The Establishment of the Legitimate Russian Imperial Government (2)

February 11, 1921

The coronation ceremony took place in Toyohara, Karafuto, which was under Japanese control. It was decided that inviting guests to Northern Karafuto during the harsh winter of February would be impossible.

Anastasia's coronation was attended by government envoys from around the world. While the coronation of a Russian Emperor would typically warrant the presence of heads of state or royalty, no one truly believed that the exiled Russian Imperial Government could overthrow the Red Army. Thus, most countries sent high-ranking officials as a formality.

Journalists were also invited, with the Russian government covering their travel expenses to ensure as many countries as possible were represented.

Of course, the Red Army did not send diplomats—only a statement of condemnation.

A Russian Orthodox priest slowly placed the crown on Anastasia's head. Though the cathedral could not compare to the grandeur of Saint Basil's Cathedral, it had been hastily renovated with Japanese assistance, and the ceremony was conducted with solemn dignity.

"She's beautiful…"

Anastasia stood before the crowd, wearing the crown, a robe of white and red, and holding a scepter. Her dignified and beautiful appearance captivated everyone in attendance.

The robe was a masterpiece, made from Japanese silk and woven using the Nishijin technique, representing the highest quality craftsmanship.

After the coronation, Anastasia personally greeted each of the foreign envoys. It was highly unusual for a Russian Emperor to greet individual diplomats, especially those who were not royalty. This demonstrated how Anastasia viewed the coronation as a diplomatic opportunity.

Immediately following the ceremony, the constitution was proclaimed and put into effect on the same day. While it was an imperial decree without parliamentary deliberation, this was not unusual for the time. The content of the constitution, however, surprised everyone with its democratic principles:

Respect for fundamental human rights.

Freedom of expression.

Separation of powers.

Equality under the law (no discrimination based on gender, social status, or race; the nobility would remain, but as honorary titles without privileges).

Obligations of military service, labor, taxation, and education.

The Emperor's authority would be exercised with the advice of the cabinet.

Constitutional amendments would require the approval of at least 60% of the parliament and a majority vote in a national referendum.

The constitution was modeled after the Japanese Constitution rather than the Meiji Constitution, though it naturally excluded provisions like the renunciation of war.

There had been some resistance from the nobility during the drafting of the constitution, but they were persuaded that without Japanese support, they would not only fail to regain their status but could also face arrest and execution by the Red Army. In exchange for their cooperation, their personal assets were not confiscated.

Then came an even more surprising announcement.

"Her Majesty Empress Anastasia has chosen Marquis Katsumi Arima of Japan as her Kōhai. Marquis Arima is of noble lineage, descended from Emperor Murakami, and through this union, the Russian Emperor and the Emperor of Japan pledge eternal coexistence and mutual prosperity."

(The Arima family was originally of viscount rank, but Katsumi was elevated to marquis to facilitate his marriage to Anastasia.)

Katsumi Arima then took the stage. Standing at 170 cm, he did not appear out of place compared to Westerners of the time, but he wore 7 cm hidden boots to add extra height for the occasion.

After receiving blessings from the priest, the marriage of the two was announced to the world.

"During the Russian Revolution, I was arrested by the Red Army and endured harsh days as a prisoner. Yet, simply being with my three sisters, Alexei, and the Emperor and Empress brought me happiness. However, the Red Army secretly planned to execute us. My family was brutally shot to death in Yekaterinburg by the Red Army. I was rescued at the last moment by the White Army and fled to Nikolaevsk with my attendant, Lvov."

Anastasia's tears flowed freely, but her resolute face remained dignified as she looked directly at the diplomats and journalists.

"The Red Army pursued us to Nikolaevsk. Lvov lost his life in a gunfight with them. Just as the Red Army was about to shoot me, Marquis Arima came to my rescue. My life today is thanks to him. I cannot say that the former Emperor Nicholas II was a great ruler, but what the Red Army is doing now is even more tragic. During my escape, I witnessed countless acts of looting, massacres, and starvation caused by the Red Army. To save the Russian people, we need the help of the world. Please, lend us your strength."

With those words, Anastasia bowed deeply.

The hall began with scattered applause, which soon grew into a standing ovation.

Photographs of Anastasia's tearful yet dignified face, pleading for the world's cooperation, were published in newspapers worldwide under the headline "The Tragic Princess." Alongside these were photos of the beloved princesses who had been killed.

Additionally, a heavily dramatized account of Anastasia's experiences from her arrest during the revolution to her coronation was published as Anastasia's Diary.

World opinion turned sharply against the Red Army, with voices of outrage rising across the globe.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

T/N: If you like it please vote with power stone please. More stones equals faster release.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 32!

When will the counterattack against the Red Army begin?

It still feels like it's a long way off…

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!

If you didn't enjoy it, feel free to rate it "★☆☆☆☆"! I'll use your feedback to improve.

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome and help guide my writing!

Criticism like "the pacing is too slow," "I don't understand what's going on," or "this feels derivative" is also greatly appreciated!

I'm a bit worried whether those who aren't familiar with history are still enjoying the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on that as well!

When my motivation is high, I'll even sacrifice sleep to keep writing!

Thank you for your continued support!