NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20: The Caucasus
-5.6.1905-
While Manchuria and Korea had advanced, they are not the only regions who got their improvements.
Before the Russo-Japanese War the Russian Empire reorganized its regions and made them less chaotic. It's goes the following:
Baltic Governorate
Polish Governorate
Caucasian Governorate
Grand Duchy of Finland
Belarusian Governorate
Russian Governorate
Ukrainian Governorate
Central Asian Governorate
Siberian Oblast
Far Eastern Governorate
Manchurian Governorate
Kingdom of Korea
Each Governorates has its own sub-governorates.
With this reorganization, the Empire can function more efficiently and when you look at a map of the Russian Empire your head won't go spinning.
Right now Anastasia is inside her personal train on its way to the capital of the Caucasian Governorate to see how the progress is on modernisation and industrialization.
With the Caucasus being filled with multiple ethnic groups and conflict amongst them, the choice where the capital would be was a hard one.
So to combat this it was chosen to build an entire new city just to serve as the capital of the Governorate. The city is located between the new Georgian and Armenian sub-governorates.
"Your Highness we are arriving at Neo-Caucasia soon." Yes the city's name is Neo-Caucasia. She herself choose that name, as it symbolizes a new beginning for the people of the Caucasus.
As the train arrives at the main station of the city Anastasia is met with escorts who will accompany her to her residence.
Being a Crown Princess has its pros, you have authority second to the Emporer and have residencies everywhere that even she doesn't know how many there are.
Some are in the middle of Siberia. Whoever had the mind to construct one there is either a genius or a moron.
*Shhhhiing*
The Train came to a stop as she exited and met her escorts. As she eyed them she saw a familiar face as she smiled and ran up to him.
"Constantine!"
She ran up to him and hugged him.
"Oof, your Highness you have grown so much."
Constantine was the Head of the Royal Guards and responsible of directly protecting the Emporor.
But due to the assassination attempt 5 years ago, he resigned and chose to be Anastasias personal guard in his guilt from not being able to protect her that time.
During the Russo-Japanese War he was her personal spy she sent out to be her eyes and ears in Korea to sabotage and collect Intel.
After the war Anastasia gave him a year long break to compassionate for his duty much to his refusal.
Now that the break is over, he can continue his atonement and protect his mistress.
"Yes, it has been a year since I saw you. You yourself look well even with that stiff face."
Constantine smiled at her comment as he lead the way to her residence in Neo-Caucasia.
As they entered Anastasia turned to him.
"Well this place looks good. But tell me Constantine, how was your break.?"
Constantine looked at her, his face showing no change.
"It has been enjoyable, but my duties lie at protecting you and I will now return to it as my 'forced' vacation is now over."
"Bah, forced? You must have a fuzzy memory. I gave you a vacation as a reward for your duty during the war as you didn't want anything else."
"As you say so your Highness."
Constantine smiled at that. Despite being unnaturally powerful and smart she is still childish at some moments.
"Come, I need to see how far this city has been progressing and the region itself."
Anastasia returned outside as she wanted to quickly finish her duties for the day and then rest.
-Neo-Caucasia Governmental building-
As Anastasia entered the administrative building of the Caucasian Governorate she saw portraits of herself.
"They made portraits of me?"
She didn't know how to feel. She isn't fond of having her portraits taken as she I'd quite sensitive at this matter.
"I say it looks good your Highness, but no portrait could capture you beauty and elegance if I dare say."
She smirked at Constantines comment as they arrived at the Governor's office and knocked.
Knock Knock
"Yes."
Click
"Oh your Highness I wasn't informed that you'll be arriving today. Forgive me for not meeting you at the Station."
The Governor is young for someone at his position. Being only 40 years old.
"It's alright Governor, I came anonymously to not disturb any plans and the citizens."
The Governor have a thankful smile and gave her a seat as Constantine stood behind her.
"So, tell me, how has the Caucasus and Neo-Caucasia progressed in the past year.?"
Anastasia sat down and asked the Governor.
"Progress has been at estimated rates and in Neo-Caucasia it has exceeded expectations. The City's central and industrial districts are finished as the civilian one is 84% finished.
The Region itself has seen good progress as the people are content with their new and improved lives."
Anastasia pondered at the report as the Governor handed her the written report as she read it through. With ther superhuman speeds and compression she finished reading in 3 minutes.
"Hmm, good work Governor. I was right to have chosen you to lead this region."
Anastasia is happy to see her chosen to have made this much progress in just a year. Her goal at making her people in this region happier is closer than before.
The Caucasus is the most difficult one to accomplish her goals in as the people not only have conflicting identities and religion, they also had wars between each other before Russian annexation.
With the Georgians and Armenians being the most cooperative despite having been Ancient Kingdoms.
She herself is fascinated at the old history of both old Kingdoms. With Armenia being the Poland of Asia as it has been constantly swapped between Rome and Persia.
"Thank you for your praise your Highness."
The Governor gave her a bow as she nodded.
After a few more minutes and reports of small matters Anastasia returned to her estate.
"You know Constantine, once I inherit this Empire from my father I will spread my vision to everyone across the world."
"And what may it be?"
Constantine asked as he looked at Anastasia who's gazing outside the window.
Without looking back she answered
"Peace."