Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 234 Birth of the Post-War Economy (5)

"So who built this country! It was all us who served His Majesty the Tsar's orders!"

The problem is, this empire couldn't develop such economy and politics together.

More precisely...

"So Duma representatives forming the cabinet would develop the economy? Then how do you explain the economic development over the past 25 years?"

"S-still, I think we should fix bureaucrats' factionalism and responsibility issues-"

"Shut up, you idiot!"

No one dared even think of democratizing imperial power while the Tsar was alive and watching, nor felt the need to.

No matter how Nicholas tried to establish political systems suitable for 1920s economic development he anticipated...

"Our country also has all freedoms - press, occupation choice, residence movement, local elections, central elections?"

"Just what gets better by picking Prime Minister and ministers from among Duma representatives? I received higher education but can't understand."

"The Tsar will just handle everything well anyway!"

The Russian Empire was exactly the counterexample to Nicholas's argued logic.

Bureaucrats' unique elitism?

"So my children can also belong there if they just study well?"

"Of course! The empire encourages anyone to advance to university through compulsory education!"

Authoritarianism due to undemocratic executive?

"Submitting to the Tsar's authority is proper!"

"Think back just 30 years ago! Then nobles trampled our heads while children clutched their stomachs starving! Wasn't it all the Tsar's authority that swept away such old evils!"

"Whether you're a doctor, farmer, soldier, or street vagrant doesn't matter! As long as you're an imperial citizen living in the current era, you're already living in an empire built on authority!"

More free state administration through democratized executive?

"Ha! I'm from the pre-land reform generation, but there's no one striking in the streets so the economy is developing!"

"The empire became well-off because young people won the war!"

"And recently Britain brought up reducing reparations due to Germany's default risk, but France and Belgium refused. France wanted to impose economic sanctions, but this time Britain is delaying their response."

"Why bring that up here?"

"Your Majesty. Please tell me how the situation will progress from here, what I should prepare."

"...I don't know either."

"Don't you know? You do know. I can stake my Prime Minister position on this certainty. The war with Japan too. The Great War too - Your Majesty knew. Though ordinary people might be busy handling things after they happen, Your Majesty must have clearly foreseen everything with that foresight."

Something, Kokovtsov's atmosphere was different from usual.

No, since attempting Duma and bureaucratic reform recently, he seemed to constantly want to say something to me like someone changed.

Though I try to look away from Kokovtsov's gaze that momentarily even feels disloyal while wiping my face.

Already Kokovtsov's conviction doesn't seem built over just a day or two. He truly wanted an answer from me in this place.

Finally, I too opened my mouth to avoid this awkward silence.

"...They'll show military movements. If Versailles is violated even slightly, France will feel it like Germany's resurgence. With German forces thoroughly removed now, if Britain refuses economic sanctions then military methods are all that's left. They'll send forces to German territory, whether Ruhr or Rhineland. Germany, with no means to resist, will swallow their resentment. Perfect environment for the far-right to rise up."

"This is why the empire needs Your Majesty." Discover more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

For a moment I opened my mouth dumbfounded at Kokovtsov's short and concise answer.

"Do you believe this literally? What if other variables arise? Couldn't my predictions be wrong?"

"At least I want to trust Your Majesty's words more than leaders elected by masses who only received basic education on average. I will step back like this and announce diplomatic responses and positions considering what Your Majesty said."

"..."

And exactly one month later.

[France Occupies Ruhr.]

[Marshal Ferdinand Foch Claims Need for Rhineland Rearmament.]

[Will Rhineland Annexation Really Happen?]

The Ruhr occupation began.

It was news of even my last seed toward democratization disappearing.