Reincarnated as Nikolai II

Though there are still several countries that haven't joined the war, they aren't large enough nations to cause major changes.

Thus, the empire has finally gained time to inspect internally once again.

"Is everyone here? Then, Minister of Railways Rukhlov."

"Yes, I'll begin."

The first to rise and speak at the gathering was Minister of Railways Rukhlov.

"Before November comes. That is, before the cold covers the empire, we need to reclaim the railways from the military."

"Nonsense. The front is growing larger by the day. The General Staff isn't unaware of the Railway Ministry's efforts, but the empire's sons are out there fighting on the frontlines."

"Enough, let's hear more first."

When Kuropatkin immediately flared up, Rukhlov closed his eyes as if expecting this, but steadfastly continued his explanation.

"The empire's territory is immense. We've laid many railways befitting that vast size, but unfortunately this has led to a situation of higher railway dependency than other countries."

"Can't necessities be moved by land route?"

"Does the General Staff think it's possible to supply millions in cities with sufficient food and fuel by cart in winter when the ground is frozen?"

"So then. You'd let our soldiers dug into the ground in winter starve or freeze to death?"

Logic where neither man could back down, each believing their stance was essential for the empire's survival but viewing service through radically different lenses. Stolypin saw aggressive reform as the only path forward, while Kokovtsov believed fiscal restraint and gradual change would preserve stability. Both were deeply patriotic, both were devoted to the Tsar, yet their fundamental philosophies about how best to strengthen and protect Russia could not have been more opposed.

At this point, Kokovtsov, ever the skilled mediator who had navigated many such heated debates in the Council of Ministers, stepped in to intervene in the increasingly tense argument between his colleagues. His measured presence often helped cool such confrontations, though in this case the ideological divide ran particularly deep.

"General, we're not trying to take railways away from the military. We're just saying we need to use some railways to implement a rationing economy."

"Exactly how much?"

"It will vary flexibly depending on the front's situation. However, we need at least more than a third of current usage."

Kokovtsov planned to use this opportunity to establish both railway usage and a rationing economy in the empire.

"If we implement this rationing economy, will it stabilize the empire?"

"Stabilize... General, this is like administering anesthesia temporarily. If it continues too long, the patient might never wake up."

"...Then why."

"I told you. It's anesthesia."

From when he began designing this system, Kokovtsov had predicted harmful effects would occur multiple times.

'The quality of all rationed goods will decline, and public discontent will be directed at the government. Even monopolistic enterprises won't last long under the oppression.'

That's not all. With rapid urbanization causing unprecedented population concentration in megacities, the underground economy will become increasingly active and sophisticated. Black markets will run rampant across urban centers, operating through complex networks in the shadows of towering skyscrapers and cramped alleyways.

Smuggling operations will become virtually unstoppable as they exploit the dense urban landscape and overwhelmed law enforcement resources. The chronic rationing of essential goods and services will cause severe problems with regional control, as local authorities struggle to maintain order amid shortages and growing public discontent. The intricate maze of urban infrastructure - from subway tunnels to abandoned buildings - will provide countless opportunities for illicit trade networks to flourish and evade detection.

Those distributing rations will obviously become corrupt and hoarding and supply-demand imbalances are expected.

However.

'It will definitely prevent social chaos.'

As much as the state controls, chaos won't spread.

Though there will be discontent, as long as the rationing system functions, those wanting to overturn it won't appear.

"Sugar, salt, coal, food - everything will change to fixed prices or rationing. To do this, we must share the railways going forward."

"...I just hope there won't be situations where imperial troops can't fight due to lack of ammunition."

Kuropatkin, who hadn't yet finished laying railways in Poland, still looked dissatisfied but some middle ground seemed to have formed between both sides.

Probably the working-level staff will discuss and flesh out the details later.

"Next is your turn, Kuropatkin."

"Yes."

Similarly rising from his seat, Kuropatkin met the eyes of those watching him one by one before opening his mouth.

"In less than two months. Over a million have died, friend and foe alike."

The number estimated by General Staff was around that, though the actual casualties could be much higher.

"And though I don't know how many years the war will continue, deaths incomparable to now likely await us."

"...We can only hope imperial army casualties will be low."

"That's not it."

Kuropatkin firmly denied even the small hope voiced by Count Fredericks of the Imperial Household.

"As Chief of General Staff leading the military, I've come to make a new proposal. I've already spoken once with His Majesty the Tsar, but it didn't reach approval, so I seek your wise counsel."

"What kind of proposal is this about?"

"To reduce imperial army deaths, I intend to sacrifice our allies."

"France and Britain?"

"No. The countries I'm referring to are the Grand Duchy of Finland, Korea, and Romania."

"..."

Though the list of candidates was completely unexpected, some seemed to have caught on to some extent.

"...The price?"

"Independence and becoming spoils of war."

"Will they comply so readily?"

"I hope you all will make that happen."

Right here, Kuropatkin was boldly demanding it.

The deaths of other countries' armies to reduce imperial army casualties.

"According to General Staff predictions, those trenches will become hell going forward. We don't know how many imperial troops will die to blind shells and bullets. So, I want to transfer those deaths to the empire's neighbors."

A statement that absolutely couldn't be made by a soldier of this era marked by valor and honor.

But Kuropatkin stood proudly before everyone.

"They must die for us to live. And I hope as many of our neighbors as possible die."