I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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Poland’s Foreign Minister Gabriel Narutowicz calmly assessed the current international relations.

Russia is now an enemy of the communist revolution and, on the other hand, is the two-headed eagle soaring once more.

“For that reason, they have Anatolia’s territory, and now they’re closely connected to China in the east. Moreover, Russia has a hostile relationship with Communist Germany. There’s no reason for them to fight us.”

Gabriel Narutowicz concluded that the Tsarina has no intention of being hostile to Poland.

To target Poland would mean re-establishing a confrontation with Britain. After leading the civil war to victory and restoring Constantinople, the Tsarina, whose authority is sky-high, wouldn’t bother with such a pointless task.

If fighting Communist Germany, Russia would rather maintain a good relationship with Poland.

With that judgment in mind, Józef Piłsudski pondered for a moment.

It’s difficult to judge recklessly when the opponent is Russia.

“Why do you think they would be hostile?”

“The Tsarina implemented welfare policies for workers during the civil war to turn the minds of her subjects against the Bolsheviks. She struck back at the communists with reformist capitalism. Communist Germany must defeat Russia to justify their revolution. Hence, they have no choice but to confront it.”

Eventually, Germany will attack Russia.

He also thought about the option of attacking Russia alongside Germany, but that would involve complications with Britain and France, and he did not want to be perceived as being in league with Red Germany.

Right. If the Tsarina understands this, could it be said that she seriously views Poland as an independent nation?

“Well then, can we assume the Tsarina is treating us seriously?”

“We too were able to gain independence thanks to Britain. Given that situation, we cannot afford to offend Russia.”

That’s likely true.

Considering that, they do seem like the enemy. The Bolsheviks should have dominated Russia.

“What a pity. If the enemy had won, we could have aimed for Russia.”

Had the Bolsheviks won without any support for the White Army, Germany would not have been communist. In that case, Poland would have advanced towards Russia with Britain backing them.

It’s just regrettable.

Yeah. Russia is close. There’s no need to invite danger by becoming hostile and putting ourselves between Communist Germany and Russia.

Recently, Piłsudski had been alert, having seen Italy becoming communist because of Germany.

He had been thinking of forming strong alliances with Britain and France, but France was lukewarm, and Britain didn’t seem inclined to help much at all once war broke out.

Proposing an alliance with Austria and Hungary didn’t seem ideal either. Austria was already approaching Russia, and Hungary had shown no particular reaction, thinking it wasn’t an immediate threat.

So what’s left is, sadly, just Russia.

“Still, the Tsarina is personally coming to us.”

How bold she must be.

Upon hearing that, one could understand the Tsarina’s courage after surviving numerous life-and-death situations during the civil war, but still, isn’t she a bit too carefree?

Saint of All Russia, Tsar, Great Khan of Mongolia, and Emperor of Eastern Rome.

Is this the judgment worthy of an Empress seated in such high authority?

This is starting to give me a headache.

The question is whether the right-wing factions would indeed welcome the Tsarina’s visit to Poland. What if they were to plan any assassination against her?

This must be prevented with military force.

“We must prepare to welcome her. We don’t want the right-wing factions causing any trouble.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

Right. Let’s meet her directly.

I need to find out what that young Tsarina thinks as she comes all the way to Poland.

* * *

I was accompanied by several ministers on the way to Poland.

First of all, there was the former Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Sazonov, General Ungern, and my personal physician, Veragedroits.

“Is your job as a Deputy Minister going well?”

“Yes, it’s going well. It’s an honor to serve His Majesty like this.”

Russia is vast, and with it, the Foreign Department grew, so Sergey Sazonov and Vasily Kharlamov served as ministers.

Sergey Sazonov primarily handled diplomatic affairs in Asia, while Vasily Kharlamov managed diplomacy with Turkey and Europe.

To be honest, there’s a bit of a happening here.

While becoming a unified nation, the existing Foreign Ministry and I were making a separate Foreign Department, which later got combined back into a Foreign Ministry—a sort of amusing twist.

In this situation, Sergey Sazonov got pushed from a minister to a deputy during the restructuring of the Foreign Ministry.

“Ahem. I never imagined I would come to Poland this way.”

“It seems General isn’t pleased.”

“How could I be? We’re not supposed to conquer these Polish folks, but acknowledge them instead.”

General Ungern’s grumbling didn’t stop.

“There’s nothing we can do. If we keep Poland alive, it will fulfill its role as a buffer zone. At least for now.”

Above all, if we go to war with Poland, it becomes troublesome in many ways.

If we win, Communist Germany will go wild. And due to the size of Russia, even the current reforms might come to a halt with another war.

“Hmm, I see.”

“But we did recover Constantinople, didn’t we? Poland must survive too. Rather, we should make Poland our ally before it falls into Communist Germany’s hands.”

Even if Poland is complying with Britain’s regime, it will eventually realize that Britain won’t help them.

Just look at the current situation.

Austria is also pulling back, so Poland will likely realize that too.

So, Poland must make a choice between Germany and Russia.

I doubt they would seriously consider siding with Germany and distancing themselves from Britain.

As long as Poland continues to shield East Prussia, it can’t be helped.

So we’ll make the first move.

“If you feel unwell at all, you must tell me immediately.”

“Don’t worry. I’m fine.”

Veragedroits seems overly concerned.

To be honest, there’s not much he can do for me. I’m fine with the Tsarina’s face that has a divine blessing coating it.

Before long, we arrived in Warsaw.

“Welcome to Warsaw. I am Gabriel Narutowicz, the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Poland.”

“This is Tsar of All Russia.”

“It’s an honor to meet the Emperor of Rome.”

“Glad to meet you. There’s no need for formal introductions. I’ve never been connected to the imperial throne, so it feels awkward to self-proclaim.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Our Chancellor has been waiting for you.”

It has only been a short time since independence, and already the nation has set its foundations.

Though there was help from Britain, Piłsudski can undoubtedly be considered competent.

I’m dissatisfied that he hasn’t come out personally.

“Welcome. I hope your journey was comfortable.”

“Can I even begin to describe the sorrows suffered by the Polish people under our oppression?”

“Hmm.”

“Oh, I mean no mockery or jest. I genuinely want to maintain good relations with your country.”

With the biggest sales smile, I show the Tsar’s sincerity.

How the other side perceives this doesn’t matter.

At least the world must know that the Tsar is resolving issues and accommodating relations with Poland.

If something were to happen here, that would solely be Poland’s responsibility.

“Is that so? Then would you acknowledge our annexation of Lithuania?”

“What do I have to lose? I believe your Chancellor is from Lithuania. If you wish to restore the Polish-Lithuanian Empire, I would gladly support you.”

“How so?”

“There’s nothing I, the Tsar of Russia bridging east and west, don’t know.”

“Then does that mean the Tsar has no ambition for the Baltic?”

“Russia is sufficiently large even after losing the land. Recently, we’ve advanced into Anatolia. There’s no need to obsess over the Baltics or Poland; just developing and maintaining the land we have is more than enough for Russia.”

Russia is vast and wide.

Compared to the land of Russia, Poland is but a handful.

If it were Korea, we would have expanded our territory into the continent or Japan by now, but Russia is already sufficient.

After all, hasn’t it gained plenty by taking Northern Manchuria, Mongolia, and Anatolia?

Just having influence over neighboring countries would be enough.

“So, please let us know what you desire.”

It’s great that the conversation is progressing swiftly.

“For us, Russia will no longer seek to reoccupy Poland. We will guarantee your independence. What I desire is improving relations between Poland and Russia.”

“Are you hoping that we serve as a buffer zone against Communist Germany?”

Yes, you understand well.

You must grasp your own position.

“The reason I have come here is to persuade the Duma. Aside from that, I believe neighboring countries should get along. Poland and Russia are neighbors, aren’t we?”

“What if we were to push against Germany and march into Russia instead?”

They might be trying to protest or resist, keeping their eyes sharp at the topic; what if they teamed up with the reds and attacked Russia?

Why would someone who knows these matters be saying such foolishness?

Ultimately, all they would encounter is a Poland smeared with red.

“Are you really saying that seriously, you who have hardened in battle?”

“There’s nothing I cannot do.”

Sure, sure. There’s supposedly nothing impossible.

If Russia were to genuinely oppose Poland, Poland wouldn’t hesitate to side with Germany, disregarding Britain across the sea.

Given that Britain isn’t managing to contain Communist Germany properly, Józef Piłsudski might just team up with the Reds.

And before long, the Polish People’s Republic would be established by their backs against the reds, or whatever it might be called.

You can’t trust the reds.

It’s true that I came here because I wish to maintain friendly ties with Poland, but there’s no reason for me to yield submissively.

“You underestimate the reds’ ability to incite. They will surely attack while beginning the process of communist-izing Poland from behind. And you must come to Yekaterinburg! Can you do that? Berlin would be closer instead.”

Just speak plainly.

To venture into the depths of hell and gamble alongside Germany?

Prepare for war? Can you do that? Since they used Yekaterinburg as their capital during the civil war, they can practically wage a war from there, but will they reach Yekaterinburg?

There are already factories shifted to Southern Russia or Central Asia, just like the Soviets relocated their factories during Stalingrad.

If it’s that much, they might as well go to Berlin.

Was it only Russia that divided? Prussia did too.

Knowing that, I could smile elegantly from a superior position.

“Then, ultimately, what is it you’re seeking?”

“It’s simple. What we desire is a mutual defense treaty.”

“So it means you want us to serve as a shield for Russia.”

“So, do we have any options? Do you really think Poland could choose neutrality? It doesn’t matter; we have no plans for Poland. But if exposed to the likes of Germany, we will not help.”

If they don’t accept it, then defense lines must be arranged based on Austria, Southwestern Ukraine, Romania, and the remaining Baltic states. That’s the only way to prevent the reds from taking over Germany.

As mentioned, Poland cannot afford to side with Russia.

Even if the reds come to attack, Poland would find it hard to strike against Russia for the sake of its own expansion, regardless of its deep-seated anti-Russian sentiment.

It is sufficient to pivot your attack’s direction.

They understand that but likely want to engage in some minuscule resistance or complaints.

“I’m certain there will be war.”

“It’s bound to happen. Poland is nothing but a springboard for Germany to reach Russia.”

And even if it’s not Germany, would they just remain still?

In the end, it’s either giving in to Germany or becoming an ally of Russia.

There’s no such thing as eternal allies or enemies between nations.

Of course, even if Prussia took all the lands of Poland, the situation for Poland isn’t favorable currently.

Caught in between both sides, they can’t really trust the British pirates.

“Ha.”

Even if they dislike Russia, the character in question understands their own situation well.

Let’s toss them a carrot.

“However, as long as you don’t target our Russia by trying to gobble up Lithuania or Latvia, we can support Poland’s stance.”

“……Please give me time. I’ll consult with the cabinet and decide.”

I nodded slightly.

I hope they make a wise choice.

Who their true enemies are, should be clear to our Józef Piłsudski.