I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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“Is this really going to work, I wonder?”

“The Roman Emperor is pushing this along. It must succeed.”

Korolev and Glushko swallowed hard as they gazed at the spaceship.

Space development is essentially a project spearheaded by the Tsarina.

The Tsar often spoke about spaceships.

“Aren’t we planning to experiment on animals first?”

“Ultimately, humans will have to go up. We must send people. We’ll need to select and train them in advance.”

Since this is the first challenge, it’s still a bit ambiguous how to proceed, but it’s not impossible.

“Our Russian Republic, which values human rights, can’t simply stop experiments.”

“Don’t we have some useful people for this?”

“Are there any volunteers among the Bolsheviks?”

Right. Those are the Bolsheviks.

It’s just a matter of selecting volunteers from among the Bolsheviks.

“If we send a Bolshevik and they succeed at once, the first extraterrestrial will be a red. Doesn’t that sound a bit problematic?”

The first human astronaut being a red?

That could stir up some controversy.

After all, the reds are known to cause major trouble.

“Now that the Bolsheviks are all old, they wouldn’t have the capability to be astronauts anyway.”

They wouldn’t have the capability to be astronauts.

Damn those Bolsheviks. They really don’t help at all.

“We should start astronaut training on a grand scale.”

“Is space development possible in our time?”

It will be possible.

Haven’t we almost developed a spaceship already?

“We’ve at least tried launching something, so it’s worth a shot.”

“We should aim to launch something by the late 1950s.”

The late 1950s, huh? By then, it should be possible.

I don’t know what will happen by then, but it seems we’ll ultimately have to fill the void with manpower.

“Recruiting students nationwide for space flight could be one way to go.”

We should recruit students for space flight.

Honestly, since it’s something we haven’t even tried yet, it’s quite tricky on several levels. But still, there’s nothing we can’t attempt.

Has there been anything attempted according to the Tsar’s orders that didn’t work out?

No. Everything was achieved unless it was unreasonable.

So, it should be possible this time as well.

“Still, how should we make use of the younger Bolsheviks?”

After all, the reds are useless.

Rather, they are filthy creatures who still survive, consuming food and tax money of the nation.

In that case, we should use them up to reduce their numbers.

“Wouldn’t they cause harm if they get on a spaceship? They’re probably all filled with malice right now.”

“They won’t have the capability to pilot it; we’re not developing anything sophisticated for them. By the time we acquire that level of technology, all the Bolsheviks will be gone.”

If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be bad to proceed with development seriously.

“That might be a good approach.”

Right. That’s one way.

Even if they’re useless old reds, they should be put to some use in situations like this. Don’t you think?

Even if they’re basically useless due to old age, they can still at least contribute to humanity venturing into space.

All we need to prove is this.

“I’ll ask Comrade Stalin for help.”

Now it’s about deceiving the remaining reds in the labor camps with some clever words to sell them under the Rome Treaty; truly, the help of a sincere Stalin is absolutely necessary.

Stalin, having received contact from the Siberian labor camp, glanced at the man in front of him with greasy lips from eating chicken.

* * *

Siberia Labor Camp

In the Siberia labor camp, the Steel Comrade Stalin was laughing helplessly.

Before him stood an employee from the research institute he once saw.

A research employee for something related to outer space, or whatever. They previously took Bolsheviks for something related to atomic energy, and now it’s for space.

“What a joke. It’s turned into a farce like this.”

It wouldn’t be funny if they used the revolutionary comrades in a manner too favorable for them; would you dare cut them?

Stalin only smiled.

“Is it possible?”

Of course, it’s possible. While it feels a bit odd for me, Stalin, to be treated so amusingly, I don’t care what happens to those Bolsheviks that betrayed us in the labor camps.

Right now, with nowhere else to turn, they follow me, but.

Naturally, Stalin has led them out several times in the past.

And they have undoubtedly contributed to the development of the Russian Republic, to the advancement of humanity.

“Well, it’s not impossible.”

Stalin was now a man who had lost all the momentum of the revolution.

To be precise, even if he could achieve the revolution, he wouldn’t attain what was created in the current Republic.

At least, communism has been sufficiently a warning to the bourgeoisie of this era. That one point might be a reason to look favorably upon it.

Anyway, right now, these bourgeoisie are once again demanding blood from the Bolsheviks.

They want to use the remaining Bolsheviks in the spaceship. In truth, Stalin didn’t care anymore.

Is it because of his age? He could boldly say, “Those who wish to go must go,” even if a Bolshevik who was once shoulder to shoulder with him fell.

“This is a matter for our homeland. I understand the feelings you are trying to cultivate, but for our Russia to lead humanity, we must be ahead of everyone else. To do that, many sacrifices are necessary.”

The researcher said while adjusting his glasses.

So, in the end, you’re talking about processing them as Bolsheviks.

Of course, this isn’t the first or second time such things have occurred.

That statement is pretty accurate. Stalin has grown so kind because he took the Bolsheviks away under the pretense of research in the Rome Treaty, either turning them into fools or making sure they could never return. There are things worth keeping in mind.

When his mother passed away, he was allowed to stay by her side at the end, so that gratitude remained, but if there is a slight dissatisfaction.

Besides the researchers who visited today, there was also a figure that appeared to be from the Okhrana.

That Okhrana figure was none other than Okhrana Director Beria.

His hesitation in responding was due to curiosity about what that fellow was thinking.

“It’s not difficult. I’ll hand-pick the younger ones for you. But is there any other issue?”

Judging by today’s appearance, and with the Okhrana interested as well, this doesn’t seem like a simple matter.

It’s not that they are here without some intention. The fact that they have come looking for him must have connections related to past ties.

Right. Like Trotsky, for instance.

“I’m considering persuading Trotsky.”

Indeed. I’ve definitely heard he’s in Japan. Did I remember that correctly?

Most likely, he’s been a nuisance to Japan’s business for quite some time.

“Hm, I’ve heard he’s in Japan.”

The guy who caused a revolution one step ahead of the Americans in Japan.

He might actually be the one who can truly claim to be Lenin’s real successor.

“Exactly.”

Certainly. Trotsky indeed is one frazzled character.

He succeeded in a revolution in that barren land, didn’t he?

He’s currently troubling those American Yankees too.

But ultimately, that end will come. Who would support Japan, which has no supporters?

Trotsky will undoubtedly be defeated.

He could be helped to survive in some way.

“I might say this is meaningless, but I can’t decline to help.”

I can’t simply decline either. I genuinely want that fellow to live comfortably.

Now revolution seems nearly impossible to consider.

Even the guards in the labor camps praise the Tsar, and the prisoners do the same.

The radio and television set up in the labor camps are filled with voices solely praising the Tsar.

What would have happened if the Bolsheviks had taken that position back then?

The people would’ve been monitored to follow the party’s commands. Would Trotsky’s revolution be any different?

“Really?”

Whether Trotsky can be persuaded is another matter.

“In exchange, we have our own conditions.”

It’s somewhat annoying to be asked to run errands like this every time.

No matter the relationship, he’s just helping that damned Tsarina.

With that being said, surely he should receive some decent compensation.

He no longer has the willingness to plan another revolution; he’s neither young nor does this world wish for a revolution anymore.

Now he simply wants to be free.

Though his life in the Siberian labor camp isn’t that bad.

After all, he’s practically living like a king here.

But that’s a separate issue from this.

He wants to go outside the Siberian labor camp and have a comfortable retirement.

The Tsar should have enough conscience to help this foolish old man at least once.

“What conditions do you have? I will convey it accurately to the Tsar.”

That would work better for Beria.

Stalin, after all, seems to have no will or strength to participate in the revolution anymore.

If he can easily catch Trotsky under the condition of letting one old man go, what’s the problem?

“I’ve been in this ridiculous position of a priest for too long, haven’t I?”

“Hm. So, you wish to leave the Siberian labor camp.”

That’s right. He wants to leave the Siberian labor camp already.

Hasn’t he been living there for quite a while?

At this point, he believes he’s entitled to go out.

“Anyway, once this matter is over, there will hardly be any Bolsheviks left.”

Most of the remaining Bolsheviks in labor camps are nearly gone.

Not to mention the political prisoners; there aren’t particularly any left. This is all thanks to the selection of the Duma.

Beria perceived the genuine feelings in Stalin’s eyes.

While he opposes the Tsar ideologically, there’s no longer any justification to go against the Tsar at this point, and Stalin is not a fool who fails to recognize reality.

“I’ll request this from the Tsar.”

“Thank you.”

If the Tsar agrees to the request, would it be possible to backtrack to his hometown?

That thought suddenly crossed his mind.

* * *

Returning to the Kremlin, how wonderful it feels.

Oh, to be honest, I’d like to visit Korea again, but that place isn’t my country; it’s the Balhae Federation, so it’s not my home. This Kremlin is truly where I belong.

I savored the mint tea Maria brought and felt ecstatic.

“Ah, this truly is the best home.”

It definitely feels like this place is my actual home.

Having to wear a hijab while going out has been quite troublesome too. That’s been difficult as well. Progressing slowly toward Westernization should normalize things, but.

“Your Majesty, it’s only been half a year, hasn’t it?”

“Bah, half a year? It means I’ve taken the Middle East in that period.”

Taken the Middle East in half a year? Isn’t that great?

In that half a year, it’s like I’ve seized all that I could seize. I consider it a profit, so it’s certainly not a bad thing.

Greece is somewhat concerning, but things should go well.

After all, I managed to secure a significant share of Afghan resources.

Though anyway, that too is essentially shared property under the Rome Treaty, but still, it was Greece that enabled the creation of the Islamic-Hellenism Federation’s land.

They can yield resource superiority for their own country.

“What your Majesty does by your own strength seems a little much. Why don’t you place more trust in the Duma instead?”

Trust the Duma more? That Duma? Me?

That’s absurd. Why should I trust those fools?

“Would the desk-bound fellows recognize war? I’ll handle everything external, and the competent Duma members can take care of the internal affairs.”

As for the war, I’ll handle that entirely. That’s the answer.

“Still, isn’t this a bit too much? ”

Hmm, is half a year excessive? No, it’s not. I mean, given that I’ve taken the Middle East in half a year, isn’t that rather satisfactory?

If worries arise due to my age, that’s irrelevant. This body of mine is still vigorous.

“Too much, you say? I must settle everything while I’m still alive.”

Of course, even though I’ve done this, there’s a chance the situation won’t be good later on.

New enemies could emerge.

Someone like a second or third bin Laden could pop up in the Middle East, and I really don’t wish for that.

“Well then, why don’t you take a break today? You must be tired from going straight to the Duma after returning.”

“I’m still thriving.”

Both body and spirit feel as fresh as a 20-year-old woman.

After a long absence from the Duma, I must go and take care of a few things.

Having completely resolved the Middle Eastern issues, your Tsar has achieved it all. Thus, feel free to shower me with gratitude.

And so, despite Maria’s protests, I boldly entered the Duma and declared.

“I have completely resolved the Middle Eastern issues, everyone.”

Your Tsar has accomplished another remarkable feat!

So, everyone, dance in joy, I say.

However, unfortunately, our elderly Duma members seem to be sighing deeply for some reason.

“I was already informed through contact.”

Claiming to know from contact. I think they should be thankful like my idol fans.

“Congratulations, Your Majesty. However…”

However, what? If you bring up a ‘however,’ I’ll be quite suspicious.

After all, it’s their role to sit down checking my score anyway, yet they have so much to say.