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* * *

Not the stick airplane assembled with that straw. The one that looks like a stingray.

Of course, not that extremely cool B-2 stingray created in the 21st century.

Even I wouldn’t think I could make a B-2 in this era.

However, there actually are flying wings like the Ho-229 that the Horten brothers developed and used in Nazi Germany, and the YB-35 from Northrop in the U.S. that also failed.

Well, if we consider the YB-35 to be reincarnated as the B-2, then in this era, the Ho-229 made by Nazi Germany seems more plausible.

The difference between the two is the presence of a jet engine; the YB-35 doesn’t have one, but the Ho-229 is equipped with a jet engine.

Right. The problem is the jet engine, which I can’t make right away, and it wouldn’t be possible until the 1930s when jet engines are developed.

But at least I could create the shape in advance, right?

So I drew this.

It looks somewhat different from modern designs, more like the YB-35 than the Ho-229.

Ah, whatever. I’ll just hand this over to Sikorsky and Ilyushin or whoever and let them have a go at it.

Both Sikorsky and Ilyushin have to work properly in Russia now that history has changed.

“Hmmm, I’ve drawn a next-generation fighter.”

“It resembles a stingray, doesn’t it?”

Yeah. It looks like a stingray.

Isn’t the airframe pretty plausible at first glance?

Back in the day, I learned some CAD in college, so I can at least draw a blueprint.

“Doesn’t it look pretty cool, though?”

“It’s certainly quite different from ordinary aircraft.”

Yeah. It’s very different.

It’s not like those shabby planes that exist in this era.

“Of course, I can’t say for certain whether it’ll actually fly, but I’m thinking of visiting Sikorsky’s design bureau.”

Honestly, I just started drawing it out of boredom.

But what if it could actually be made? Capturing the essence of a flying wing wouldn’t be bad.

Digging through history, there are instances where a leader’s modest desires led to creations through their subordinates, right?

I feel like I’ve seen something like that somewhere.

I just want this. I’m simply saying that.

If I were an ordinary person, it would have just ended as a simple fantasy. But I’m in a position where I can demand this.

After all, I’m technically a Tsar.

“Well, looking at it, the Ministry of Finance is going to blow a fuse again.”

“Too many leaks for money, huh?”

“Yeah.”

As the black baron said this, I took another look at the drawing.

Indeed.

It’s primarily a plane that needs a jet engine, hmm.

If I actually try to make this, it’s going to cost a fortune.

Then I’d need to figure out where to gather the funds.

So that’s why I mined a lot of oil, right?

Thinking about Baku, Siberia, and the Daqing fields, there should be plenty.

I reckon there would be a lot of people needing oil later on.

Wait. This feels a bit greedy, though.

I’m not demanding it be made right away.

Just preparing in advance, thinking, “Ah, Tsarina wants it made like this?” is all I’m wishing for.

No, let’s think about this.

I definitely didn’t think it up just now.

Igor Sikorsky, Ilyushin, and others are probably at the Sikorsky Aerodrome, and I’m curious about what they’d come up with if I tossed this to them.

This isn’t because I want it for myself.

This is what they call a new attempt.

Having a flying wing as my personal aircraft would be nice—just a thought.

“Well, let’s give it a shot as it comes. I’m not planning to burden the citizens too much while strengthening our military.”

“However, personally, I’d like to see such an aircraft too.”

“Oh. The black baron really gets it.”

All I want is to make something like this.

Tsarina’s interest lies in wanting to see this. It’s just about showing that will.

Honestly, the flying wing is a bit cool, right?

Since I thought of it, should I go meet our Sikorsky now?

* * *

Taking the opportunity, I stopped by the Sikorsky Aerodrome and handed over the flying wing blueprint to Sikorsky.

He slowly scanned the blueprint I gave him and exclaimed, “Oh~” in admiration before simply nodding.

From his expression, it didn’t seem like he outright disliked it.

“Hmm. What I’m inventing isn’t exactly this.”

“Is it impossible?”

I know he’s working on helicopters.

Sikorsky didn’t start with helicopters, so I thought that maybe by handing this over now, the history of aircraft might be rewritten—though I didn’t really want helicopters to disappear in the process.

I’m not insisting that this be made right now.

“That’s not it. It’s just that there’s something currently under development, so it’s difficult to try this immediately. However, this design you’ve given, Your Majesty, is quite intriguing because it deviates significantly from existing aircraft designs.”

“That’s true.”

“However, it seems that it won’t be possible with traditional propellers. If Your Majesty insists on making this now, I could stop what we’re currently doing to make it. But developing this requires something fundamentally different in aircraft that can’t be inserted into typical designs. May I ask what the intended use is?”

When someone asks that, it’s only natural to provide an answer.

“It’s a bomber. I’d like it to quickly fly out, drop some bombs, and come back.”

“Well, if we were to make it like existing bombers—”

“If a strange, grotesque-looking aircraft suddenly appeared instead of the usual bomber shapes, wouldn’t the enemies be confused?”

“Oh. So it’s for surprise tactics?”

Not quite.

I just thought it would be interesting if something like this existed.

I hope they don’t have to abandon helicopter development just for this.

I may not know much, but…

“Eh, it’s just my personal wish. Helicopter development is more important. This can be done afterward.”

Of course, I don’t want to hinder helicopter development.

It’s right to do what can be done now.

“If it’s alright with Your Majesty, I have some talents at our aircraft company. I’d like to have them research this blueprint.”

“Are they talents within the company?”

“Yes. I assure you there will be no leaks externally.”

External leaks are something we obviously need to avoid.

If the brothers who made the Ho-229 are still in Communist Germany, couldn’t they recreate the ho-229?

But then again, it’s uncertain whether Communist Germany would actually develop the flying wing.

With history changed, the brothers might have fled from Communist Germany or may have died during the revolution.

Or maybe they wouldn’t even develop it under communist rule.

Hmm, then wouldn’t this be a good opportunity to stake a claim first?

“Hmmm, well, there’s no need to push yourselves, but does my design still seem to have that level of potential?”

Honestly, saying all this is a bit awkward.

I don’t know any terminology related to aircraft at all.

How would I even know about things from this era?

Not exaggerating, the flying wing design I drew is at least somewhat like the YB-35. It’s also somewhat similar to the Ho-229 and B-2.

It’s just closer to a futuristic version.

So to an expert, it could just seem cute.

I’m not an emperor who wields power like those tyrants in history, putting swords to their necks.

I don’t have that kind of power in the first place.

So, I can speak honestly. Honestly.

Igor Sikorsky frowned slightly.

In response, wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes, creating a serious atmosphere.

“To be honest, this might be a bit rude to Your Majesty.”

What’s with the setup?

“You can speak frankly.”

There’s nothing rude about it.

I just drew it as I thought.

How could someone without any expertise get offended by a criticism?

Being an amateur, I wouldn’t get angry over a bit of constructive feedback.

“This is quite close to the typical illustration of someone lacking knowledge about aircraft. But this design seems plausible. Especially for a simple child’s imagination, it appears to have been drawn with some serious planning. It may be a bit lacking in detail, but I think I can grasp it approximately.”

“I see.”

Then that means there’s some potential here, right?

“Yes. So once we finish our current work, I’d like to set aside a department to develop it.”

As far as I know, what Igor Sikorsky is developing is a helicopter, right?

The helicopter isn’t supposed to be developed until 1939 or so.

That’s still about 15 years away. It could be longer or shorter, but at least the mid-1930s seems about right.

Well, whatever. Jet engines were also going to be used around that time, anyway.

There’s no rush.

At least handing over this flying wing blueprint to Sikorsky and Ilyushin, where they are, could change the course of history.

After all, little things can have big impacts.

“Alright then. I’ll count on you guys.”

“Yes. Your Majesty.”

If this ends up costing more than expected…

Then I’d need to boost Russia’s capabilities.

The one silver lining is that the people are supportive of me now.

I should take advantage of that while the public sentiment is still favorable.

* * *

Tsvetkov Gun Factory

Sergey, who was diligently working in Tsvetkov Gun Factory, entered Tsvetkov’s office with a pounding heart because the factory manager himself had summoned him.

“Good day!”

While feeling anxious, he answered properly, bowing his head respectfully.

The factory manager of Tsvetkov Gun Factory is Tsvetkov himself.

In other words, he’s responsible for the weapons of the great army of the Tsarina, no, Tsar.

Right. This is good. But why would he call for me?

“Hmmm. So you’re Sergey, the Employee of the Month?”

“Yes? Ah, yes. That’s what the uncles call me, but I haven’t exactly done anything noteworthy.”

Employee of the Month.

For some time now, there’s been a system where, at the end of each month, someone who did a good job during the month is chosen and given the title to set an example for diligent workers.

Well, in reality, it’s just something that came up among the uncles working together.

“Well, your job is mainly just menial tasks, but even such tasks contribute to the production of the factory.”

Sergey nodded at Tsvetkov’s praise.

“If you’re praising me like that, I wouldn’t know how to repay you. But could I ask why I was called?”

No matter how he looked at it, there didn’t seem to be a reason for such praise.

Could it be that he’s going to fire me, and this is his way of saying goodbye?

He thought this, but Tsvetkov, the factory manager, opened his mouth with a cheerful smile.

“Congratulations. Sergey, you are to be awarded the Anastasia Medal under the newly revised worker medal system.”

“A-anastasia? Huh. Isn’t that the honorable name of Tsar? I’m not quite sure what that medal is, but really, I haven’t done anything remarkable! I just worked hard during the hours I was given to follow what the uncles said.”

It’s only due to not slacking off at work. Is this really enough?

“That’s exactly the point. That work ethic is what symbolizes the future laborers of this country. Therefore, with the approval of His Majesty the Tsar, you will be receiving a medal.”

“Then, am I receiving it right now?”

Am I actually getting the medal right here?

What am I supposed to do with the medal once I receive it? Can I sell it?

I’m not short on money, but…

“No. His Majesty the Tsar will personally award you the medal at the Kremlin.”

The Tsar himself at the Kremlin!

Is there such an honor?

The Tsar is already a transcendent being in Russia that cannot be expressed in words.

Not only because he’s an emperor, but he has accomplished things that all Russians can admire and is closer to the citizens than anyone, with a perfect appearance rivaling that of a goddess.

To receive a medal directly from such a person!

I would have no regrets in life.

Several days later, Sergey finally arrived at the Kremlin with Tsvetkov.

Honestly, he still couldn’t believe it.

How could His Majesty personally award a medal?

He assumed that if it did happen, it would be someone from the Kremlin handing it on His Majesty’s behalf.

Goodness.

Tsarina is actually here!

 

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