I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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Robert Goddard.

A person who has yet to make any significant strides in developing rockets.

That person is right in front of me.

“So you are Robert Goddard.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I am Robert Goddard. It is an honor to meet Your Majesty, the Tsar of All Russia and the Emperor of Eastern Rome.”

He showed me the utmost respect.

Perhaps he has sensed something.

Like why the Tsarina from across the sea would know about him.

“It is an honor for me to meet someone engaged in rocket technology development.”

“How do you know that, Your Majesty? There aren’t many who know about it even among the US military, and my plans have fallen through since the war ended.”

He must be curious.

About how I know about rocket technology.

Even if it’s a possibility from the Great War period, considering Russia went through revolutions and civil war, I couldn’t have found out.

What should I say here?

I should have thought up an excuse beforehand. If I suddenly say, ‘Come to Russia!’ it will seem suspicious, but it’s clearly a point I made bold.

This is a tricky moment.

It’s always annoying to have to justify things at times like this.

With a serene smile, as befits a Saint of Russia.

“It’s simple. The Lord has marked you as the one who possesses a technology essential for Russia.”

“Is the rumor about you being a Saint true?”

“You probably don’t believe it. Just think of it as an intuition. Whatever the reason may be, your technology is necessary for us.”

Anyway, we need your technology.

Is there a need to know the reason?

“By any chance, what is Your Majesty’s goal?”

Since I personally summoned Goddard from America, he cautiously asked me the reason.

“To completely eliminate communism from the world. For now, our immediate goal will be to topple Germany.”

To eradicate communism at all costs.

I declared my strong will to trample it down by force.

Create rockets to catch Communist Germany, the Reds!

Just like in actual history, where the Soviet Union rose to power and painted many countries red with communist ideals, I will cut off that budding threat.

Even if such things appear in the newspapers, those who can be incited by communism will still be incited.

After all, if you don’t believe in the newspapers, they have no meaning.

Even if such statements come out, communists will say, “Our Communist Germany would never do such a thing!” That’s just how thick-headed they can be.

Control them thoroughly within Germany. If you manage that, a mere piece of newspaper won’t hold much significance.

Isn’t there anyone among the Cambridge Five who fled to the Soviet Union only to regret that it wasn’t the world they desired?

And a journalist exposing the realities of the Soviet Union even ended up dead.

You can’t say that communism was revealed just by this newspaper.

“Well, I saw that newspaper on my way here. If Your Majesty supports us, I will strive to develop rocket technology.”

“There are a few conditions. Your name will be recorded in Russian history; however, that technology mustn’t fall into American hands.”

You can tell me, but it should probably happen later.

At least I want Russia to be a bit ahead.

“Yes, understood.”

“And while you will belong to a government agency, you will specifically belong to a defense company to be created under the Romanov dynasty.”

Since I’m at it, I want to pull as much as I can from this side.

Later, I’ll say that the imperial family is working hard for the sake of the country in the Duma, with this being justified. It will be known in time as a way to improve the image of the Romanov family.

“A company, you say?”

“That’s right.”

“As long as the technology I develop can be utilized, that won’t be difficult.”

Just like Nikola Tesla, this guy is the same.

If I can absorb all these talented technologies, it wouldn’t be a bad deal.

With Goddard sent on his way, the only one left was Sikorsky.

“Igor Sikorsky. I hear you developed the Ilya Muromets.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I migrated to America to escape the revolution. I originally intended to establish an aircraft company in the U.S.”

If he says it was planned, it probably means it was already created in actual history by that time.

Was Sikorsky the one with the aircraft company?

But as the Bolsheviks are collapsing, he might have hesitated.

Does that mean he was considering coming over here from the start?

“The Bolsheviks have lost; history has indeed changed.”

“Yes?”

To the people of this era, talking about changes in history would be useless.

I shook my head and clapped my hands.

“I’m glad you’re back now. The state will support you. Please develop aircraft for Russia.”

“I will do my utmost to try.”

If possible, I want to reach out in various directions.

Even if I’ve handed power to the Duma, even if it’s not me as Tsar, I want things to be beneficial for Russia. To ensure that the Romanovs are needed for the future, so that both the country and the Duma can function.

I plan for the Tsar after me to maintain at least a minimal influence and to continue being a figure that approves of the proposals brought from the Duma.

I’ve learned some things through the Civil War.

I realized that having a royal family as a central point enhances unity.

After all, even in this Korean Peninsula, there’s much talk about gathering around the Yi dynasty.

Although the Korean Empire may be a bit special, the royal family is still needed as a symbol.

In the 21st century, there were arguments in Britain about why a King was necessary.

Wouldn’t it be great if the Romanovs later offered the cost of maintaining the royal family as part of the state budget?

This is all an investment for the future.

Romanov Oil Company would be great as well. I’ll create a defense company, too.

Pyotrov founded a defense industry based on the Pyotrov automatic rifle, and a tank defense industry is also set to be established soon.

Moreover, if Sikorsky, who arrived in Russia, makes a wide range of aircraft instead of just helicopters, that would be awesome.

I’ll do my best to achieve as much as I can while I can.

To prevent any potential revolutions from happening as diligently as I can.

I think of all possible outcomes and consider my future Romanov dynasty after I’m gone.

Considering I was Korean in my past life, I would think Nikolai II, who died, should be grateful to me for avenging him as a foreigner.

“By the way, ambassadors from various countries are requesting an audience with Your Majesty.”

From various countries?

It seems like Poland has a lot to say to me.

“Alright then. I shall see them.”

Many ambassadors of various countries directly visited me to express their condolences regarding the terrorist incident that occurred in Poland.

The British and French ambassadors seemed curious if I had any secret discussions about Poland, but I deflected it as a matter for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Of course, they would think that the Tsarina, who nearly faced death, would have favorably regarded Poland.

However, there’s no reason for me to disclose anything. If they’re curious, they can ask Poland.

What has Russia been coddling Poland for?

It’s about pride, in the end.

Next comes the Japanese ambassador.

“His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of our Empire, is worried about whether the incident has caused any issues for Your Majesty, and has sent Korean ginseng. This ginseng has been famous since the Joseon Dynasty.”

Uchida Kōsai is diligently explaining about the ginseng.

Korean ginseng?

So, I guess Japan started managing ginseng during the colonial era.

Wouldn’t it be better to give that ginseng to your Emperor, who’s likely in poor health right now?

“Thank you, especially since the country must be in chaos due to the earthquake. Is your Emperor safe?”

“Given how much Your Majesty cares for the welfare of our Emperor, of course he is safe.”

As if.

I know Hirohito is currently acting as regent.

The current Emperor Yoshihito is probably in a poor condition.

Just observing how he hesitates and holds back his words gives away the answer.

Isn’t Yoshihito unable to speak right now?

Tsk, tsk, what a weakling. I’ve managed to end a civil war even in Anastasia’s body!

Though, comparing my Anastasia, coated in divine power, is misleading.

Considering I was Korean in my previous life, I do want to hear the latest news from Korea, but it might be awkward to ask directly.

Wait. Listening to what von Ungern said, isn’t the atmosphere in Korea a bit chaotic right now?

“Hmm. I heard there’s turmoil on the Korean Peninsula. Is that true?”

“Oh, there are rioters, but it won’t reach North Manchuria, so it shouldn’t be a concern for Your Majesty. Even if they gather around the Yi dynasty, they’ll inevitably fall apart.”

Really?

I guess finding out more than this is difficult.

If they were thinking, they wouldn’t stir up a bloodbath in Korea under the current circumstances.

Seeing that there was a major earthquake, Japan likely stationed troops merely to prevent an uprising while covertly maneuvering behind the scenes to diminish the influence of the Yi dynasty as a central point.

Moreover, judging from their current reaction, that seems to be the case.

Even if they gather, they will fall. Since they can’t just kill the Yi dynasty here, undermining them seems more likely.

But this isn’t all there is, is it?

“If the Southern Manchuria and Korean Peninsula are safe, you will be able to address the issues with China, won’t you?”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you here regarding the Chinese issue? You came to see me because things in the Duma weren’t getting resolved, didn’t you?”

I know your intentions well.

You’re only preparing to advance into China. After seeing me offering support to Chen Zhongming, you probably wanted to ask and gauge the situation.

“Yes, that is indeed the case.”

“When China is divided, neighboring countries can benefit. As they fight among themselves, they won’t be able to see outside, will they?”

They should be able to understand this much.

Perhaps they anticipated this and were merely trying to gauge my mindset. But this alone will suffice.

“You’re saying that you did not intend to provoke our Empire?”

“I’m not particularly trying to advise for the sake of your country. Your country has a lengthy border with Mongolia. More importantly, wouldn’t a disobedient China yield greater bounties than a docile one? I trust this is understood?”

This should do.

They’ll likely interpret my words as they wish, and later gloriously wage the Sino-Japanese War.

Just looking at them bringing ginseng shows they weren’t specifically trying to get answers from me about China. They seemed to want to discuss matters regarding China.

It’s quite ridiculous, isn’t it?

Pretending to care about me, who nearly died in Poland, only to rush over here to discuss the situation in China.

I get that they are this sort of people, but still.

“Indeed, that’s the case. Then.”

Uchida Kōsai, the Foreign Minister, seemed to have something else to say.

Diplomats should speak clearly.

“Is there something else you wish to ask?”

“Your Majesty foresaw the calamity that may befall our Empire.”

Ah, right. That’s the matter.

I was wondering why they hadn’t asked about that.

I expected them to come once and ask how I knew.

They are probably just using this as a casual chit-chat opportunity.

“Oh, I merely had a dream.”

“Is there any way this foreign minister could know if anything occurs in our Empire?”

Oh-ho! So they believe that!

Well, externally they may go, “Ah, it must be a coincidence.” But internally, they might focus more on my prediction and be curious.

Especially given the Great Earthquake and Yoshihito, which means the current Emperor Hirohito is acting as regent.

They might have come here just to ask this, kicking around the idea that perhaps this calamity is at hand.

“Well, it’s not impossible. It’s quite interesting, actually.”

“Yes?”

“A calamity will occur in your country within the next two to three years. This is why I asked about the safety of your Emperor, but since you assure he is safe, my prediction might be wrong.”

Your Emperor is not far from death. That’s the message.

They won’t get angry about this. I didn’t specifically say he would die. I simply confirmed his safety.

However, at this moment, Uchida Kōsai’s eyes widened.

Considering the circumstances, it’s clear that a calamity is about to befall their Emperor.

“Then, what does it mean for the Emperor?”

“I don’t know what exactly this calamity is, but regardless, it’s fortunate that he is safe, right? Now, have I answered your questions?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Uchida Kōsai answered absentmindedly, gave his regards, and left promptly.

After all, Yoshihito won’t find his dying day delayed just because I told him so.

In actual history, despite all the care and treatment, he still died.

I haven’t provided any specific diagnosis nor a solution. After all, the doctors of this era would know better than me.

I’m just an invulnerable Tsarina coated in divine power, with knowledge from the future.

The reason Uchida Kōsai asked me that was probably with a hope:

To check if the Tsarina truly foresaw a calamity.

If it’s true, he might want to see if I could assist their Empire later.

Or perhaps he wants to know the date of the Emperor’s death.

But if the Yi dynasty is indeed undermined, well, I don’t think the future will change significantly. If anything, it might mean the Korean Imperial House in the future won’t even be able to exist, diminishing its presence on the Korean Peninsula.

I’ve stated that the royal family should be a central point, but when Japan is ultimately defeated and Korea gains independence, it would be a stretch to restore the Yi dynasty after having sold out their nation.

Then, should we possibly keep a monarchy in the form of the Wang lineage of Goryeo, which used to be a constitutional monarchy, as a figurehead? Or perhaps the Taek lineage should lead in Southern Manchuria, extending to Balhae on the Korean Peninsula. Alternatively, we should just head to the Republic of Korea.

Actually, just for a moment, I pondered if I could be like Finland, where I also keep a position as King. But that seems a bit off-mark.

“Alright. This is a matter for later.”

As I briefly considered this, the ambassador of the German Empire (East Prussia) arrived.

His name was rather artistic.

Arthur Zimmerman. This man is the ambassador of the German Empire coming to see me.