I Became the Last Princess of the Brown Bear Kingdom

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I was hoping that this time the Czechoslovak Legion would just fall apart on its own.

Just in case they tried to kidnap me or drag me away, I prepared some tragic heroine act.

But, really now. Things are getting weird.

“We shall assist you, Princess. We will become your sturdy shield.”

What are these guys up to?

“Oh, but there must be a condition, right?”

“Our requirement is simple. After the civil war is settled, you must guarantee the independence of Czechia.”

“That much is not difficult.”

Ah, I really want to cry.

Anyway, it’s something that would happen without me having to promise it.

The Austro-Hungarian Empire is being torn apart like paper, and they want the Legion to return to an independent Czechia.

I don’t need to make such promises; it will happen on its own.

“Additionally, please help us maintain power in Czechia.”

Are they planning to establish a military dictatorship in Czechia?

Is the Czechoslovak Legion made up of those kinds of people?

“It won’t be difficult.”

After all, once the Great War is over, Czechia will gain independence, and the Legion will return home. I don’t have to promise that; it will just happen.

“But do you trust a young princess like me who has nothing? You might have to risk your lives for this.”

It’d be a problem if history changes here.

While they wouldn’t get a mention, the Czechoslovak Legion sold weapons to the independence fighters.

Of course, they sold to anyone who paid, not just the independence fighters.

Maybe I’m thinking about the independence fighters because I’m Korean.

It’s just that I’m worried that the change in history might not go as expected.

Alright. Let’s see how far you can help me.

“What are you thinking, that you’re going to confront us with such confidence?”

“That’s right.”

“Please tell us as well.”

Hah.

Are these guys really offering to be errand boys now?

Fine, then let’s see what you can get done.

“Unfortunately, we’re just a few hundred volunteers here. We need to gather an army.”

“We agree. While our Legion is strong, we believe we need reinforcements to defend Yekaterinburg. We will dig trenches and make efforts, but—”

So, they’re saying they lack troops.

They mentioned Kolchak of the White Army, but saying they lack troops means that I need my own power to act as a unifying force.

They can’t do it alone.

Indeed, I’ve heard that during the Red-White Civil War, the White Army received help from foreign forces, negotiating with the Germans, while some who criticized the Bolsheviks ended up siding with the Reds.

Well then, what should I do?

There are a few options.

I could even contact Anton Denikin of the soon-to-be-established Southern Russia government, even if it’s a bit of a stretch. He might want to return to the old ways and join me.

There’s also Pyotr Wrangel over there.

And there are others too.

“I plan to contact the Cossacks of the Don. It’s called the Don Republic, right? A state established with German support.”

The Don Republic is an anti-Bolshevik republic formed by the Don Cossacks of Southern Russia.

It probably hasn’t been established for long.

The leader, Pyotr Krasnov, is a guy who has been involved with the military since the Empire days.

He once tried to suppress Lenin, got defeated, became a prisoner, and then made up a story about being loyal to the Bolsheviks and escaped to become the Ataman of the Don Cossacks.

Having already crossed the irretrievable river with the Reds, he can surely join me.

As someone who has already risen to the position of Ataman, he’s been supported by the German Empire.

With Krasnov, Anton Denikin, and Pyotr Wrangel, in a few months, they will wage battles in Tsaritsyn.

After fighting for nearly two years, they ultimately lose.

“Are you telling me to aim for contact with the Cossacks?”

“They are a people who’ve received various benefits on the condition of being the Tsar’s lance. They will not wish for the Bolsheviks to take control of Russia.”

Wasn’t there something about tax reductions for becoming the Tsar’s dog? Plus the Cossacks who received autonomous benefits, would they really welcome the Bolsheviks? That’s why something like the Don Republic emerged, posing a unique threat to the Bolsheviks.

So what I’m saying isn’t entirely far-fetched.

While Alexander Kolchak is the center of the White Army, as long as I survive, this kind of development might be possible.

“That makes sense.”

“And, oh.”

“Please go ahead.”

“By the way, let the White Army know as well. They should cooperate with me to establish a Duma. I would aim for a constitutional monarchy; if they dislike that, a republic is fine too. Just let’s unite against the Bolsheviks with me as a focal point. I’ll write a letter as well.”

Build the country you all want. Just no Reds, please.

That should work.

After all, with the Romanovs having lost their divine mandate, a constitutional monarchy might be difficult to achieve.

In a constitutional monarchy, the royal family usually gets some respect, but the authority of the Romanovs has fallen to the ground, making them deemed unworthy of respect.

I wouldn’t want to be in such a spotlight either.

If possible, I’d rather clean up the aftermath and step back to enjoy wealth and glory.

“Are you saying you’ll relinquish power once the civil war is over?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely keep my promise to General Gaida. All I truly wish is to defeat the Bolsheviks. I no longer have the right to speak of the Romanovs regaining power.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and I must also inform the negotiating countries, including the U.S. While military supplies are fine, do not allow any military assistance. We must spread this information. The civil war is urgent, so we’ll accept anything from Germany or the negotiating countries.”

“A single soldier isn’t crucial at this point?”

Even if a single soldier is precious, sacrifices must be made.

The Japanese must be itching to take advantage of this situation and gobble up Siberia and the Russian Far East.

More importantly, we must call on foreign powers. We need to fight back! This logic prevented the Bolsheviks from running rampant.

In fact, this way, the Reds gained significant support from the Russian people. It’s already the worst for the White Army, who simply lack troops.

“Right now, the Japanese are salivating over Siberia. Just imagine how they’d flaunt themselves after we win the civil war! What’s more, those Bolsheviks will propaganda that the princess called upon foreign forces to win the civil war! We must fight back! Stirring people up is their specialty.”

“Understood.”

At least the Czechoslovak Legion is out there doing things, giving us some legitimacy. Externally, we can simply package ourselves as an independent force.

But.

These guys actually accepted this.

At this point, isn’t it better for me to just throw in the towel and let them kidnap me or something?

Contrary to my expectations, they seem quite determined to help me.

This could be trouble.

Alright. Let’s see how well you can get things done.

* * *

The Czechoslovak Legion got into full swing.

They helped dig trenches in Yekaterinburg and even handed weapons to the fanatics loyal to Anastasia.

They even trained the volunteers.

And on top of that, I was also trained.

“The princess is training personally?”

“Are you saying you’re going out to fight?”

In this little body, I have no choice but to find a way to protect myself.

Of course, the fanatic club of Anastasia was looking at me in awe.

They seemed to think I was going out to fight.

Well. It’s not a bad idea to go out and fight. Pretend to be dead and bury myself among the corpses to escape—

I was thinking this when I realized once again that I was a princess.

This harsh land, this Siberia, must be unbelievably cruel for a stranger with no connections.

But this is only part of the possibility.

For now, my immediate goal is to slap the Bolsheviks’ faces delightfully.

Surprisingly, the Czechoslovak Legion is taking my words quite seriously, and it seems I really have no choice but to turn the civil war into a victory for the White Army.

And.

Surprisingly, the situation right now isn’t terribly bad.

I can somewhat understand why the Soviets wanted to execute the royal family quickly. Soldiers have been arriving in Yekaterinburg day by day.

Perhaps this is because they’ve realized that the Soviets’ methods are not just for the workers. Despite their sins, they may have heard the horrific rumors of the brutal slaughter of the imperial family and felt it wasn’t just a matter of others.

More affluent people and factions are starting to flock to Yekaterinburg.

“Today, hundreds of Cossack soldiers have chosen to join you, my princess!”

Not just the Cossacks, but even the royalist imperial army has gathered under the banner of Princess Anastasia in Yekaterinburg.

All thanks to the Czechoslovak Legion.

I have no idea where they keep coming from. They’re not just picking them up; they’re bringing more and more, which has allowed me to expand my influence.

The enemy seems to be preparing for a fight, as I couldn’t see any signs around the cities close to Yekaterinburg where they could be hiding.

Maybe it’s because of the Southern Russian side or the Czechoslovak Legion.

No, it’s definitely because of those guys.

They’re hopping on trains, picking up things here and there. They’ve probably let the Western powers know too.

“Hmmm. The supplies are indeed a concern.”

The reason the White Army lost was partly due to infighting among various warlord factions, but it was also because key areas were under the enemy’s control.

This situation could change a bit if they receive support from surrounding countries.

But still, the most important thing is to exclude foreign interference.

Surely, they must be setting a bait?

When will the great powers make their move?

Just as I was pondering that, the defense troops of Yekaterinburg rushed in to report to me.

“Princess, the Bolsheviks are approaching!”

The Bolsheviks are approaching.

Honestly, it’s about time. Though they are coming faster than I expected.

“The Bolsheviks?”

I went to the makeshift trench and quietly watched the Bolshevik army from a distance as if gazing at a faraway mountain.

They are waving the workers’ flags, perhaps attempting to display their majesty.

Even from a distance, it’s quite a number.

Ah, this is bad.

Look at the numbers converging! There are truly an unfathomable amount.

If only we had tanks, we could at least do something.

It can’t be helped.

We have machine guns; we can hold on really tightly.

We have the Czechoslovak Legion as well.

The problem is my fanatics might get scared and scatter.

I have no choice but to encourage the soldiers myself.

If the princess steps forward, surely none of the soldiers will stay back behind.

I must show that I am different from my father, Tsar Nicholas II.

“Princess! We will take care of this!”

The Czechoslovak Legion insists I fall back, but—

No way.

If I’ve come this far, I’m going all in.

“No, they believe in me, raising their guns and standing here. I cannot lead them from behind while they are forward.”

I stood before the defense troops of Yekaterinburg.

Looking at their faces, I saw young men barely shedding their boyhood, middle-aged men who seemed to have rolled in the imperial army, and even old soldiers with frost on their hair.

The defense troops ranged from youth to old age.

Everyone appeared frightened, their eyes trembling.

They must be terrified at the thought of facing the great red tide.

Despite their loyalty to me, when the threat of death looms, there’s nothing they can do.

Humans are that way.

Their lives are what matter.

Especially if the one they pledged their loyalty to appears unworthy of risking lives for.

My father, Tsar Nicholas II, was such.

Right now, they must trust in me, a mere young princess.

They must believe in a girl who might not be able to fire a single shot.

How reckless a gamble that is. Those who have seen horror must understand this well.

I must appeal to them to believe in me.

To survive. At the very least, to prevent a horrendous future.