The Tsarevich's Gambit (4)

"Upon my mention of His Imperial Majesty's imminent arrival in Kyoto, he promptly stipulated an exorbitant sum. This indicates their lack of intention to resolve this matter amicably from the outset!"

'We exhibited naïveté. While our objective was to mitigate circumstances and conclude the incident expeditiously, they were formulating a more comprehensive strategy from the moment of occurrence.'

'Apprehensive of the ascending influence of our Great Japanese Empire, they endeavor to suppress our nascent power at this opportune moment.'

Alternatively, their motivation might derive from the inevitable diminishment of their Far Eastern influence pending the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

"Foreign Minister, do you genuinely believe their objective is armed conflict?"

"Ambassador Dmitri represents the foremost proponent of an adversarial stance toward Japan. Yet even he demonstrated reluctance at the prospect of warfare. However, the military officials have now secured optimal justification and opportunity. The young Crown Prince's indignation suffices to persuade Alexander III, presenting an additional strategic advantage for them—particularly given their possession of numerous armored naval vessels."

"Would a mere admiral such as Romen harbor such grandiose strategic considerations? Does this appear plausible to you?"

'Has no one discerned...' This realization intensified Aoki's frustration. Despite the gravity of the situation, no one appeared to acknowledge the reality of their circumstances.

The reason Ambassador Dmitri, who had previously demonstrated eagerness to intervene in all matters, now maintained his silence.

Conversely, the admiral's apparent readiness to exploit the opportunity to exacerbate the incident.

And the Crown Prince's declarations heretofore.

Indications had emanated from various sources.

"It appears... our diplomatic initiatives to establish an alliance with England... have been compromised."

"What do you mean?"

The British Empire—the nation with whom collaboration was imperative to counterbalance the Russian Empire's influence.

Following the commencement of full-scale construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway in the previous year, Japan had discreetly proposed an alliance with Britain.

Though the British response had been tepid and the Foreign Ministry had refrained from subsequent overtures, they had not abandoned their aspirations... Who could have anticipated that such information would reach Russian intelligence?

'Ambassador Dmitri stationed in Japan likely remained unaware. Even if knowledge existed within the Russian Empire.'

"Do you comprehend? The present situation transcends Admiral Romen's financial demands or the Crown Prince's emotional response. They harbor genuine belligerent intentions."

Having articulated this assertion before the assembled officials, Aoki anticipated a sense of relief; instead, his vision progressively dimmed.

"How foolish I was to exert myself. They never intended to conclude matters expeditiously. Should we engage in conflict with Russia, our probability of prevailing..."

"Nonexistent."

"Indeed, not at present."

The margin was exceedingly narrow. What consequences might have ensued had they permitted Admiral Romen's departure under these circumstances? He would have returned commanding substantial naval forces.

'Such an outcome must be prevented.'

One strategy existed to prematurely terminate this extensive conspiracy.

Acquiesce to their damnable proposal, formulated with the expectation of rejection.

Though I am characterized as a reticent crown prince, the emperor exceeds my reserve—a rather amusing observation, is it not?

I finally presented myself again for the Emperor's formal apology, eight days subsequent to the incident of May 11th.

Numerous developments transpired in the interim, including the receipt of over ten thousand telegrams expressing concern from throughout Japan, and even the suicide of a certain lady in an act of contrition.

I had contemplated the possibility that this represented a stratagem by the Japanese Empire to prolong our presence; however, that hypothesis appeared unfounded, as Home Minister Saigo Tsugumichi, responsible for police operations, security provisions, sanitation measures, and local governance, voluntarily tendered his resignation.

The stated rationale apparently pertained to his sense of moral responsibility or comparable sentiment.

I believe he forwarded them out of genuine delight regarding my twenty-third birthday commemoration.

My forehead remains sensitive to touch, though causes minimal discomfort when undisturbed.

A scar will persist, but such is the nature of life's vicissitudes. These matters belong to the past. One must forget and proceed.

I hope my esteemed Japanese acquaintances likewise adopt such a constructive perspective.

I have divested myself of all emotional attachments to past events.

"Cease! Cease immediately!"

"Halt the carriage!"

"Ugh!"

We arrived in Vladivostok on June 2nd.

Today's date is August 16th.

"Your Highness, interrupting our journey will merely occasion further delays."

"Indeed, I comprehend this fully. However, attempting to traverse this barely completed thoroughfare may prove fatal before reaching our destination."

"You need only endure until today. Less than three hours remain, and individuals await our arrival in St. Petersburg."

"You grow increasingly officious."

I had presumed the Admiral would remain to command the vessel, but this proved incorrect.

Admiral Romen had served as my security chief from the outset, thus he accompanies me to St. Petersburg.

The duration required to travel from Vladivostok to the capital, St. Petersburg, by land: three months.

"Truly an extraordinary nation..."

The journey required precisely three months and two weeks.

I desired to return via the most expeditious route; however, fulfilling the obligations of a Crown Prince on a global tour proves rather exhausting—necessitating participation in ceremonies at the Blagoveshchensk Arch and being entreated to address immigrants in remote locations.

The return journey to the capital itself constituted an ordeal. I personally ascertained why individuals avoid travel in this era.

"Admiral Romen, you indicated the journey would require over three months during winter?"

"That assumes successful passage. Should you sustain injury or encounter immobility due to snow accumulation, the duration might exceed four months."

"..."

I can comprehend the rationale for deploying Gulag laborers for railway construction. Establishing connections via unpaved terrestrial routes appears sufficiently ambitious, but by rail?

'Never again shall I venture to the Far East! At minimum, not prior to the completion of that railway.'

I developed a fresh understanding regarding Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War.

The mere act of engaging in combat at the opposite extremity of the earth would nearly extinguish their forces, and when movement of a single individual presents difficulties, attempting to transport military provisions—the subordinate soldiers must have preferred death to such circumstances.

Nevertheless, all endeavors eventually conclude, and after consuming time measured in months, we finally reached European territory.

St. Petersburg, the imperial capital.

"Impossible, utterly impossible."

"Indeed, protocol must be observed."

Ah, I had wondered why cavalry units were positioned at the city entrance.

This accursed protocol afflicts me until the very end.

Citizens emerged to observe, and somehow the carriage gradually progressed through the city, evidently intending to complete the procession before sunset.

I remain uncertain regarding the passage of time thereafter.

Being escorted to various locations and following instructions, night descended, and when I regained awareness...

"So, you have returned."

"...Father."

I found myself in a private audience with my father after a year's absence.

"How did you find the world after having resided exclusively within the palace?"

"It proved expansive. Far more so than our empire."

His voice, beyond mere hoarseness to a heaviness reminiscent of iron, clearly indicated compromised health.

The massive frame I recalled. Seated height surpassing that of the lady-in-waiting, palm gripping the chair larger than most individuals' visages.

Known to prioritize familial relations, perhaps because this conversation transpired between eldest son and father, words repeatedly failed us.

"I received reports regarding the events in Asia."

"Yes, that—"

"You subdued an armed assailant with bare hands."

"Indeed, yes."

"The individual I previously knew would have hastily retreated, vociferously expressing alarm into an alleyway."

Momentarily, the infirm man's eyes attempted to penetrate my façade.

Emotionless, exceedingly direct gaze.

I likewise regarded him, recollecting childhood memories of my father.

"...You no longer exhibit avoidance. Approach me."

Moving my body, rigid with tension, I advanced toward him.

Subsequently, he embraced me with his enormous arms.

That both identities indisputably constitute my essence.

At present, I am unquestionably Nikolai Alexandrovich.