NOVEL NEXT Chapter 59
General Gaida’s face shone with vitality from the bountiful meals and good treatment he had received in Russia.
Yet his resolute will remained unshaken.
“General Gaida. Austria is prepared to accept you. Have you made your decision?”
“Yes. I will go to Austria.”
“I was going to send you to Czechia, but that’s unfortunate.”
This was the real deal.
Who would have predicted that Czechia would remain under Austrian control like that?
Gaida certainly hadn’t expected it, hence his lack of complaints.
“Well, it’s the decision of the UK and France; what can we do? The actions of the victors are always predictable.”
“Still, it seems the Kaiser of Austria is quite anxious. He’s requesting the formation of a mutual defense treaty.”
“In Austria, you say?”
“I hear that the British Army stationed in Austria is also looking to withdraw. It means they want to enforce internal order. If even the powers maintaining the monarchy pull out, Austria will be left in a bind.”
Alone and isolated, Austria.
It was clear that it was about to get gobbled up by Germany through a red-tinted Anschluss.
If that happens, Communist Germany would certainly bolster its ranks.
“There’s a high probability that the Communists will seize power.”
“Yes, the royal family has already lost the people’s support. They were only maintained because of the victorious British. The rise of communism seems inevitable.”
Indeed, it certainly does.
The Reds have taken control top to bottom.
Such talks will surely emerge even within Austria.
Eventually, Karl will need an armed force of his own.
“What does the Tsarina wish for?”
It’s good to be perceptive.
I don’t have anything particularly desired.
I simply wish for Gaida to take control of the Austrian military to fend off the Communist Party.
I can’t bear the thought of the Balkans being stained red.
The more Reds there are to kill, the more our army is burdened.
Moreover, what would the Saint’s country be saying if they wiped out everything like that?
So, we must simply sweep away the axis of evil.
“It seems to me, from what I can see, that to survive in Austria, General Gaida must collaborate with the Kaiser. He needs to make sure the Emperor cannot abandon him with the military backing.”
“Not a bad idea. If that is done, the issue of rebellion will also be resolved. By the way, there’s someone who came to see me recently.”
Yes, I know.
That’s why I’m looking forward to it.
The combination of Gaida and our Adolf martyr, who has awakened early under my influence. I can’t wait!
“Yes. Adolf Hitler. He was recently put in charge of the city planning in Moscow. Is that okay?”
“I think he has a knack for influencing people.”
“I hope he can help revive Austria, but I suspect Communist Germany will try to occupy Austria by force.”
That’s the only way for Communist Germany to expand its influence.
They’ll ally with their fellow Reds in Italy.
“I will do my best to stop them.”
“Austria’s survival is critical for us in Russia to also fight against communism. Let’s rely on you.”
“Yes.”
A little later, Gaida returned to Austria with the Czech Legion.
And that settled Gaida’s affairs.
Honestly, I’d rather have war.
If I’m bound to die anyway, having fun shooting guns on the battlefield is also a form of entertainment. Participating in the Second World War sounds like a great plan.
Assuming I still have this cheat-level body by then. I might be quite useful.
The Tsar directly involved in the Second World War.
After that, the name Anastasia might stay recorded for ages.
It’s not my original name, but I can’t complain about the satisfaction it brings.
By the way, I wonder how Tesla is doing?
Considering the situation in Russia, that guy would need to work hard to achieve what he wants to accomplish.
Will he handle it all?
Given his genius, I feel like he’s already done that.
Well, he’ll figure it out. That’s outside my expertise.
Back when I was in that ruined world, I was extorting people for electricity and whatnot. I’m not an engineer over there, so I wouldn’t know.
I firmly believe that there’s no one coming to grade me for this.
I can’t imagine Nikola Tesla would come to me to grade me on electrical engineering.
—That’s what I thought, feeling relieved; I wanted to tear at my own hair.
But then, Nikola Tesla actually showed up.
What on earth did this guy come to find me for? It feels like it’s far too late for him to casually ask me for my thoughts on something.
“Your Majesty.”
What does he want to say with that tone?
“Yes. What do you wish to say?”
I started to wonder if I should be recalling the chemistry knowledge I learned back in high school. Surely he doesn’t think I’m his peer just because I once mentioned radar, does he?
How should I explain? How can I make sure history doesn’t record that Anastasia I got schooled by Tesla?
“This land of Russia truly lacks many things and is underdeveloped, which keeps my mind spinning as if I were still in my youth.”
I don’t know what he’s been up to, but this guy is looking quite disheveled and agitated in front of me.
Gesturing with his fingers as if to grasp his messy hair, he spins around, energetically expressing how his brain is working overtime.
What on earth is his deal?
In a different sense, he looked like Semenov, who was caught up in Russian nationalism, and I felt quite flustered.
Is it true that geniuses are a bit quirky?
Well, I’ve to respond appropriately.
“Oh, yes. What about it?”
“I’ve been trying various things lately with the support of Duke Usupov.”
“I see. I’m aware of that. So?”
Yes, I want to hear what comes next.
What is it that our genius Tesla desires?
“The problem is, the more I think, the more I want to try, but the backwardness of the environment is an issue.”
His mind is running at full speed.
He wants to be buried here.
Russia is too backward.
It feels like this might lead to something.
“This land of Russia provides plenty of stimulation for Tesla’s brain, but the backwardness of the environment is the problem. Isn’t that right?”
He could just say it plainly.
I can see that Russia is indeed quite underdeveloped.
There were plenty of talks about that even in the world I lived in.
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s good. So, what do you need?”
“I need to prepare the power generators I’m developing and properly set up research facilities.”
Hmm, yeah. Then ultimately, the issue boils down to funding.
Considering the situation in the Land of the Free, they might back off too.
If the US helps out, when Tesla is successful, they would want a piece of the pie.
I really don’t like giving away what I have.
If we start with a cheating map, we should still be the ones to suck the talent dry.
But how about Duke Usupov’s funds?
“What about Duke Usupov’s investment?”
“There’s some support from the Duke, but it’s still insufficient. He’s been planning a new venture recently, so he said large investments aren’t possible at the moment.”
In simple terms, this is a ‘give me money’ situation.
If I were to compare it to school, it’s like saying, ‘Give me a treat because I’ve got enough achievements.’
He’s truly working hard, so there’s nothing wrong with that.
So, the question is how we’ll provide that support. Then, the answer has to be to dip into the imperial treasury.
In real history, the whereabouts of the Romanov gold were once enigmatic.
The Romanov gold almost fell to the Soviets, but it was safely retrieved.
So, I’m free to use it as I please.
If I want to spend a little on Russia’s development, Nicholas II wouldn’t object.
If I kill off the Bolsheviks who caused his family to perish, he should be grateful, right? Isn’t that fair?
I lifted the corners of my mouth slightly, appearing unfazed.
“So in the end, the dependency on financial issues reigns supreme. Very well, I’ll give you some of the Romanov gold.”
This old man, really. Why make things difficult with that?
It’s clear that Russia is struggling right now; they may look polished from the outside, but…
With the gold bars (which aren’t mine) in hand.
“The imperial gold bars?”
Why is he so surprised?
I mean, I’m not someone who clings obsessively to money.
Honestly, it’s not my money. It’s just that. If it were my money, I wouldn’t need to free it up.
It’s someone else’s money, and I won’t be taking it with me after I die.
“Anyway, right now, I don’t have any place to spend it, and investing it doesn’t take anything away from me.”
At my words, Tesla’s eyes sparkled and he clapped his hands in excitement.
“Truly impressive. Morgan, that author took the overflowing money and pulled it back, leaving him drowning in debt.”
What’s he so excited about?
Since I don’t know a thing about his situation, I decided to let it slide.
Puffing up doesn’t erase your past of being buried in debt.
Honestly, I need Tesla to work endlessly here, so a bit of sweet-talking is in order.
“Well, if it’s for the advancement of the country, what can we do? But it must yield results.”
“Yes.”
In simple terms, one could say it’s akin to an emergency fund.
Right now, it would be troublesome if too much money drains while restructuring Russia. It should be regarded as something taken out from the imperial treasury.
It’s a gamble relying solely on Tesla for investment, but still, judging by his achievements, I think it’s worth it.
Perhaps I could just thrust Tesla into the spotlight and create a company?
“How about establishing a company once something bears results? The Romanov-Tesla Company, perhaps?”
The Romanov-Tesla Joint Company. Hmm. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it?
I have the feeling he’ll do something extraordinary until the day of his death.
I wouldn’t expect him to invent anything more futuristic than actual history, but at least it’s worth hoping for something beyond the Soviet Union’s capabilities.
“Well, I just want to conduct research with the Tsar’s wealth, so there’s no need to especially include my name. Just having my name attached is enough for me.”
“That’s easy enough.”
Nikola Tesla left with a bunch of Romanov gold bars after that.
During the process, I also discreetly slipped some money to the banker in charge of the gold to keep him quiet.
I despise any unnecessary misunderstandings.
Isn’t this guy incredibly selfless? He only seems to care about research.
If all goes well, it wouldn’t be impossible to adorn Tesla’s coffin with gold;
But it’s not just about Tesla.
Looking at the various designs Hitler sent, it’s quite amusing.
While it’s not Germania, he also submitted city plans for Constantinople, which I hadn’t even mentioned.
A scheme dubbed, ‘Plan for the Construction of New Byzantium’ which aims to revive the city reminiscent of the Eastern Roman era but suitable for the 20th century—who would have thought I’d receive this from Hitler?
Now that we’ve reclaimed Constantinople, it’s bound to establish itself as a primary city, so it wouldn’t be too bad.
Of course, I don’t intend to squander money.
There’s plenty we can do.
When the Second World War breaks out, it could be good to use the reparations from the Axis powers to fund the reconstruction of Constantinople.
The fury of the defeated nations?
We can just let Hitler handle that.
Considering this, I doubt Hitler would want to merge Germany to suffer the financial burden of reparations post-war.
“Alright then.”
I turned my head to look out the window.
The bustling city of Moscow, still under reconstruction, came into view.
I still have a long list of things to do.
I can already visualize wearing the title of dutiful daughter as I clear up the mess left by Nicholas II.
Today too, I plan to work on winning the affection of the people.
In some cities, I managed to get direct saint certification from the enemy troops and integrated into the White Army, but in Moscow, although the red waters have receded, that doesn’t guarantee goodwill towards the White Army.
In simple terms, that’s it.
Today as well, just like usual, I’ll go out and serve until the circumstances of the Moscow citizens improve.
There is no better monarch for winning the hearts of the people than an emperor who personally takes action for his subjects.
Since Veragidroits allowed that much, it should be alright.