. Given the Civil War, she holds a fondness for Asia.”
That was a delightful piece of news.
By this measure, Japan’s advances into China should not draw too much retaliation.
“I see.”
If that’s the case, it might aid in establishing good relations between Japan and Russia.
Uchida Kōsai thought so.
If the young Tsarina holds a fondness for Asia, she may naturally wish to foster relations with Japan, the sole civilized nation in Asia.
However, aside from that, she is a rare figure in this era.
A warrior-empress who marches into the hail of gunfire herself.
According to the intel from the proactively active Mutaguchi, she hasn’t suffered ambush from enemy cavalry while fighting alongside her troops.
“Well then, let’s conclude the agreement.”
“Yes, let’s.”
The terms of the agreement are straightforward.
1. The Japanese Empire and the Russian Republic affirm their respective ownership of Southern and Northern Manchuria.
2. The Japanese Empire and the Russian Republic will jointly respond to external threats to Manchuria (Central forces).
3. The Russian Republic recognizes the ownership rights of the Japanese Empire over the Southern Manchurian Railway Company.
4. The Japanese Empire recognizes the ownership rights of the Russian Republic over the Middle Eastern Railways.
5. Both nations will reaffirm and acknowledge the rights of other powers in Manchuria.
6. The Russian Republic and the Japanese Empire mutually guarantee the safety and independence of each other consequential to this agreement’s effective date for amicable relations.
As drawn up on the existing maps, Northern Manchuria and Southern Manchuria were delineated.
Additionally, in case of a potential counteroffensive from China, both nations will jointly respond.
Finally, the pact is concluded with a clause assuring mutual safety and independence.
For Japan, with aspirations of advancing into China, this division agreement is second to none. For Russia, it’s an opportunity to ensure stability in the Far East, a mutually beneficial agreement for both sides.
As Uchida Kōsai of the Japanese Empire and Sazonov of Russia confirmed and signed the agreements, Northern Manchuria was acknowledged to belong to the Russian Empire, and Southern Manchuria to the Japanese Empire.
* * *
United States
Meanwhile, the snowball that Anastasia rolled began to influence American politics as well.
Due to the Bolsheviks’ continuous revolutionary plans, the League of Nations was swiftly formed to counter them and achieve a quick end to the war, which led to the U.S. joining the League as Senate approval grew wary of communists aligning with the Soviet Union.
Woodrow Wilson, just like in actual history, rode the transcontinental train, fully exhausting himself to rally public support, avoiding a stroke, and naturally, he would not become paralyzed.
However.
Initially, Woodrow Wilson wanted nothing more than to tear Austria apart.
He criticized the Austro-Hungarian Empire as a Catholic dictatorship, feeling a visceral hatred towards it, hoping to end the Habsburg dynasty while all the while being forced to keep them alive due to the Bolsheviks.
Having failed because of the Bolsheviks, all he was left with was the desire to crush them.
Since the League of Nations was founded to overthrow the Bolsheviks and foster world peace, Wilson poured American strength into the White Russians.
Consequently, his supported young Tsarina emerged victorious in the Civil War, and the communist stronghold of the Soviet Union was destroyed.
In hindsight, he regretted not having forcibly tore apart Austria! But well, it turned out well in the end.
This accomplishment impacted not just Wilson’s body but his political life as well.
He practically orchestrated the White Russians from behind to topple the Bolsheviks, achieving an extraordinary feat.
The military might of the Bolsheviks and the dire circumstances of the White Russians were grandly highlighted in the newspapers, promoting the narrative that America was the one responsible for crushing communism.
So much so that cartoons of Wilson manipulating Anastasia, a puppet fighting the Red Army, circulated.
“Three terms! Could I aim for a third term?”
Wilson was filled with dreams of a third term.
The League of Nations, established to crush the Bolsheviks, undeniably played a massive role in obliterating the Soviet Union under the leadership of America.
Voices supporting Wilson surged throughout the continent.
“Dear, don’t overexert yourself.”
While aiming for a third term, Woodrow Wilson, assisted by his wife, campaigned across the country via transcontinental train, announcing his triumph over communism.
Naturally, it wasn’t long before Wilson collapsed from exhaustion.
“Thank you. I, Wilson, uh-ugh!”
“H-honey!”
A bit late, but he eventually fell victim to a stroke, ending up paralyzed, just like in actual history.
‘Until the White Russians win, I will support them through lend-lease.’
The historical edits only sprinkled on top, Wilson collapsed all the same.
And so, because of Wilson, Patton, who found elevating Ungern’s blood pressure the pinnacle of his life, faded into obscurity.