Five Republics (23rd Update)

Arthur had not taken Nicholas II's demand to heart.

Although the Territory of Alaska had indeed been sold by Russia to the United States, America had long since perished, and Alaska had long since become part of Australasia. Naturally, it had nothing to do with Russia anymore.

Arthur believed Nicholas II understood this principle as well. Compared with his desire to reclaim the Territory of Alaska, Arthur was more convinced that Nicholas II had another need.

After all, for the currently weakened Russia, the Territory of Alaska was of little use beyond saving face. Forcing its return would also severely damage relations with Australasia—a completely losing proposition.

Sure enough, although he mentioned the Territory of Alaska, Nicholas II did not demand to buy it back. Instead, he directly stated his purpose: "Arthur, I can represent Russia in completely abandoning its claim to the Territory of Alaska, but I also hope that you can support Russia more during the civil war.

"The people of Russia can no longer endure war. Russia needs a long period of stability to heal the wounds of war."

Nicholas II also understood the current disparity in strength between Russia and Australasia. This was precisely where his cleverness lay.

First, he expressed Russia's longstanding desire for the Territory of Alaska. Then, he stated that he could represent Russia in abandoning the territory, shifting all attention toward Europe.

That was actually what Arthur wanted to see. In Europe, the United Kingdom was far too powerful—so powerful that it could crush all the remaining countries on the continent.

This was extremely unbalanced for the global situation, and Australasia's development might also be significantly affected.

Only if several European powers joined forces might they have the strength to resist the United Kingdom.

Russia's promise to focus all its attention on