NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Sudden Request
3.4.1904
The Russo-Japanese War lasted for one month before the Japanese sued for peace which resulted in the releasing of Korea from Japanese occupation. The last Japanese left Korea after a month which the Koreans celebrated within their ruined cities.
While the fighting during the war was in the north, the southern part of the Peninsula was ravaged by the Genocide as cities lay in ruins and people who survived looked upon their once beautiful homes that no longer exist.
Only ruble or few buildings remain.The Koreans could do nothing but cry out in deep anguish as they lost 8 million of their people to the Genocide from the original 15 million. This scar would never fade as the pain would be passed through generations.
Despite that they had room for happiness in their hearts as they are now free from the Japanese as the Russian Empire defeated their occupiers.
Right now the acting president of Korea was meeting with Anastasia in Seoul discussing the revitalization of Korea.
"With the Japanese gone you can declare the Korean Republic as all Korean Royals were killed of." Anastasia said as the passed a paper to the president.
"Yes, we can do that, but Korea is in shambles and we don't have the manpower or to achieve anything. Even with the money we get from Japan ."
Anastasia looked the man before her in the eyes. She could see his pain. He not only lost his family but also a majority of his people. She can see the hidden hate against the Japanese, she expected that but it pains her soul seeing this.
The man is broken just like the rest of Korea. They lost all hope of recovery as their spirit is shattered.
She pinched the bridge of nose and sighed.
"Ji-ho, look at me."
The man look at Anastasia as she called out his name. His eyes still showing the broken spirit.
"Ji-ho, don't worry I will help Korea, you can count on me, on Russia, to save you." Anastasia gave him her most heart warming smile. Without her knowledge that smile stirred something deep in Ji-ho's soul. He could see it. His eyes shimmered as they regained their former luster as he now saw Anastasia for what she truly is.
"Saint."
"Excuse me?"
Anastasia though she misheard him. Did he just call her a Saint?
Ji-ho's eyes swelled up in tears as he started to silently cry.
'Whats happening to him' Anastasia looked at Ji-ho. One moment he's broken, the next he's crying. She brushed of her thoughts as she neared him and hugged him deeply.
Ji-ho stiffened from her hug as he started to cry loudly from pain and sorrow as he hugged her back.
"It's alright, let it all out, your save now it's over, it's all over." Anastasia said as she caresses his head as Ji-ho continued to cry.
After a few minutes Ji-ho let go and cleaned himself up.
"I'm sorry your Highness for this unsightly view."
"All is well, I understand your pain Ji-ho, but now you need to be the leader you're people need." Anastasia didn't mind it as she knew the pain and how hard it is to keep it locked up. It's better to let it all out so you can continue your day, not to let it anguish you.
"About that your Highness, what I may say now will be sudden, but I request that Korea becomes a vassal state of Russia." Ji-ho bowed his head as Anastasia stared at him in surprise.
"Are you sure, will your people agree, and why would you request something like this."
"I am sure my people will agree, thay would celebrate it even. The reason I request this is that you have saved Korea and her people form extinction and we would like to repay you somehow." Ji-ho answered Anastasias inquiry as he remained bowing.
"Haaahh, alright I'll see what I can do, so lift your head." Anastasia couldn't believe it. Korea would willingly give themselves to Russia after what they went through. But this is a welcome surprise. Not only has Russia gained Manchuria but also Korea.
With this the British can't disagree as they wouldn't like to see Russia expand, but this could give them a reason to expand without the British being be able to refute.
Despite Korea becoming a vassal and autonomous they are basically annexed by Russia as all foreign diplomacy and military of Korea is in Russias hands. Almost like Finland, they are autonomous but are a dukedom with her father being the Duke of Finland. Inturn her father is the Emporer of Russia and Duke of Finland with Russias decisions being Finlands.
As the meeting ended Anastasia returned to St.Petersburg and informed her father of Ji-ho's request. Nicolas was surprised as well but didn't dwell in it and accepted the request. But what he said next shocked Anastasia to her core.
"As a reward for winning the war and as a punishment for disobedience I make you Queen of Korea. My the Lord be with you."
When she saw that smirk she almost wanted to rip it off his face but soon calmed down and accepted his order.
"As you wish father. I will make Korea the gem of Russia."
"Good, you are dismissed."
And so Anastasia returned to her duties and informed Ji-ho of the news as he then publicly said to the people of Korea of the news.
What anyone excepted didn't happen. There was no protest or chaos. No, there was celebration as the people of Korea celebrated their union with Russia and Anastasia becoming their Queen.
When the world found out not much happened as the Koreans accepted it so they couldn't do anything to hinder the union.
On the same day Ji-ho declared Anastasia to be the National Hero of Korea and the 3rd of April becoming a National holiday as the founding day of the Kingdom of Korea.