Chapter 96
Chapter 96
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 96
Chapter Title: The Gathering Storm (2)
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The long trials of the high-ranking Nazi officials had come to an end. Roland Freisler, the infamous Nazi judge, and Rudolf Hess, the nominal Deputy Führer, were sentenced to life in prison.
Paul Hausser, who had surrendered with his key SS subordinates and shown remorse, and Baldur von Schirach, the leader of the Hitler Youth who had rescinded the order to send them into combat and surrendered, were both sentenced to ten years.
Considering that Josef Dietrich, who had only followed combat orders, also received a ten-year sentence, the two had received rather lenient verdicts. Among the SS, those three received the lightest sentences; most of the others were dealt much harsher punishments.
Bureaucrats like Funk and Speer, along with corrupt corporations and army figures like Keitel, Jodl, and Brauchitsch—all appointed and favored by Hitler—were also sentenced to prison. A rumor circulated that there were so many people involved that the judge spent several dozen minutes just reading out the sentences.
From the Luftwaffe, Chief of Staff Jeschonnek, who had attempted to arrest General von Richthofen while relaying Göring’s order to bomb Frankfurt, received a life sentence. Milch, who despite suspicions of being Jewish had actively engaged in corruption within the aviation industry through Göring’s favor, was sentenced to thirty years.
Others, like Albert Kesselring and Udet, who had issued orders to fight to the last under Hitler’s directive, also received prison sentences. In the end, almost no general from the Air Force was acquitted.
Ultimately, General Hugo Sperrle, who had been Richthofen’s superior during the Spanish Civil War and had had little opportunity to associate with the Nazis while stationed in Spain, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe.
In conjunction, the trials of the Junkers who had staged the military coup also took place. However, the key instigators, Mackensen and Dr. Goerdeler, were already dead. Perhaps considering the morale of the military, the matter was quietly concluded with prison sentences for the participants.
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March 20, 1940
Berlin, Northern Germany – Luftwaffe High Command
“Production of the new Fw190 fighter is proceeding very smoothly, Vice-Chancellor. However…”
General von Richthofen, the Luftwaffe Chief of Staff, paused for a moment before continuing.
“There is considerable opposition to your request to standardize our fighters to the Fw190.”
“Is that so?”
German industrial production was notorious for its inefficiency, churning out all sorts of different models, but the Luftwaffe was the worst of the lot.
It was partly due to the Treaty of Versailles, but the sheer number of aircraft types, including so many converted civilian planes, was staggering.
Moreover, Udet and Milch, who had previously managed administration, had, for some unfathomable reason, divided the aircraft development department into thirteen separate sections, giving our government a massive headache.
So I had scrapped all that, consolidated them into four, and tried to standardize production on the latest models as much as possible. But that, in turn, created its own backlash.
“Yes. Many fighter pilots prefer the Bf109.”
“Why is that…?”
I knew the Bf109 was Germany’s signature fighter and an excellent aircraft, but were they really insisting on using an older model over a new, high-performance one?
At my question, Richthofen’s brow furrowed slightly, and he turned his gaze to Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Galland standing beside him.
Galland, who had been a captain during the German Civil War, and Werner Mölders had distinguished themselves with a spectacular display of aerial victories in Italy and Poland. With the upper echelons of the Luftwaffe convicted and the high command left vacant, they had been rapidly promoted to lieutenant colonel.
“The Bf109 and Fw190 have quite different handling characteristics. Many pilots are already accustomed to the Bf109, and the Fw190 has inferior low-speed maneuverability, making it difficult to react in tight situations.”
“This man right here is a prime example of a Bf109 enthusiast,” Richthofen added playfully, and Galland smiled sheepishly.
Honestly, as someone who wasn’t a pilot and knew nothing about aerial combat, I couldn’t really tell the difference…
“So, are you saying the Fw190 isn’t a complete upgrade over the Bf109, but rather that they have different strengths?”
“That is correct, Vice-Chancellor.”
I had only considered production efficiency; I hadn’t thought about a problem like this. For the army, it was a simple matter of abandoning the Panzer III and producing only the Panzer IV, but the air force was different.
I turned my gaze to Werner Mölders, who was standing nearby.
“Lieutenant Colonel Mölders, what are your thoughts? Producing both models concurrently will inevitably lower efficiency somewhat. Do you believe the need to maintain both is worth that cost?”
Galland and Mölders were essentially the ones who developed the Luftwaffe’s fighter tactics and led the pilots on the front lines, so it was best to hear both their opinions.
Werner Mölders thought for a moment before speaking.
“Productivity is important, but due to the nature of aerial combat, the advantages and disadvantages between aircraft models vary greatly depending on the environment. The Hs123, which you previously recommended we keep, is a case in point. If possible, I would like to request that production of the Bf109 also be maintained.”
Indeed, even an old biplane like the Hs123 was outstanding in a ground support role. In that case, I couldn’t just push this through with my ill-informed armchair administration. I gave a wry smile.
“I understand. Then we’ll proceed with dual production of both models as per the Luftwaffe’s recommendation.”
“Thank you, Vice-Chancellor.”
Adolf Galland beamed, looking genuinely pleased. He must really love the Bf109…
“Ah, by the way, how is the development of the new bomber coming along?”
After the army-the birthplace of upper echelon of the Luftwaffe, who had chanted “The Air Force’s role is to support the ground troops!” were purged for their Nazi ties, Richthofen, a true aficionado of incendiary bombing, had been stressing to me the need for a large, magnificent strategic bomber.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, Hugo Sperrle, still leaned toward a ground-support focus, but as a latecomer to a radically changed air force, he didn’t hold as much influence as Richthofen.
But at Richthofen’s question, I could only feel embarrassed.
“Well, about that… we can’t seem to solve the engine problems, so progress has been slow.”
Germany was already building all sorts of bombers, so we had decided to standardize production on the Ju88. But that was an old model and not a strategic bomber.
The problem was that no matter how hard we tried to develop one, the engines kept failing, leaving us with no solution.
A strategic air force was important, but we couldn’t very well use a bomber that spontaneously combusted mid-flight.
“Well, for now, standardizing on the Stuka and Ju88 has drastically increased production numbers, so that will have to serve as a temporary measure. But they are ultimately obsolete models. If we continue like this, they will eventually be outclassed.”
“I’m aware. We have our limits in this area due to a lack of experience, so we are considering other ways to solve the problem.”
Hearing my words, Richthofen looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“Other ways?”
“Yes. His Highness the Crown Prince is using his connections in America to attempt a joint venture.”
With the U.S. not exporting arms to nations opposing Nazi Germany and Britain taking on the role America played in the early stages of the war in our history, I heard that the effects of the New Deal were starting to wear off, and the U.S. had yet to fully escape the Great Depression.
Naturally, the munitions industry was also in a slump. The Crown Prince, who had always been interested in the aviation industry and had built connections in the U.S., was currently there trying to persuade American aviation companies to collaborate.
When you think of strategic bombers, you think of America. When you think of the U.S. Air Force, you think of strategic bombers. After all, wasn’t the Stone Age enthusiast Curtis LeMay a product of the U.S. Air Force?
“Hmm, a joint venture with the Yankees…”
Richthofen’s expression showed some displeasure, but he soon shrugged.
“Well, as long as the results are good, I suppose. I’ll trust you and wait.”
“Hahaha…”
Richthofen had always been favorable toward me, but after the abysmal efficiency of aircraft production had soared, the Luftwaffe had come to place considerable trust in our government.
The same was true for the army. With the relatively reform-minded Ludwig Beck as Minister of War and the radical Manstein as Chief of the General Staff, improvements to army equipment were proceeding smoothly.
The Panzer IV’s problematic armor was reinforced, and production of a new model began with at least the frontal armor replaced with sloped plates. An upgrade to the main gun was also in the works.
One way or another, it seemed our Germany, with its next-generation figures holding more power than in Nazi Germany, was making progress on improvements with relative ease.
I finished my thought and looked at Richthofen for a moment before speaking cautiously.
“Are you alright, General?”
Richthofen looked at me quizzically, then let out a short laugh.
“And what if I’m not? Well, at least we were able to provide him with a proper burial. I count that as a blessing.”
Hermann Göring was ultimately executed, but at Richthofen’s earnest request, it was carried out by firing squad instead of hanging, and he was properly interred in a grave.
Was it a better end than Hitler and Goebbels, who were cremated and their ashes scattered in a river?
“…If you’re free, would you like to have a drink after work?”
At my question, Richthofen smiled brightly, then clapped Galland and Mölders on the shoulders as he replied.
“Haha, I’ve already had my fill drinking with these two. I appreciate the thought, though. I’ve decided to quit drinking. The entire air force is looking to me; I can’t just keep wallowing in self-pity!”
Seeing Galland and Mölders smiling at Richthofen, a smile naturally spread across my own lips.
“That is truly welcome news.”
This was a completely different air force from the Luftwaffe of the original history, but I was confident they would be better than their predecessors.
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March 27, 1940
Dietrich Schacht’s Residence, Berlin, Northern Germany
Time truly flowed like water, and the resettlement of Poles from West Prussia and Posen had progressed considerably.
We immediately began the resettlement of the Jewish people. For the Jews, who had been stripped of their property, scorned in their hometowns, and were living on government subsidies, a sense of hope for a new life was spreading.
At the very least, we had to ensure they could make a living. That would prevent them from being swayed by Zionism—an ultranationalist Jewish ideology—or causing social problems.
“I hope the local residents can live in harmony with the Jewish people as much as possible.”
Having finished my work and returned home on time for a change, I sat on the bed, muttering as I sifted through some documents.
During their rule over West Prussia and Posen, the Poles had persecuted both Germans and Jews. So, the local Germans should be better than the brainwashed ones from the mainland, right?
“I’m a little worried. Humans aren’t romantic enough to develop a sense of kinship just because they were discriminated against together.”
But Claudia’s words, spoken from beside me, shattered my expectations.
Were they thinking, *Even though we were persecuted together by the Poles, at least we’re better than the Jews?* If that was truly the case, I could only sigh…
“You may be a social democrat, but for a fellow democrat, you don’t seem to have much romanticism about humanity.”
“Perhaps it’s because I lack romanticism about humanity that I pursue democracy?”
“Hmm. I suppose so.”
Democracy was said to be an inefficient system that at least guaranteed a minimum level of stability.
The assessment that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried, probably wasn't made for nothing.
I let out a small sigh.
“So when will we be able to hold our election…”
The war with Poland was over. But the resettlement of the Jews was not yet complete, and on the Austrian front, German and Italian forces were still facing off.
Furthermore, according to reports from the General Staff, the Italians had suddenly gotten their act together and established proper defensive positions along the Alps.
Our swift advance from Tyrol to Veneto, repelling the enemy, was only possible because it was a counterattack against a front with virtually no defensive line.
The Alps were a problem, but the Italian mainland was also mountainous, severely limiting routes for tanks to advance. That would make it difficult to leverage our strength in armored breakthroughs.
The General Staff was racking their brains trying to formulate an offensive plan, and in the midst of it all, we received a report from the Abwehr that France was rearming at a tremendous pace.
I had no idea how those broke bastards were managing it, but either way, the entire war cabinet unanimously agreed that we were in no position to be holding a leisurely election.
“The situation being what it is, we have no choice. We’re still doing a good job, aren’t we?”
Of course, as she said, I believed our war cabinet was doing well right now.
Not because I was a member, but objectively, our achievements were outstanding. Even abroad, the performance of the Fourth Reich’s war cabinet was drawing a great deal of attention and analysis.
But was that an entirely good thing? Human history is rife with examples of dictatorships that began with the legitimate excuse of a national emergency.
For now, the public was understanding, and our biggest sponsors, Count von Moltke and other magnates, continued to offer their staunch support. But to be frank, it was undeniable that when the war ended and we held an election, the shadow of the war cabinet would cast a significant influence.
“I’d hate to see this turn into a pseudo-democracy…”
“Pseudo-democracy?”
Claudia tilted her head and asked, and I let out a dry laugh. In this era, even so-called democratic nations weren’t fully established, so the term ‘pseudo-democracy’ didn’t even exist yet.
“No, it’s nothing.”
But as I shook my head, Claudia’s expression turned dissatisfied, and she sighed.
“You know, I’ve been feeling a bit left out lately.”
“Huh?”
Claudia glanced at the documents I was still holding, then averted her eyes slightly.
“No, it’s nothing.”
I didn’t know what it was, but I knew I was in the wrong. I stealthily placed the documents on the side table and fixed my gaze on her.
“Ahem. Miss Claudia? Have I done something wrong…”
“Honestly, it feels like you’re married to the state these days. I’m nothing more than your aide, and I know you’re busy, but, ah…”
While I was flustered, Claudia pressed a hand to her forehead.
“Before, we would at least put our heads together to write speeches, but now, while you’re running around, all I do is the simple task of compiling the telegrams and reports that come in for you. Even then, I spend more time sitting alone in the office.”
Claudia’s face contorted slightly, and I felt a cold sweat trickle down my spine.
“At the very least, when you were still struggling, I took pride in being the one to comfort and connect with you. But now… you don’t waver, you don’t hesitate, you’re dedicating your everything to the nation. You’re like a perfect iron man who seems like he’d be fine without someone like me.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry. I’ve been too neglectful…”
I reached out my hand, but Claudia shook her head.
“No. You’re doing an impeccable job fulfilling your responsibilities. To the point where I wonder if democracy is even necessary if a person who can dedicate themselves so completely to the nation actually exists.”
I gave a bitter smile at her words.
“Is that how it looks? Like I’m dedicating myself to the nation.”
Claudia hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said with her head bowed.
“…Yes. Saying this makes me feel so pathetic, but I’m starting to wonder if the times when you hesitated and worried and leaned on me weren’t the happier ones.”
If she was thinking this way, I must have been really something else. Just because someone doesn’t say anything doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking anything.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been too thoughtless. The truly important person was right beside me.”
She still looked downcast, so I spoke as if making a confession.
“I think there’s been a bit of a misunderstanding. I’m not doing this for the nation.”
“What? You? If you’re just saying that to placate me, I’m going to be really angry.”
At Claudia’s suspicious glare, I smiled wryly.
“No, I’m serious. Honestly, I can’t really relate to things like patriotism or dedication to the nation.”
Having the mind of a 21st-century Korean suddenly dropped into 20th-century Germany, how could I abruptly start pledging my life to the country? Wouldn’t that be the weirder outcome?
“Germany means nothing to me.”
The sight of Claudia, so shocked she was speechless, was rather new to me, and I felt a little awkward.
But really, Germany itself meant nothing to me.
Back in the modern day, I was interested in German history because it was indispensable to understanding politics and international relations, and I liked its dramatic history, but that was just a matter of preference, wasn’t it?
If it hadn’t been for Captain Kaufmann, my superior in the Condor Legion, I would have never known the meaning of a company commander’s responsibility.
If it hadn’t been for Clemens and my men, who I fought alongside—not just names on a roster I was responsible for—I would have sooner thought about saving my own skin by fleeing to America than staying in that hellhole out of a sense of duty.
Without my encounter with Richthofen and my experiences in the Spanish Civil War, I would have never thought of stopping the Nazis’ rampage. Without General Model, I would have never learned to think and strive so fiercely from the position of one who gives orders to soldiers.
“I’m trying because the people who brought me this far are in Germany.”
I had also met the parents I only vaguely remembered from Dietrich Schacht’s memories. My mother, though frail, was a kind and gentle person, and my father—well, he’s a pain, but he’s not a bad person.
Habenstein, who I thought was just a passing acquaintance in the Condor Legion, became a bridge for me to meet the people of the *Frankfurter Zeitung*. I met not just the Black Orchestra I knew of vaguely, but many people who were striving and struggling to change Germany under Hitler’s rule.
They weren’t the glorified heroes who risked their lives to fight Hitler, but people with their own dreams and ambitions, just like people in the modern day—they smelled of humanity.
Tresckow, a heavy smoker and a bit prickly but deep down a warm person; Erich Kordt, whom I didn’t even know existed in modern times but who was a great help to me; even Oster, whom I had only known as an indomitable hero who stood against Hitler, but was actually a man who worried about his hair loss.
It was thanks to them that a country I had only known through books and the internet became the reality I had to live in, a place I had to protect.
Having said all that, I slowly leaned down and pressed a kiss to the top of Claudia’s foot, who was staring at me intently.
“And you’re in Germany. I thought you were this perfect, passionate journalist, but it turns out you’re hopeless at housework…”
When I lifted my head to meet her eyes, I saw her face flush bright red.
“I thought you were a superhuman who could do anything without me, but you get lonely too.”
Claudia covered her blushing face with her hands, and I smiled softly.
“To me, Germany is where the people precious to me live. It’s where you are.”
If possible, I hoped other people would come to think that way too.
The Germany I wished for wasn't a place where a competent iron man pointed the way for the people and demanded their devotion to the fatherland, but a place that would protect the people precious to them, inspiring citizens to take an interest in politics and make an effort.
“But what does any of that matter, when the very person who helped me get this far is feeling lonely.”
“Ah, I-I get it! I’m sorry. Even I think I was being a little childish-”
I gently lifted Claudia’s leg and draped it over my shoulder. She naturally fell back onto the bed, her eyes wide as she looked up at me.
“No, I’m actually really enjoying this.”
“What?”
I felt sorry for her surprise, but I had only just realized I was such a slave to my desires.
“I thought you were such a perfect woman that you’d be fine without me, but seeing you get upset like this…”
I looked into Claudia’s wavering blue eyes and grinned.
“Now you finally feel like you’re mine.”
“…That’s childish.”
“We’re both childish, so let’s call it even.”
I looked down at my wife, who couldn’t help but burst into laughter, and thought to myself, *Looks like I won’t be getting any sleep tonight.*