Ch.70Tsarina Prophesies

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Robert Goddard.

A man who will develop rockets that haven’t yet made much impact.

That man is standing before me now.

“So you’re Robert Goddard.”

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

He showed me his utmost respect.

I suspect he might be wondering something.

How does this Tsarina across the ocean know about him?

“It is I who am honored to meet someone developing rocket technology.”

“How does Your Majesty know about that? Even in the American military, not many knew, and my plans fizzled out after the war ended.”

He must be curious.

How I know about his rocket technology.

Especially a female emperor from across the ocean. The most likely possibility would be during the Great War, but Russia was going through revolution and civil war then, so there’s no way I could have known.

What should I say here?

I should have thought of this excuse earlier. I just bluntly told him to come to Russia! He would find that suspicious, so I deliberately singled him out.

This is always troublesome.

It’s annoying to give reasons at times like this.

So I just smiled gently, befitting the Saint of Russia.

“It’s quite simple. The Lord revealed to me that you possess technology Russia desperately needs.”

“So the rumors about you being a saint are true?”

“Hard to believe, isn’t it? Just consider it intuition. Whatever the reason, your technology is essential to us.”

Anyway, your technology is necessary for us.

That’s all that matters—why are you curious about the reason?

“If I may ask, what is Your Majesty’s goal?”

Having been summoned directly from America to Russia, Goddard cautiously asked me my reasons.

“To completely eradicate communism from the world. Right now, that means defeating Germany.”

All for the downfall of communism.

I declared my intense determination to crush them by force.

Make rockets that will crush Communist Germany, the Reds.

To prevent history from repeating itself—to stop the Red wave from coloring many countries red as the Soviet Union did as a superpower. I’ll cut off that sprout.

Even though such things appear in newspapers, those susceptible to communist propaganda will still be influenced.

Newspapers are meaningless if people don’t believe them.

Even with such reports, communists will say, “Our Communist Germany would never do that!” They’re the type whose heads need to be cracked open, as the saying goes.

Let Germany try to control everything thoroughly. A single newspaper won’t make much difference.

Weren’t there members of the Cambridge Five? They fled to the Soviet Union but later regretted it, saying it wasn’t the world they wanted.

And that American journalist who exposed Soviet realities was killed.

This one newspaper alone can’t fully expose communism.

“Well, I saw that newspaper on my way here. If Your Majesty provides support, I’ll do my best to develop rocket technology.”

“There are a few conditions. Your name will go down in Russian history, but this technology must not fall into American hands.”

I’ll share it later, but only after Russia has gained a lead.

“Yes, I understand.”

“And while you’ll belong to a state institution, you’ll specifically be part of a defense company that the Romanov Imperial House will establish.”

Since we’re doing this, I might as well pull as much as possible to our side.

Later, I’ll tell the Duma that the Imperial House is working hard for the nation, trying various initiatives. It will eventually become known as improving the Romanov Imperial House’s image.

“A company, you mean?”

“That’s right.”

“As long as my technology can be put to use, that’s not difficult for me at all.”

Just like Nikola Tesla, this man is the same.

It’s not bad to absorb all the technology from such talented individuals.

After dismissing Goddard, Sikorsky was next.

“Igor Sikorsky. You developed the Ilya Muromets.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I fled to America to escape the revolution. I was planning to establish an aircraft company in America, but…”

If he says it was “planned,” then in actual history, it was probably already established by then.

Was the aviation company called Sikorsky?

But since the Bolsheviks are collapsing, he hesitated.

So he was considering returning here from the beginning.

“History has changed since the Bolsheviks were defeated.”

“Pardon?”

There’s no use talking about history changing to people of this era.

I shook my head once and clapped my hands.

“I’m glad you’ve returned. The state will provide support. Please develop aircraft for Russia.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I want to extend my reach everywhere if possible.

Even though I’ve transferred power to the Duma, I want the Romanovs to be necessary for Russia, even if not through me personally. I want the nation and the Duma to function with the Romanovs’ influence for the future.

I plan to ensure that even after me, the Tsar maintains at least minimal influence, continuing the role of approving proposals from the Duma.

I learned something from experiencing the Red-White Civil War.

I realized that having the royal family as a focal point makes unity somewhat possible.

Even now, there’s much talk about gathering around the House of Yi on the Korean Peninsula.

Of course, the case of the Korean Empire is somewhat special, but the imperial family is needed, even if just as a symbol.

In the 21st century, there were questions about why Britain needed a monarch.

It would be good if the Romanovs later provided imperial maintenance costs from the national budget.

This is all investment for the future.

A Romanov oil company would be good. I’ll also create a defense industry.

Fyodorov has founded a defense industry based on the Fedorov Avtomat, and a tank defense industry is also planned.

It would also be good for Sikorsky, who has arrived in Russia, to make not just helicopters but a wide range of aircraft.

I’ll do my best while I can.

Working as hard as possible to prevent another revolution.

I consider all possibilities for the Romanov Imperial House after my death.

Considering I was Korean in my past life, shouldn’t Nicholas II be grateful to me, a foreigner, for avenging him?

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

From various countries?

They must have a lot to say to me about the Polish affair.

“Very well. I should see them.”

Many ambassadors came to console me about the terrorist incident in Poland.

The British and French ambassadors seem curious if I have some secret agreement with Poland, but I deflected by saying it’s handled by the Foreign Ministry.

That’s natural. The Anglo-French probably think the Tsarina who nearly died is showing favor to Poland.

They might be wondering if this is an opportunity to pressure Poland. They probably wanted to find out.

But I have no reason to tell them. If they’re annoyed, they can go ask Poland themselves.

What did Poland give up to earn Russia’s protection?

It’s ultimately about pride.

Next is the Japanese ambassador.

“His Majesty the Emperor of our Imperial Nation was concerned about the Tsar of Greater Russia’s well-being after this incident and has sent Korean red ginseng. This red ginseng has been famous since the Joseon Dynasty…”

Uchida Kōsai is enthusiastically explaining about red ginseng.

Korean red ginseng?

With the Japanese occupation, they must have taken control of ginseng production too.

Wouldn’t it be better to feed it to your own Emperor whose health is ruined?

“With your country in turmoil after the great earthquake, this is truly appreciated. Is your Emperor also well?”

“Of course His Majesty is well, given that Your Majesty, from Russia, our ally, is so concerned about our Emperor’s well-being.”

That can’t be true.

I know perfectly well that Hirohito is currently serving as regent.

The current Emperor Yoshihito’s condition must be poor.

Look at how he hesitates and flinches—that tells me everything.

Isn’t Yoshihito unable to even speak now?

Tsk, such a weak man. Even with Anastasia’s body, I ended a civil war!

Though I shouldn’t compare others to myself—Anastasia coated with divine power like tanghulu.

Since I was Korean in my past life, I’d like to hear news about Korea, but it might be awkward to ask directly.

No, wait. From what Ungern said, isn’t Korea in turmoil right now?

“Hmm. I heard the Korean Peninsula is in chaos. Is that true?”

“Ah, there are some insurgents, but it won’t affect Northern Manchuria, so it’s not something Your Majesty should worry about. Even if they rally around the House of Yi, they’re destined to collapse.”

Is that so?

It would be difficult to learn more than this.

If they have plans, they probably won’t cause bloodshed in Korea in the current situation.

With the great earthquake, Japan is likely just stationing troops to prevent uprisings while working behind the scenes to undermine the House of Yi as a rallying point.

Moreover, judging by his current reaction:

“They’ll collapse even if united.” Since they can’t kill the House of Yi, they’re probably planning to demote them.

But that’s not all, is it?

“Southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula must be secure for you to deal with China, correct?”

“Pardon?”

“Isn’t that why you came here about the China issue? Since you couldn’t resolve it through the Duma, you came to see me directly, right?”

I know exactly what you’re thinking.

You’re just waiting for the right moment to advance into China. After seeing me support Chen Jiongming, you were probably frustrated and wanted to ask about it.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“China benefits neighboring countries when it’s divided. When they’re fighting each other, they can’t look outward, can they?”

He should understand this much.

They probably anticipated this and are just trying to gauge my intentions. But this should be enough.

“Are you saying you didn’t intend to provoke our Imperial Nation?”

“I’m not particularly thinking about your country when suggesting division. Our country shares a long border with Mongolia. Moreover, wouldn’t an uncooperative China with no legitimate claim be easier to take pieces from than a compliant one? Do you understand now?”

This should be enough explanation.

Let them interpret it as they wish, and later they can happily fight the Sino-Japanese War.

The fact that they brought red ginseng suggests they didn’t come to confront me about China. They seem to want to discuss China matters.

This is ridiculous, isn’t it?

Pretending to worry about me after I nearly died in Poland, rushing all the way to Moscow under that pretext to discuss China.

I know what kind of people they are, but still.

“I see, indeed.”

Foreign Minister Uchida Kōsai seemed to have something more to say, mumbling.

A diplomat should speak clearly.

“What else are you curious about?”

“Your Majesty foresaw the disaster that would strike our Imperial Nation.”

Ah, yes. That.

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

I expected them to come and ask directly: how did you know?

I asked about it earlier just to make some small talk.

“Ah, it was merely a dream I had.”

“Is it possible for this foreigner to know if something else will happen to our Imperial Nation?”

Oh, so that’s it.

Do these people actually believe in such things?

Well, on the surface they might say, “It must be coincidence,” but they could be genuinely curious about my prediction itself.

Especially since after the great earthquake, Yoshihito—the Taishō Emperor—is in terrible physical condition with Hirohito serving as regent.

They might have come to ask, just in case.

“It’s not impossible. That’s what makes it strange.”

“Pardon?”

“Within two to three years, some calamity will befall your country. That’s why I asked if your Emperor was well. Since you said he’s fine, perhaps my prediction is wrong.”

What I’m saying is: your Emperor’s death is not far off.

They won’t get angry about this. I didn’t specifically say he would die. I just confirmed he was well.

But right now, Uchida Kōsai’s eyes are wide with shock.

Given their situation, it’s obvious I’m saying something will happen to the current Emperor.

“T-then, His Majesty the Emperor…?”

“I don’t know what kind of calamity it will be, but anyway, it’s fortunate he’s well, isn’t it? Now, have I answered your question?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Uchida Kōsai barely answered, bowed, and promptly withdrew.

In any case, the current Yoshihito won’t live longer even if I tell them.

Even in actual history, he died despite receiving the best possible care.

I didn’t tell them the specific disease or solution. The doctors of this era would know better than me anyway.

I’m just a bulletproof tanghulu Tsarina who knows future knowledge.

The reason Uchida Kōsai deliberately asked me that was probably just in case.

To see if the Tsarina truly foresaw the disaster.

If true, whether it could help the Imperial Nation later.

And perhaps to find out when the Emperor would die.

But if the House of Yi is demoted, hmm, I don’t think the future will change significantly. If anything, they might be erased from existence on the Korean Peninsula to the extent that the Imperial House of Korea Association, which exists in the future, might never emerge.

Although I said the imperial family should be a rallying point, when Japan is defeated later and Korea becomes independent, it might be unreasonable to restore the Yi royal family, which Japan demoted and which sold out the country, as a rallying point.

Then perhaps they could revive the Wang dynasty of Goryeo as a constitutional monarchy for symbolic reasons. Or establish Balhae with the Tae clan of Hyeongje, including Southern Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula. Or just go with the Republic of Korea.

I actually briefly imagined something like Finland, where I hold the title of monarch, but that doesn’t seem right.

“Well, that’s an issue for later.”

While I was thinking, the ambassador from the German Empire (East Prussia) arrived.

The ambassador’s name was quite artistic.

Arthur Zimmermann. He came to see me as the German Empire’s ambassador.