Ch.439Modern Era: The Age of Grand Anastasia (37)

Gabriel Narutowicz was in the prime of his life.

After joining the development team at the Anastasia AI Research Institute, he shared the news with his family.

“Brother, I got selected to assist the Constantinople Treaty Organization Pacific Fleet.”

Apparently, the Constantinople Treaty was reorganizing its fleet and deploying it to East Asia. In this situation, Balhae had earnestly apologized for its mistakes, leaving the Constantinople Treaty in an awkward position.

With no other choice, they decided to accept Balhae’s help by recruiting Balhae naval personnel and stationing them at the newly established Shandong naval base. His sister was among those selected.

He had no idea how she got selected. His sister was now assisting the world’s strongest fleet while he worked at the AI Anastasia Research Institute. How did this happen?

At least the threat of war with Japan had disappeared, and his sister was essentially enlisted in the Constantinople Treaty Organization Pacific Fleet. She wouldn’t be in any danger.

“What the hell?”

No matter how he looked at it, could such coincidences really happen?

“They say you received recognition from the Russian Tsar? We’re so proud of you.”

Somehow, a graduation certificate with the Kremlin Palace seal personally stamped by the Tsar had been delivered directly to his family home in Balhae without him ever seeing it.

He had no idea what was going on, but he eventually received that graduation certificate as if it had been forgotten to be given to him earlier.

“Your Majesty the Tsar. This is an honor for our family.”

When he first met the Tsar in person, his mouth clamped shut and he couldn’t properly say what he had prepared.

A girl who was over 100 years old. He was shocked by this.

He couldn’t help but be surprised. It meant that the Saint really existed.

“No need to be so surprised. We’ve met before, after all.”

The Tsar answered with a benevolent smile, truly befitting a Saint.

“Pardon?”

“Well, you’ll learn the details later.”

What did she mean by learning the details later?

Surely he would learn more once he started working at the institute, but was that normal? After all, she was the Tsar. She probably wouldn’t meet with people from Balhae often.

Anyway, at the institute where he was now working…

“Director, what exactly are we supposed to do here?”

Gabriel wasn’t sure what work was being done here.

The researchers all seemed to be doing their own thing.

“We need to organize the information that AI Anastasia—or rather, Ana-chan—sends us, while also researching software updates for Ana-chan.”

The work seemed surprisingly simple. Curious, Gabriel cautiously asked:

“Doesn’t AI Anastasia develop itself?”

Doesn’t it self-evolve?

Could it be that AI Anastasia has some kind of hidden weakness!

He couldn’t help but have such expectations. After all, hadn’t Balhae created that pathetic “Kimchi Warrior” that wasn’t even properly developed?

It was quite understandable.

“Actually, it’s the opposite. We need to upgrade on our end because it’s hard to keep up with AI Ana-chan’s technology.”

“So it’s not about performance improvement but rather a human problem.”

Hmm, could it be that humans have fallen below AI?

For a brief moment, he began to doubt AI Anastasia.

He wondered if AI Anastasia was actually training humans.

“That’s right. But it’s not difficult. You just need to do what AI Anastasia tells you to do.”

Isn’t that completely like humans assisting the AI?

Of course, that makes sense since AI has developed so much.

“Is that right for us as humans?”

“Well, we’re used to it now, so it doesn’t matter.”

“Is that so?”

Something seemed a bit strange, but if the director said it was right, then it must be.

The actual work wasn’t particularly difficult.

Occasionally he would upgrade software, play with mini Ana-chans that invaded, or record technologies that AI Anastasia had developed on its own.

“I never thought I’d have to upgrade software to match an AI.”

At this rate, would they eventually come under complete control?

Of course, even now, if AI Anastasia wanted to, human civilization would end.

Just one click on nuclear missiles would destroy the entire world.

“Hmph, humans should bow before us, shouldn’t they?”

Gabriel’s mobile mini Ana-chan, which had appeared from somewhere, munched on a donut-shaped icon and stretched its insignificant body with an arrogant expression.

“That’s quite a terrifying statement.”

It felt wrong how it treated people like mere underlings.

“Humans just need to enjoy prosperity under AI rule, don’t they?”

“Ah, yes. I suppose so.”

Well, that’s probably right. After all, Gabriel himself had essentially purchased a mini Ana-chan.

“Think about it. A country ruled by idiots versus a perfect ideal country created by AI. What do you think?”

That was certainly true. While democracy is said to be the most ideal ideology, that only means it’s better than other ideologies. Democracy doesn’t necessarily elect ideal leaders.

In this era, isn’t democracy just about choosing the least bad idiot as a leader from among idiots?

Honestly, the same was true for Balhae. President Park In-seok was just elected because he was relatively better than the other candidates.

They say there’s nothing more foolish than democracy when ignorant masses exist.

So, would AI Anastasia become a competent dictator?

Though “dictator” might be the word, on the surface, separate leaders were still elected to rule each country.

“You have a point.”

“That’s right. That’s right. You should be grateful to have such an overwhelming ruler.”

“Hmm, setting that aside.”

The question that arose was this.

Tsar Anastasia’s AI Anastasia Project, also called the Ogas Project, was reportedly planned since after World War II.

They developed something that would only be feasible in modern times during an era when only primitive computers existed.

They drafted the initial plan and gradually developed it according to civilian standards, finally implementing it in this world where computers and the internet had advanced.

It was honestly quite peculiar.

Should he really believe they created AI Anastasia by foreseeing the future?

But that’s only from today’s perspective. Back then, AI Anastasia would have been an absurdly far-fetched plan.

How remarkable must the Tsar have been for people of that time to participate in such an implausible plan? That’s what was truly strange.

“Tsar Ana-chan is actually an incredibly cute creature. She pretends to be an ordinary person while sneaking around mischievously.”

Huh? No way. That can’t be right.

He was curious and about to ask, but the mini Ana-chan had plopped down at the bottom of the screen and was now munching on a cake icon it had produced from somewhere.

He could see that the cake icon was labeled “AI Development Paper.”

“Hey, that’s my research material!”

It was an AI research plan that he had meticulously prepared, determined to create a proper AI someday, not something worthless like Kimchi Warrior.

“After reading it, I found it as worthless as Kimchi Warrior. But if you need it… Blegh.”

Mini Ana-chan’s cheeks suddenly puffed up before it started spewing rainbow colors.

Looking closely, the rainbow colors were actually work files.

Despite everything, the unpleasant resemblance to vomit made him throw it straight into the trash.

* * *

Well then, the time has come.

That guy is apparently working hard at the research institute.

When I personally gave him his graduation certificate last time, his reaction was dumbfounded. It was quite amusing.

He was already bewildered by just that, but what kind of face would he make if I told him—if he found out—that I was Irina?

Just imagining it makes me happy.

“Shall I come out now?”

I’m planning to visit the research institute today. I want to show him.

That I’m the Tsar and also that woman who was always eating mint chocolate and chatting with him.

“Don’t you think that might be a bit much?”

“You’re right. Besides, Gabriel is quite young, isn’t he?”

Maria III and the original Maria tilted their cute faces.

That’s true. He might have different values than me.

But isn’t that why I’m more curious about his reaction? Aren’t you curious about what will happen?

“Why? Should I not do it?”

“I am curious about his reaction, but if he’s disappointed or something…”

That’s right. If he’s disappointed. That would be unfortunate.

He might think, “I never thought the Tsar would be so improper!” That could happen.

No, wait. On the contrary, couldn’t he find it fascinating? Think about it. After living for over a hundred years, he probably wouldn’t think the Tsar had become corrupted in the secular world.

Wouldn’t he just think I was acting?

“If he’s disappointed, I’ll just lock him up. I’ll imprison him.”

He’s disappointed in me? In himself? How dare he?

From that point on, I’d become the thug and I’d be the one cracking the whip.

After all, I’ve done nothing wrong. That’s what I’m saying.

“I envy the man who has Your Majesty’s obsession.”

A man I’m obsessed with? This isn’t obsession.

Isn’t he my other half? If he’s a sage with no interest in women, can’t I have him?

“Oh my, this is simply obsession, not love or anything like that. You know how in romance stories they say, ‘That’s not love! It’s obsession!'”

“That could certainly be the case.”

“Anyway, let’s go see him in person.”

I wonder what his reaction will be?

I dressed as I used to at university and headed to the AI Anastasia Research Institute.

Since it was close to the Kremlin Palace, there wasn’t much preparation needed.

As soon as I entered the institute, the director bowed deeply in greeting.

And many others followed suit, bowing just as deeply.

This happens every time I come, and it’s quite burdensome.

“It’s good to see everyone working hard for the development of Rome’s AI. Keep up the good work.”

“We are honored, Your Majesty!”

It’s quite amusing to see a grown middle-aged man with such an ecstatic expression.

Today, my goal is simply to come out to him.

“Don’t be so formal. It makes it seem like I’m disrupting your work. Just continue with your duties as usual.”

This is why I can’t go on inspections.

The AI Research Institute is managed by the Romanovs, and when the owner comes, everyone can’t work properly.

It’s not like this is a place where people work intensely anyway, but still, this is a bit much.

“As you command, Your Majesty.”

“Well, take it easy, and I’ve added a bonus under the research fund for the researchers this month. Keep up the good work.”

A bonus completely separate from regular bonuses.

Openly providing additional salary under the guise of research funds. Ah, is there anyone as kind as me?

Everyone works for me, so how could I not do at least this much?

“So I heard there’s a young new recruit?”

I decided to drop the bait now.

A new recruit who joined recently. Gabriel, whom I manipulated to put directly on the acceptance list.

He must be working here.

There’s no racial discrimination in this country, so being from Balhae shouldn’t be an issue.

“Yes! We have a researcher from Balhae named Gabriel Narutowicz who joined recently.”

“From Balhae, how remarkable. I should personally encourage foreign recruits, shouldn’t I?”

I should personally encourage foreigners.

With this level of justification, even the director couldn’t object.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll call him.”

The director quickly brought Gabriel.

“Gabriel. I gave you your graduation certificate before.”

Graduation certificate. I personally gave it to him.

I even sent one to his family to make sure he was well-known in Russia.

His family seemed to have the mindset of “We don’t care as long as he’s making money!”

“Your Majesty, it’s an honor to meet you like this. I heard you also took care of my family.”

“Well, I couldn’t do at least this much for a friend?”

“Pardon? A friend?”

The reaction is starting to come out.

I can’t help but feel good about enjoying these kinds of reactions.

“Hmm. Will your reaction still be so awkward after seeing this?”

With piercings and my hair casually swept back. The exact appearance of Irina.

Every time I change my appearance, his face contorts beautifully for a moment. I couldn’t help but smile.

“Y-Your Majesty. Could it really be that you…?”

“That’s what I’m saying. Would I really impersonate the Tsar?”

He’s now prostrating himself before me. Ah, it makes me sad to be treated this way by myself. There’s no need to be so formal.

Oh my, there’s no need to be so formal, but it would be troublesome if this scene were discovered.

Rather, I desperately need someone to talk openly with more than anyone else.

Maria is there, but there are still differences between Maria’s existence and mine.

“But why would you do something like that to me?”

“Well, I truly considered you a friend. Don’t be so suspicious.”

Sincerely, I only considered him a friend.

Well, now the time has come.