Battlefield Priest's Diary

Chapter 83 Spring is Coming
The Queen has a new favorite, a black-robed priest named Pugin.

Such news is not usually news at the Winter Palace, as it happens almost every year.

A lucky fellow, at a fortunate moment, caught the eye of the Queen, was given important responsibilities, and was given a large sum of money to pursue those mysterious matters.

The duration varies, perhaps a month or two, perhaps half a year. Except for that Frenchman, most people will soon disappear from people's sight again.

But this time is different.

The Queen would set aside time almost every day to meet with Father Pugin, spending a considerable amount of time there, and according to rumors, this was mostly done at night.

Although she always had the head maid by her side, as time went on, rumors still began to circulate among the political forces opposing the Empress Dowager's party.

"That German woman can't sleep without seeing that guy."

What people don't know is that this malicious speculation, tinged with eroticism, is actually closest to the truth.

Qin Hao discovered that Alexandra treated him almost as a combination of a royal physician and a sleep aid, not only seeing him every day but also openly bringing a priest in a black robe to family gatherings.

It should be noted that the eldest daughter Olga and the second daughter Tatiana were already over 18 years old at this time. Their frequent meetings with the royal women fueled the rumors circulating outside.

On the other hand, things that worried other political forces, including Grand Prince Nikolayevich, were also happening.

The once disorganized "mysterious masters" in the Winter Palace seem to have begun to gather under the command of the black-robed priest, and Queen Mother Maria, who has always been the strongest force opposing this group, has tacitly approved of this.

Everything was developing in an unsettling direction; people seemed to be witnessing the birth of another shadow minister.

"What is this?" Qin Hao shook the exquisite glass bottle in his hand.

"Your Excellency, it's a special potion that can make people fall asleep, even a lion can be knocked down. I used this to get close to His Majesty, but unfortunately, His Majesty developed a resistance to it after using it a few times," the short, fat man named Papis said without any restraint, his face full of flattery.

"Shouldn't this be your secret?" the man in black asked casually, shaking the bottle in his hand, seemingly unconcerned about the other party's "trump card."

"Sir, I have no other intention than to show you my sincerity." The short, fat man took out a handkerchief and wiped the fine sweat from his forehead.

Since the black-robed priest arrived at the Winter Palace, the Queen's attitude towards the other "masters" has changed drastically. Several people with less-than-stellar skills were directly expelled, and some were even punished.

These jackals, who used to compete with each other, probably realized that a real lion had entered their territory.

Faced with absolute power, most people made the same choice—immediately showing deference to the black-robed priest in order to avoid being attacked. Although life might not be as comfortable as before, it was still better than being kicked out.

The one who felt this most deeply was the short, stout Pappis in front of him. You know, back when the Frenchman Philippe was around, he was no match for him. Now that the unfathomable black-robed priest was in charge, he didn't have the slightest bit of competitive spirit.

A defeated dog showing its belly to the victor is a clever survival tactic, not something shameful.

"Alright, I accept your sincerity." The black-robed priest withdrew his hand, and the medicine was put into his sleeve.

"As long as you behave yourself, I have no intention of exposing you."

"Yes, yes, sir! Thank you for your kindness and generosity! No matter what happens, I will definitely stand by your side." The short, fat man forced a smile, bowed slightly, and left the room.

He stepped forward and closed the door. The priest in the black robe turned around and opened the window. Two black crows flapped their wings and flew in through the window.

Odin has now been ousted from power, and the crows are now on a rotating shift system. A few of them circle around the house, acting as "early warning drones" every now and then in exchange for snacks.

"Caw! Caw!" The continuous croaking meant that someone familiar was coming again.

Sure enough, just as Qin Hao released the crow out the window, the knocking sounded again.

Head maid Anna appeared at the door. "Father Pugin, His Majesty is holding an analysis meeting tonight regarding the Galician war report and would like to hear your opinion."

"Please convey my gratitude to His Majesty, but given my status, it is inappropriate for me to attend such a military meeting. Please convey my congratulations to His Majesty on this great victory." The priest in black robes bowed slightly, politely declining the other party's suggestion.

"Oh?" The head maid raised an eyebrow, seemingly somewhat surprised.

"Regarding the Queen and princesses' plan to go to the field hospital, do you...?" "Miss Anna, I think it's better for ladies to participate in such matters."

“Well, just as His Majesty said, you are always so polite and humble.” The head maid smiled and withdrew from the room again.

As the door closed, Anna wore a playful smile.

"Political apathy? Are you genuinely unwilling to participate, or are you just pretending to be indifferent?"

"Please congratulate His Majesty on this great victory on your behalf? Ha~"

Did I say who won this battle?
-
The winter of 1914 passed just like that, and when the spring breeze blew through St. Petersburg, several major events occurred in Russia.

First, the Russian army gained certain advantages over Austria-Hungary in the Galician and Carpathian campaigns, and successfully halted the German offensive in the Battle of Lodz, slightly improving the battlefield situation.

Secondly, a second food crisis erupted in St. Petersburg, triggering even larger-scale riots. Police opened fire to suppress the unrest, and hundreds were arrested. During this crisis, 64 Gorokhovaya Street once again became a refuge for the citizens.

Due to the political influence of a certain important figure, this building became a restricted area for the military police, saving at least several hundred people from becoming homeless. Phrases like "our priest" and "the saint beside us" began to spread among the citizens of St. Petersburg.

Third, despite the improved situation at the front, Grand Duke Nikolayevich was relieved of his post as Commander-in-Chief, and the Tsar himself took over as Commander-in-Chief, causing the battlefield to deteriorate in an unpredictable direction.

The State Duma is in chaos and unable to control the situation, and political forces supporting Grand Prince Nikolayevich are beginning to stir.

A black bird spread its wings and flew across the sky to the roof of 64 Gorochovaya Street. Just as it was about to land, a loud baby's cry startled it, causing it to flap its wings and almost fall off the roof.

"Oh my god! She's peed again. Quickly, bring me that clean, soft cloth." The housekeeper, holding a four-month-old baby in her arms, commanded the nominal owner of the villa in a commanding tone.

"You took the wrong one! This is for nighttime use; it'll be uncomfortable to wear it now."

"Alright, alright! I'll do it. You're really unreliable!" The housekeeper handed the baby to the maid, picked up a soft cloth, and personally changed the diaper.

It's hard to imagine that this unmarried woman, who had no experience in raising children just a few months ago, has become like this.

"Alright, Father, what brings you back this time? How long are you going to stay?" The housekeeper spoke to the man in the black robe in a strange tone, like a housewife complaining about her husband who didn't bring home much money.

"Go check on Monsieur Faber's progress; he'll probably be back at the Winter Palace tomorrow," the black-robed priest said truthfully.

"I knew I couldn't count on you." Lyudmila pouted and tossed a set of children's books over.

"Tell her storybooks when you have time," the housekeeper said before pushing open the door to leave.

Qin Hao flipped through the cover of the fairy tale—"The North Wind and the Sun."

Referring to the recent political infighting, he tried asking, "You mean, the Tsar and the Grand Dukes...?"

"Don't get the wrong idea!" Lyudmila stopped her from continuing. "This is just a fairy tale, I didn't mean anything by it."

As the housekeeper's distinctive footsteps faded into the hallway, Qin Hao glanced at the fairy tale book in his hand and couldn't help but sigh, "Why do some people always express their good intentions in such a cold and indifferent way?"

Knock knock knock! There was a knock on the door, and Qin Hao turned around and put away the fairy tale in his hand.

"Sir, something terrible has happened! We have a new opponent!" the short, stout Papis shouted as he rushed in.

"What's going on? Is another mysterious guy coming over?"

“No, no! He’s a magician, and His Majesty and his family are all praising his incredible skills!” Papis said breathlessly.

"Oh? What's your name? Where are you from?"

"He's an American."

"His name is Harry Houdini!"

(End of this chapter)