Anastasia Romanov (Fate/Marvel)

"She is a girl, Sire," the midwife said softly, handing over the newborn baby girl to the current Russian Emperor, Nicholas II.

His expression darkened, his face unmistakably clouded with disappointment.

Even the Empress, Alexandra Feodorovna, could not completely mask her discontent. She had hoped for a son after having two daughters; they longed for an heir to the throne—a son, not another daughter.

The weight of their expectations hung heavy in the room.

However, Alexandra, ever the dutiful wife, quickly composed herself. She forced a gentle smile and said reassuringly, "We can try again later, Nicky. She is still our daughter, our flesh and blood. Don't wear such an expression in front of her."

"Nicky"—this is how she affectionately addressed him, a name that, though somewhat feminine and lacking the commanding tone of a ruler, however, Nicholas II like it.

It was a sign of their closeness, a bond that transcended formalities.

As the tender nickname washed over him, Nicholas shook off his stupor and managed a small smile.

He gently cradled the baby girl handed to him by the midwife, holding her carefully in his arms as though the weight of the world rested in this tiny being.

"What do you think would be a fitting name for her, Alix?" Nicholas asked, his tone softening as he looked at his wife, using her pet name in return.

Alexandra's smile brightened, her eyes sparkling with hope.

"How about Anastasia?" she suggested.

There was significance in that name—Anastasia, meaning "resurrection" in Greek, symbolized hope and renewal. It was not just a name; it was a promise of new beginnings for them and their little girl. The name Anastasia also held cultural weight in Russia, often linked to the traditions of Orthodox Christianity.

"Yes, Anastasia…" Nicholas II echoed, his voice filled with warmth.

"It is a fine name. Then, she shall be Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova," he declared, his pride inescapable, as if he too believed in the symbolic power of the name.

"May God bless her, Amen."

"Amen," Alexandra whispered in agreement.

And so it was how Anastasia was brought into the world.

But as the name was spoken aloud, something curious happened—the baby girl's eyes fluttered open, wide and aware.

She did not cry as newborns usually do.

For a brief moment, it was as though she understood her rebirth into the royal family as Anastasia Romanova, so much so that she seemed to forget to cry at all.

While everyone in the room remained blissfully unaware, lost in their own reveries, one person noticed.

The midwife, standing silently nearby, looked at the newborn with a strange expression, her brow furrowed in confusion.

There was something unusual about this child.

A baby who did not cry at birth—it was a subtle, yet unsettling omen.

"Sire, may I borrow your daughter for a short while?" the midwife inquired politely, bowing her head in deference.

Nicholas II, who had been absorbed in his own world of joy and contentment at the prospect of having another child, was visibly displeased by the sudden interruption from this woman.

His expression darkened as he glared at her with clear irritation.

"No. You've already performed your duties," he said coldly. "Now, you may leave."

The midwife, sensing the Tsar's impatience and knowing that any further attempts to speak would only provoke more hostility, could do nothing but quietly concede.

She bowed again and exited the room without another word, understanding full well that mentioning the peculiar behavior of the newborn would only worsen the situation.

There was no point in reminding him.

Thus, she resigned herself to silence and left.

As Anastasia gazed upon her mother, she was struck by the odd familiarity of her features, which bore a striking resemblance to her adult version, Anastasia Romanova, the FGO heroine frequently talked by weebs in gacha games and webnovel.

A complicated, almost constipated expression formed on her face as she reflected on her bizarre situation.

She wasn't entirely sure whether to feel concerned or relieved.

After all, let's be realistic—compared to the brutal reality of history, the Nasuverse offered a much more favorable playing field. Here, she could potentially alter the course of events, overturn the revolution, and thwart the rise of Communism, provided she played her cards wisely.

First and foremost, she needed to find Viy and form a contract with the elemental creature. With Viy's power on her side, her personal strength would be assured.

The next step would be to secure a decisive victory in the Russo-Japanese War by ensuring her father remained vigilant against Japan's notorious sneak attacks, such as the one that struck Port Arthur without warning.

Japan's naval superiority, which had been so pivotal historically, could be turned against them if she acted swiftly.

If she managed to secure Viy's loyalty and sent the creature to aid her father in the war, freezing those who dared to stand against them, she could transform the very seas the Japanese relied on into their graveyard.

The waters that once symbolized their dominance would instead become their tomb.

Unconsciously, her infant body was overcome by the basic needs of a baby, and hunger suddenly struck her.

Her mind, still that of a baby in some ways, urged her to cry for her mother's milk.

"Give her to me, Nicky," Alexandra, recognizing her daughter's hunger, gently urged her husband to hand over the baby.

"Ah, yes, yes," Nicholas II muttered distractedly, subconsciously passing the baby to his wife as she began feeding Anastasia with warm, nourishing milk.

I suppose, before I begin planning anything significant, I'll have to endure this baby life for a while longer, Anastasia thought, lamenting her helpless state as an infant.

*****

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