Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Two weeks before departing for the war conference.

Kokovtsov came to see me to discuss how to conclude this situation.

"Though they might apologize behind the scenes, they won't officially acknowledge it. They perceive this incident as a matter of pride and won't bow their heads even for Paris."

"Is that so."

As expected. Seeing no answer from Ambassador Nicolson until the end of February, they seem to have all but given up on friendly relations with Russia.

"Rather, knowing the British Empire, they'll become passionate about Russia's isolation using this incident as an opportunity. They will do that. Because maintaining their post-war position without shaking is more important to them than Paris."

"What would happen if we pull out from the Eastern Front?"

"If we pull out any more, all the allies' arrows will turn toward us."

Even though we put me at the forefront, Kokovtsov opposed using this incident to withdraw forces.

I've been thinking for the past few days.

Why did I rage so much at this incident? Why can't I overlook their behavior?

When it's not the first time those pirate bastards have done dirty things, why can't I endure it?

While finding answers to my own emotions, the calendar on the desk caught my eye.

[1918]

A year not permitted to the Russian Empire.

Only then did I start fully understanding the current situation.

'Now the imperial history I knew has ended.'

This year, in original history, is when the Soviet Union would inherit this country and wage the Civil War between Reds and Whites.

From this point. I am becoming a Tsar who has lost the weapon of historical knowledge.

History has changed too much. I can no longer know everything, see through everything, understand everything.

Yes, that's why I had to react strongly even to such a variable as those protocols.

Because I'm afraid. Because future variables might no longer be under my control.

However, fear once understood by the head didn't last long.

'This is natural. Beyond the empire surviving, becoming threatening enough for Britain to be wary is a positive signal.'

Though evidence might be insufficient, justification is in hand.

And just because imperial history has changed doesn't mean world history has completely twisted.

"Kokovtsov, it seems we must abandon the British Empire. More precisely, those hiding under the country called the British Empire."

Now I must forget the original history Russian Empire. Only then can I move forward.

When I should trust the empire I've built rather than the knowledge in my head.

It's not about causing trouble.

Even less about trying to bend history's trajectory 90 degrees.

Just properly finishing and moving on.

"Kokovtsov."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Go and trample them thoroughly."

"...You mean Winston Churchill, that one?"

"All of them."

First Lord of the Admiralty Churchill who has reached the point of declaring himself anti-Russian.

I'm certain that one will become an obstacle to Russia in the future.

Now I won't fear history changing. This means.

History no longer needs Churchill to exist.

"Frame them, threaten them, doesn't matter. Make them an example of this incident."

"How far may I act?"

"As long as the Franco-Russian Alliance isn't outwardly destroyed, I won't set limits."

"Understood."

If you grab anyone from the Foreign Office in Britain and ask 'Who is the leader of the anti-Russian faction?', anyone would name the First Lord of the Admiralty.

'He tried to secure the same position as Beren Volkov. While Beren claimed the anti-war position, he tried to claim the anti-Russian position alone while receiving the spotlight.'

That's how clearly he's been showing hostility lately.

Though still no evidence, perhaps he was involved in this incident too.

Even if not, it doesn't matter.

Because I intend to make him a symbol showing what the result of being anti-Russian is.

Mr. Gallipoli is finished.

==

'These idiots don't understand the seriousness of the situation at all.'

Looking around, they're all spectators or bystanders.

They don't realize at all that sparks from the Anglo-Russian conflict will fly onto their clothes and burn their whole bodies.

In fact, even the British Empire involved doesn't understand the seriousness.

"Are you saying we instigated communization!"

"I didn't use such direct words. Very consequentially, I just said this ethnic conflict is little different from those causing social subversion."

Though Prime Minister Asquith reacted tastefully, even pointing fingers calling it insulting, Kokovtsov rather found that appearance pathetic.

Prime Minister Asquith, who had been proudly showing off his skills, now fails to read the reversed situation.

"Prime Minister Asquith, I'll say again, as you said, I don't think everyone in the wartime cabinet is a Red. Just that there might be dangerous individuals included in the one-in-a-million chance."

"..."

"Well, you can continue that precious investigation as much as you like, but remember. Our patience isn't long. Forget about trying to muddle through."

Telling the Prime Minister to designate a plausible person in the cabinet as a Red and destroy them with his own hands.

"If we don't accept? What if this is a self-made drama? Isn't this thinking too extreme? Communist subversion and treason!"
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"... If you know how the previous generation passed away, mind your words and actions. This is the final warning."

When Kokovtsov brought up Alexander III's story, Prime Minister Asquith now felt dizzy.

'That's not what this is about!'

'Would we be crazy enough to fabricate that? Why risk purges?'

As Kokovtsov suddenly started praising the current Tsar's greatness and lamenting the previous Tsar's tragedy, everyone in the conference room made nauseated expressions.

'Tsk, absolute monarchy bastards. They sing loyalty songs whenever the Tsar comes up.'

'But would that country lie about Reds when they have nothing else to lie about?'

'Even the Prime Minister is in that state? Like he said, how did Alexander III die?'

The British bastards did something wrong.

Though it wasn't too much.

Russia accused them of being Reds.

Though it's not certain.

Now the audience - France, America, Italy - watching this comedy entered the grand finale with the two appearing nations resolving conflict and concluding the incident.

"If you don't acknowledge even here... We will no longer be with the British Empire."

"Are, are you saying you'll withdraw from the alliance!"

"Prime Minister Clemenceau. Don't worry. The Franco-Russian Alliance lasts until midnight January 3, 1919. Until then, we won't abandon France. After that... We'll see."

While saying this, Kokovtsov secretly glanced at Asquith.

To this, Clemenceau, whose eyes had already reddened, also stared intensely at Asquith.

"Come to think of it, they say Reds have been running wilder throughout Europe since two years ago... Should we investigate this too?"

By this point, even Asquith couldn't misunderstand the hand Kokovtsov extended.

'Acknowledge here. That it's all the Reds' doing and you'll drive out anyone even slightly connected or suspected. Because this is your path to survival.'

'...Since proving is difficult, you'll push it all onto the Reds. Are you telling me to split Britain with my own hands!'

Those Reds would surely be people who hate Russian hegemony, criticize Russia's Eastern Front behavior, and weren't very helpful for Constantinople's occupation.