January 1921
"Katsumi, His Highness the Regent has asked if you would become the Emperor of the Legitimate Russian Imperial Government."
Anastasia, who had been summoned by the Regent and had gone to the palace, returned home and relayed this to Arima Katsumi.
"I-I see. That's wonderful news. This means we can take Russia back from the Red Army. But, ah, that means you'll be going to Karafuto, huh…?"
The Japanese government had been accepting White Russian forces and refugees in Northern Karafuto, and it was decided that the Legitimate Russian Imperial Government would be established there. Of course, Arima had been involved in the planning of this government, so he was well aware of the situation.
"That's right. Everything's already been arranged. Next month, we'll go to Karafuto for the coronation ceremony. Then, I'll announce the promulgation and enforcement of the constitution, and elections will be held. Women will have the right to vote and be elected. It will become the most advanced constitutional monarchy in the world."
Anastasia was overjoyed at the prospect of Russia becoming independent again, but her expression also carried a hint of loneliness.
"S-so, Katsumi. I think the newly established Legitimate Russian Imperial Government needs a strong backer. Of course, His Highness has promised his full support. He's even agreed to sign a security treaty. But, well, I still feel like we need something more solid. S-so, Katsumi, ah, y-you, become my Kōhai!"
Anastasia's face turned bright red as she made this declaration to Arima.
(Kōhai refers to the husband of an empress.)
"Huh?"
"Don't just say 'huh'! I'm asking you to marry into my family! T-this is a political marriage, okay? Don't get the wrong idea! Your family lineage traces back to the Imperial Family a thousand years ago, right? You're more than qualified to be the spouse of the Russian Emperor."
"Huh? Huh? Huh?"
Arima's face turned red, and he froze in place.
"Ugh, you're so dense! I-I'm pouring my heart out here, and you're just standing there like a fool!"
Thud!
Suddenly, Arima embraced Anastasia.
Over the past eight months of living together at the Arima household, Arima had developed feelings for Anastasia. But he had resigned himself to the fact that those feelings would remain unrequited. Anastasia was destined to become the Russian Empress and leave this country. He, on the other hand, had to support His Highness the Regent. So, he had buried his feelings deep inside.
(Arima had almost no experience with women in his life, so he had no immunity to this kind of situation…)
"Anastasia, are you sure about this? Someone like me won't be much of a backer."
"…It's fine. I want you, Katsumi. I'm sorry. The whole 'political marriage' thing was a lie. When we first met, you saved my life, and I called you a fool with a dumb face…"
Arima recalled that moment. Being called a fool with a dumb face had been quite a blow.
"I was told by Ruslan… to save Russia. Until then, I didn't care about the country. I thought we could just run away somewhere, all of us together. But everyone died, and even as we ran, so many people were killed. So, I made a vow. I swore I would save Russia no matter what. For that, I was prepared to sacrifice everything. But then… there's you, Katsumi. Is it really okay for me to be happy… when everyone else is dead? So, I want you to save Russia with me."
Anastasia looked up at Arima, her large eyes filled with tears.
Ah, Anastasia is the same age as me, but she's been through unimaginable hardships…
"But the Japanese military killed Russian civilians. I'm one of those Japanese."
"His Highness the Regent punished the officers responsible for that. Besides, the Red Army also armed the civilians and made them resist the White Army and the Japanese forces. It was an incredibly harsh situation. His Highness personally apologized to me, and I accepted that apology. That chapter is closed. If I'm with you, Katsumi, I feel like I can overcome anything. Please, save Russia with me!"
"Anastasia, let's make that wish come true together."
With those words, Arima kissed Anastasia. He had learned from a novel written (or rather, plagiarized) by Takashiro Soryu that kissing was the right thing to do in such a situation.
"Your Highness the Regent. Her Highness Princess Anastasia has asked me to become her Kōhai. If it pleases you, I would like to accept."
"Is that so? What does your father, Lieutenant General Arima, say about this?"
"Yes, Your Highness. My father said he would be delighted if you gave your permission. As for the family succession, my younger brother Katsutoshi will take over, so there's no need to worry."
"I see. Well, this is truly a joyous occasion. I have no objections."
"I am deeply grateful. I hope to serve as a bridge between Japan and Russia and contribute to the development of both nations."
While there were legal restrictions on members of the Imperial Family marrying foreigners, there were no laws preventing a Japanese citizen from marrying into a foreign royal family. Thus, without any opposition from the government, the marriage between Arima Katsumi and Anastasia was approved.
The coronation ceremony was set for February 11, 1921, followed by the announcement of the constitution's promulgation and enforcement, and then the marriage announcement. The wedding would take place at the Russian Orthodox church where the coronation was held. This was to ensure that any forces attempting to disrupt their marriage would not have the time to do so.
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T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.
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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 31!
Wow, Lieutenant Arima, what a brilliant move!
I hope the two of them can work together to develop the Russian Empire.
I'll continue working hard to bring this story to its conclusion. If you found it interesting and want to read more, I'd be thrilled if you could bookmark it or leave a rating!
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