The War to End All Wars #4
Despite the communists' efforts to prevent the war by viewing it as fratricide among imperialist cliques, the social democrats chose loyalty to their homeland.
"Expecting France to stay neutral is futile. Even in the face of Russia's blatant aggression, they're invoking the defense alliance and voting for war against Germany."
"It seems foolish to hope for British mediation any longer."
"Proceed."
The Kaiser actually hated war. He didn't want to fight Nicky, nor did he want to battle Russia and France at the same time. But the world demanded its due from him.
"Is that really the best course?"
"Russia's combat will is secondary; their war capacity is desperately lacking. If we crush France first, we can negotiate with Britain and Russia."
The military, the parliament, the citizens—all demanded war against France unanimously. French land-backed bonds issued by Germany had already vanished from the markets. The Bavarian Soviet that rejoined Germany felt the same; left and right alike believed in Germany's success and victory without doubt. We beat France when we were far weaker back then. But now we're several times stronger. And France? What can that railroad-less country do?
To Germans, France importing steel from Belgium was laughably absurd, since much of Belgium's steel was German-made. For such a Germany to go to war with France? Even attempting war was insane.
What the Kaiser feared was a two-front war, Britain, and the Korea that Britain wielded—not those frog-eating French.
"Russia refuses to withdraw mobilization. We have no choices left."
"Proceed."
The Schlieffen Plan was set in motion—to reach Paris faster than Britain could move, faster than Russia could mobilize.
"Poland, not Berlin?"
"Krauss, we're heading to Galicia in the old Polish territories."
The upper Carpathian Mountains. Mostly backwater villages. The mobile forces turned their handles toward that region.
"Why not Berlin, like true Koreans?"
"The Kaiser can run."
"Then we chase."
"Enough. We're going to smash the ones who can't run."
Playing the vulture in a vulture strike, they obliterated the local guards defending the oil fields, then shoved bombs into the pipelines.
"Oh man, what a waste."
"We've taken what we need. Move out."
They seized Galicia and the oil fields, handed the occupied zones to Russia, then half destroyed the oil fields outright while the other half pushed north toward Posen—deep into German territory near Czech lands and Berlin.
'Block them!'
'What?'
Germany hastily dragged in all nearby reserves to seal the passes. The approaching mobile force was crushed under artillery fire and barrages, retreating in utter panic.
"Ha! Nothing to it!"
"Just toy cars with some armor plating."
How do you expect to use aristocratic playthings like that against field guns that'd shred them?
"Eastern Front: no anomalies!"
"Hahaha!"
'Seriously, "just lose on purpose and come back"? The boss sure knows how to work people.' If he'd just said smash them and return, fine—but "roughly"? What's roughly mean? Lure and counterattack, observe if it works—if not for that order, they'd have charged straight to Berlin.
Korean Mobile Forces Commander Kim San burned the secret orders under the feigned retreat directive and headed back to his Ukrainian garrison. Next target: Romania.
Austria-Hungary was horrified at the news of their oil fields being wrecked. But Germany's plan didn't change.
Regardless of the world's complaints, German forces marched steadily, seizing Belgium.
Britain gritted its teeth, trying not to join, but Germany's ambitions didn't stop. They had to take France in six weeks. Crush France now to crush Russia later.
In the end, Germany's rampage fueled the pro-war faction against Germany, forcing the Kaiser to fight not just distant kin, but relatives.
Britain joins the war.
"Britain wasn't joining!"
"It seems they followed Korea's entry."
"Those yellow bastards!"
BAM!
"Blocked at Posen?"
"Yes. Our German troops held off hordes over ten times their number with unbreakable will."
"Ahem, good, that's how it should be."
As everyone smiled in satisfaction, the Kaiser suddenly wondered.
"But those yellow devils—didn't they stop somewhere before coming here?"
"Galicia. Famous oil region. Probably refueled."
"Oil... oil's important."
But oil wasn't that critical to Germany right now. They were about to pop France's lid—oil could wait. Oil mattered, but less than reducing one front. They had ample stockpiles.
"Kaiser! Great Kaiser of the German people! Disaster!"
"?"
The Kaiser hid his unease at the fishing spot, hearing the messenger.
"Despite Romania's neutrality declaration, Korean forces invaded neutral Romania. Seems they're bypassing mountains to aid Serbia."
Something familiar. The messenger looked uneasy too.
"They must value Serbia's high will to fight."
"Can't crush that tiny country yet? Tsk tsk."
It was because Germany hadn't helped the East, forcing Austria to scramble—but that wasn't the Kaiser's concern. He was fighting Anglo-French.
'Britain— an enemy we'd crush someday anyway.'
The Kaiser pondered a denunciation against Korea's Romanian raid.
Britain made Romania surrender. Neutrality was just a ploy anyway—Romania didn't like Germany much. Its own people were Slavic. Korea's sudden raid ruined neutrality, but if they were heading to Serbia via Romania as Britain suggested, it was awkward to complain.
Korea blew up all the Romanian oil fields regardless of Britain's curses. Britain, who'd only urged surrender, was left embarrassed—not Korea's problem.
Russian forces following Korea didn't understand blowing up oil fields but helped since Korea said so. It was Korean territory anyway.
From the Great War's outset, Korea started doing whatever it wanted, regardless of Britain's protests. Britain now had to manage its own backyard.
Korea didn't care if Britain stole Ottoman ships or Germany donated them to the Ottomans.
Korea's sole goal now: Complete annihilation of Europe's oil fields within months.
Even the commander saw it—the Supreme Leader knew exactly what mattered. Serbian lives and struggles? Not important. Ottoman capital and Iraq garrisons? Somewhat. Europe's oil fields? Critically.
Blow them all—victory assured.
Come to think of it, yes. If India's a mess, Britain flips; if China's a mess—Korea's rice bowl—Korea flips too.
Britain got it. Worrying only about Hong Kong in China's civil war made Korea see it all as British scheming.
Of course, words didn't work. Maybe Korea pulling out to Ukraine from Romania instead of pushing to Serbia was all because of that.
Yes. The Mediterranean was Britain's turf, but Romania front was inland. If Korea pushed to Serbia and the Mediterranean as Britain hoped, Britain in the Med and Korea in the Balkans could dominate—but with Russians slowly descending alone, Russia eats the Balkans. Like now in Romania.
Britain was already uneasy joining solo over Belgium; now Korea seemed pro-Russia post-China fiasco. That petty Korea wouldn't miss Britain-Russia bad blood!
Fed, clothed, built them up—now buying Russian coins at this crucial moment?
If Britain hadn't joined, it'd quit—but having joined, Balkans must be Britain's.
Why hadn't the southern Nationals come to talks? Britain whispering in ears. Korea knew.
Of course, that wouldn't work either. Nationals under British influence, whispers real—but Britain blocking peace? Possible, just maintain status quo with cash and arms.
But Britain forcing reconciliation? Impossible. No Chinese wants puppet #2 now. Win the bloody civil war, then ditch Britain—not half-assed mediation.
Ultimately, heavenly Korea must step in—non-war methods, post-Great War. If Britain reins in Nationals, Korea reins in Beijing faction—civil war de-escalates. That's enough.
Any way, enough to end the Eastern Front for us.