Chapter 527: Narrative Trick(2)
Chapter 527: Narrative Trick(2)
Operation T4 was the precursor to the Holocaust and a program that represented the pinnacle of eugenics.
It was a madness that classified both the physically and mentally disabled as 'inferior stock' and subjected them all to euthanasia.
This operation, which felt like something out of ancient Sparta, was designed for a form of 'selective breeding.' It was a process of weeding out and discarding humans as if they were defective products on a factory line.
However, even Hitler anticipated that this operation would not be easily accepted. He surmised there would be immense backlash, particularly from religious circles.
Thus, he gradually diminished their influence while maintaining a steady stream of propaganda. The content of that propaganda was as follows:
[Is there any need to keep these people alive when our taxes are being spent on them?]
[Your taxes are going into the mouths of these parasites! But all they produce in return is filth!]
[While you work hard, your taxes are being fed to these people.]
It was exactly like that. I’m not lying; he consistently broadcasted propaganda with that exact sentiment, nothing more and nothing less.
In normal times, such propaganda would be considered utterly insane, but the German people of that era accepted it.
The defeat in World War I. An economy that had shattered and only barely begun to recover. The rise of Hitler and his dictatorship. And decisively, eugenics.
All these factors combined with Hitler’s ideology to produce a horrific result.
Of course, it wasn't as if there was no resistance at all. As I mentioned, Hitler expected backlash, especially from the religious community.
That prediction was somewhat accurate. Numerous religions criticized Operation T4, and their influence was formidable.
As a result, the 'White Rose Group' was formed, and through their protests, Operation T4 was 'officially' halted.
I repeat: only officially.
'Operation T4 was essentially just folded into the Holocaust.'
It’s highly likely that President Roosevelt’s loathing for the Nazis—which went beyond mere dislike—was due to Operation T4. Even if he knew they were madmen from the start, this would have been the moment he realized they were literal demons.
Furthermore, the United States was struggling through the Great Depression at the time. They were too busy looking after their own to worry about what was happening elsewhere.
'A glimpse of the truth has emerged.'
It is truly tragic, but the treatment of the disabled, especially in the Western world's history, was abysmal.
In ancient times, they were used as arrow fodder or simply abandoned. In the Middle Ages, they were despised, believed to be cursed by God.
The modern era was no different. During the Industrial Revolution, when labor was desperately needed, the disabled were forcibly relocated.
It’s ironic that welfare facilities were born as a result of that, but regardless, that was the reality for the disabled on Earth.
So, how are the disabled treated in this world?
Interestingly enough, welfare for the disabled is quite well-developed here, and public perception isn't particularly bad.
Actually, even classifying someone as 'disabled' is a complicated matter in this world.
'For starters, Dwarves would be considered to have dwarfism by Earth's standards.'
As everyone knows, Dwarves are characterized by their short, stout stature. On Earth, they would have been treated as disabled.
Then there are the Beastkin covered in fur, and the Demons who grow horns and can even transform into literal devils.
Because each race has such distinct 'individuality,' it’s difficult to classify disability based on physical traits alone. It’s more like, “You look a bit unique. What race are you? You don’t look human,” and then people just move on.
As long as your mind is sound, you're fine. People might call you ugly, but they don't mock you for being disabled.
'Even if someone is missing limbs, people just assume they were attacked by a monster and move on.'
Whether it's congenital or acquired doesn't matter. Most people assume those with physical impairments lost them to monsters. If anything, the general reaction is relief that they survived—that not dying is what matters most.
Of course, a few mindless idiots might mock them, but they usually face social consequences for it. That’s how decent the perspective toward the physically disabled is here.
'Mental illness is similar.'
There are soldiers and adventurers suffering from PTSD, as well as people driven mad by evil spirits.
Religions, in particular, tend to care for the mentally ill, believing their 'souls' have been wounded.
Saving a scarred soul is seen as following the 'will of God.'
Unlike Earth, the existence of gods is a certainty here, so religious figures protect the mentally ill with a sense of noble duty.
In short, by the standards of this world, Operation T4 is a program so appalling it would leave anyone slack-jawed.
Of course, compared to the Holocaust, Operation T4 is just a drop in the bucket.
'But I should still include a trick, just in case.'
I didn't describe the raw reality of Operation T4 directly. I simply used a narrative trick.
To the people of this world, the disabled are subjects of protection and souls in need of salvation.
So, when Hitler announces Operation T4, they will likely think he is protecting the disabled, just as they do.
One might wonder: if the perception in this world is so positive, is there a need to plant such a landmine using a trick?
'It's because I'm the one writing it.'
There is a need. I've been burned so many times that I have no choice but to hide it.
While it's unlikely anyone would actually try to emulate the extermination of the disabled, there's always a 'what if.'
I couldn't bring myself to describe it openly. Instead, I plan to reveal its true face through the American President, Roosevelt, after the invasion of Poland.
'It's time to start showing Hitler's transformation into a villain.'
Public opinion of Hitler and Nazi Germany is already declining due to the Kristallnacht incident.
Furthermore, the tragedy of war has been glimpsed through the Nanjing Massacre. People are thinking:
If it's Hitler, even if he starts a war, he'll do it 'gentlemanly.' At least he won't be as barbaric as the Empire of Japan.
I plan to utterly shatter those expectations by carrying out 'ethnic cleansing' after the invasion of Poland. It’s not that I’m a demon; it’s just how history went.
And if I reveal the true face of Operation T4 at the same time? People will finally realize.
Ah. Hitler isn't a heroic protagonist; he's a villain. This man is the incarnation of a devil.
To give some trivia, civilian casualties during the invasion of Poland reached a staggering 200,000.
War always results in horrific damage, but that was nothing short of a massacre. That was the reality.
'The Nanjing Massacre alone turned Japan into a bunch of bastards in the eyes of the readers.'
This world is currently transitioning from the Middle Ages to the early modern era. And their way of warfare is still stuck in the Middle Ages.
Even though magic exists, it only serves as a substitute for 'artillery.'
In other words, melee combat is the mainstay, and the flow of war is very similar to the Middle Ages.
Wars consist of sieges and defenses centered around sturdy 'castles.' Battles are flashy and honorable affairs fought in designated areas.
Civilians are rarely caught up in this. It’s common sense to leave them alone, because the moment a massacre occurs, everyone unites in desperate resistance until the end.
'Though the Mongols didn't give a damn about that.'
Even the notorious Mongols would at least 'ask' a doctor or local leader before occupying a place. If they surrendered peacefully, they were spared; if they refused, hell on earth followed.
Regardless, the idea of an entire region becoming a battlefield, regardless of civilians, is unimaginable by this world's standards.
Operation T4 is one thing, but I expect the invasion of Poland to blow many people's minds.
'And...'
I looked at the sketches I was going to send to Calz. Having churned out three volumes in a single week, Calz was currently a limp mess, sobbing, "Just kill me..."
Still, seeing him silently produce the drawings made me feel like I’d picked a damn good illustrator.
I even gave him double the pay as a reward for his hard work. In response, I received a letter swearing his renewed loyalty.
People sometimes say that if you can't recruit someone with deep convictions, it's because you didn't offer enough money. They aren't wrong.
'How will the airplanes be introduced? You can't exactly run those on coal.'
The sketches featured the 'airplanes' that would appear during the invasion of Poland. Specifically, bombers.
Before Göring became a drug-addled mess—back when he was relatively sane—the German Air Force was incredibly powerful.
The Polish Air Force was as brave as the Germans, but that only applied to the pilots; the quality of their fighters and bombers was abysmal.
'I'm not sure if they'll understand the concept of an airplane... No, wait.'
I shook my head. I shouldn't expect common sense based on Earth's standards here.
It’s not that they lack intelligence; it’s just that they’re unpredictable.
Didn't Eins start building a tank even before I showed him one?
Of course, they might not be able to build an airplane due to the limitations of their engines, but they might give birth to something similar.
'Finally, the Navy and the U-boats.'
I pulled out another sketch. Unlike the other branches, the Navy doesn't mean much except for the U-boats.
However, since the war was beginning in earnest, there was simply too much to show through illustrations.
They’ll probably faint when they learn that ships made of steel can float on the sea, and even dive beneath it.
There’s a lot to consider. I offered a silent prayer for Calz, who would be suffering under a mountain of work in the future.
"..."
I was about to put the sketches in the drawer when I paused. A small box was stored inside.
It was a gift I had specifically asked Adelia for, so that Mari wouldn't find out. This, of all things, must not be discovered by her.
"Phew... I'm nervous."
"What are you so nervous about?"
"!!!"
As I closed my eyes and patted my chest, a familiar voice pierced my ears.
I jumped in shock. The owner of that voice was someone I knew all too well.
"M-Mari? Why are you here? What about your class?"
It was Mari. She was looking down at me with eyes that shone as blue as sapphires.
Had I been so focused that I didn't notice her coming? No, I was certain I heard she had class today.
It was a confusing situation, but my hand was already discreetly pushing the drawer shut.
Fortunately, Mari didn't seem to notice as she spoke with a bright smile.
"Class was canceled~ The professor had to go on a business trip, so the assistant told us we could just go home."
"They just told you to go? They didn't even post a notice?"
"They said it was an emergency and couldn't be helped. But more importantly, why were you so nervous?"
As Mari spoke, she began to creep closer to my side. I tried my best to calm my racing heart and racked my brain.
If I acted strangely now, she would likely become suspicious. And she was incredibly sharp.
It didn't help that I was a terrible liar, but I couldn't afford even a hint of suspicion.
I couldn't let the event I had been looking forward to so much be ruined.
"Up we go!"
"Oh? Huh?"
So, I scooped Mari up in my arms. She looked bewildered by my sudden action.
"W-what are you doing all of a sudden?"
"I just felt like doing this."
"Hmm. Suspicious..."
Mari narrowed her eyes, doubting me. As expected, she was quick on the uptake.
Or maybe my reaction was just that weird. I had anticipated this much.
"You're not hiding something, are you?"
"And if I am? What are you going to do about it?"
"Hmm..."
When I shamelessly countered her question, Mari blinked, caught off guard.
Then, she looked me straight in the eye and answered with a mischievous grin.
"I'll forgive you if we head to the bed right now. Ariel is napping anyway. Sound good?"
"As you wish, my lady."
Fortunately, I seemed to have succeeded in silencing her for now.
About two days had passed since I narrowly escaped that desperate moment...
[Do not trust Xenon! He is a demon in human skin!]
[We are being deceived by the wicked Xenon's schemes! You must not believe his writings at face value!]
[We are all being fooled by Xenon's flowery prose. Do not follow him blindly.]
Someone had appeared who noticed my wicked scheme(?).