Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Chapter 288: Qualification of the Duce (4)

Adolf was certain.

That by taking this defensive position, they would rather back down.

Because if they pressured Germany further, an alliance with Russia would only become more of a reality.

==

"Don't you understand what's important now? At this rate, Germany looks like it's going to join hands with Russia! And all because of the dictator Mussolini!"

"Anyone who says we should put reparations in Italy's mouth here must be a fascist! A socialist!"

"Whatever happens, war is not an option! The Maginot Line construction is still in full swing—how can we talk about war? Whatever we do, let's wait until it's completed!"

In the rapidly changing global situation day by day, France couldn't collect itself.

Mussolini killed the king of Serbia to expand influence in the Balkans.

The next month, the German Nazi Party killed the Austrian Chancellor in the same way.

And finally, Russia supported Ethiopia's independence, and then Germany refused to pay reparations.

Considering all this happened in less than two months, even France could be forgiven for being unable to get its bearings.

"How much longer must we endure! Can't you still discern who our main enemy is? Germany is building up its army! We must respond firmly!"

"What? This country's army is crippled. It might have grown into a strong force during the Great War, but we sent them all home for disarmament. Above all, that Maginot Line—we've spent money that could have been used to strengthen the army on smearing concrete. Firm response? Does that seem possible?"

If German national sentiment shifted to the extreme right in the early 1920s, France experienced a phenomenon where the standard deviation shifted toward the center.

In this country's politics, the far left are communists who might be taking orders from Britain, and the far right, no matter how right-wing they aspire to be, are on a different level from the 'real' Bonapartists.

So if the rest want to split the vote, they have to split it in the center. As a result, they've been taking turns in power, dividing and betraying from the center.

And now in France, where the average prime minister's lifespan is less than half a year:

"Former Prime Minister, now Foreign Minister Barthou, said we must take Italy's hand! We nationalists also agree with this!"

"You received orders, didn't you! Did Mussolini order you? Were you ordered to support Italy?"

"The Royalist Party, the Solidarity Party, and the Patriot Party all think we should support Italy!"

"D-de La Rocque? This guy is a real hardcore fascist! The country is on the verge of overthrow! De La Rocque is preparing an armed uprising!"

Perhaps it was impossible from the beginning to unite opinions and lead European affairs.

The French version of Mussolini, de La Rocque, had been openly preparing to swallow this country since early this year.

And the centrists of this country were divided and couldn't even stop that.

The army was the same.

They poured all the budget into building the Maginot Line and didn't even have money to produce tanks.

And above all:

'W-war is still not right...'

'Yeah, who cares if Italy dies or not? As long as there's no war.'

'We've already given up on preemptive strikes, haven't we? Please, just stop the war.'

Only cowards remained in France now.

The brave French had already died on the Western Front or been buried with Foch long ago.

Thus, despite the escalating situation, France responded with non-response.

Next, Britain:

"Peace! Only peace can solve problems! We can do it! As intellectuals, I firmly believe we can solve problems through dialogue!"

His brain was as clear as white snow.

The era of the Labour Party's rule.

Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald, a pacifist and anti-war activist.

For him, all that mattered was preventing war.

And FDR, watching all this without being able to do anything:

"Is this really the best they can do? Countries that once pointed guns at Germany and the Dual Monarchy?"

"Ahem, perhaps a little more time is needed?"

"Are you kidding? If more time passes, the problem seems like it will only get bigger? Damn it, is this really reality? How can you just stand by with folded arms when problems erupt?"

He tasted despair.

==

To be frank, Mussolini failed to establish absolute power like the Nazi Führer or the Russian Tsar.

Ideologically, fascism did go viral across Europe, but it was difficult to say that Mussolini's governance as its founder was excellent.

With no gold in the country, he extorted gold from citizens through gold collection campaigns, nationalized all banks or turned them into public enterprises, paralyzing them, and as trade with foreign countries decreased day by day, consumer goods prices rose.

It was fortunate that they were in the Mediterranean trade zone and still had exchanges with former allies like Germany-Austria, but even those connections were gradually being cut.

He had no ability to solve problems, but he was still the godfather of fascists until the day he died.

"We are the absolute ideology of the 20th century replacing liberalism and democracy! All your questions are answered in Gentile's 'Italian Encyclopedia,' so study it!"

"Men loyal to fascism are the core elements that grow the nation! Only this fascist system is the key to solving all problems!"

"We are the descendants of Rome! Even if those dirty Asian Tatars and criminal Germans insult us, the fact that Italy is the true Rome will not change!"

Mussolini was exceptionally good at one thing: agitation.

That was truly the only thing.

"Duce, the stock market has collapsed, and the government has failed to secure stocks for nationalization—what should we do?"

"Just receive 'voluntary' stock donations from the citizens. Advertise the shareholder list in the newspaper."

"The fundamental unemployment rate can only be solved through private business employment. Military enlistment is no longer feasible, and there's nowhere left to properly employ young people!"

"Then create more fascist organizations! If there are still people left, send them back to farming! Agriculture is doing well with land reclamation, isn't it?"

The incompetent Duce was exceptionally good at hiding his incompetence.

However, trials came to the Duce earlier than expected.

"This is the last request. Sincerely participate in the joint Serbia-France investigation and promise to take responsibility when the truth is revealed."

"I repeat, we are not related to the assassination."

"Do you realize how many countries you're trying to make enemies of, Duce?"

"If innocence is also a crime, then that would be my greatest crime."

Perhaps because of the Nazi intervention.

The Slavic King was escalating the incident.