I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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* * *

There were indeed some Soviets willing to devote their lives to the United States after their conversion.

Many of them had surrendered due to disappointment with Lenin.

Stalin, well, he probably wouldn’t come out himself, and I certainly had no intentions of bringing him out either.

I thought about recommending that he become a celibate priest and actively participate in Mass, but I dropped the idea.

Thanks to modern knowledge, I know these folks well by my standards, but they only know that Stalin turned the Soviet Union into a great power.

From the perspective of “Anastasia” in this era, he’s merely a Bolshevik official who killed her parents and siblings.

Moreover, he’s in a period where, even if he followed Lenin, he couldn’t make a name for himself like in real history.

Wouldn’t it seem strange to blatantly grovel before Stalin?

“Hmmm.”

Let’s keep working my mind.

Among those stuck in Siberia right now, who are the names to remember?

With the body that was once Korean in my past life, there isn’t really much that comes to mind.

Honestly, even if I possessed a Russian and turned into Anastasia, I doubt they would know much either.

Sure, I’ve studied world history locked away in the library, but ultimately, it’s the history of another country. I don’t know everything, you see.

There weren’t that many names on the execution list that I recognized either.

Hmm. Does it really matter?

It’s true; there are names from the Soviet regime. I believe at least some notable names from the White Army could hold out until the Cold War.

Take Drozdovsky, for example; he managed to form an armored division. Those figures from Southern Russia, who previously had to exile, are leading the United States well.

So, I guess those from Siberia will just have to roll with the punches.

Should I just clear them all out if they waste resources?

After all, since the Red Army was totally pushed back in the civil war, they won’t become famous like in real history.

It’s just that they’ve been mentioned; the Red Army was scattered and repelled from all sides.

In that process, many who would later become notable figures probably died too.

Speaking of which, Hitler’s actions have gotten pretty extreme recently.

Should I go to Austria? Or maybe wait and return when Czechoslovakia gains independence? I’ve given it a lot of thought, and Gaida has approached the idea of going to Austria, as reported by the Okhrana.

The combination of Gaida and Hitler.

What kind of snowball effect will this create?

Raldola Gaida never participated in founding the Fascist Party in Czechoslovakia in actual history.

Could the Austrian Fascist Party appear?

Looking at it this way, it seems that Hitler’s difficulty level in this life will be quite high.

From the get-go, he was not in his right mind for starting World War II, but if he’s targeting the Austrian regime, he’ll likely try to revive the Austro-Hungarian Empire to increase his standing. He’d have to devote his life to federalizing it as well, while also fighting Communist Germany.

In many ways, Hitler’s situation is delicate right now.

Yet he’s still diligent in the tasks I assigned him.

Without being lazy, he’s constructing a new city in Moscow, and I’ve heard that Nikita Khrushchev, a former soldier from the Red Army, is doing a good job working next to Hitler in the construction department.

The problem is, the new Moscow city looks oddly similar to Germania. It’s been suitably modified to fit the current Russian situation.

At this point, shouldn’t I not have to monitor everything through the Okhrana?

Is it about time I just sat back and relaxed?

Having a bit of fun, eating, and drinking shouldn’t be a problem, right? As long as I’m not indulging excessively, it should be fine?

“Your Majesty.”

The Black Baron visits just when I start to forget about him.

“What is it?”

“I thought this issue might be something worth discussing with Your Holiness.”

“Is it something that requires my permission?”

“Yes. Since it involves the military, the military has decided it should consult with Your Majesty.”

Isn’t it something they should just resolve within the military?

It’s not like I’m a mother hen begging for food here. Anyone would think I’m a mama’s boy.

Is my influence really that strong?

Well, with how different departments go through me one by one asking, “What should we do about this?”, I guess it makes sense.

If that were the case, my head might have exploded.

I opened my mouth with a very calm expression and an incredibly gentle demeanor.

“What is it exactly?”

“We’ve received a secret envoy from the Legalist Government of the Republic of China.”

The Legalist Government of the Republic of China?

Did they exist at this time? It’s 1923 right now.

But isn’t this something for the Foreign Affairs Ministry?

It seems the Black Baron stepped in because they’ve come to discuss military matters.

“What are their names? Wang Jingwei or Chiang Kai-shek?”

I’ve certainly heard that Chiang Kai-shek has been to the Soviet Union before.

Is history changing with him coming now?

“No. It’s someone named Chen Zhongming. He’s a warlord from Guangdong and apparently collaborates with a figure called Sun Yat-sen from the Legalist Government of the Republic of China.”

Chen Zhongming. Chen Zhongming.

Let’s think it through. Wasn’t he the one who clashed with Sun Yat-sen over the concept of regional autonomy?

So why is he now cooperating with Sun Yat-sen, coming as an envoy from the Republic of China?

Is he looking to establish a republic or something?

“What’s the matter?”

“He requested assistance to subdue Duan Qirui.”

Is this the Northern Expedition of the Legalist Government?

“So, you’re saying that this man, Chen Zhongming, came asking for help with the Northern Expedition?”

“Yes.”

Was the Northern Expedition of the Legalist Government around this time?

I mean, I didn’t exactly learn China’s history in the library.

I’m not totally clueless about the history related to that region, thanks to historical games, but I only know the big picture not the details.

I have no idea if the Legalist Government existed at this time and what they were up to, or how any of my actions affected the snowball I’ve been rolling.

Regardless, the fact that the Legalist Government exists suggests they plan to raid the Beiyang Government, doesn’t it? What’s Japan up to right now?

At this moment, isn’t Japan drooling at the opportunity?

No, the great earthquake wouldn’t be a good time for them to meddle in things.

Japan’s probably going to want to keep things cordial with the Beiyang Government.

Under those circumstances, they’d prefer dealing with Duan Qirui, who’s easy to handle in the wake of the earthquake. They’ll try their best to maintain a good relationship.

Europe is likely distracted and won’t pay attention to China right now.

If Britain and France wasted their time on China with the Reds in Germany around, they’d be crazy.

Isn’t this good for us?

Expanding into China. Not bad at all.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put some constraints on China at this point.

“Then, why must I take the lead in this matter?”

“The military claims I’m in charge, but Your Majesty is responsible for all land, sea, and air in this country, right?”

There’s some misunderstanding going on here. No, never mind.

“Hmm. Fine. Then I’ll meet with Chen Zhongming.”

“Your Majesty?”

“You know what they say: ‘Seeing one is knowing ten.’ I genuinely want to see if this envoy sent by Sun Yat-sen can truly stand up to the task I had to revive Russia. I’m curious about that.”

Once again, I have to say, I’m ignorant of Chinese history at this time.

After Sun Yat-sen dies, and Chiang Kai-shek is gonna cooperate with the Communist Party and help the Shanghai Provisional Government… I only know superficial stuff.

So, depending on my judgment, China could change significantly compared to real history.

In other words…

It means I could possibly split them apart into warlord factions.

Alright then, let’s give it a shot.

* * *

Chen Zhongming, upon arriving in Yekaterinburg, heard that the Empress was staying in Moscow and took the train back to Moscow.

Just as he was about to unpack at his accommodation, an uninvited guest showed up.

“Are you the one called Chen Zhongming?”

“Who might you be?”

“We are from the Okhrana, the law enforcement agency of the Romanov family. The Tsarina wishes to see you, so please follow us quietly.”

The shadow of the Tsarina. The Okhrana.

Chen Zhongming at least knew that much.

The reason he had even a little understanding of Russian affairs was that, given the dire situation in the Republic of China, he ultimately had no choice but to seek external help. He wanted to ally with Russia rather than openly revealing his ambitions to Japan.

The fact that the Okhrana had arrived meant that the Russian Saint, the Tsarina, had recognized him, didn’t it?

So they headed to the Kremlin, where the Tsarina resided, without anyone knowing. Soon, he came face to face with a noticeably younger Empress.

“Are you Chen Zhongming?”

A voice frail and delicate.

The owner of that voice was a person who pulled Russia back up from the depths of hell after the civil war.

Chen Zhongming immediately offered many polite greetings.

“Your Holiness, the Saint of All Russia. It’s an honor to meet Your Majesty, Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire.”

“Are you the commander of the Guangdong government?”

“Uh? No. I’m the governor of Guangdong and the Minister of the Army, but I’m not the commander.”

“Regional autonomy.”

“!!”

“You came here to support the Northern Expedition, but honestly speaking, I suspect you’re not keen on the Northern Expedition, are you?”

“How do you know that?”

The Okhrana probably didn’t pick up on that much.

In contrast to real history, while Chen Zhongming did mention the idea about regional autonomy, he only brought it up lightly, and unless the shadow of the Tsar infiltrated the Republic of China, they wouldn’t have any means of knowing it.

On the Japanese side, they call her the Saint who foretold the earthquake or the ally of the empire. I wonder if the Saint knows all that.

Even if she isn’t the true Saint, the influence of the Okhrana would mean they were aware of the Legalist Government’s situation on the Russian side, which was enough reason for them to yield to the Saint.

“I want to develop the Guangdong region and strengthen our power immediately, but Sun Yat-sen is probably struggling to use Guangdong’s finances for the Northern Expedition. He’s even in a situation where he has to withdraw troops meanwhile. While I can’t neglect cooperation with Sun Yat-sen, I still have to deal with Duan Qirui.”

“Ah, you know all that.”

Surprised but for a moment, the Tsarina raised her hand to interrupt Chen Zhongming.

“I see. First, I want to hear Sun Yat-sen’s intentions.”

“The Acting President has stated he cannot allow Russia’s occupation of Northern Manchuria. However, for the greater good and to prevent Japan’s influence from expanding in China, he claimed he could assist in subduing Duan Qirui. That’s what I advocated when I came to Russia.”

“If that sat well with Sun Yat-sen, then he’s quite a bold man. He’s no different from Lenin. Then, Chen Zhongming, I grant you speaking rights. What does Chen Zhongming personally desire, not on behalf of the Legalist Government? I can’t obstruct Sun Yat-sen’s Northern Expedition as a foreigner.”

Right. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.

The Tsarina is testing me right now. I need to show her I’m competent somehow.

“Yes. I cannot stop the Northern Expedition.”

“Then you’re asking me to help minimize the damage to Guangdong.”

“I regret that is the case. And…”

“Hmmm, while troops might be difficult, I can provide material support. I can send military advisors from individuals who have been active in the Great War and the Civil War to Guangdong.”

“If that’s the case…”

“In my vision of the future, you could certainly become the commander of the Guangdong government. While acting hastily would yield more sooner, it would likely end up only being for a short period.”

I know he’s going to strike at Sun Yat-sen.

And I know it won’t last long.

“Do you know I will strike at Sun Yat-sen?”

“I could foresee such a future.”

A future?

“A Saint who predicts the future? Could it be true that the prophecy of the earthquake is real? Then, does the future of the Saint involve me becoming the commander of the Guangdong government?”

Chen Zhongming let his imagination run wild.

Establishing his own Guangdong government. And eventually becoming the leader of the Republic of China.

A country of regional autonomy he supports, China! The Republic of China!

Chen Zhongming now saw the young woman before him as a leader who would help him achieve his dreams.

In that case, it was the right move to latch onto her.

Unlike Sun Yat-sen, who didn’t grasp reality.

“Then, please tell me what path I should take.”

“I’ve heard that in the east, there’s a saying about ‘gaining trust by approaching the other.’ I’ll lend you my strength. Lead the Northern Expedition, Chen Zhongming. You shall build your power and oust Chiang Kai-shek.”

I’m not sure if Chen Zhongming can oust Chiang Kai-shek with his abilities, but at least he can fight and capture part of China. That’s how Anastasia judged it.

Sun Yat-sen would only have about two years left to live anyway.

Given real history was harder, he might die even sooner.

Unbeknownst to him, Chen Zhongming wore a baffled expression.

“Sun Yat-sen…”

“Sun Yat-sen won’t last long, even if you don’t act. Let him wait for that day to come.”

“How much longer does Sun Yat-sen have?”

“It means he won’t last long, even if he holds on. Two more years, at most.”

Two years. If he dies before the Northern Expedition, that would be great. That wouldn’t be too bad.

If it’s true, then it’s worth waiting for that.

If he’s going to die on his own, isn’t there any need to push?

“If our Russia supports you, you must lead the Northern Expedition. You must have a monopoly on the channels connecting with our Russia.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Good. Yes, that’s how it must be.

If I want to borrow Russia’s power, I must have a monopoly.

I need to be the only one with direct connections to Russia.

“Remember. The reason I elevate and call you so high is for a reason.”

Yes. Exactly.

Even though an interpreter is next to me, this Tsarina is treating me, a mere warlord, with such respect as if summoning me directly to the Okhrana.

She sees me as a leader of the state.

In that case, shouldn’t I meet the expectations?

Chen Zhongming resolved to lead the Northern Expedition for sure.

* * *