I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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* * *

Yugoslavia, Belgrade

In Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito was leading the Yugoslav Young Communist Party.

Having been captured by the Russian Imperial Army during the Great War, he had observed the course of the Russian Revolution and Civil War while imprisoned.

Normally, he would have fallen into communist ideology through the Russian Revolution, but even in this world where the Soviet Union had collapsed, he still embraced communism.

The reason was simple.

In reality, in this world where the Soviet Union had fallen, communism was merely a means of governance for him.

Why would he take communism seriously when the big brother of the Slavic nations, Russia, hadn’t become a communist state, and the current Russia was provoking anti-communist White Russia, after all?

Tito had only one thing in mind.

It was to unite the former components of Austria-Hungary, who had now just become members of Yugoslavia through communism.

He wanted to be the Yugoslav Lenin himself.

Just as Russia was about to unify under the Bolsheviks. That was as far as he planned.

At first, he would go the route of communism. Later, as the situation improved and Tito rose to a higher position, like Russia, he would turn around, saying “Now we are a modified capitalism!” and join forces with Russia just as they did during the Great War.

Of course, Tito knew that Tsarina Anastasia despised communism intensely, but looking at the current policies of Russia, which seemed to borrow heavily from the Bolsheviks, he doubted that the big brother would come down hard on him for following suit later.

And then.

Tito’s vision ended right there.

“Crap.”

Of all things, the German Communist Party was covertly supporting Tito, while Italy’s Benito Mussolini openly praised him.

It was so much that when the former Queen of Romania was lauded as the Red Queen, Tito was lumped in with her praises.

On top of that, Russia had been sending small protests, specifically mentioning Tito.

“I’m a victim here! It’s not fair that the Romanian queen is a red, but I get dragged into this!”

Tito was burning with anger.

Of course, since he didn’t know the truth behind the Romanian incident, he silently cried out as a victim.

If he suddenly exclaimed, “This is all a joke! Just kidding!” would they respond with “Haha, that’s so funny”? Or might they just kill him?

Even Tito himself would want to kill someone like that.

First of all, he might be killed by the communists in Germany and Italy.

And if he kept it quiet and went around proclaiming “I’m Red Tito!” he could be quietly killed by the Okhrana sent by the Tsar.

Tito didn’t overestimate himself, but he had grown unwittingly famous because the crazy secretary next door wouldn’t stop mentioning him.

Meanwhile, up north in Austria, someone named Hitler was enthusiastically building forces, claiming he would remake Yugoslavia into what it once was.

With all this, Tito had to make a decisive decision.

He thought, “Because of this Italian neighbor, I have to pretend to like the Communist Party for now. And I need to keep in mind Russia’s feelings, so maybe the Yugoslav Communist Party can be called the Yugoslav National Socialist Party or something?”

But wouldn’t Russia then go, “Is this guy a communist or not?”?

Think about it. Right now, both Germany and Italy have parties named the German Communist Party and the Italian Communist Party.

Shouldn’t he at least look like a non-red?

He was still young after all.

Surely, the Tsar wouldn’t send the Okhrana to kill him.

* * *

With the Romanian incident over, the foreign ministers of Hungary and Romania arrived in Moscow.

Originally, the Prime Minister of Romania was supposed to come, but with the establishment of King Carol II’s new government, only the foreign minister was dispatched.

They must be quite busy.

Anyway, it’s just a meeting to confirm the return of Bessarabia from Russia.

Other than that, it was primarily to settle the issue of the return of Transylvania for Hungary in the ‘neutral country’ of Russia.

“Romania returns Bessarabia to express gratitude to Russia for mediating peace. Does Romania agree to this?”

“Yes, we agree.”

Romanian Foreign Minister Ion G. Duca acknowledged the return of Bessarabia.

His face had a rather sullen look. Well, there was nothing to complain about since they had no choice regarding Bessarabia.

Above all, Romania would be unaware that the Okhrana was behind the scenes.

To be precise, it was the work of Communist Germany.

Because of what the German Communist Party did, Romania thought the Germans were behind it.

Even Queen Marie and Barbu Ştirbei were labeled as ‘Red Royalty’ by Benito Mussolini, who was a partner with Communist Italy, leaving Russia completely unsuspecting. Marie’s grievances were directed at Karl Liebknecht of Germany and Benito Mussolini.

There were already whispers that those who had terrorized the Tsarina in Poland had links to the German Communist Party. Romania had also judged it that way.

“Do you recognize the return of Transylvania in a trustee-like manner for our Hungary?”

This time, it was Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Lajos Walko.

Transylvanian trusteeship.

This was a concept thought up by Horthy.

Just in case the British decide to intervene, they would hand it over to Hungary as a puppet state through trusteeship.

I had already informed the British about this, so Horthy was quite clever.

After all, it wouldn’t be impossible to form the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy back after establishing this puppet state.

My side was clearly showing that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were directly leading this meeting to establish the position of a neutral country.

I quietly watched the demoralized Romanian officials and the spirited Hungarian officials having their meeting.

Rolling my pen.

Honestly, it wasn’t necessary to watch.

But, I wanted to see if the stage I set was functioning properly.

“Yes. However, there are still some Romanians in Transylvania. Please assist in relocating them.”

“I will provide that kind of assistance.”

Good. That’s the least I can do.

Leaving Romanians in Transylvania would just cause trouble, so it would be better to tie up the loose ends thoroughly this time.

However, looking at the Romanian representatives, it felt like they were being forced to participate in this meeting.

That said, how could they keep a proper face when they were in a position to return the land they had just gained?

In essence, it was a regression to the state before the Great War.

It effectively meant that their involvement in the war had become meaningless.

Moreover, considering how much credit King Carol II deserved for this, it made one wonder.

“Will your new king adhere to the anti-aircraft agreement?”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“Good. So from now on, Hungary will declare an end to its special military operations. Will you recognize the current borders of Romania?”

I nearly burst out laughing.

Hungary’s special military operations were about to end.

I wondered if that guy Horthy was getting quite absorbed in this.

“Yes. I recognize it.”

They had no choice but to say that.

Hungary had already eaten up what they had lost, so they had seen it all.

Finally, Hungary’s territory looked a bit more rounded and pretty.

Geographically, it indeed looked nice to have Transylvania.

Personally, I think the Austro-Hungarian territory is beautiful.

Honestly, it’s better to look like a doughy mass than to be fragmented like it is now.

The current fragmented territory just feels awkward.

Now, we just need to integrate Austria-Hungary, but that may still be a distant future. Maybe in the ’30s.

Even before the initial disintegration of Austria-Hungary, it was already quite multi-ethnic, making true integration difficult. Looking at the current situation, it would be even harder.

If external pressure caused them to unite involuntarily, that would be one thing, but at least right now, it seems tough to rebuild Austria-Hungary.

I wonder what kind of tricks Horthy will pull.

Wait a minute.

Why does it feel like this is about to end now? It can’t just stop here.

Why aren’t the Romanians asking important questions?

I clapped my hands to remind the Tsar present to not forget about me.

Only then did the officials from the three countries engaged in the talks look at me.

Yes, yes, look at me like that.

“Oh, by the way, is this the end? I have something to ask Romania.”

“Yes, please speak, Your Excellency.”

Good, they’re speaking properly.

Why isn’t there even a mention of Queen Marie and Barbu Ştirbei, who have become the fundamental cause of this situation?

Ah, of course, I am behind this, but still.

“What about Queen Marie and Barbu Ştirbei, who are in Moscow? What will be done?”

After all, she is your queen.

Watching their faces, they seemed to have not thought of Queen Marie.

It would be expected of Prince Carol.

“Does your king not wish for the queen’s return?”

Formally, Ferdinand is still a king, isn’t he?

Then Ferdinand is probably holed up, hmm. Looking at this situation, Carol seems to have completely taken control.

“Your king’s health seems to be declining, is he okay?”

“I understand that ever since the queen’s exile to Russia, Prince Carol II has effectively been handling state affairs.”

Hmmm, has this maternal relationship really come to an end?

It may have been a relationship filled with love and hate.

Or perhaps Carol genuinely wants to eliminate Queen Marie from the picture.

What a treacherous son.

Even if Carol is foolish, he can’t truly think his mother would betray him with a communist.

Considering that, it seems Carol wants to keep his mother stuck in Russia.

“But unless Queen Marie has formally filed for asylum, you must be aware that she can go to another country.”

In any case, it is necessary to show that Russia was not involved in a kidnapping.

That’s why I will release Queen Marie.

Though she’s settled in Moscow now, where she goes from here is no longer my concern.

“Understood, Your Excellency.”

Unless Barbu Ştirbei is an idiot, he won’t be able to send Queen Marie back to Romania.

If Carol is really backed by Hungary and has made up his mind, the answer will come.

This makes me feel a bit sorry for Romania.

But wait, who forced anyone to join the war at swordpoint?

Who told Barbu Ştirbei to have an affair?

It’s not my fault. Romania threw down the justification first.

Yep, there’s no mistake. I’m not at fault here.

Now, this issue has become somewhat resolved.

Romania does not wish for Queen Marie’s return and has lost the land, falling firmly into the grasp of the power-hungry King Carol.

Carol will probably work hard to empty the national treasury for his second wife, Magda (Carol II’s second wife).

Romania will surely decline from here. That’s all they have to see.

* * *

“Your Excellency. The Regent had a message to convey to you.”

The Romanian officials, exhausted down to their souls, were leaving, and Hungary’s Foreign Minister Lajos Walko approached me courteously and spoke.

“What is it?”

“The Regent wishes for you to officially express support for the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy to persuade the Hungarian nobility.”

Official support, huh.

That means I just have to say in front of people, “I support this dual empire.”

However, I was somewhat surprised that it had gone quite well.

Are they really going to become a dual monarchy?

“Hmmm. Is this really feasible?”

“Yes?”

“I find it amusing that your country’s regent is willing to accept the dual monarchy.”

Isn’t that curious?

This practically means they’re cooperating with Austria again.

Usually, there would be noise when that happens.

Especially for Horthy, he would have to share his power with the Austrian Empire.

Considering that he had been the admiral of the former Austro-Hungary, it isn’t impossible, but…

The ease with which things are unfolding makes me uneasy.

“Germany is continually inserting communists into Hungary through Yugoslavia. Furthermore, the Regent said he doesn’t know how long this system will last, so a monarch needs to be established.”

Is it a strategic choice?

Well, the Hungarian nobles have experienced revolutions, and with communists infiltrating continuously, it might be better for them to live as part of the dual monarchy.

Besides, as can be inferred from its name, Hungary, at least through dual-monarch status, is almost a separate nation.

Well, they’ll figure it out themselves.

Now, this Romanian issue has been somewhat resolved.

Horthy of Hungary is satisfied, and King Carol of Romania is satisfied as well.

And Russia has also gained Bessarabia in the deal.