LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 71
Arthur Zimmerman.
This person resigned as Foreign Minister. One of the reasons was the Zimmerman Telegram incident.
He was the one who cast the magical spell promising Mexico that if they attacked the U.S., they would recover their lost territories, which was one of the reasons for America’s entry into negotiations.
He went to East Prussia and seems to have been dispatched as an ambassador now.
German Empire.
Just having East Prussia is all it takes to be called the German Empire. Hmph.
I suppose it would be more accurate to call it the remnants or the Kingdom of East Prussia. Anyway, this guy didn’t hold back on all sorts of oily words before me.
I didn’t know much about things on the German side, but it’s impressive that he’s still alive.
“You’re quite alive.”
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind.”
I gently shook my head.
It’s simple to think that there must’ve been a lack of people for such a person to be stationed here in East Prussia.
“Indeed, Poland should have never sought independence. Our Kaiser of the German Empire has publicly condemned Poland’s actions and clearly stated that the German Empire will side with Russia.”
Just look at how Poland messes things up.
It goes to show that the Kaiser does not trust Poland either.
They’re cooperating now, but it’s like a future that may not even exist.
For example, Poland, having beaten Communist Germany, might end up devouring Germany. Wilhelm II is probably a bit worried about that too.
“Please convey my thanks to your Kaiser.”
“And regarding the air defense agreement, our Kaiser is positive about it, and if permitted, he wishes to come directly to Moscow to discuss the future of our two nations.”
“Oh, that sounds good.”
In any case, you are an important card to topple Communist Germany.
To maintain Germany’s legitimacy and prevent Hitler’s Austria from unifying Germany through Vienna, East Prussia must be cared for.
It might be impossible with Austria’s capacity, but who knows?
The Kaiser might later need to salvage Northern Germany. Right?
Zimmerman went on and on praising me.
It’s transparent. This guy.
I couldn’t tell if I was receiving the German ambassador or chatting with a talkative neighborhood aunt, but just as I was about to send the ambassador away.
The Prime Minister appeared with a bothersome expression.
“Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
What could possibly be wrong to wear such a face?
If they’re going to make me grade papers again, I feel like I’m going to die. The correction notebook better be done by themselves now.
“Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich requested an audience.”
Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich.
Cousin of Nicholas II. He’s also someone who has ties to Anastasia.
That man originally pledged loyalty to the Russian Provisional Government when the February Revolution broke out and decisively stabbed Nicholas II in the back.
Of course, Nicholas II was unfortunate enough to have such bad luck, and he himself, being at the level of a military chestnut king, was ultimately one of the causes of the revolution.
Anyway, as for his daughter, Anastasia, who became Tsarina, that man is nothing more than someone who stabbed the Romanovs in the back.
Furthermore, with Nicholas II dead and Mikhail, who was thought to be the next Tsar after Nicholas II, also dead, he declared himself emperor after fleeing.
Yeah. That guy, I had sent the Okhrana to negotiate suitably concerning Vladimir.
It seems that after trying to seek asylum here and there, he returned to Finland upon seeing the situation in White Russia. Since I informed him that I regarded that son as a successor, he must have some expectations.
“It’s for his child.”
Soon or later that man will have to sort things out.
—
Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich.
The cousin of Nicholas II, who fled to Finland as soon as the revolution turned Russia upside down.
Prior to that, he had stabbed Nicholas II in the back during the February Revolution and remained loyal to the Provisional Government.
He stayed in Finland for a while as the White Army gained the upper hand in the Red-White Civil War.
The reason was simple.
There was a possibility that his child could become Tsar. In that case, Anastasia would at least ensure his authority, wouldn’t she?
Of course, Anastasia could give birth to more children, but thinking about her health, it might be possible to designate a separate heir.
As predicted, he sent the Okhrana to claim that he would make his son, Vladimir, the heir.
Even if the Tsar’s throne is out of reach for Anastasia, his son could now ascend to the Tsar’s position.
Considering Anastasia’s health, she probably wouldn’t remain in that position for long.
In fact, even Constantinople has been recaptured.
This was probably done by the elite generals of the White Army, who have been refined during the civil war, aiming to restore the authority of the Tsar.
With this in mind, there was indeed a possibility.
However, upon returning to Russia, he felt the atmosphere was cold.
There were hardly any who welcomed him. No, there were only a very few who welcomed the Romanov Family, while Russia filled with voices praising Anastasia.
Even when he tried to find out how the White Army was functioning, he was treated like a cold dish even among the White Army.
One thing for sure was that even among the White Army, they were praising Anastasia, and the military itself was under Anastasia’s control.
As Nicholas II’s cousin, he now felt like he was walking on thin ice.
However, Anastasia had clearly made Vladimir Kirillovich the heir, and she even sent the Okhrana, which had now become a secret organization protecting the Romanov family, to fetch him.
So, he shouldn’t be treated like this.
Thus, he decided to seek an audience with Anastasia.
This was a necessity.
At least he thought Anastasia could resolve this issue.
After all, as a symbol of the White Army, if Anastasia just spoke, it would be enough.
He could see Anastasia, but she looked at Kirill coldly.
“Anastasia.”
“Do you have no respect for the Tsar?”
“What?”
Is Anastasia always like this?
Grand Duke Kirill was slightly taken aback by Anastasia’s unfamiliar behavior.
Is this how she used to be? No, I suppose she might have changed a bit after going through the civil war.
“I am the Tsar directly elected from the Duma representing All Russia. How is it that you show not even a bit of respect for the Tsar?”
*Cough.*
She must have changed a lot since she took the throne in the absence of her and her father’s presence.
It’s said that a position changes a person.
Now that the military presented her as Tsar, Anastasia has a blank expression while pushing him to the edge.
“Didn’t you get what you wished for when you were allowed back in after stabbing your father in the back during the February Revolution? Did you wish for even more?”
“No, I’m just making my son the heir.”
If that’s the case, shouldn’t he be giving something in return?
Shouldn’t he take care of the royal family for the resurrection of the Romanov Empire?
To reestablish the authority of the now fallen royal family, Anastasia should be supportive. So why is she being so uncooperative?
“Indeed. I do intend to make him the heir. But that doesn’t mean you gain any power or privileges from that. The throne goes without saying. Only the successor whom I choose will receive the respect of the United States’ people.”
“He is my son!”
Grand Duke Kirill shouted in agitation, but Anastasia continued to stare at him with cold, emotionless eyes.
“Vladimir must know the truth. What kind of person his father is. How incompetent the Romanov family has been until now. How the royal family and the Tsar must proceed in the future. I will teach him all of it.”
What on earth does that mean?
What could she possibly be planning to teach his son?
“Isn’t that too much? Even so, I…”
“I was willing to let you live comfortably, but, hmm. Very well. Let me give you another option.”
Sure. That makes sense.
Now it seemed that I could finally gain something.
I thought I finally understood Anastasia, but soon she pulled out a gun from her pocket and spoke.
“One is a gun, and the other is the cannon outside.”
“Are you offering me command of the army?”
As if to say ‘What are you trying to imply?’ Anastasia’s face contorted.
Did I say something wrong?
“I know very well how my father and mother died, and how my sisters and brother Alexei died. They were horrifically executed by the Bolsheviks right in front of me.”
“That’s truly heartbreaking.”
Grand Duke Kirill turned his head aside.
Surely, even Grand Duke Kirill couldn’t have foreseen how the Tsar’s family would suffer like that.
It was the very reason they hastily sought asylum in Finland, fearing they might meet the same fate.
“Yes. So, do you know what happened to Moscow and the Bolshevik leadership?”
“What happened?”
I wonder what did happen.
What happened to the ones who killed the Tsar’s family?
“Because they had tortured the White Army, the White Army developed an extreme hatred for the Bolsheviks. Therefore, whether they were Bolshevik officers caught while fleeing or Bolsheviks who surrendered, they were all executed in the streets.”
“I see.”
But why is she bringing that up?
Is she trying to make him feel guilty by reminiscing over the past?
Well, if that’s the case, I can nod along and not find it too taxing.
“Lenin and his gang, the main figures of the Bolshevik regime. They executed my father, my mother, my siblings without ceremony. You’ve probably heard the tales of how the British executed the Indian rebels with cannons. They displayed that.”
“Then…”
“Would you prefer a firing squad or cannon fire? I’ll let you choose your death spot.”
Just simple things. Things too obvious to say.
With her emotionless face, Anastasia made a chilling statement.
He can choose the spot for his death.
“!!”
Like the sensation of an invisible blade against his neck, Grand Duke Kirill felt a chilling presence enveloping his entire body.
“They executed those Bolshevik bastards who killed my family just like that. They died the same way that Romanov enemies met their end. Do you think the traitor who betrayed the Romanovs will go unscathed?”
Can you handle this?
Before he knew it, Anastasia was even holding a knife.
“Isn’t that a bit harsh? I…”
“Do you think this is a joke? Do you think I’m going to give power to someone who arrived late to seize it and let them ruin Russia again?”
Anastasia snapped her fingers.
Before he knew it, soldiers had surrounded Kirill Vladimirovich.
As if to dare him to speak a single word.
Depending on his answer, they would execute him just like the Bolsheviks.
Gulp.
Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich felt his spine turn icy.
“I-I have no such intention. I don’t covet the Tsar’s position! I’m just… just for my son.”
“For your son? Please elaborate. This will be your last chance. Let’s hear you prattle on.”
It was a chance to talk before dying.
“Please… just spare my life. I won’t… I won’t covet any power!”
Finally, Kirill Vladimirovich begged for his life.
Only then did he grasp how dire the situation had become.
His instinct to survive brought Kirill Vladimirovich to his knees.
“Do you want to live that badly?”
“I certainly won’t ask for anything. Please… forgive me.”
He desperately wanted to survive.
Just like he had betrayed Nicholas II during the February Revolution and pledged allegiance to the Provisional Government, he now simply wanted to grasp onto his life, amidst a situation far worse than before.
“I will strip you of all titles. Live out your life in Finland with your family. You will have to live like a dead rat. You should never send anything other than a greeting letter to Vladimir.”
“I…will comply.”
Grand Duke Kirill could not even dare to raise his head in front of the Tsarina of All Russia.
He had no choice but to nod.
Even that might be seen as disrespectful, and yet all he could do was that, now.
“The Okhrana will keep watch. If you engage in any foolishness, you know what will happen. Given that the White Army has won and I’m the Tsar, it’s nothing to label you a traitor who betrayed the royal family and have you executed.”
“Y-yes, understood.”
Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich succumbed to Anastasia’s authority.
Now he had to leave for Finland once again.