I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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* * *

“Has it finally begun?”

The Korean independence war of Balhae and the Qing Dynasty’s independence war had erupted.

Regrettably, Japan was unable to respond properly to this.

The ordinary Balhae Army, which had moved southwards into Southern Manchuria with the Treaty Army, couldn’t hold out and was completely captured along with Mutaguchi Renya, as the Southern Manchurian Army had been stripped of all its weapons by the rear supply base.

Eventually, the Treaty Army, having taken control of Southern Manchuria, advanced westward to join the White Army descending from Mongolia, while the Balhae Army crossed the Amnok River to reclaim their homeland.

On the Korean Peninsula, the garrison forces from Joseon had been redirected as expeditionary troops, and due to the lack of police and military personnel, they were even at the point of needing to conscript Koreans. With around 80,000 troops at their disposal, the Balhae Army’s southward advance could hardly be stopped since they were engaged in quelling uprisings.

My homeland is being liberated.

Originally, I lived in modern Korea, but even from history classes, isn’t the story of the independence process quite tragic?

But here, it’s different.

This is not the pathetic tale of liberation thanks to America with hundreds of people driving the vacuum operation to reclaim the Korean Peninsula.

With proper forces bolstered under Russia’s support, even the Jews and Manchurians belonging to the Balhae Army gathered their souls and crossed the Amnok River to directly restore the homeland.

In the distant future, in this world, it will be recorded that my era’s Korea regained its nation by its own power, and history will reflect that.

And somewhat coincidentally, Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie became a partner nation under the Rome Treaty Organization limited to the war against Japan, providing support.

He even made a speech in front of the troops that were to go to the Far East.

“Go! Don’t think of coming back alive; all of you go and fight fiercely until you die! If anyone returns with all limbs intact, I swear in my name that I will never forgive you! Ensure that with your death, you give them the freedom they seek! Our people have suffered greatly at the hands of the Italians in the past, and I need not say more about that pain; you all understand it to your very bones. Yes! We and you are well aware. To know that yet pretend not to is to be a filthy hypocrite, worse than the invaders themselves!”

Of course, in this history, Haile Selassie didn’t say this solely for Korea.

He rose to aid those suffering under Japanese oppression—Chinese people who also needed independence from their colonial rulers.

However, the peculiar part was Turkey.

While they were part of the Treaty Army, Turkey had also suffered significant losses given their active role in the war (defending Sudetenland, the Greek defense, and battles in North Africa), making them consider their own circumstances over that of the Treaty Army.

Thus, they used the relationship between the ancient Gokturk and Goguryeo as a justification.

“In the past, our Turkey and Korea formed an alliance like Gokturk and Goguryeo and faced China as brothers. However, after we established ourselves here, that relationship has long been buried. Yet, seeing Korea turned into a colony by Japan, we cannot remain blind as brothers. We will deploy our army as the Treaty Army to assist Korea’s independence!”

As if referencing the relationship of Gokturk and Goguryeo to participate in the Korean War, this history took a similar turn.

The primary goal of the Treaty Army wasn’t just to put down the barbaric Japanese.

Let’s catch Japan, which attacked the colonies we must liberate! This naturally leads into fighting for decolonization, and liberating colonial Korea became one of the goals as well.

It truly swells my heart.

Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, Puyi of the Qing Dynasty also initiated an independence war to connect with us.

In the corner of the Forbidden City, unable to endure the Japanese’s rudeness any longer, he whacked an administrative officer to death with a cane and summoned royalist troops to start a rebellion against Japan.

Thanks to that, the Japanese army in Qing was too busy fighting against Qing troops and couldn’t even assist the passing troops.

Naturally, the Imperial General Headquarters had to jump to the south due to the sudden events, relocating the headquarters to Nanjing.

And out at sea, the combined Japanese fleet, which had to divide to face both the American naval fleet and the Treaty Fleet, suffered heavy losses.

Our White Army at this time entered Qing, launching a campaign against the Japanese forces inside Qing, and began moving south in earnest.

At this time, Mao Zedong also formed a Chinese nationalist government with Yan’an as its capital in Shanxi Province.

I’ve heard that the Japanese captured that area, but as the Japanese army descended southward, the forces of the warlord coalition that had been beaten by Mutaguchi Renya hid in Shanxi.

Why it became so similar to the Communist Party, I don’t know, but that’s just how it turned out.

The Japanese army in the south has General Chiang Kai-shek holding them back, while the Russian army descends from above, so it must be quite a dire situation for them.

“I’m feeling quite elated.”

I leaned back with my legs on the desk, smirking at the reports.

Isn’t this just a breath of fresh air?

And this isn’t all. A concentration camp where mass killings occurred within China was discovered.

According to the Japanese who committed “purification” on the Chinese at the time, the total number of casualties in their massacres in China amounts to tens of millions.

The original historical Second Sino-Japanese War had also seen millions die, but here they were seemingly trying to exterminate an entire race, so it’s likely to be double or triple that.

“I didn’t even lift a finger and they dig their own graves.”

I’m using Japan to maintain my role as a saint without taking any blame, while China suffers even more than in original history.

Now that’s a perfect scenario.

If it leads back to the nationalist government later, that would be quite amusing too.

“Your Majesty, will you simply keep Mutaguchi Renya and the Southern Manchurian forces captured?”

“As I mentioned before, after this war, America will be looking for Japan’s dominion. We also have the Korean Peninsula, but if all of Japan falls into American hands, it could be problematic.”

But we can’t avoid handing it over to America either, as America has even given us Alaska, and MacArthur, who was enraged by the Pearl Harbor attack, would want to smash Japan badly.

Of course, in the future, considering the vast opponent that is America, we do plan for that, but since we’ve already received money, it would be difficult for us to take all of Japan.

However, if we yield everything to Japan, it could become a nuisance even with Korea included.

“That’s right. If Japan plays the role of a vast aircraft carrier for the USA, it will be a hassle.”

Exactly. What’s needed at that time is the pro-Russian regime led by Mutaguchi Renya.

If he attempts to land in Japan without us directly intervening, what will happen?

We wouldn’t have to push into Japan ourselves.

And Mutaguchi Renya, believing himself to be just and elite, will be easy to manage.

“Therefore, we need to take at least half to stand against the pro-American Japanese on land. To do this, Mutaguchi Renya is a necessary figure. He thinks of himself as great, and if he loses in battle, he blames it on his incompetent subordinates. By elevating his stature slightly, he will function as our puppet.”

“He would have a clear loyalty to Japan. I wonder if that’s possible.”

Drozdovsky seems quite worried.

Sure, he has an excess of loyalty.

But if we leverage that loyalty, he could join us.

“As long as we have a justification, he will cooperate with us. The great commander of the Empire, Mutaguchi Renya, has risen against the regime that recklessly starts aggressive wars. With a narrative like this, wouldn’t Mutaguchi Renya see himself as a hero of the times and help us? ‘I will restore the fallen Yamato spirit!’ We can embellish it with flowery language.”

“That makes sense.”

The rapid occupation of Southern Manchuria by trolls can be erased if it’s under the justification of toppling a runaway military regime.

“Beria.”

Since there wasn’t a significant battle in Southern Manchuria, the Southern Manchurian army remains almost intact.

About 200,000 troops should be more than enough for Mutaguchi Renya to establish himself in Japan.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Now, it’s a matter of being perceptive. Understood?”

In other words, persuade Mutaguchi Renya.

“Yes! I will convince Mutaguchi Renya and turn him into Your Majesty’s slave!”

No, that’s a bit too dirty.

What do I gain from having a bald man as my slave?

Though, that shining head brings with it a glimmer of light amidst the dark cloud of Japan’s colonization for Korea.

I shouldn’t be so greedy; as long as we achieve our goals correctly, that’s what matters.

“No, that’s a bit dirty. Anyway, once this war is over, you will flourish as the Director of Okhrana. I expect you to do well.”

“Yes! I will remember this, I will remember it well! I’ve already discovered one of the reasons why Mutaguchi Renya has ‘no choice’ but to be with us.”

“Unit 731?”

“You know it quite well. Yes, Your Majesty. Upon interrogating the Japanese soldiers there, it turns out the Southern Manchurian governor was merely playing around, allowing for human experiments. The subjects were called logs and underwent all sorts of experiments.”

Right. It seems Ishii Shirō did a proper job there.

What’s concerning, though, is that among those who became test subjects in the original history, there were Soviets as well.

Could it be that Russians also became test subjects here?

“Could it be that our Russians were among them?”

“That’s not the case. Apparently, they used prisoners captured from mainland China for their experiments. It was too horrific to even photograph the corpses but based on the experimental content, it was enough to make one faint.”

I see. They maintained the same infamous reputation as in original history.

All sorts of experiments, unspeakable to even mention, followed.

It’s regrettable, but really, we had no obligation to save them.

Honestly speaking, the Emperor’s dead body rolling into this situation cannot really be placed at my feet.

“However, it seems the damage to China is beyond control. They were essentially pouring in their population to fight against the Japanese.”

That would make sense. Seeing how Japan even created extermination camps and employed chemical weapons in battles, they must have seen an absurd number of deaths.

I imagine after the war, the streets of Central China will be lined with skeletons.

But isn’t that our concern?

Well, they did more than what we expected from them, but if we think about it, killing the Emperor pressed the panic button for Japan.

“As long as there aren’t any Russians, it’s not an issue. Isn’t Japan’s rampage partly due to China having killed the Emperor?”

Of course, it’s right to catch Japan. But aside from that, isn’t Japan’s rampage entirely because of killing the Emperor?

Thus, no matter how many die in China, it has nothing to do with us.

“So after the war, are we planning to divide China as planned? That would be interesting.”

From before, I was aiming at the throne of the Chinese emperor; Semenov rubbed his hands together, grinning.

“Dividing? Our friend Mao Zedong desires regional autonomy, so this is merely a gift. Why would we bother to divide China?”

Anyone overhearing might think I’m trying to undermine China and deliberately tear it apart.

As a saint, how could I divide and rip apart a neighboring nation? Especially one that’s a fellow victorious nation?

We will merely support the wishes of Mao Zedong for ‘regional autonomy.’

Anyway, post-war China won’t even have the capacity to unify.

“Then, Chiang Kai-shek seems dangerous. As long as he is around, achieving true regional autonomy will be challenging.”

That’s right. That guy is a threat.

Since we are intervening, the Japanese army will be stripped by the Treaty Army soon, and there wouldn’t be any reason to keep Chiang Kai-shek alive afterward.

“We’ve already secured pledges of loyalty from countless warlords, so that’s likely.”

They’ve been pouring in their populace, yet Chiang Kai-shek is still the only Chinese leader who can face Japan at this time.

But he will inevitably become an obstacle for us.

After the war, if a multitude of warlords pledge their loyalty to Chiang Kai-shek, it could result in another civil war similar to the Nationalist-Communist struggle with the government we support.

Then, we’ll have to eliminate the focal point, Chiang Kai-shek.

“China has been doing just as we wished until now. Chiang Kai-shek has outlived his usefulness. Ah, Beria. Before we persuade Mutaguchi Renya, I’d like to gift a cup of black tea to Chiang Kai-shek.”

“Yes! I will include it when the Treaty Army provides resources to him!”

Right. Right. Good that you’re doing well.

His face looks like a sex offender, but upon comparing him to the original history, I question if this Beria is the same guy who developed jet engines.

“While I have no proof, we must ensure that we aren’t suspected.”

No matter how careful we are, if that black tea is said to be of Russian origin, we will certainly raise suspicions.

In that case, we should hide it appropriately.

“Isn’t there a nemesis like Japan? I will announce that he was assassinated by Japan.”

Exactly. Beria will take care of it well. After all, it’s wartime, so it shouldn’t be tough.

Currently, it’s ultimately Chiang Kai-shek that’s holding up Japan.

As long as Chiang Kai-shek continues to hold Japan back, there’s a necessity for Japan to remove him from the equation.

It’s not entirely implausible.

“In order to end the war quickly, Japan assassinated Chiang Kai-shek.”

This level should suffice. Of course, if Chiang Kai-shek were to die and China’s army splits again, it won’t be a problem as we will capture Japan anyway.

It would even be beneficial for us if everything falls apart, allowing us to capture Japan and establish puppets for regional autonomy.

I decided to give orders to the generals at the command headquarters.

“Generals, listen up. The Japanese are tenacious fighters; when pushed back to their homeland, we can expect them to fight until one person dies to defend it. Of course, not all Japanese are like that; the upper echelon is forcing them into it. Nonetheless, they might fight for their country, so we need to prevent that. If we can at least weaken their morale, that would be ideal.”

“““Yes, Your Majesty.”””

This Japan is quite different from the original history.

While they’ve rampaged in a similar fashion, their army is almost nonexistent since they’ve sent all forces to exterminate the Chinese.

But judging from their willingness to fight with makeshift spears will be quite the sight. As a saint, I should at least maintain my image even in Japan.

“I imagine the Japanese citizens on the islands are completely unaware of what’s happening in China and view us as the evil ones. This time, the pro-Russian Japanese pilots in our air force, right? Utilize them to capture images of the reality happening across China and distribute leaflets for the Japanese populace to see. Furthermore, let the commander of the Far Eastern expeditionary force, Semenov, persuade the Japanese soldiers fighting against us in China to surrender.”

“We shall proceed with that.”

Now, preparations seem to be in order. What about the supplies?

“Are our supplies sufficient?”

“Yes, there are no shortages. We are attending to the soldiers’ convenience to the best of our ability.”

I’ve made arrangements to supply what’s necessary to the White Army.

This is partly for the morale of the soldiers, but we’re also planning to showcase our overwhelming power against the severely strained Japanese army suffering from a lack of supplies, intending to weaken their morale.

It’s also fine to be receiving surrenders.

“Considering the Japanese troops who deserted and crossed over to Manchuria, some of them might feel disillusioned with the war and want to quit. We should support them with supplies and treat them as prisoners to sway their hearts.”

“We will do so, Your Majesty.”

Strictly speaking, this war was one that Europe didn’t need to intervene in.

Even so, there’s too much money invested to back out now.

If we’re at it, we need to capture Japan properly and enhance our influence over it.

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* * *

With the involvement of the Rome Treaty Organization, the previously stagnant war situation flipped entirely.

“Welcome, esteemed guest.”

“I’d like to finalize the deal for the declaration of war against Japan, technology transfer, and military support package.”

“The payment has been completed.”

With the massive financial capability, which can be considered America’s ultimate card, the Rome Treaty Organization provided some weapon technology from Russia and substantial troop support. Meanwhile, the Japanese fleet, previously flaunting its power in the Pacific, was now being beaten from all sides and was sent to the depths of the ocean.

In more than one way, Japan was losing due to America’s money.

China wasn’t exactly in a favorable situation either.

Having suffered from extensive war means the supply capabilities of Southern Manchuria were already waning, not to mention experiencing large-scale riots on the Korean Peninsula, loss of Southern Manchuria, and rebellions in the Qing, which resulted in drastically reduced supply capabilities. Meanwhile, European forces poured south, pressing down on the Japanese army.

“I’ve been waiting for the day when you’d strike my back!”

“Wait, how could you betray me?”

The Japanese Imperial General Headquarters trembled at the betrayal by Russia while also denouncing them as merely Westerners like the Brits and French, but in such a precarious situation, the General Headquarters had to split its forces to confront both the Treaty Army and the Qing Army.

Meanwhile, in the office of the Southern Manchuria Governor-General’s Office, Beria and the virtually resigned Mutaguchi Renya were engaged in a private discussion.

“We must acknowledge that the Tsar had no choice but to attack Japan, yet it is the fault of the Japanese government that waged a war of ethnic extermination. Look at this! Does this look like something a human would do?”

Beria showed photos of the large-scale massacres that had taken place on the continent, as well as the experiments initiated by Unit 731 to persuade Renya.

“Hmph. How could such a thing happen! Yet, a son of Greater Japan could betray his own country?”

“Listen closely, Southern Manchurian Governor. Right now, all of Japan is ablaze thanks to the American Air Force. In the post-war period, America will not leave Japan unpunished, and this is a decision for the nation’s survival.”

“A decision for the nation’s survival?”

At the mention of a decision for survival, Mutaguchi Renya’s eyes began to tremble.

Beria sensed that the time for persuasion was nearing its end as he saw Renya’s cloudy eyes palpitating.

Beria grasped both of Mutaguchi Renya’s shoulders and lifted him up.

“Your entire country will burn. This is fundamentally the American-Japanese war, and our role has simply been as intervenors. The decisions regarding Japan’s fate will be taken by America. If you wish to have any voice, the best commander of the Empire must rise up and act. Do not see this as betrayal; it is a righteous campaign to remove the decayed roots and build a new Japan, forced by the incompetence of the Imperial General Headquarters.”

“It’s the Imperial General Headquarters’ incompetence that matters!”

Ultimately, it’s all the fault of the incompetent war criminals at the Imperial General Headquarters.

This last blow hammered into Mutaguchi Renya’s heart.

“Yes. Why would we treat the Southern Manchurian army like enemies and not handle them with dignity? Precisely because they belong to the Governor-General’s army. The power to command lies with our Emperor. We shall rearm them and assist in their landing. Please save the nation.”

Beria wielded that devilish tongue as he persuaded Mutaguchi Renya. With that, the persuaded Mutaguchi Renya finally made a decision for the salvation of the nation.

“I, Mutaguchi Renya, will rise to save the Empire! Southern Manchurian troops, follow me! The enemy is in Tokyo!”

Mutaguchi Renya, with the backing of Russia from Southern Manchuria, declared his campaign to finally overturn the corrupted Japan.