Reincarnated as Nikolai II

"Well then, we should start with the front lines first. The Tsar expected that after the Battle of the Marne, the Anglo-French forces would at least recover their territory. Since the enemy's blitzkrieg failed, he thought that if we just defended, naturally the BEF and main army would return at least to the starting line."
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The topic of 'fronts' that both Britain and France had to face from the start of the war.

"So, we even gave up complete occupation of Poland and took the drastic step of replacing our commander-in-chief. All for your offensive."

Once greetings ended and ceremonial pleasantries were exchanged once, Kokovtsov's hospitable demeanor disappeared completely.

Only a politician seeking accountability and picking fights remained.

Indeed, the Anglo-French forces had been shocked to see Russian forces instantly devour Poland when they'd expected recruitment alone would take several months.

The sight of this unknown Brusilov consuming land half the size of France was no less impressive than the German army.

However, Kitchener wasn't the type to be startled by such temperature changes.

'Tch, these Slavs. They say they get along with Jews, and they really have become weak.'

So didn't Russia end up being the only one to benefit?

Looking at the same event from a different perspective, Russia could take Poland because France endured Germany's main force in the early war.

"The Prime Minister may know, but this new aspect called trench warfare doesn't allow fronts to be pushed and pulled easily. In this structure, we must aim for long-term attrition rather than short-term territory recovery. This would be true for any front, not just ours."

When Kokovtsov expressed disappointment, Kitchener said it couldn't be helped.

"Hmm, I see. But if as the Minister says a long war is expected, I wonder if your homeland can endure such a lengthy ordeal."

As he lifted his teacup to drink, Kitchener felt like he was trying to hide a smiling face.

Though Kitchener felt anger surge up at hearing such words while both clearly knew each other's circumstances.

'...I must admit it. We need Russia.'

Russia is facing the Dual Monarchy and Germany alone.

Unlike expectations, they show no desire to occupy Berlin, and don't even show signs of offensive operations.

Yet the reason Kitchener, busy organizing expeditionary forces, came here risking U-boat and mine dangers.

Was to draw upon Russia's power once again.

More precisely, to break this trench warfare framework with the Slavic hammer.

"Three. That's the number of German commanders-in-chief replaced to face Commander Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko, as we've confirmed. Yet none could break through his defense line."

"He is indeed an excellent general."

Roman, who had been responsible for the massive front over the past half year, blocked the enemy without concern even when railway supplies became somewhat inadequate.

Did he just block them? He's someone who has now instilled in the enemy the perception that 'charging at Russian defense lines means certain loss.'

"However, there seems to be some concern in parliament. Some seem to misunderstand that Commander Roman is too defensive and has no intention of offensive operations at all."

Though softened in expression, Kitchener's intended meaning was simple.

'They say one's mind changes between entering and leaving the bathroom - do you actually intend to attack?'

From late 1914 to February 1915, Britain and France had conducted the 'Winter Operations' centered on the north.

This operation aimed to recover French territory by taking advantage of German forces being diverted to Poland, and though it was fierce enough to cause 100,000 British BEF casualties, regrettably it failed to achieve its desired objective.

The failure of the winter operations they had prepared with gritted teeth. Naturally, voices of resentment had to emerge, and these developed into blaming allied forces instead of their own armies.

For example, saying the winter operations failed because Russia only defended.

Indeed, it was true that the Russian Northwestern Army had taken an excessively defensive posture since Roman's appointment.

To this, Kokovtsov returned Kitchener's words right back to him.

"Hmm, as the Minister says, as a Prime Minister only in the rear I don't know about the front lines as well as soldiers, but certainly this new aspect called trench warfare doesn't seem to allow fronts to be pushed and pulled easily."

"..."

At this moment, Kitchener truly hated that he, a soldier, had to deal with politicians.

"Well, can't be helped, can it?"

Truly, sincerely.

==

Kitchener's schedule in Russia was set quite long.

He seemed to want to negotiate and agree on various matters during this opportunity.

The Supreme War Council to command allied forces hadn't been established yet, and each country's command authority remained strictly separate.

In this situation, coordinating operations wasn't easy.

Especially with multiple fronts spread out making communication difficult, and each country's political positions involved on top of that.

In some ways, perhaps it would have been difficult for Britain, France, Russia, Greece, Romania, and other Commonwealth nations to gather together intending to take the Ottoman's head if not for the Suez attack incident.

Anyway, over the past few days, Minister Kitchener, who was a British army general, earl, and plenipotentiary envoy.

Though he seemed to continue marathon-like negotiations with Kokovtsov every single day, his schedule naturally included a simple celebratory banquet.

"Somehow the banquet has become a bit gloomy with only men gathered. I hope you understand we can't celebrate grandly during wartime."

"How could I complain? It's more than enough that the Tsar personally congratulates me."

Unlike Kokovtsov's face showing relief from indigestion built up since the Great Game, Kitchener looks somewhat tired, but.

Well, since he says he's fine, I didn't probe further.

"Though I fall behind my Prime Minister in expertise regarding diplomacy and war, how are the two of you's talks progressing?"

Taking an artful 'I don't know well' stance and asking like a third party, Kitchener's expression shows the miracle of changing variously in a short time.

It's obvious what he thinks of me. Though it must be absurd hearing such words from the Tsar who built the strongest imperial authority in Russian history through bloody purges, he's trying hard to manage his expression.

"The Prime Minister is an outstanding person. From what I see, he's necessary for developing relations between our countries."

"Haha, is that so? Prime Minister, then will the war end this year?"

Though the band still played and crowds hadn't diminished, the decibel level echoing through the hall seemed to drop sharply.