NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 320
Oil can turn a country into a wealthy nation just by possessing it.
If you don’t have it, like Korea, you have to rely on labor and technology, but if you have oil, becoming a prosperous nation without falling into significant corruption isn’t that hard.
“That’s true. But you know, there is also the possibility that Middle Eastern countries might play around with oil in the future.”
“Really?”
It’s possible. Considering our reliance on oil imports, if the Arab nations weaponize oil for their own gain, that’s when we’ll be really upset.
Since we can handle things from our standpoint when the situation is just right, taking care of it now is one of the options.
“Those who already have it are always trying to get more.”
But that doesn’t mean we won’t sell. After all, it’s still a major power.
The Rome Treaty and the United States. Who knows what will happen in South America, but anyway, we have to monopolize resources while still continuing trade.
“Aha, I see.”
“And think about it. Just look at Iraq among those Middle Eastern nations. They can’t be taken lightly. We are Caucasians, leading civilization. Although we have pride and face, which allows us some mercy in our lives, they don’t have that.”
In fact, if we’re being honest, since the future has changed, things might be different here too, but in the upcoming Fourth Middle Eastern War, the oil minister from Saudi Arabia led the oil crisis, didn’t he?
Thinking about that, it’s indeed a concern.
Isn’t there now even more reason to carry out a preventive war? Once the Arabs hold onto oil, they can weaponize it at any time.
Once they weaponize it, what will happen?
Of course, they will become hostile to us. They could easily use that oil to threaten us.
We also have a lot of oil, but it’s clear we cannot ignore the influence of Arab countries in the world.
In any case, at the very least, the Arabs will have the power to switch sides as they wish.
That cannot be allowed to happen.
That is also the Duma’s intention, and I too will try to justify my actions since I have embarked on this path.
“So, what about the delegation from Nejd?”
“Either send them off to Hejaz or return them to that cursed Nejd.”
Whichever way we send them, a bright future seems unlikely. Cheers to Nejd, which has become a sacrifice for the Rome Treaty.
This war won’t end in a day or two anyway. Just think about the battles we’ve had and the difference in class. I suspect Britain will also exert considerable effort.
Maria seems to be struggling quite a bit under me.
Once the Middle Eastern issue is resolved, how about I just retire to quietness?
Seriously, I mean really retiring to the back. I don’t want to be like Yi Bangwon, sitting in the back while still trying to be proactive about something.
“I’ll take care of it in that manner.”
A new war in the Middle East.
Sadly, this Middle Eastern war in this world is being caused by our hands.
I don’t feel like I shouldn’t say sorry, but preventive wars are ultimately important.
I pondered this over and over.
Once the Middle East and South America are resolved, there truly won’t be anything left for me to worry about.
Eastern Japan? It’s merely intended to sap American strength, and if Trotsky were to defect here, I might consider abandoning my identity and running a chicken shop.
“Now all that’s left is to play around.”
“Excuse me?”
“When big matters are done, all that’s left is to grade; it wouldn’t be too bad to casually relax a bit now, would it?”
“Wait, are you really planning to play around?”
“Of course! If I’ve managed to pull the nation that almost fell to those Reds all the way here, I think I’ve put in a fair amount of effort, don’t you?”
“Your Majesty, you’re older than I am; is playing around still something you’d pursue?”
A person should play during their later years.
If you suffer during your youth, you should enjoy your elder years and take it easy.
“After all, in old age, it’s only right to spend time leisurely, right?”
“That may be true, but Your Majesty, you’re still in active service, aren’t you?”
“Hey, if I’ve been on the throne for over thirty years, isn’t that enough? I’d prefer if Vladimir would claim it quickly.”
Sooner or later, if Vladimir has any conscience, he’ll inherit the Tsar position. Given my past, I should have already retired to the back and be enjoying life.
It seems people might have lost their sense of age because of my appearance, but in reality, I’m nearing my mid-fifties.
I’ve lived longer than my original life span and have become more accustomed to the female body after living longer as a woman than as a man.
“Well, about that issue…”
“What? What do you intend to say?”
There’s no way Maria is against this.
After all, I’d be resting in the Kremlin.
“Actually, Grand Duke Vladimir is trying to pass on the line of succession to his child.”
That bastard? While he’s enjoying himself, he’s secretly trying to pass the throne to his child?
What was I thinking, raising him and teaching him to be a successor? Now he wants to hand it over to his son?
Isn’t this going to lead to my Elizabeth II ending?
“Does that even make sense? You want me to suffer hardships? No, I only have grading left to do; how long will that kid be asking a Tsar older than him to…”
“To be honest, the Grand Duke looks significantly older now.”
Saying that, I find myself at a loss for words.
Indeed, Vladimir has grown quite aged compared to me.
“Then, it seems I’m the only one facing hardships.”
“Well, I doubt you’re doing that much work now, are you?”
Yeah, that’s true. I’m mostly just giving orders from above, and I no longer jump into the war myself. But there’s a feeling.
What if one day I abdicate the throne at that ripe old age?
What would I do if Vladimir doesn’t accept the succession, and he can’t pass it on to his child either?
“Oh, there’s a good method.”
“What is it? Please tell me it’s a good one.”
It better be a good way to hand over the Tsar’s position that I can acknowledge.
“First, you should abdicate and then let everyone be satisfied.”
“I’ll definitely need you to tell me that method quickly, Maria.”
“Your Majesty should newly ascend as Anastasia I, II, III, and so on.”
What? Did my ears just correctly hear that?
Are you telling me to constantly renew my identity?
Looking at the current mess, it might just be the way to go, but seriously. Then, who do I make Anastasia II the daughter of?
“Should we decide whose daughter Anastasia II and III will be?”
Whether I play dead or not, is there even a royal who can give birth to the current Anastasia II and III?
“Is it rude for me to ask something like that?”
“It’s already sufficiently rude, so it’s fine.”
When have you ever cared about being rude?
I like that we get along like friends, but I’d love to hear what you mean.
“Once you’ve properly abdicated, you could just reduce appearances in media like TV, say you passed away one day, and later disguise yourself as a daughter of the royal family?”
“But won’t they find out within the royal family?”
“Well, that’s their problem. Instead, they should be honored to officially adopt you as a daughter, Your Majesty.”
Would that really work out?
Oh, then wouldn’t that be awesome for me? It resets my age.
I could smile like a young girl and go to school even at 100 years old.
Just thinking about it is so enjoyable. Playing in the future that I have changed will be quite refreshing.
“That’s something to seriously think about.”
“I’ve even got my maid’s daughter in place, just in case.”
You’ve even arranged for the maid’s daughter to be in the mix, huh?
You told Maria to take care of that, but isn’t that a bit too blatant?
“You’ve really stepped over the boundaries there.”
I never expected Maria to be up to such tricks behind the scenes.
“My daughter will serve you in the future, Your Majesty.”
Now that I think about it, Maria did have a daughter.
I heard she fell in love with someone in the royal guard. Watching my associates marry feels strange. It’s like I’m getting a sense of crisis? Or rather, a feeling of being left out?
During my pregnancy, besides the stable period, it was mostly Alisa who was looking after me.
“Wow. You just naturally put yourself in a position to support me.”
“Is it overstepping? Honestly, I’m worried if it’s not me. I was thinking maybe I should entrust my daughter to you. Of course, it’s all been officially approved.”
Oh, so you’re saying you’d rather trust your daughter to me because you can’t help but worry?