Ch.125Romanian Incident

* * *

They called it a peacekeeping force specifically to prevent Romania from objecting, but surprisingly, Britain and France showed favorable reactions.

“Indeed. That makes sense.”

If it’s called a peacekeeping force, they can’t really say anything.

So it seems there won’t be any external problems either.

Moreover, looking at the current situation, it’s deeply connected to the communist civil war. The justification is sufficient.

Britain and France can’t criticize us over Romanian affairs at this point.

Germany’s aggressive posturing toward Britain and France has worked in our favor.

“But will Queen Marie really stay in Russia according to our wishes?”

“Of course not.”

She’s a capable woman, except when it comes to men.

She probably won’t sit still. She’ll work hard to somehow defeat Carol in Russia, trying to bring him down.

Of course, we can just remain noncommittal.

“When that time comes.”

“If Prince Carol asks us to hand over his mother, we should comply. Otherwise, keeping her under surveillance is appropriate.”

Carol probably won’t want his mother back.

I don’t know how actual history played out, but here, Carol is openly calling his mother a whore who sleeps with communists.

For his own sake, he won’t ask for her return.

From the beginning, I don’t care what the Queen and Barbu Știrbey do in Russia.

The moment they come to Russia, they’ll obviously become penniless.

It’s pitiful, but what can I do?

Honestly, she’s a decent person aside from her man problems.

In actual history, wasn’t she famous enough in Romania to have statues built of her?

Still, for Russia’s sake, it can’t be helped.

I won’t leave her to die, so she can rest assured.

Who knows? Maybe later Queen Marie might be deemed useful and sent back to Romania to overthrow Carol.

Well, if she stays in Russia, I can entertain her occasionally so she won’t be lonely.

“Ah, by the way. I heard something from the State Duma.”

“What is it?”

“That Korean provisional government in Harbin has established an autonomous government called the Balhae Republic.”

Balhae Republic, huh.

A name containing “Han” would be difficult, and Goguryeo or Goryeo wouldn’t be appropriate either.

If Yi Kang weren’t there, it might be different, but now the provisional government has Yi Kang.

It would be absurd for the Yi family, who destroyed Goryeo, to use the name Goryeo. In fact, after changing the country’s name to the Korean Empire, they tried but failed to change the English name from Korea (Goryeo) to Daehan.

That’s how problematic it would be to use the name Goryeo.

So, there aren’t many options left. Buyeo would be too ancient, and since they’re currently in Russia, geographically they can’t call it Baekje or Silla, and they must also consider the multi-ethnic aspect.

Considering the multi-ethnic nature and establishment in Manchuria, if you analyze everything, the only candidate left is Balhae.

“Balhae Republic. Hmm. Not bad. I assume there’s been no reaction from Japan?”

“Of course. Why would Japan care about some autonomous republic?”

“Indeed.”

Moreover, if it’s called the Balhae Autonomous Republic, it clearly gives the impression of a Korean group incorporated into Russia.

Thinking about it, Goryeo might have been better.

Since Yi Kang said he wouldn’t restore the monarchy anyway, wouldn’t Goryeo be fine?

Well, they must have their own political circumstances.

What I need to focus on now is what happens to Romania.

“Well then, I entrust the Romanian matter to you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Black Baron bowed deeply and withdrew.

If industrial power can be pumped up, since I already know about Russian talents, military power can certainly be strengthened.

When that time comes, I can try various things.

Suddenly looking out the window, I could see the peaceful Moscow streets, rare in my world.

I must ensure that battles like the Battle of Moscow never happen here in Russia.

* * *

Romania

After having a private conversation with Anastasia at the Kremlin Palace, Barbu Știrbey returned to Romania and excitedly told Queen Marie that they would receive help from the Russian Tsar.

But Queen Marie felt something was off.

Why Bessarabia of all places?

And why did she have to go to Bessarabia herself?

If they came as a peacekeeping force, shouldn’t they come directly?

“Bessarabia? Why there specifically?”

“Since they’re coming as a peacekeeping force, it would be awkward for them to come beyond Bessarabia, wouldn’t it?”

Although Bessarabia was Russian territory, Russia originally had no justification to come all the way to Bucharest.

It seemed a bit questionable, but not incomprehensible.

Would a country ruled by a saint as Tsar engage in such thuggish behavior?

They must be watching how Hungary responds.

If Queen Marie and Barbu Știrbey had known about the secret agreement between Horthy and Anastasia, they would have prepared to die in Bucharest.

“But isn’t this foreign assistance?”

“Russia is here under the pretext of a peacekeeping force. So it should be fine.”

“Sigh. Even if you say that, hmm.”

“Anyway, if we stay like this, we’ll eventually have to hand over power to Prince Carol. If we drag this out, Italy might get involved too.”

Yes, Italy.

One of the causes that escalated this situation.

That now-red Italy might intervene in Romania.

Britain and France are in no position to intervene here right now.

Even if communist Germany’s army hasn’t rearmed yet, those Italians could come to Romania immediately.

If that happens, Yugoslavia, which is becoming increasingly communist, might also intervene. Whatever happens, Romania will become a battlefield.

Queen Marie, who loved Romania, didn’t want that to happen.

“Alright. We’ll have to rely on Russia. How is His Majesty?”

“His Majesty has medical staff with him. The two of us going to Bessarabia shouldn’t be a problem.”

Her husband’s health deteriorated daily.

Marie felt guilty knowing that most of the reason was her infidelity, but for now, she needed to somehow borrow the Russian army.

“Yes. That’s what we must do. How could I let the Romania we’ve built shrink again because of my incompetent eldest son?”

“Indeed.”

Queen Marie and Știrbey secretly headed to Bessarabia in the dead of night.

There was no point in bringing many people, as it would increase the risk of being caught by Prince Carol.

Upon arriving in Bessarabia, they were greeted by the well-disciplined army of the United States of Greater Russia.

“Are you the Queen of Romania?”

“And who might you be?”

“I am Roman von Ungern-Sternberg, General of the Russian White Army, in charge of the United States of Greater Russia peacekeeping corps.”

Ungern looked over Queen Marie and Știrbey, checking if anyone had followed them.

This is a bit unfortunate, but in some ways, it might be more helpful.

“Is that so? Then now the Russian army—”

“What are you all doing! This is the precious Queen! Now it’s time for our peacekeeping force to do what we must!”

Before Queen Marie could finish speaking, Ungern mobilized his soldiers to personally escort the Queen and Știrbey.

Not understanding the situation and trusting only the Russian army, Queen Marie and Știrbey followed the Russian troops with tense expressions.

The Russian army was on the move.

They would probably have to hand over Bessarabia as payment.

This was quite displeasing, but at least it was better than having all of Transylvania go to Hungary.

Besides, Bessarabia was originally Russian territory that they had snatched.

With these thoughts, Queen Marie and Știrbey boarded a vessel of the Russian White Army’s Black Sea Fleet, expecting to return to the mainland to use the Russian army to suppress the unfilial prince, but…

“Why are we on a ship from Bessarabia?”

“They mentioned landing practice, so perhaps they want to conduct landing drills while they’re at it?”

“Hah. Taking advantage of another country’s turmoil—Russia truly isn’t a good country.”

Grumbling like this, the place where Queen Marie and Știrbey arrived was…

Surprisingly, not Romania, but Sevastopol, Russia.

As Queen Marie and Știrbey headed alone to Russia, Romania was thrown into turmoil once again.

“What? The Queen and Știrbey fled to Russia to save themselves?”

“But Russia is an anti-communist country.”

“With no way to go to Germany or Yugoslavia, they must have sought asylum in neutral Russia, which sent peacekeeping forces, just to save themselves!”

Prince Carol gathered his army outside Bucharest and, under the protection of Hungarian troops, was making a bloodless march toward Bucharest.

Officials from Queen Marie’s faction fell into deep betrayal, especially due to the rumors of Queen Marie’s asylum in Russia that Okhrana kept spreading.

This news reached the ears of Ferdinand, who was recovering.

“I couldn’t believe it, but the Queen really…? Ugh!”

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!”

King Ferdinand, already in a weakened state, collapsed upon hearing the news without having time to properly judge the Queen’s actions, and Prince Carol, seeing this as an opportunity, proudly entered Bucharest.

“There will be no more communism in Romania! Transylvania, which my mother brought like a sweet fruit, has only brought misfortune to Romania, so I will return Transylvania to Hungary as a mandate territory!”

“Are you saying you’ll return Transylvania?”

“Romania originally means ‘land of the Romans.’ Only our original Romanian land before the integration of Transylvania is the sacred land of the Romans. Also, I will return Bessarabia, which my mother stole and then pretended nothing happened, to Russia!”

Carol II performed an enthusiastic dance of courtship toward Hungary and Russia.

Hardline Romanians resisted the idea of returning territory, but it was meaningless because Queen Marie, who had obtained Transylvania, was now branded as a communist.

“Keep territory eaten by a communist queen? That’s an act that invites war and proves you’re a communist! Think of the Anti-Comintern Pact!”

The Christian Defense League, which could be considered the predecessor of Romania’s Iron Guard, chose a different path from traditional fascism.

They took anti-communism as their banner, and continuing to hold onto land obtained by Queen Marie, now treated as a red queen and communist, was tantamount to supporting her.

In Romania’s position as a member of the Anti-Comintern Pact, there was no other choice.

If they had to return the land, they should at least raise their self-esteem.

Thus, the Christian Defense League, following the meaning of the name Romania, emphasized that Romania meant “land of the Romans”—a country that succeeded the Roman Empire—and built up Roman pride similar to Russia.

Originally, in terms of ethnicity, Transylvania was closer to German, and the original Romanian land belonged to the Latin people, the mainstream ethnicity of Rome, so the Christian Defense League’s argument was quite plausible.

Of course, this was to gain recognition from Russia, another successor to Rome, as Carol ascended to the throne, and to gain support from Hungary, which wanted Transylvania.

Thus, the Kingdom of Romania, having acquired Transylvania and Bessarabia less than ten years ago, now had to return Transylvania and give Bessarabia back to Russia.

“That bastard is ruining the country. That bastard!”

Queen Marie, who had arrived in Russia, tried to return, but everything was already over, and both Barbu Știrbey and Queen Marie were branded as communists in Romania and couldn’t go back.

* * *

Barbu Știrbey came to see me again.

Seeing his quite excited face, I get the feeling.

He’s realized he’s been tricked.

But I decided to pretend not to know while drinking tea.

“Did Queen Marie arrive safely?”

“Your Majesty! This is not right!”

“What’s not right? After all the help I gave.”

How unfair, he’s shouting.

Even though I’m the Emperor of Grading, I still have a social position and face to maintain. To show such rudeness to the Tsar—even someone as kind as me knows how to get angry.

But I’ll be especially patient.

I need to deny it more here to make him angrier.

“Help? How is kidnapping someone to Russia considered helping?”

Oh my. Kidnapping? That’s disappointing. I’m serious. I genuinely helped. Yet he criticizes this. There’s a limit to disrespecting good intentions.

I declare proudly:

“Then go back.”

“Excuse me?”

I said go back.

“Hah. If bringing you to Russia when you could have died in Romania isn’t helping, then what is? This is exactly like the saying ‘save someone from drowning and they ask for your baggage.'”

“How can you—”

“I told you beforehand. To take direct action. But since you couldn’t do that and asked for help, weren’t you asking for asylum in Russia?”

This is all about how you phrase it.

I clearly told him to fight directly. But despite that, Știrbey begged me for help. What does that mean?

Wasn’t he asking to be rescued from Romania?

How is this kidnapping in any way?

I may be behind everything, but it hurts my feelings to call a rescue a kidnapping.

The Saint of Russia saved a woman who cheated with various men.

“W-will you support Prince Carol then?”

Does he think we’re behind this?

I need to deny it until the end.

“Support? Taking sides in Romanian succession? That would be interference in internal affairs, wouldn’t it? Russia, as a neutral country that dispatched peacekeeping forces, merely granted asylum to both of you as was proper.”

Barbu Știrbey’s face showed complete loss of composure, almost as if his soul had left his body.

As far as I’m concerned, the justification is already sufficient.

Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbu_%C8%98tirbey