Chapter 40: The Coming of a Great War
Bruno stepped foot into a room which had a large map displayed across a table of substantial size. It was a global map, or as the world's borders currently stood. And there were pieces displayed upon it representing Russian and Japanese forces.
The Russian Army, as Bruno anticipated had fallen back to Mukden, and was currently building fortifications in the area. Meanwhile, the Japanese Third Army and its supporting elements were on the move to encircle the Russian position as per Bruno's suggested strategy.
When the Japanese generals saw Bruno enter the room, their attention quickly shifted to him. As did Emperor Meiji's who was standing over the map and moving pieces that represented his own forces. His expression seemed stern as he welcomed Bruno into his personal war chamber.
"Generalmajor, I am glad you could take a break from the festivities to join us here for more important matters. The officers which are subordinate to you have done an excellent job advising my generals in the field on how to proceed with Mukden.
The battle will commence as planned within a fortnight at the most. Just in time for you to arrive and witness the end of this war once and for all. Though that is not why I called you here, Generals, Admirals, you are dismissed."
The various Japanese Generals and admirals nodded their heads in understanding, and saluted the Emperor before walking off. Giving Bruno various stares as they did so. No doubt they were envious of the favor which this foreigner had curried with the Japanese Emperor.
And once they were gone, Emperor Meiji sighed and shook his head before speaking to Bruno with a tone filled with sincerity.
"I have to apologize for those old men. They do not look kindly upon foreigners, especially those from the European Powers. It is not uncommon for our Empire to be looked down upon as a third rate power by your people. Which is something which I wish to change with this war..."
Seeing this as an opportunity to speak, Bruno looked upon the map, and the current lines where the battlefield had been drawn. He was quick to comment on the over-all situation of the war, and Japan's standing in the world.
"Regardless of whether or not I personally intervened at 203 Meter Hill the battle would have been won by January of 1905 at the latest. I simply saw an opportunity to speed up the victory that was inevitable.
Though the Russians may not seem like it they are running out of supplies. No doubt as a result of the Tsar's hostilities towards the Reich from which they previously relied upon imports.
Had relations not broken down between the German Reich and the Russian Empire, they would have been able to put up a better fight. But fortunately for you, the Kaiser has had a falling out with his cousin, and has instead chosen to support you in this war.