Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 130 A Reliable Alliance (6)

No answer, not even as pleasantries.

"What? No?"

"I apologize, but I cannot give a definitive answer here."

"Why? Didn't French Commander-in-Chief General Joseph Joffre declare since last year that the war would end this year?"

Of course, General Joffre's statement meant ending the war by recovering French territory and peace negotiations with Germany, but anyway. They said the Western Front would end this year.

"Because we haven't gained the upper hand yet. If we just endure like this, the war could stretch on for years."

At Kokovtsov's razor-sharp statement, I briefly showed contemplation while setting down my glass.

Then raising my head again, I spoke to Kokovtsov.

"Well, I trust our wartime Prime Minister. Yes, certainly."

Of course I trust someone I appointed. There's no doubt about his ability after working with Witte for over a decade.

"But you know. If the war drags on, the entire empire except me might start doubting you."

Though it might sound like a warning to Kokovtsov, no one in this room doesn't know this is meant for Minister Kitchener.

Naturally, Kitchener himself knew very well.

'British BEF expeditionary force organization was late, and the proud Royal Navy does nothing but naval blockade. If the Western Front just watches like this... We might not be able to hold on?'

Whether they can't hold on or won't hold on will have to be seen then, but this is a warning.

"Though I somehow ended up pointing a sword at my Billy, don't forget that the wellbeing of imperial citizens is more important than punishing Germany. What use is victory or defeat in war when our imperial citizens are naked and starving?"

"I'll keep it in mind."

"Yes, since I've met Lord Kitchener too, I'll leave first."

I clearly conveyed my will.

That Russia doesn't want a long war. So show us something definitive on the Western Front.

Since the winter operations failed, take some action whether summer operations, fall operations, or whatever.

The winter operations failed, and then in February and March you burned 240,000 French troops in Champagne? Threw 30,000 British troops into enemy trenches during three hours advancing 1km?

Still not enough.

In April, the enemy fired poison gas at Ypres, but France holds the defense line with human lives instead of gas masks?

Still insufficient.

I don't care how many died on the Western Front or how great the damage was.

Only military achievements.

Considering casualties accumulated since last September, both Britain and France can hardly find active duty soldiers anymore, all are conscripts or reserves.

Already voices of concern are rising in the homeland about too many dying.

Still, such complaints can be ignored during wartime.

The real problem Kitchener faced was.

'I can't know how many more must die...'

That is, not knowing how many more times the BEF would need to be conscripted.

Meanwhile, the Russian Empire?

'Damn... You're a country that can endure even a million deaths!'

170 million in the homeland. Approaching 200 million including surrounding grand duchies, satellite states, and protectorates.

The India of Europe, the China of Europe.

That's the Russian Empire.

And then recreating that Russo-Japanese War era Roman Line in Poland.

"Who exactly is afraid of war..."

"Minister, from what I've seen of Russia over these years here, they certainly don't fear casualties."

"Then what? Is there another reason they won't budge their front lines at all?"

Continue your journey with empire

"This country fears poverty more than death. They fear railways being cut more than front supply lines being cut."

The Tsar that Nicolson had observed was like that. They were strangely serious about rear economics even during wartime.

When every country shouted for short war, only Russia focused on industrial and system transformation.

Looking now it was foresight, but the Russia Nicolson had seen then feared the length of war more than the sweetness of winning a short war.

"How about trying negotiations keeping these points in mind?"

"Buy Russian army blood with money?"

"Try floating it casually in tomorrow's negotiations. Nothing to lose by trying, right?"

Kitchener's day of departure approaches soon.

Meaning it's time to reach an end, whether agreement or breakdown.

"...Ambassador, tell me more details."

Ambassador Nicolson's words had certainly shaken Kitchener's heart.