AYKRR Chapter 12

To Change the World

22nd August 1942,

Berun,

Up until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Erich von Lehrgen had a good day. That morning, he had a very constructive conversation with the former leaders of Pullska, Czechoslovakia and Hungary in the reorganisation and combination of their officer training academies. Mr. Moscicki had proposed for an establishment of similar mage academies in the former capital cities of Pullska, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, citing that the current academy in Berun was near its full capacity, and thus could not train mages from the newly annexed territories until it expands.

Mr. Ronai had even proposed that each mage academy could even form its own aerial lacrosse teams and play each other, forming an amateur aerial lacrosse league. It was an idea that Lehrgen found amusing, and he had spent some effort in laying the foundations for new mage academies in the newly expanded Germania, aside from the three former capital cities mentioned.

It was oddly cathartic to discuss not about how to kill as many men as possible, but rather how to nurture future soldiers. It was a balm to his soul in a way, as someone who has participated in two Great Wars before he was even forty-five.

However, his day had quickly turned to the worse when he went to his meeting with the recently appointed President Ernst. They had been briefly acquainted when Lehrgen was introduced to the young man right after he was sworn into the post, but neither of them ever had the time to get to know each other personally.

And now he knew Ludwig Ernst's true personality. He wished he never did.

After a cordial greeting, Ernst had quickly launched into a drawn-out explanation of his plan to put Tanya von Degurechaff on the throne as Kaiserin. The Kaiserin! Not only that, but he also somehow assumed that Lehrgen would be receptive towards this idea, if not already part of Degurechaff's scheme.

It took Lehrgen everything he had to not break character right then and there. He had let President Ernst keep talking, his meeting with Lehrgen and eagerness to explain his plan obviously based on a gross misunderstanding. Ernst even thought Lehrgen was a war-loving maniac like him and Degurechaff!

Ernst had casually told Lehrgen that while he and Elya Muller had destroyed any political resistance against monarchism in the Reichstag and the elites of society. This fact alone sent shivers up his spine.

Eventually, President Ernst had told him of Lehrgen's part of the grand plan to coronate the Chancellor. The man seemed to confidently assume his cooperation was a given. He told him Lehrgen was to organise the army to break up any civilian-led protest for democracy, as well as enforce martial law should the nation ever have to declare it. It was ridiculous, a clear sign of tyranny and abuse of authority.

"And what do I get in exchange?" Lehrgen asked, speaking slowly to reveal his somewhat shaking voice.

"General Lehrgen, I've long heard of your patriotism and desire to crush the Fatherland's enemies. However, you've been held back every time because of politics. With the Kaiserin at the reins, you will be free to decimate our enemies with no remorse. You'll get all the time and men you want for your strategies. Any weapon you request." The man still thought that Lehrgen was some insatiable hound of war.

"I see, I'll consider the offer." Lehrgen lied with a fake smile on his face. He shook hands with President Ernst, an act that made his hairs stand on end. He might not be making a deal with the Devil, but he was definitely making a deal with her apprentice.

"Thank you, General. You have done our nation a great service."

Afterwards, Lehrgen had tried to act as calmly as possible when he made his way back home, his head filled with thoughts.

President Ernst was clearly a madman in support of Degurechaff. Lehrgen could not let this happen. Germania could not have Degurechaff as a tyrant. With ultimate authority, she would surely direct OZEV to conquer Western Europa or even spark that global war she had always dreamed about since childhood.

He could not let this happen. He could not let Germania be plunged into war again. He should meet up with his fellow generals. He should marshal his armies to conduct a coup. He should depose Tanya von Degurechaff. Yet he hesitated.

If he tried to depose her, what would happen? Degurechaff surely had her own loyal faction in the military, General Ugar, General Weiss and the 203rd were proof of that. If a coup led by Lehrgen was to occur, it would lead to a civil war, causing hundreds of thousands, if not millions of casualties. Nuclear weapons could even be used on Germanian soil. And at the end of it, no matter who won, it would leave Germania devastated and vulnerable. The Allied Kingdom would surely exploit their weakness to disrupt Germanian hegemony. The Francois Republic will definitely invade to reclaim their lost pride. Even their allies might even abandon them, if not betray them outright.

Their enemies, having seen firsthand what Germania could do if it was allowed to recover, would tear Germania apart, its regions annexed by neighbouring powers. Germania would cease to exist in history. And he would be the cause of it, if he stopped Degurechaff's plans. Lehrgen would be the man who killed the Fatherland.

If Tanya von Degurechaff was to become Kaiserin, she would surely plunge the world into war. But she was no fool. He knew that she would never start a losing war. She would ensure Germania's victory.

Lehrgen stopped himself in realisation. He couldn't believe it. Letting Tanya von Degurechaff become the Kaiserin was likely the best choice he had for Germania's future. Was this why President Ernst had the meeting with him? The reason why he let Lehrgen leave so casually? Because he knew that Lehrgen was a logical man who loved Germania. Because Ernst surely knew that Lehrgen had no choice but to accept his part in this grand conspiracy against democracy.

Lehrgen clenched his hand tightly enough to draw blood, before taking a deep breath. Fine, he would do his part in this plan. He would, as much as he loathed it, support Degurechaff's ascension to the Imperial throne. But he would ensure that there would be as little casualties as possible. And by being at Degurechaff's side, he could influence her to rein in her bloodthirst a little. In doing this, he would be saving lives. He would save Germania.

24th August 1942,

Parisee, Francois Republic

Jean Beaumont, the Director of the Central Intelligence and Action Agency (Agence Centrale de Renseignement et d'Action) or ACRD, was frustrated with many things about his country. He was frustrated that he had lost so humiliatingly to the Germanians. He was frustrated that his country's economy was being held up only by the same nation that defeated them. He was frustrated with De Lugo for plunging their republic into such dire straits in the first place.

He was especially frustrated with his agent's inability to keep themselves from being caught interfering with the Alsace-Lorraine plebiscite by Waldstattener observers. At least the trails they left led to an Alsace-Lorraine independence group. Seriously, it's been three months since the end of the Second Great War, yet those incompetent buffoons had caused the referendum to have to be re-held three times, each time causing it to be delayed by another month. At this point, the Germanians will soon start getting suspicious.

But right now, his full frustration was focused on the missive sitting on his table. "Guillaume, this cannot be true. She would massacre him with her bare hands before he could even set foot onto Germanian soil. He's a socialist, for God's sake."

"I'm afraid it is true, Director. Our spies have confirmed that Ho Chi Minh left Annam on a plane heading west 2 days ago. Today, the same plane landed in Degurechaff International Airport. It even had the same paintjob and designation number. The passenger of the plane has not deboarded." His male adjutant, Guillaume confirmed. Jean had fired every single female employee in the ACRD last year. They might cry sexism, but he couldn't risk national security. The BND was too much of a threat. Other government departments ought to do the same thing as him.

"She must be trying to meet him in secret. Perhaps on the plane or have a car chauffeur him to a secret meeting location. She must not want the public to think she's aggressive towards communism but sympathetic towards socialism." Beaumont mumbled.

"Do we order a hit on him?" Guillaume asked.

"Are you crazy!? In Germania, while he's in close proximity to Degurechaff? If a single hair on the Devil gets hurt because of us, Germania will burn the Republic to the ground." Beaumont would rather hang himself than have Germanians occupy Parisee a third time in less than twenty years.

"Then what can we do? If she agrees to send him aid, the Republic will surely lose Annam, then the rest of Indochina. If that happens, the rest of our colonies will view us as weak and rebellions in the Southern Continent will happen soon after. This is our best chance to get rid of Ho Chi Minh, his security in Annam is too tight."

Beaumont leaned back against his chair for a moment, contemplating.

"The Republic must not be allowed to lose its colonial holdings. We depend on them for cheap goods and labour. Have your agents in Germania assassinate Ho Chi Minh if he is vulnerable, but at least fifty metres away from Degurechaff. No explosives. If you are unable to assassinate him without risking Degurechaff, sabotage the meeting by any means necessary. Remember that Degurechaff's safety comes before Ho Chi Minh's harm."

"Shouldn't we first consult the President over this decision, sir?"

"I can't trust De Lugo with making imperative decisions anymore, not after the last occupation of Parisee. For all I know that idiot will order us to blow up both Ho Chi Minh and Degurechaff. Besides, he'll be out of the office soon."

"Understood, sir." Guillaume walked away to carry out his orders, a smile on his face.

25th August 1942,

The Rathaus, Wien

I had easily gotten the other OZEV leaders interested in the veterans affairs bill. Many of them were suffering from the same problems plaguing their workforce and unemployed veterans. This bill would be aiming to address both issues at once. A true two birds with one stone.

I glanced back at my accompanying coterie, who were sitting in chairs behind me. Maciej Moscicki, Istvan Ronai and Jan Benes had come along, as they were more familiar with the former countries' regional administration then me. They would be in charge of handling the affairs of their veterans there.

To streamline the bureaucratic process and allow them to attend the OZEV meetings as they technically were only electorate seat holders, I created a governor title for them to assist me in administering the newly annexed regions. I created five positions for those who would be assisting me with administering the five major regions of Germania: Germania Proper, Osterry, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Pullska. I personally administered Germania Proper, while I gave Osterry to Heidler to manage, since he was familiar with the region and fiercely loyal to me. Each Governor would have the administrative power to handle the affairs of their own region, while reporting anything of high significance or that they were unable to handle to me.

I had only just chosen my Governors yesterday, so only time would tell if my decision to delegate like this would significantly lessen my workload.

Aside from the former three leaders of the former Imperial states, Heidler was obviously here too, as the Governor of Osterry. Despite being a Governor now, he was apparently still baking his own pastry at his restaurant, because I could spot traces of flour on his hands. He must have raced here in a rush.

Zettour, as my Minister of Foreign Affairs, was present. He would be providing his wealth of experience and knowledge of military, history and foreign affairs.

As my secretary, Elya was here too. And so was Ludwig, who I have now gotten comfortable enough with to just call by his first name. He was here to watch and learn how I handle OZEV affairs. I stared suspiciously when Ludwig started whispering something to Elya. Was it just me or were they being awfully close lately? Their seats were even pushed closer together. Oh well, it was none of my business.

"Everyone," I announced. "I would like to propose a direction that I want to take regarding Germania's colony of Malagasy."

Most of the OZEV Executive Council members and their coteries only seemed half-interested, as none of them even have colonies to speak of. Only Luigi Falasca was rapt with attention, as Ildoa had claims to Libya, Eritrea, Somalia and even a Qinese concession in Tianjin. Unlike my world's Italy, Ildoa never launched an invasion of Ethiopia.

"Malagasy's economy is frankly undeveloped and agrarian. It has a population of over four million but does not have any notable exports. I intend to build up its economy and infrastructure and set up light industry and tourism. I will then cultivate goodwill and set up a colonial government, run by mainly Malagasians. Once Malagasy is up on its feet and can start exporting goods to nearby countries, I will hold a referendum for its independence."

My last sentence caused a wave amongst the assembly. It must seem ludicrous to them that Germania would invest so much into a colony, only to let it leave.

"You will just let go of Malagasy?" Falasca asked, incredulous.

"Not for free. I'm going to ask for the right to set up a military base there. It will serve as a valuable supply depot and will give us a military presence in East Africa and the Bharatian Ocean. I also intend to lower trade barriers between us and Malagasy, such as eliminating tariffs."

"And I suppose that you want Ildoa to pursue a similar approach with its own colonies in the Southern Continent." Falasca said.

"Yes."

"I'm afraid that's not possible for Ildoa. Unlike Malagasy, which did not have any industry of note when you acquired it from the Francois, we have held these territories for too long and have invested too much into them. Furthermore, we have many business owners and over 100,000 Ildoans living in those colonies. We cannot just order them to abandon their homes and businesses. And reimbursing them would be out of our budget."

All of those issues he mentioned rang true. Indeed, part of the reason why I could pull out of Malagasy so easily is because Germania barely has the colony for over a year, with Germanian having settled there. Meanwhile, Ildoa has owned its colonies for years, even decades. There were likely people of Ildoan ancestry living there who have never set foot on Ildoa itself.

"Let's debate the profitability of your colonies first. Mr. Falasca, your oldest colony is Eritrea, correct?"

"Yes, we've held it since the 1880's. It has been very profitable."

"During the first thirty years of your governance of that colony, how many rebellions, revolts or independence movements did you have to deal with?" I inquired.

Falasca turned to his Minister of Foreign Affairs to answer for him. "Only two rebellions, both of which were quickly quelled by our military." The bald old man said.

"And how about the past thirty years?"

"Eight open rebellions, twelve revolts and three large independence movements, both in the east." The man admitted honestly. It was impressive that he memorised those data.

"And have you managed to subdue all of them?"

"No, we have not. There is still a rebellion in Keren and the independence movement in Asmara is still going strong." Almost too honest, like he was begging us for assistance.

Zettour, who was behind me, spoke. "And pray tell, what can you tell us about the leader of the independence movement?"

"We have identified him as one Adonay Amato, born to an Ildoan father and Eritrean mother. He was born and raised in Eritrea but moved to Ildoa to study. He returned to Eritrea after the First Great War. A couple years later, he kicked off his independence movement based on the self-determination and nationalism that was common in Europa at that time."

"That's enough about him. I expect that you have independence movements in your other colonies as well?" Zettour continued.

"Yes, we do. A couple smatterings of colonies here and there."

"And I expect that their leaders have similar backstories to Adonay Amato. Natives who studied in Europa and brought back ideas of national identity and self-determination after the First Great War. Am I correct?"

"Yes, you are correct. Over half of them have been educated in Europa. Others have close associates who were educated in Europa." His Ildoan counterpart confirmed.

"And all these uprisings require the use of your military, which increases your administrative burden and cost of operation?" Zettour asked.

"Yes."

"Alright, then tell me this, if you consider your colonies as a business, what is your profit margin for the last year?" Zettour probed.

"Around fourteen percent, per last year's report. A decrease of three percent compared to the year before that. In 1932, the profit margin was thirty-nine percent. In 1912, the profit margin was around fifty percent." The Ildoan Minister of Foreign Affairs was deliberately giving out more information than we asked for. It seemed like he shared my opinion of giving up on the Ildoan colonies, despite it not being what Falasca wanted.

"As you can see, Mr Falasca," I said. "Your profits earned from your colonies have been decreasing over time. At the start of colonisation, your profit margin was high because of your light administrative burden and little need to sustain a substantial military to pacify these colonies. However, after the First Great War, natives who studied in Europa brought back ideas of nationalism, patriotism and national self-determination that have been heavily discussed in Europa." I took a breath.

"They propagated these ideas, rallying others to their independence movements, causing unrest and rebellions. This means that you have to quell these movements with your military. Maintaining a large occupying army over countries hundreds of kilometres away can be very expensive. Not to mention a larger colonial administration that eats even more at your profits. I expect that in around five to twenty years, it will cost you more to maintain your colony than what value you extract from them. If you cultivate goodwill over time by being less heavy-handed with the independence movements, then try to install a local government that's friendly towards you to set up advantageous deals, you will get more out of your colonies in the far future." I drank some water to wet my mouth, which had gone dry from my explanation.

I wasn't making an argument based on morals, such as the native people deserving to have their own country. No, I was making an appeal to something that attracts everyone. Money.

I heard the sound of a pencil scribbling behind me and turned around to see Ludwig furiously writing down dot points on a notepad. It was good that he was trying to learn from me.

"I can see your logic, Ms. Degurechaff. However, you have not addressed the issue of Ildoans living in these colonies." Falasca replied.

"I'm not asking you to pull out of these colonies right away. Even Malagasy will take a few years until I can call a referendum. You can promise your colonies eventual independence and start a slow transition period over a decade. Simply declaring eventual independence alone should knock the wind out of the independence movements' sails. That means you won't have to spend as much on an occupying army. Over time, you can downsize your administration and occupying army while spending the money you save to invigorate your economy back in Ildoa. A flourishing economy back home will make it attractive for Ildoans living in your colonies to move back."

"And for the Ildoans that choose not to move?"

"That's their choice. You can choose to grant them the citizenship of their home colony if you want." I said.

"I see," Falasca nodded. "I will further consult with my Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance and colonial administrators. Thank you for your ideas."

It wasn't an agreement, but it wasn't a refusal either. That was good enough for me.

With that, the meeting was concluded.

As I walked out of the Rathaus, followed by my group, two limousines came to a stop in front of me. One of them would carry me to Degurechaff International Airport (I can't believe they named it after me) to meet Ho Chi Minh, while the other would be boarded by my coterie.

"Chancellor, I have an idea for a change of name for the Republic of Germania." Heidler told me before I boarded the limousine. I tilted my head in curiosity.

Moscicki chimed in. "Since Germania has absorbed so many regions, we should adopt a better name to suit our country's geography and ethnicities. This is something that I've been discussing with Herr Heidler as well."

"Any ideas?" I asked.

"The first name we got was the Republic of Greater Germania. But that was terrible, and didn't achieve any of our criteria for a new name. Eventually, we landed on the name of the Central Europan Republic. What do you think?" Heidler said.

"Not bad. I'll have it run through the Reichstag." I replied.

Bidding my friends and colleagues adieu, I rode the limousine to the airport. We didn't arrive at the arrival terminal, of course, but instead took a special entrance right into the airfield, where Ho Chi Minh's plane awaited. It was quite a modest plane, with a scratchy red and yellow paint job.

The car parked just ten metres away from the plane and I exited. A face peered out from behind one of the windows of the plane and must have recognised me in my dress and military jacket, because they quickly disappeared back into the plane. A minute later, the plane's ramp lowered, and the door opened.

A short man whose face I mildly recognised climbed down. He was thinning at the top and sported a black goatee that I often saw as white on the photos of him on the internet. He was also a lot skinnier than I expected, with the clothes hanging off of his almost skeletal frame. Nevertheless, I understood that he was the leader of a socialist country who had led a revolutionary army. I was the last person who would underestimate another because of their lack of physical intimidation.

A taller man followed him from behind, hovering almost protectively. Definitely a mage.

As he walked over to the limousine, I held out a hand to shake his, speaking in Francois. "Welcome to Germania, President Ho." The man took my hand and shook it. If the press was here, they would surely be bombarding us with pictures. However, it was six o'clock at night and I had made sure there were no other ongoing or outgoing flights today.

He nodded appreciatively at my using a language he was fluent in and responded in fluent Germanian. "I have been studying your language, Madam Chancellor. Thank you for agreeing to my visit."

I noticed that his bodyguard seemed like he could comprehend our conversation as well. He will likely be recording the conversation on his orb.

"May we hold our discussion inside?" I offered, as my chauffeur opened the door for us.

"Of course."

12 hours earlier,

Secret Intelligence Service Headquarters,

As the Director of the SIS, an intelligence service so secretive that the public still call them the MI6, Theodore Johnson paradoxically had low expectations from his agents. Never expect much and you'll never be disappointed. But if something does go beyond your expectations, then be delightfully surprised.

Today, he was delightfully surprised indeed. Agent Wax, under the false identity Guillaume, had managed to become the personal secretary of Jean Beaumont. The Director of the ACRD had fired all female employees within the agency, and agent Wax had neatly slipped into the role. Needless to say, the intelligence advantage this gave the Allied Kingdom was massive. Now, they effectively had the intelligence channel of the Francois Republic in their grasp.

Just an hour ago, he received an urgent report from agent Wax. The President of the Annamese Socialist Republic had landed in Germania for a secret meeting with Chancellor Degurechaff. Agent Wax had been ordered by Beaumont to send orders for ACRD agents in Germania to carry out an assassination on Ho Chi Minh if it did not endanger Degurechaff, but sabotage was an acceptable outcome.

He was now asking for a response from Johnson on whether to do exactly as Beaumont instructed or to… alter either the main objective or the target of the mission. Response from command has to be soon, or he would not have time to make an amendment.

Johnson knew for a fact that he had to take this information to the Prime Minister and the cabinet immediately. This could save the Albish Empire. This could change the balance of the world.