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* * *

I went to visit Doctor Goddard after a long time.

It was because Goddard claimed he had finally created a weaponizable rocket.

I never thought the alliance between Goddard and Tsiolkovsky would lead to this.

This time, the rocket was much more advanced than previous ones, equipped with a launchpad concept.

Poooshhhhh!

Seeing that rocket fly was truly astounding.

I heard that a rocket developed by the Soviet Union in 1928 flew for the first time at a distance of 1300 meters.

What Goddard and Tsiolkovsky made flew even earlier, exceeding 1500 meters, and today it has become a weapon.

As I watched the hopeful rocket soar, I turned my head, my eyes sparkling as I gazed at Goddard.

“Can it be used as a weapon right away?”

“It needs some adjustments, but I’ll make sure it’s mounted not just on launch pads, but also on trucks in the near future.”

Indeed, we were at a slightly advanced level compared to the original history.

“What is the name of that rocket?”

“The Tsar said this weapon would be used to judge the Communists, so I called it Judge J1.”

So this rocket sprang forth with a different meaning from history.

Sure. Since it’s the first of its kind, it may have many shortcomings, but weaponization doesn’t seem too difficult.

However, it seemed Tsiolkovsky wasn’t quite satisfied.

“Is the Tsar planning to use the rocket merely as a weapon? Rockets are also a stepping stone to space travel.”

“Of course. The weaponization is aimed at fighting Communism. Separately, I, as the Tsar, also want to head into space.”

For example, arriving at the moon before America.

“It seems Your Majesty knows something.”

“Right. For instance, wouldn’t it be fun to go to space and plant the United States flag on the moon?”

That’s what I’m looking forward to.

Making a spaceship and venturing into space.

Maybe that’s why I expect it, as it’s something I can’t do in Korea.

“Oh ho. This old man finally sees the light in his twilight years.”

“But we must continue weaponization as well. Russia’s territory is vast. To ensure no other country covets it, we need powerful weapons. To reach space, we must fly far, and naturally, we should create weapons that can strike distant enemy nations.”

To defend one’s nation, this much is necessary.

This is when America is in disarray, allowing for a leap to becoming a great power.

After all, Russia’s potential is quite good.

“You believe the rocket will become that weapon?”

“I’ve heard that you can see the future, Your Majesty. Will this rocket be the weapon that protects us?”

Well, developing rockets will ultimately lead to something like ballistic missiles.

Didn’t Nazi Germany create ballistic missiles?

“I don’t specifically see the future. Where is such a person in the world? It’s just that the coincidences align well and the Duma deifies me for the sake of national unity. So, if I were to say…”

Yes, that will be the case.

At least in my lifetime, I want to further advance rocket development in this altered history.

That is to launch rockets armed with nuclear payloads.

Honestly, thinking of the original history of Russia, one might worry that Russia will revive with formidable weapons in the distant future—well, it’s a concern.

As long as it’s not me, right?

“To be precise, it could be used as an asymmetric strategic weapon.”

“Asymmetric strategic weapon, huh.”

“The rockets you both are making will wipe out those Communists.”

So please put in a lot of effort.

Especially Tsiolkovsky. I feel a bit bad for the old man, but I hope he can elevate rocket tech as soon as possible.

One thing is certain: Russia currently monopolizes rockets completely.

Even America didn’t understand the importance of rockets until World War II. Eventually, they were overshadowed by Germany.

We must overcome that gap.

We need to work hard to elevate our tech beyond that gap.

“Your Majesty, by the way, isn’t the election coming up soon?”

Maria said as we were leaving after meeting Doctor Goddard.

“Oh, is it already that time?”

I wondered how this election would turn out.

So far, it seemed the Duma had been re-elected continuously, but now that the system was orderly, it was time for a fresh start.

Even with the Great Depression, it seems the election itself wouldn’t be affected given Russia’s situation.

I thought I would just have to approve the newly changed National Duma at the Kremlin.

* * *

Elections in the Russian Republic.

The election process in the Republic involved voting for everything from the Prime Minister to ministers in the National Duma across Russia.

It was significantly more developed than during the Russian Empire.

However, there was a fundamental problem.

“I heard there’s an election this time.”

“Is there really a need? I don’t understand why we keep voting.”

“Voting is the duty of the Republic’s citizens.”

“Isn’t everything already fine as it is?”

Honestly, elections felt a bit unfamiliar to the citizens of the Republic right now.

The current National Duma had led White Russia since the civil war, and White Russia was essentially united around the war hero Tsar Anastasia.

In other words, one could honestly question, ‘Is the National Duma meaningful?’

The Tsar’s authority was so high that it wasn’t meant to ridicule; it’s a genuine feeling.

There were no complaints, and whatever happened, Russia now soared compared to the past.

To the citizens, voting day was merely a holiday.

And whoever came to power, they would simply cast their votes for the characters already in office.

After all, they eliminated the Bolsheviks, and with public sentiment turning toward Anastasia, monarchists have significantly increased.

The socialists, too, believe that for the current system to maintain, Tsar Anastasia must remain an absolute figure.

In summary, the elections in Russia were just a matter of electing someone who listened very well to the Tsar.

“This time, I heard that a man named Gastev from the Roman Nationalist Party is also running.”

“That guy draws well. He has that vibe of being a loyal subject to Your Majesty.”

“I heard the Liberal Party’s Khrushchev contributed to the construction of modern Moscow?”

“In that case, we should elect him.”

Thus began an intriguingly strange election.

Fraudulent voting was discovered.

“Fraudulent voting has been uncovered.”

“What fraudulent voting?”

“Rather than choosing a Prime Minister candidate, voters noted the illustrious name of the Tsar. Particularly in Yekaterinburg, which was based during the civil war, the turnout was a staggering 140%.”

“Crazy.”

Of course, Tsar ballots became invalid, and another election started, leading to the election of a different Prime Minister, but Russia’s election appeared oddly fascinating to foreigners who were visiting Russia or staying as diplomats.

Is this really a constitutional monarchy? The British found it hard to comprehend why the National Duma even existed.

Around this time, Ishiwa Kanji, a staff member from the Manchurian Army visiting Russia to confirm the military accord regarding Japan and Manchuria, was also uniquely impressed.

Citizens praise the emperor while considering the parliament and government merely as servants of the emperor!

An enormous territory spanning from Europe to Asia!

Millions of troops and a massive population!

This was the image Ishiwa Kanji envisioned for Japan.

* * *

The military agreement regarding Japan and Manchuria was established.

Even though it was a military agreement, it was merely a confirmation of joint response in the event of an invasion concerning Manchuria.

Given this, it seems Japan definitely has its own agenda.

“It seems clear that Japan is aiming for China.”

That’s a relief. Japan appears to be slowly gearing its military toward control amid the Great Depression. If they go berserk, it would be a blessing for us.

Maybe my predictions are coming true again.

Well, given the Great Depression has occurred, Japan’s invasion of China is a foregone conclusion.

I’m just curious about how Japan will act without the Manchurian Incident.

“The Prime Minister Krivoshein has arrived.”

“Oh, he was supposed to come today.”

So, today Krivoshein is visiting the Kremlin. I wonder what it’s about.

It’s probably about the election.

Not long after returning to the Kremlin, Krivoshein came to see me.

“Your Majesty, it seems that the next Prime Minister is likely to be Georgy Lvov, the Progressive Party leader.”

Oh, a change in Prime Minister.

It seemed it was time for a change, having held power for quite a while.

Even though the elections had been one-sided, it was about time for a change.

“Why not continue?”

It’s indeed overdue for a change.

It feels a bit awkward, doesn’t it? Like an increase in evaluations?

I want to remain just the Emperor who makes the decisions. Of course, Georgy Lvov is Vladimir’s teacher, so it’s nice and comfortable on this side.

“Frankly, both Britain and Japan have already changed their cabinets. We have been keeping figures from the Southern Russia government during the civil war in our cabinet.”

Right. That’s true. We’ve been somewhat abnormal.

Because of that, even overseas, they viewed the Republic more as an Empire.

It might be a good opportunity for something new.

“Yes, indeed.”

That makes sense. Japan just changed their cabinet.

Even just the foreign ministers visiting from Japan have changed several times.

Here, however, the entire Duma has maintained its position continuously.

So it seems we’ve been overdue for a change.

“Now that Russia has regained some stability, shouldn’t the National Duma be refreshed as well? This is the newly changing list.”

Looking at the National Duma list, hmm. There aren’t any major changes.

All the ministers are either from the civil war period or similar. There doesn’t seem to be any new generation emerging.

Rebuilding the country, they’ve all been working hard. Their popularity is already soaring.

If there is anything notable:

“Alexei Gastev is the Minister of Land Management, and Nikita Khrushchev is the Minister of Regional Transportation.”

First of all, it’s surprising that Gastev has entered politics like this, and Nikita Khrushchev became the Minister of Regional Transportation.

He essentially got a position equivalent to the Minister of Construction in the Soviet Union within the Republic.

I don’t know if this is a joke of fate.

But since this person isn’t a Bolshevik here, that’s not bad.

Since there’s Gastev, there’s nothing wrong with Khrushchev being included too.

But I wonder how the public will react to this?

The National Duma has maintained its position for so long, and suddenly changing it—what will be the citizens’ reaction?

The current National Duma has been elected by the citizens.

“National Duma? Well, they’ve been doing well until now.”

“Well, we just voted for them.”

“They say the Prime Minister is changing.”

“Isn’t the National Duma just Your Majesty’s spokesperson? It doesn’t matter who becomes it.”

The reaction of the Republic’s citizens was unexpectedly nonchalant. It was like, ‘Oh, the National Duma? Was there even such a thing?’

I wonder why. I delegated power to the National Duma, but if the response is this, it leaves me a bit bittersweet.

I just hope they’ll take some interest in the National Duma.

There are certainly people who know about the Duma, and they’re aware that it’s changing to this extent.

“What could be the reason?”

“Your authority now surpasses even that of Empress Catherine the Great or Tsar Peter the Great, not to mention Tsar Alexander, when combined.”

“Hmm.”

Why does authority increase merely by evaluating? Well, it’s not really my concern.

In any case, I don’t actually work in the Duma beyond evaluations.

I simply impart the knowledge I have, and the National Duma calculates if that aligns with national interests.

Come to think of it, isn’t this the most ideal system?

This way, both the National Duma and the citizens would naturally have no complaints.

While enjoying radio broadcasts or something, it’s true that I have been the one who had an impact on Russia’s scientific tech thus far.

As I acknowledge this reality, it’s time to accept it.

I don’t deny it.

The National Duma can smoothly advance national reform backed by my authority.

On the contrary, I simply have to do radio broadcasts from my room.

Of course, I need to periodically check things using future knowledge.

Like rockets, atomic bombs, and the things Russia lacks.

“Moreover, the Great Depression has shone a light on it. This Great Depression alone has allowed us to catch up with and surpass the European powers in heavy industry. Isn’t all this thanks to Your Majesty? It’s only natural for citizens to worship Your Majesty, even informally.”

“Why informally worship?”

“Citizens often say that we need to worship Your Majesty, you know.”

Since we are much better than the Soviet Union.

Originally, even the Soviet Union was the second-largest economy in the world after the U.S. by the late 30s, yet the quality of life for the working class remained dreadful.

In contrast, I am different.

By handling the famine in Ukraine that almost led to Makhno’s uprising, I have received praise from Ukrainians as well.

Both light and heavy industries developed during the Great Depression.

“Right. Well, leaving that aside, what’s on today’s agenda?”

“By the way, Your Majesty, the aircraft carrier has been developed.”

“Aircraft carrier? Oh, you mean the flying aircraft carrier. Wait a minute. Were we making that?”

The Zveno project. I do like it, but I didn’t expect they’d be making that.

Isn’t this too much of an investment in the military?

While other nations are struggling during the Great Depression, it’s good to do this, but I’m unsure if investing heavily in both the army and the air force is wise.

The army is also diligently developing fire extinguishers.

Of course, the navy might be lagging behind somewhat. I have to wonder if this is acceptable.

They seem to have enough resources, as it looks like both the military and the treasury are getting in on the action.

“Your Majesty’s commands are absolute.”

“Absolute or not, it’s not really necessary to make it. Did you know about it?”

As I squinted my eyes and stared, Maria shook her hands vigorously.

“I just found out today, so I don’t know the details.”

Right. So they’re making an aircraft carrier, huh?

Isn’t this looking like a surprise plan?

Okay. Let’s go take a look.

* * *

 

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